Dry Sockets

We believe in preserving teeth at Garrison Family Dentistry, but when extractions are necessary, patients are in good hands. We always make sure our patients understand how to avoid problems such as dry sockets. But if such an emergency does occur we want patients to recognize it so they can get help.

Usually, sockets close within a few days of the extraction. During that time, they will be vulnerable to drying out if they are not covered by a blood clot or medicated wound dressing. This would be extremely painful and likely lead to infection. To ensure a blood clot forms, patients will need to disclose all of their medications to us, since some are known to interfere with clotting, and should also avoid smoking. Patients are further instructed not to sip through straws while the sockets are closing because the suction can tear clots loose.

If patients notice the clot has become dislodged or they experience pain or dryness, they should request an immediate appointment. After cleaning the socket we can supply prescriptions for medications and dressings, which will need to be changed every few days. Complicated extractions, such as those requiring incisions and suturing, are known to result in dry sockets more frequently, and follow-up appointments to remove the sutures allow us to ensure the socket is healing correctly.

Drs. Matthew Garrison and Anna Jones operate at Garrison Family Dentistry, 14790 N. 169 Highway, Smithville, Missouri, 64089. To schedule an appointment, call 816-532-8778 or visit GarrisonDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Acid Reflux and Oral Health

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we treat the causes of toothaches as well as their symptoms. One of the most common reasons for enamel erosion is acid reflux, which is formally known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Besides damaging the surfaces of teeth, it also weakens the gums and impedes the production of saliva.

Hydrochloric acid is highly useful for digestion when in the stomach, which has mucus lining to protect it. But other body parts are not similarly protected, creating problems when the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus fails and acid escapes. The corrosion of tooth enamel is painful and cosmetically unpleasing, and the absence of saliva puts the mouth at risk of infection and makes it difficult for the patient to sleep or swallow.

Remineralization therapies such as fluoride treatments can undo some of the harm, and patients can stimulate new saliva production by chewing gum. (We recommend sugar-free, of course.)But to prevent acid reflux, patients will have to avoid eating large meals before bed and reduce their intake of tomatoes, citrus juice, garlic, alcohol, and other highly acidic foods and drinks. They may also need to ask their primary care provider if they can switch medications which may contribute to acid reflux.

Drs. Matthew Garrison and Anna Jones operate at Garrison Family Dentistry, 14790 N. 169 Highway, Smithville, Missouri, 64089. To schedule an appointment, call 816-532-8778 or visit GarrisonDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Bad Habits to Kick with Braces

Wearing braces is a big responsibility, but the end result is worth it. Patients come out with a straight and healthy smile they can be proud of. Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO wants to remind our patients of the guidelines to wearing braces. Read on to refresh your memory!

The hardware that creates braces is strong; however, it can be broken. It’s important to keep this in mind to avoiding breakage and delayed treatment. When eating, be sure you are staying away from hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. Also, avoid biting objects like pen caps, fingernails, etc. Even if the hardware does not break, the pressure can delay treatment or even harm your teeth.

While brushing your teeth, do so carefully. You should never brush too abrasively anyway as scrubbing harshly at teeth can wear down enamel. Brushing too harshly can also cause brackets to pop off and it can damage wires.

One more thing to keep in mind is that daily afternoon pop. If you are a pop drinker or if you frequently suck on hard candy, you may want to consider cutting down. The excess sugar can become trapped easier and cause cavities in addition to staining.

Take care of your braces so when they come off, you have a healthy and good-looking smile. To schedule an appointment in our Smithville, MO office, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our Garrison Family Dentistry website, www.garrisondentistry.com.

 

How to Avoid Staining with Braces

After your braces are taken off, you will be shocked at how beautiful your smile looks! However, you do not also want to be shocked by uneven staining. At Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want our patients to know how to take extra care of their teeth with braces. Follow these tips to avoiding smile staining while wearing braces.

 

Good Oral Care

Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is even more important while you are wearing braces. You will also want to brush after meals. Just be sure you wait at least thirty minutes after meals to brush, so you do not harm your enamel.

 

Dental Supplies

Interdental cleaners will help you clean around your brackets better since a full-sized toothbrush cannot fit underneath your wires. These are very small brushes shaped like pine trees. You will also want to invest in floss that has a built-in threader or threaders to floss with. They help speed up your flossing routine.

