The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”
The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
The Vibraject™ for Painless Injections
Even if you aren’t anxious about visits to the dentist – who wants to feel even a little pain? Nobody! We are proud to be one of the dental practices utilizing the latest in technology that helps to eliminate the fear of needles. It’s called Vibraject™. This device sends gentle vibrations to the injection site. The vibrations are picked up by the nerve endings before the sensation of the needle. This essentially eliminates pain messages and allows us to give you a comfortable, pain-free injection. Our patients often tell us they “didn’t feel a thing!”
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Pita Tree Appetizers
The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
Get the recipe >>
Grinch Poppers
Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana.
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.
The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.
The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Black Olive Penguins
These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium.
Get the recipe >>
Cheesy Reindeer
Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
The habit: This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. “Placing your jaw for long periods of time in a protruding position can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction,” says Dr. Ruchi Sahota.
The solution: Bitter-tasting nail polishes, stress reduction and setting small, realistic goals can help. If certain situations are triggers, hold something to keep your fingers busy.
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
The habit: Brushing for two minutes twice a day is one of the best habits you can get into. Just make sure you’re not trying too hard. “Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage teeth and irritate gums,” says Dr. Matthew Messina.
The solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. “Don’t think ‘scrub.’ Think ‘massage,’” he says. “Save the hard toothbrush for cleaning the grout in the bathroom tile.”
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Egg Snowmen
These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush.
Get the recipe >>
Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees
You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!)
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Natural-Looking White Fillings
For some time, the silver-mercury amalgam was the traditional filling material used by dentists, and many practices still use it. While they are a reasonable restoration, amalgams have a couple of problems. Metal does not bond well to teeth, so decay will leak into a tooth. The biggest reason many of our patients select white bonded fillings has to do with the way they look. Many patients just don’t want an ugly metal filling in their teeth. We offer modern restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and will actually strengthen your tooth structure. They also bond securely with the healthy part of the tooth so there is much less chance of future dental decay.
The habit: “This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain,” Dr. Messina says. “You might also feel like you can’t open your mouth wide or chew with pain.”
The solution: “Relaxation exercises and staying aware makes a difference,” he says. A nighttime mouthguard can also help. “You’ll have less tooth damage, less pain and muscle soreness and better sleep.”
To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
Early Prevention…or Braces Later
Many of us remember the embarrassment and discomfort of wearing braces as a child. In some cases, this is necessary to correct serious malocclusion (or bite disorder). However, in many cases, early treatment by a knowledgeable dentist can minimize the extent of orthodontics or possibly eliminate the need completely.
Younger children have the advantage of growth on their side, and their teeth and bones are more pliable than those of adults. Catching a child’s malocclusion at an early age can be beneficial to how the permanent teeth come together. The earlier these issues are detected, the more planning and prevention we can offer to your child.
Using the latest techniques, the team at Solace Dental can now make braces more comfortable and attractive than in the past. It used to be that a child or adult might spend 3 to 5 years in treatment. It’s not that way anymore! The time needed for treatment will vary from patient to patient, but usually can be completed in 6 - 24 months or less.
All-on-4™ Immediate Load Implants – Another Option
In addition to traditional implants, we are also excited to offer our patients All-on-4™ immediate load implants. With this option, most patients require only four implants, which securely hold permanent dentures in place that don’t need to be taken out. The best part is that you can arrive in our office with missing or unhealthy teeth and leave with beautiful, functioning teeth – all in the same day. The use of four to six strategically positioned implants gives strong support for your new teeth. Immediate load implants can withstand pressure immediately without waiting for the bone to heal around them.
When a patient lost teeth through trauma, decay, or extraction and opted to have dental implants in the past, they would generally need to be referred to an oral surgeon. The surgeon would place the implants and the patient would return to the regular dentist to have the teeth placed on the implants. At our practice, we can place the immediate load implants and the teeth in one visit.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Braces
Braces are delicate, and any foods that are sticky, chewy or hard can easily cause them to break, including:
- ice
- nuts
- popcorn
- hard candy
- gum
Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened-teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods like those listed below until the soreness passes:
- scrambled eggs
- oatmeal
- soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
- soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
- smoothies and milkshakes
Canker Sores
There is no cure for canker sores but you may be able to reduce how often you get them by avoiding foods that irritate your mouth. Spicy foods, acidic foods like pickles and sauerkraut, and citrus fruits can cause irritation. If you have canker sores, help ease discomfort by eating bland foods until your sores heal, such as:
- low-fat milk and other dairy foods
- cooked, canned and frozen vegetables
- mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition)
- cooked or canned fruit, including applesauce
- hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)
If you get mouth sores, try these tips to make eating easier and speed healing:
- Choose cool or room temperature foods.
- Blend and moisten dry or solid foods.
- Drink through a straw to bypass mouth sores.
