Dental Tips From Your Local Hoover Dentist

June 2, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Here’s our 3 unexpected dental tips from your local Hoover dentist.

1. A healthy smile is more important than a “perfect” smile.

Our smiles are what make us unique. If everyone had the same uniform, cookie-cutter set of teeth, life would be boring. To us, the most important thing about your smile is that it’s healthy enough to last a lifetime, and that YOU feel great about it.

That’s why at a first visit you’ll often hear us ask: what do you love about your smile, and is there anything you’d like to change about it? Our job is not to tell you what to do, or how you should look, but to help you understand what’s going on when it comes to your oral health, and provide you with information and options so you can decide what works best for you.

2. The most important dental work you’ll ever have done is what you do at home.

The best possible dental tip we can give you to keep your smile healthy and bright is to keep up a great dental hygiene routine at home that includes brushing twice a day for 2 minutes, and flossing at least once a day.

Dental decay is one of the most common and preventable diseases in the world. While there are other contributing factors that can lead to decay and cavities such as genetics, medications, and certain medical conditions, the most common risk factor for developing cavities is still a lack of proper oral care at home.

3. It’s more important to have properly aligned teeth than “perfectly straight” teeth.

Yes, we just said that. Straight, evenly spaced teeth, the most important result is that your bite is properly aligned. Some signs that may indicate a need for orthodontic treatment include difficulty chewing or biting of the lips or cheek, crowding or extra spacing between teeth, clenching or grinding, headaches, or protruding teeth. Sometimes shifting teeth can also be a sign of periodontal or gum disease.

Why Should I Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings?

May 23, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with Sampson Dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Here are some reasons why you should schedule regular dental cleanings:

Prevent Tooth Decay: Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Dental cleanings remove this buildup and prevent tooth decay.
Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from your gums.
Early Detection of Dental Problems: During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will also check for any signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Freshen Your Breath: Bad breath can be caused by bacteria in your mouth. Regular cleanings remove the bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Save Money: Regular dental cleanings can help prevent dental problems that require expensive treatments such as root canals, fillings, or extractions. By investing in regular cleanings, you can save money on future dental treatments.

So why should I schedule regular dental cleanings? In summary, regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health, preventing dental problems, and saving money in the long run. Be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with Sampson Dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

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Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

May 15, 2024 | by admin | Blog

General dentistry services are instrumental in promoting oral health and technology has revolutionized general dentistry services. The facilities that offer these services are keen on ensuring that they provide high-quality services to their customers. They do this by investing in advanced equipment and technologies.

Below Are Some technological Advances That Has Revolutionized Dental Care.

Instant Dental Results

Patients suffering from missing, damaged, or broken teeth used to have to make countless trips to the dentist and suffer through numerous painful injections. The recovery period after treatment was long and unpleasant. With new technologies, such as crown printing and 3D imaging, dentists are now able to perform same-day procedures.

Some of the facilities have invested in computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing technology (CAD-CAM) that captures and reproduces a 3D image of the damaged tooth and prints a perfect match in minutes. Messy impressions and temporary crowns are being phased out as a result of this technology.

Interactive Dental Treatment Options

Patients are able to see everything that the doctor is doing during the procedure, through advanced intra-oral cameras. This small device also enables dentists to examine teeth in detail to recommend the most appropriate treatment. In addition, the camera pinpoints the specific areas one should focus on when brushing, thereby promoting overall oral hygiene.

No More Dental Pain

Many people fear going to checkups due to anticipated pain. Laser procedures have changed that fear by allowing personnel to conduct procedures, such as tooth extraction, painlessly. For example, the CO2 dental laser equipment allows experts in this field to work on soft and hard tissues without exposing the patients to excruciating pain.

Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

Safer and Faster Dental Diagnoses

X-rays diagnose various oral health conditions after and more efficently. Unfortunately, research studies have proven that traditional x-rays expose individuals to high levels of radiation, which can lead to other complications. On the flip side, modern digital x-rays machines have made the diagnostic process easier and safer. Experts offer comprehensive treatment through a computer system for analyses in minutes. Concisely, digital x-rays provide more comfort and reduce a patient’s exposure to radiation by up to 90 percent.