 

Beware of Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks

You also may want to steer clear of dark drinks and foods that could contribute to staining. Cranberries, coffee, tea, and ketchup are a few examples. In addition, sip dark liquids through a straw when you do have them. This will limit the contact is has with your teeth.

 

Ready for a beautiful smile? Contact Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth if They Usually Get Pulled Out?

Having wisdom teeth pulled can often make for a funny video afterwards. (Recently, two brothers convinced their sister that there was a zombie apocalypse happening). While this is all fun, it may leave you wondering why we even have wisdom teeth if so many of us need them pulled out. At Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we are going to explain why it’s thought we have them!

Well to start, we have teeth so we can chew our food properly. These days, we have a wide variety of foods, able to be prepared in all sorts of ways. Around 20,000 years ago, humans ate tougher foods in their diet, like nuts, roots, and raw meat. It is thought that wisdom teeth were needed to help them chew through their food better. In current times, we cook a lot of our meat; making it easier to chew through. We also cook much of our veggies, fruits, and grains!

Wisdom teeth have just become less and less necessary. In addition, human jaws and facial structures have actually gotten smaller since then. So these days, those unneeded wisdom teeth often do not even fit. If left alone, they can cause major pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. An interesting fact to know, though, is that there are some lucky people being born without wisdom teeth!

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are growing in, come in for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment in our Smithville, MO office, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Exercises to Relieve TMJ Pain

TMJ pain may make you want to hold your jaw shut and move it as little as possible. However, doing some exercises can actually help out the pain and stiffness caused by TMD. At Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we know how frustrating TMJ pain can be. Try out some of these exercises next time you find your jaw aching.

This first exercise will help strengthen the ligaments around your jaw and it will help relax the muscles that work to close your mouth. Close your mouth, keeping your teeth together, but not clenched. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. Move your tongue backwards until it touches your soft palate. Gently and slowly open your mouth until your tongue is separated from the soft palate. Keep your mouth open for five seconds and then close your mouth. Do this exercise slowly and deliberately for five minutes.

To stretch your tight jaw, close your mouth and place your right hand on the right side of your jaw. Gently push your lower jaw into your hand. Do this a few times and then switch to the other side.

To avoid triggering pain and stiffness, do not bite your nails (or other objects), keep your teeth parted when sleeping, and stop clenching when you notice you are doing it.

Night guards are also available for our patients who grind and clench their teeth at night. To schedule an appointment at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Getting Kids Motivated to Brush and Floss

Baby teeth are important because they hold the place for the future adult teeth. While kids may not be jumping at the chance to brush and floss, it is still so important that the job gets done. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want to make sure that all of our littlest patients are doing a good job taking care of their teeth at home. Take some tips for motivating your child into a good dental hygiene routine.

Kids are often easily motivated by rewards. While brushing and flossing should be something they know they have to do for their health, rewards are a good way to get them into a habit. Try creating a chart that collects stars. Every day that they brush their teeth twice and floss once, they get a star. After so many days or weeks of straight stars, they get a reward. The reward can be simple and healthy, like taking them on a bike ride or letting them play outside a little longer.

Another great way to get kids motivated is to ensure they know that they are being healthy. Starting healthy habits at a young age will likely carry onto adulthood. Try showing them videos about why dental health is important. Cartoons and funny videos will get their attention and be educational.

Kids are also inclined to imitate their parents. Brush your teeth alongside them so they can follow your techniques and so you can make sure they do a good job.

Dental health starts at a young age. To schedule your family’s appointments with Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Oral Care When Your Hands Are Difficult To Use

When dealing with arthritis or another condition that limits use of the hands, dental care can actually become difficult. At Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want all of our patients to know how to get good at-home oral care. Take some tips for brushing and flossing with hand difficulty!

Your first tip for brushing with arthritis or other hand conditions is to find the right toothbrush. Make sure you pick one that has a non-slip grip and a thick handle. This makes holding onto it and maneuvering around your mouth much easier. In addition, look for a toothbrush with a small head. This also helps you with reaching all of the areas of your mouth. Electric toothbrushes may be a good idea because they do most of the work; they just need to be held in the right places. There are also toothbrushes specially made for patients with arthritis.

When it comes to flossing, to get more control, tie your floss into a loop. You can use your hands to pull it taught easier. Floss picks may also help.