- Eat high protein, high calorie foods to speed up healing time. For example, add protein powder to milk shakes or powdered dry milk to fortify mashed potatoes and soups.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist or doctor. Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases or can be caused by certain medications or the result of medical treatments. If you have dry mouth:
- don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol
- drink water regularly-with and between meals
- avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as colas, coffee and tea since it can dry out your mouth
- chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow
- avoid spicy or salty foods if they cause pain in your mouth
- moisten dry foods with soup, broth, gravy, butter or margarine, or sauce. Dip or soak your food in what you’re drinking.
Oral Surgery and Implants
Your nutrition and dietary needs following oral surgery or getting implants depends on factors including your nutritional status prior to your procedure, the extent of your procedure, how much impact there is on oral function and how long your recovery is expected to last. A liquid or soft foods diet may be required for a few days or longer, until your mouth heals. Opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, eggs and beans whenever possible since they provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for healing, including zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.
Try these foods:
- scrambled eggs
- oatmeal or cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)
- soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
- soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
- smoothies and milkshakes
The lists above are parital, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below is one way that diabetes can affect your oral health.
Slow Healing
Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This can be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, see your dentist.
To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
KöR™ Whitening – A Whitening Breakthrough
We are excited to offer a new teeth-whitening technique called KöR Whitening. Most whitening methods perform well in competent professional hands; however, even the best treatments may not work on deeply stained teeth. An example of this is the staining you may have from taking the antibiotic tetracycline. But now, with KöR Whitening, even these severely stained teeth can go brilliantly white. If you’ve ever been disappointed in the results from other whitening, ask us how KöR Whitening can transform your smile.
We also offer one-visit in-office power whitening, as well as custom whitening trays that are made in our own lab. You will receive supplies with instructions and you finish the procedure at home. This technique is both safe and effective. Results occur within 1 - 14 days. Ask us which of these options is right for you!
Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200SolaceDental.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Problems Chewing
Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.
Problems Swallowing
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.
If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:
- alcoholic beverages
- extremely hot foods and beverages
- caffeine
- spicy foods
- popcorn
Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:
- Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
- Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
- Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
- Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental check-ups!
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.
Change in Taste
Your favorite flavors might not taste as rich as your remember if you have diabetes. It can be disappointing, but take the opportunity to experiment with different tastes, textures and spices to your favorite foods. Just take care not to add too much sugar to your food in an effort to add flavor. Not only can this affect the quality of your diet, it can also lead to more cavities. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, see your dentist or doctor.
Infections
Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). The yeast thrive on the higher amount of sugar found in your saliva, and it looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in people who wear dentures and can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection.
To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
The Main Reason for Lost Teeth
There is a general assumption that tooth loss is due to decay. It’s actually more frequently because of gum disease. It can be unnoticeable right up until there are lost teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums during brushing and loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, you will be happy to know that it’s possible to manage gum disease with a variety of non-surgical techniques.
Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200SolaceDental.com
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.
Gum Disease
Notice some bleeding when you brush or floss? That may be an early sign of gum disease. If it becomes more severe, the bone that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet. Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, so do your best to keep it in check.
Dry Mouth
Studies have found people with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty. (Medications and higher blood sugar levels are also causes.) Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva to wash away leftover food, can lead to cavities.
To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
Solace Dental
SolaceDental.com
The Vibraject™ for Painless Injections
For some time, the silver-mercury amalgam was the traditional filling material used by dentists, and many practices still use it. While they are a reasonable restoration, amalgams have a couple of problems. Metal does not bond well to teeth, so decay will leak into a tooth. The biggest reason many of our patients select white bonded fillings has to do with the way they look. Many patients just don’t want an ugly metal filling in their teeth. We offer modern restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and will actually strengthen your tooth structure. They also bond securely with the healthy part of the tooth so there is much less chance of future dental decay.
Many of us remember the embarrassment and discomfort of wearing braces as a child. In some cases, this is necessary to correct serious malocclusion (or bite disorder). However, in many cases, early treatment by a knowledgeable dentist can minimize the extent of orthodontics or possibly eliminate the need completely. 
In addition to traditional implants, we are also excited to offer our patients All-on-4™ immediate load implants. With this option, most patients require only four implants, which securely hold permanent dentures in place that don’t need to be taken out. The best part is that you can arrive in our office with missing or unhealthy teeth and leave with beautiful, functioning teeth – all in the same day. The use of four to six strategically positioned implants gives strong support for your new teeth. Immediate load implants can withstand pressure immediately without waiting for the bone to heal around them. 
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
We are excited to offer a new teeth-whitening technique called KöR Whitening. Most whitening methods perform well in competent professional hands; however, even the best treatments may not work on deeply stained teeth. An example of this is the staining you may have from taking the antibiotic tetracycline. But now, with KöR Whitening, even these severely stained teeth can go brilliantly white. If you’ve ever been disappointed in the results from other whitening, ask us how KöR Whitening can transform your smile. 
There is a general assumption that tooth loss is due to decay. It’s actually more frequently because of gum disease. It can be unnoticeable right up until there are lost teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums during brushing and loose or shifting teeth. If you’ve been told you need gum surgery, you will be happy to know that it’s possible to manage gum disease with a variety of non-surgical techniques.