Increase Profits and Reduce Overhead Dental Costs

Health care facilities save money and time by investing in modern practice management systems. New programs also allow an office to capture and update a patient’s information and records automatically. New management systems streamline these processes, thereby reducing overhead costs and increasing profits.

Regular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall Health

May 8, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Regular dental care is critical to your overall health of your gums and teeth. What you may not know is that your dentist can also spot signs of non-dental medical issues in your mouth during an exam. Some of the diseases and conditions that exhibit signs within your mouth include diabetes, infections, stress and poor nutrition just to name a few.

Diabetes

A few of the signs that can indicate a diagnosis of diabetes include loose teeth, dry mouth, and receding, dry, and bleeding gums. Poor immunity and an inability to fight disease effectively also make it much more challenging for wounds and gum line infections to heal in diabetic patients. Bleeding gums don’t always mean that you have diabetes; this problem can also come from gingivitis and other gum diseases.

Infections

Dentist are trained to spot troubling signs of infection in your mouth. They might prescribe some antibiotics to fight the problem. A few signs of infection include severe pain, swelling and redness around the affected area. Infections can spread to other parts of the body, so it’s critical to treat it right away.

Stress

Grinding your teeth can do serious damage to your pearly whites. So a dentist will often recommend a customized night guard for protection. It’s also smart to seek counseling, make lifestyle changes, or look for other ways to reduce your stress.

Poor Nutrition

A dental professional knows what signs to look for, such as dry mouth, bleeding gums, and erosion on the insides of the front teeth. Stomach acid is hard on the enamel that covers your teeth. So forced vomiting can wear away that protective enamel and cause increased sensitivity.

Regular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall Health

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign – Hoover AL Dental

May 3, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Are you considering Invisalign® as a way to straighten your teeth? Here’s everything you need to know about whether – will i have allergic reaction to Invisalign®.

What’s Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a product designed as an alternative to braces. Your dentist will take measurements of your teeth. Then, he or she will create Invisalign® molds that fit over your teeth. These molds are almost invisible, which is part of their appeal.

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign – Hoover AL Dental

Is an Allergic Reaction to Invisalign® Possible?

The answer is yes, but the reality is that it’s extremely unlikely. Like most rare allergic reactions, only a small subset of the population will experience even mild irritation. For most people, Invisalign® will do nothing other than straighten your teeth.

How Does the Trigger Work?

When you have a plastic allergy, any contact you make will trigger a reaction. The point of Invisalign® is that it’s plastic and not metal. That allows it to appear transparent, hiding the fact that you wear braces. Since the aligner trays go on top of your teeth, they’re in constant contact with the interior parts of your mouth. Your tongue, gums, and teeth are all subject to irritation from the plastic allergy.

How Serious Are the Reactions?

If you are one of the unlucky few to experience an allergic reaction, you’re most likely to notice in small ways. Your mouth will feel more sensitive than normal. Your teeth, gums, and tongue will tingle or itch. You also might suffer twinges of pain. Anyone who suffers from a more extreme reaction should speak with a dentist immediately. Reactions are almost always mild. If you’re suffering more, something else is probably the cause.

In the rarest exceptions where an extreme plastic allergy occurs, tell your dentist immediately. The signs of an extreme allergy include breathing issues, hyperventilation troubles, and chest pain.

You’ll need medical attention. Your dentist will also probably suggest that you stop using Invisalign®.

Does Soda and Juice Affect Toddler’s Teeth

April 18, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Tooth decay is a dental health issue that affect children. One of the biggest culprits of tooth decay in young kids come from many of the drinks that we give them. Does soda and juice affect toddler’s teeth?

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting sugar to only 10% of a toddler’s daily caloric intake. At three years old, daily caloric intake is roughly 1,100 calories. That equates to only 5.5 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Most sodas and juices contain nearly triple that amount in a single serving!

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Does Brushing Teeth After Drinking Soda Help Avoid Tooth Decay?