If you are having difficulty keeping good oral hygiene, you may need to ask for help or inquire about a mouthwash. You will also want to get more frequent professional cleanings.

To schedule a cleaning with Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How Teeth Turn Yellow

A beautifully white smile is something many patients desire, but white teeth can be difficult to maintain. It is for this reason that at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want our patients to understand the science behind teeth turning yellow. Knowing how it happens can help you avoid the discoloration of your smile.

There are typically two different kinds of discoloration that can happen to teeth; intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic stains usually occur from the foods and drinks a patient consumes. Foods like blueberries, cranberries, and soy sauce can darken teeth, as well as drinks like wine, cola, and coffee. In addition, tobacco habits like smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco can also stain teeth over time.

Intrinsic stains occur below the enamel’s surface, in the dentin. Examples of causes include medications like tetracycline, chlorhexidine, and minocycline. These medications can turn the teeth a brownish or yellow color from the inside out. Thin or worn-down enamel may cause the discolored dentin to show through even more. This is one reason why it is important to preserve your enamel. Additionally, popular “homemade” whitening solutions like baking soda can be very abrasive if used incorrectly, which may lead to thinned enamel.

If you are unhappy with the shade of your smile, be sure to keep a fantastic oral hygiene routine and avoid stain-causing habits. To schedule a cleaning or whitening consultation with Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, contact our office by calling (816) 532-8778 or by visiting our website, www.garrisondentistry.com.

Electric Toothbrushes Vs. Manual Toothbrushes

When looking to invest in a new toothbrush, there are so many kinds; it can be overwhelming. Your dental hygiene is important, so picking out the right toothbrush is essential. Probably the biggest difference between toothbrushes is that some are manual and some are electric. Many of our patients want to know which is better. Because at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want our patients to be well-informed on the best dental care, we are laying out the facts.

Since electric toothbrushes were first made in 1939, there have always been debates about whether or not they do a better job of cleaning teeth than manual toothbrushes. Well, the evidence is in. There have been studies done; and as it turns out, manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes do the same job.

The studies showed that electric toothbrushes did not do any better than manual toothbrushes, and vice versa. A good cleaning all depended on who was brushing. However, since they do the same job, electric toothbrushes may be a better option for those who have trouble using their hands. For instance, those with arthritis cannot move their hands as well to maneuver the toothbrush around the mouth. Electric toothbrushes mostly do all of the work, so you just need to hold them in the right place.

Picking out the best toothbrush for you can be a little confusing, but not when you have the facts right! To learn more about dental hygiene and Garrison Family Dentistry, call our Smithville, MO office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com

Starting and Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Starting habits for the things you should can sometimes be difficult. However, a good oral hygiene habit is vital for your oral and overall health. Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO is offering their patients some tips for starting and keeping a good oral hygiene habit.

When starting a habit, visual reminders can be a great help. For the sake of ease, we will use the example of flossing every day. Say you want to floss every night before bed. Try keeping the floss out on your bathroom counter so that you see it every night. Another good idea is sticking a note to your bathroom mirror.

Routines are also good ways of getting into habits. Make sure to floss every night when you brush your teeth. This way, you will begin to get used to doing it every night.

Create a reward chart. Have a party coming up? Tell yourself you can buy a new pair of shoes or a new dress shirt for the party only if you floss your teeth every night for three weeks. If you do not complete the challenge, you do not get the reward.

Oral health is important for keeping strong, healthy teeth and gum tissues. For more help with oral hygiene, contact Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO by calling our office at (816) 532-8778 or by visiting our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can really put a damper on enjoying things you love. It can affect you in cold weather, drinking hot chocolate, or eating ice cream to name a few. At Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO, we want you to know that you do not need to live with sensitive teeth. There are solutions!

When a sensitive tooth is not caused by a cavity or an infection, it is most commonly due to worn down enamel. In this case, you will need to figure out what is causing your teeth to wear. Talking about your dental habits with your dentist can help you determine this. We can also name a few of the most common reasons:

Brushing Habits

Believe it or not, you can brush too hard or too soon. Brushing too abrasively is certainly a way to wear down enamel and expose dentin. In addition, it can irritate the gums. As for brushing too soon, you should wait at least thirty minutes after eating to brush your teeth. This allows the enamel to re-harden after food acid softens it.

Too Much Acid

Speaking of the acid in our food, sometimes sensitivity can be caused simply because we are eating too much acid. This happens to people who suck on hard candy a lot and those who drink a lot of pop; especially energy drinks. Try to eat less of these foods, and always rinse with water afterwards.

Teeth Grinding

Other times, you may not even know what is causing wear down, because it happens while you sleep. Night grinders grind their teeth and wear down the enamel. There are mouth guards available to prevent damage, so ask us for more information!

Sensitive teeth are bothersome but fixable! To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Do You Clean Your Tongue?

When you brush your teeth, do you scrape your tongue? If not, you may want to keep reading! At Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, we want our patients to have the best possible oral health. For this reason, we are going to talk about the benefits of tongue scraping.

Many people clean their tongue as they are brushing their teeth; it becomes part of the routine. You can purchase a tongue scraper or just use your toothbrush, so it is very easy! The purpose of this is to remove the layer of bacteria that builds up on your tongue. The tongue’s taste buds are hair-like so they collect a lot of bacteria. It should be part of everyone’s dental routine to avoid excess plaque in the mouth! In addition, it helps keep breath fresh!

To scrap your tongue, take the tongue scraper or toothbrush and place it on the back of your tongue. Press firmly as you move down to the tip of your tongue. Press firmly, but do not hurt your tongue. Rinse off the scraper or toothbrush after each stroke. Continue scraping the tongue until it looks clean.

As simple as that, you are on your way to a cleaner, healthier mouth. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Kids and Dental Fear

It is no surprise that sometimes kids do not like dental appointments. They can be scared of the tools, the unfamiliar procedures, or the sounds. In our Smithville, MO dental practice, Garrison Family Dental, we want all of our patients to be happy and comfortable. Parents and guardians should take some of these tips for easing your kids into a more relaxed dental visit.

Kids respond well when they see that their parent is okay doing the same things. Therefore, take them to your dental visit and explain what is going to happen. Once they see that you’ve gone through the whole appointment and you’re okay, they will feel safer and more relaxed.

You can also introduce them to dental visits at home. Making them more familiar with how an appointment will go may put them at ease. Try having them recline in a chair or on a sofa. Have them open their mouth and count their teeth. It may actually be fun!

Rewards also go a long way with children. Offer them their favorite dinner, a fun activity or game, or maybe a cool new toothbrush for good behavior at the appointment. Be careful, though, as you should not offer the reward before the appointment. This may put a thought in their head that there is something to be afraid of, which is not true.

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we want patients of all ages to feel comfortable. To schedule your appointment in our Smithville, MO dental office, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Bad Breath Causes

Do you suffer from bad breath? It can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition, especially when it is chronic. Garrison Family Dentistry is committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health in our Smithville, MO dental practice. That being said, we want to offer you some tips for avoiding bad breath!

Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria lingering in the mouth. This can be controlled by keeping a good dental hygiene routine. Make sure to brush two to three times per day and floss once per day. In addition, brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks.

Bad breath bacteria can multiply and become even smellier when the mouth dries out. So, the second most important part of keep fresh breath is staying hydrated. On average, women should be getting nine glasses of water per day. Men should be getting thirteen glasses per day, on average. To help you keep balanced hydration, make goals of drinking a certain amount before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner, and before bed!

There are also foods to avoid when you really want to keep the bad breath away, like for a close care ride or dinner. Dairy, caffeine, and alcohol are the prime suspects. Dairy (except yogurt) contains bacteria that tend to smell more. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks tend to dry out the mouth.

If you are experiencing bad breath, try these tips! To schedule your routine cleaning and examination in our Smithville, MO dental practice, call our office at (816) 532-8778 or visit our Garrison Family Dentistry website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Crown Lengthening at Garrison Family Dentistry

For patients who need dental work done on a tooth below the gum line, or for patients who have a “gummy” smile, our skilled and experienced dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO can perform a crown lengthening.

A crown lengthening is the process of removing gum tissue to expose more of the crown of a tooth. This is needed in cases where there is decay under the gum line, or when a tooth needs a replacement crown, but there is not enough tooth above the gums to work with. This is also used for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes when a person has excess gum tissue, it can cause their teeth to look short, when in fact the teeth are just being covered up. This is commonly referred to as the “gummy” smile.