Brushing your toddler’s teeth after consuming soda or juice can help to rid the mouth of the acid causing bacteria. However, doctors recommend to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after consuming sugary drinks. It is recommended to swish the mouth out with water. This can be done immediately after consuming a sugary drink.

How Does Sugar Decay Teeth?

Before you completely ditch all forms of sugar, it is important to understand how sugar affects tooth enamel. Sugar alone is not the issue. What does cause the damage is acid.

When bacteria in your toddler’s mouth use sugar as their food source to break down into energy, acids are released. This acid then begins to break down the enamel and remove important minerals from your toddler’s teeth. The end result… tooth decay, rot, cavities, toothaches, and tooth sensitivity.

How Can My Toddler Avoid Tooth Decay?

The obvious answer is to avoid sugary substances. However, the occasional sugary treat is okay. A fun way to get your toddler to drink more water is by adding fruit. Fruit infused water provides a delicious flavor without adding refined sugars and other harmful ingredients.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled

April 16, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Oral hygiene is important as soon as a baby’s teeth begin to come in, and teaching oral hygiene should begin at a young age. This is why children need cavities filled in Hoover Alabama.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled?

Though children are using a set of teeth they will eventually lose, that set of teeth needs to survive until the adult teeth guide them out of the gums, which helps ensure the adult teeth grow in correctly and with enough room.

Baby Teeth Get Fillings

To preserve your child’s oral health, your dentist will choose to drill out the cavities in baby teeth.

The primary teeth help the adult teeth to come in properly, so losing primary teeth before they’re ready to come out isn’t good for your child’s permanent teeth.

Filling for Tooth Decay

As with adult teeth, baby teeth fillings are made out of either white composite or metal. The other filling and crown materials, like gold and ceramic, are rarely as fillings for children.

Metal fillings are a popular choice because they take less time to put in. Also, because they’re less expensive than composite fillings.

Though your kid might not like the look of a metal filling, choosing a cost-effective option for a tooth that will eventually fall out is usually the smart move. Your dental insurance may also dictate what kind of fillings your child can get.

Your dentist will drill the tooth decay from your child’s baby teeth as necessary. Depending on how much damage the cavity has caused, the dentist will then fill the tooth or create a crown.

Kids should continue using good oral hygiene when caring for fillings or crowns.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth With Mouthguards – Hoover AL Dentist

March 30, 2024 | by admin | Blog

One of the most common sports injuries in Hoover Alabama, and the one with the biggest bill, is damaged teeth. Protecting your child’s teeth with mouthguards during sports is one of the best investments a parent in Hoover AL could make.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth With Mouthguards – Hoover AL Dentist

Mouthguards are a thick plastic protective devices shaped like a dental tray, that form to the shape of your child’s mouth.

A mouthguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from crashing together during impact, as well as protecting the teeth from impact.

Your local Hoover Alabama dental clinic will recommend a mouthguard be worn during high impact sports. With the possibility of costly dental bills, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Mouthguards are specifically for playing sports, ranging in price, comfort level, and level of protection.

Custom-fit mouthguards (professionally made in your local Hoover, AL dental office)

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best option for optimal comfort, protection, and durability. Your local Hoover Alabama dentist will professionally custom-fit a mouthguard for your child.

If you are considering a custom-fit mouthguard for your child, take into consideration their age. Mouthguards are not long-term investments. Your child may grow to quickly and require a replacement within a year or two.

So with the balance between safety and affordability on your mind, you might be hesitant to get one at all. And additionally, if your child is prone to, or has had concussions, a custom made mouthguard is vital to provide extra protection which may help to prevent further concussions.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing a mouthguard for your child. These are; level of impact involved in the sport your child plays, the expense, comfort and best suited material for your child.

It is always best to have a conversation with your local Hoover Alabama dentist about your options. Sampson Dentistry can provide advice in regards to protective mouthguards tailored to you and your child’s specific needs.

Good Dental Hygiene For Kids In Hoover Alabama

March 23, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Tips to Help Your Kids Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Sampson Dentistry believe strongly in providing good dental hygiene for kids in Hoover Alabama. We believe strongly in providing good dental hygiene for kids in Hoover Alabama striving to be sure that kids in Hoover have healthy smiles.