To start the procedure, incisions are made to the gums to allow them to be pulled back. In some cases, when the tooth needs to be worked on below the jaw bone, that will be cut away to gain access to the tooth. The gums are then cleaned and stitched into place. Even if only one tooth needs to be worked on, several teeth in the area have the gums pulled back so they can heal in a natural line.

If you need work done below the gum line, or want to improve the look of your “gummy” smile, the dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry are experienced in performing crown lengthening. To schedule a consultation, call (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

What to Expect Post-Op

Preparing for oral surgery can be a little nerve-wracking. Garrison Family Dentistry wants to make it a little easier on our patients by preparing them for what the period after surgery will be like.

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, your dentist may recommend painkillers or prescribe them to you. Take these as directed and before the anesthesia fully wears off. Ice pressed to the side of your face may also relieve pain, as well as reduce swelling.

When you first come out of surgery, there will most likely be gauze pads on the site of the surgery. This is to control bleeding and to promote the clotting of your blood. It is recommended that in order to reduce excess bleeding you relax for the rest of the day after surgery. Then for a few days, avoid any strenuous activity.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, but not through a straw, as the suction could start more bleeding. A diet of soft foods will be recommended until the healing process is a little further along. Smoking and other tobacco products should be avoided until the area is well healed.

Continue to brush your teeth around the site of the surgery, and brush your tongue.

For a full list of instructions for post-op, visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, give our Smithville, MO dental practice, Garrison Family Dentistry a call at 816-532-8778 or visit our website.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth helps protect them from decay and discoloration. This is why Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO wants their patients to know the proper way to brush and how often it should be done.

To get the most of your brushing, make sure to use short strokes. Strokes that are too long could be missing plaque and could irritate your gums. Up-and-down strokes are the best motion to reach every part of the tooth including around the gums. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth including the chewing surface, the front side, the insides, as well as the backs of your molars. Also make sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, as bacteria can collect in these places, too!

Brushing should be done two to three times per day. Each session should last two minutes. It is important to brush for the right amount of time, but do not over-do it. Excess brushing could wear down your enamel causing sensitivity and cavities. It is also good to make sure you are not bearing down too hard on your teeth while brushing. A light touch is all you need to remove plaque.

Visit your dentist here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO for more tips and for your regular cleaning! To schedule, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is part of a home oral care routine that protects your teeth daily and having the right toothbrush is the first step. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO, this is why we want patients to know what kind of toothbrush is best for their oral health.

The most noticeable different amongst toothbrushes is that some are manual and some are electric. Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job brushing teeth as electric toothbrushes, so it really depends on the brusher. However, for those with difficulty using their hands, like someone with arthritis, the electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning. This is because the electric toothbrush does most of the work, so you really just need to hold the toothbrush in the right position.

Manual or electric, your toothbrush should have a small head and soft bristles. A small head allows the toothbrush to reach every surface of your mouth. The bristles should not be too stiff, to avoid wearing down enamel and irritating gums. However, do not choose a toothbrush that is labeled as soft, unless directed to by your dentist. Instead, choose one labeled medium.

For children, toothbrushes that sing and have timers are good ways to get them to brush their teeth. It also makes sure they are brushing for a full two minutes.

For more information about keeping a healthy mouth, call Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How to Avoid Staining Your Teeth

Keeping bright pearly whites are a top dental concern for many. Having your teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist helps out, but there are a lot of at-home tips to keep in mind, as well. Garrison Family Dentistry wants to remind their patients in the Smithville, MO area how to keep their teeth sparkling.

Certain foods and drinks can stain teeth when consumed frequently. Watch out for dark foods and drinks like coffee, blueberries, cranberry juice, and soy sauce. When you do consume dark foods and drinks, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth when finished. Another way to enjoy dark drinks with a lesser risk of staining is to drink them through a straw. Straws reduce the amount of time that the liquid is passing through your teeth, and often skip your front teeth altogether.

Keeping plaque away will also combat staining. Plaque is the sticky bacterial film that forms on your teeth. Keeping a good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will keep plaque from holding in stain causing residue.

Even with good care of your teeth, staining can still happen. To lift stains professionally, Garrison Family Dentistry offers a customized tray whitening system. This can give you a head start on keeping teeth nice and white!

To find out more about keeping teeth white, or to schedule a consultation for professional teeth whitening, call Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com.