Good Dental Hygiene For Kids In Hoover Alabama

We need help from parents and caregivers to continue the good habits our dentists recommend. Here are a few good dental hygiene tips for kids and easy ways you can help us help them:

Watch Those Drinks

While fruit juices and sports drinks can be a healthy alternative to soda and other artificial drinks, drinking too much can end up doing more harm than good in the long run.

The sugar in these drinks can quickly eat away the enamel on your child’s teeth, especially if he or she is consuming them all day long from a sippy cup or a refillable bottle. These drinks taste good and might be one of the only sources of sugar your kids have so weeding them out will not be easy, but it’s the best thing for their teeth in the long run.

Begin the balancing process by moving toward a 50/50 juice or sports drink to water ratio. The water will help wash out some of the sugar left over from the other drinks and help move your child’s palate away from sweet tastes. And, drinking more water is a great thing for all of us!

Lead by Example

When it comes to brushing and caring for your teeth, your children take more cues from you than you might think. This is one area where you really do need to practice what you preach.

Make brushing and flossing a family activity each morning and evening, or maybe only in the evening if your mornings are hectic. Either way, this will allow you to make sure that your child isn’t cutting corners and allow him or her to see that you are doing the same thing.

Brushing should last for at least two minutes and cover all surfaces of the teeth and tongue. Flossing should include every tooth every time, no matter how tempting it is to cut corners.

Remember that if your child is under age 2, then you should be brushing and flossing for them.

Again, this is an opportunity for you to establish a routine that your child will continue when it’s time for them to brush and floss on their own.

You can even make a game out of brushing and flossing each day. Create a chart to track progress and reward good behavior along the way. Eventually, the habits will become so routine that the rewards are no longer needed as an incentive.

Don’t Skip Dentist Visits

If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, you may be passing down those fears to your children without realizing it. Starting dental appointments as soon as the first teeth appear (around age 1) will help establish going to the dentist as a positive experience, rather than one that’s plagued with fear about cavities or other problems.

The more your child sees a dentist, the more we’ll be able to help reinforce the dental hygiene maintenance you are doing at home. We can catch problem areas before they become serious and create a plan for addressing them.

Establishing a partnership between parents and your local dentists ensures healthy teeth for kids. Visiting a dentist provides an opportunity to check in on that partnership.

Sampson Dentistry offers a wide range of pediatric dental services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your child.

Hoover Alabama Dental Consultations

March 18, 2024 | by admin | Blog

Hoover Alabama dental consultations are a non-invasive visit with your dental care provider where you can discuss your issues, concerns, and treatment options. Many of our dentists offer free consultations, though others do ask for a small consultation fee to cover their time. If you’re considering any major dental procedure, a consultation is a good idea, and can be important for several reasons. Read on to learn more.

Understanding the Procedure

Some dental procedures are quite complex. Before you settle into the chair for the complete treatment, it’s important to know what’s ahead. Your consultation is the perfect time to ask all your questions and a get a detailed explanation of what will take place while you’re in the chair. In many cases, our dentists can offer a helpful visual, using tooth models and product samples to help you better understand each step of the procedure. If you’re nervous, this may also help to ease some of your tension or fear.

Exploring Payment Options

Some dental procedures come with a high price tag. At your consultation, our dentists will be happy to discuss payment options and our administrative staff will be happy to contact your insurance provider, if you have one, to determine what portion of the bill you’re responsible for. Most of our offices will typically provide one, but if not, you should request a written estimate for the procedure. If you don’t feel that you can pay the sum in one visit, ask about payment plans. Many of our offices will separate the bill into several smaller payments to ease the strain on your budget.

Hoover Alabama Dental Consultations

A dental consultation gives you a better idea of what’s ahead and how to proceed. You can consult with several dentists to get a well-rounded view of the issue and available treatments, or move forward and schedule your procedure if you feel confident after the first meeting. But either way, a consultation visit should give you all the information you need.