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Mountain View Dental

Pleasant View Dental Office

Learning the Best Flossing Technique

Let us start by saying that there truly is no such thing as the “best flossing technique.” Everyone learns differently, and so it is hard to give advice that will work for everyone. However, many factors can be evaluated in determining the quality of your flossing. And, one of these factors is the technique you are using.

In other words, what method you are using determines the quality of your flossing. You have to learn the correct techniques to ensure that you will do a thorough cleaning and prevent any formation of bacteria or any foreign bodies in your teeth.

Why Floss?

Flossing is the process in which you use a narrow strip of plastic tape to collect and trap the food particles in between your teeth. The reason why you need to floss is to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Also, flossing can help remove any odd taste from your mouth. Flossing can also improve the health of your gums and help prevent tooth decay.

Types of Floss

As you learn the flossing technique, you will realize that there are two types of strips available. The first one is called soft floss, and the other is called hard floss. The first type is recommended for children, while the second type is for adults. There are also some types of floss that are made from synthetic materials. All of these different types are created for slightly different purposes.

The Best Flossing Technique

You might be wondering how to get started. Well, this is simple. It is necessary to begin by brushing your teeth twice daily. Make sure that you floss on both sides. It is also vital to have a dental floss holder at night for easy access to the floss.

Floss is made out of one of two materials: polyester or nylon. Nylon is much easier to clean than polyester. However, both can be used for removing bacteria. They also help you prevent gum disease.

Some bacteria like to hide under the crevices of your teeth. To keep them from hiding, you should floss in those areas. You should also be aware of the gums that are close to where you are flossing. Bacteria love to make their homes near or around healthy gums. So, be sure to clean under the gum line frequently.

Troubleshooting Tips

One of the biggest problems that people face with flossing techniques is the process of removing the tough outer plaque that is stuck between the teeth and the floss. This problem is called “cavity formation.” Learning the flossing technique will include the use of a specialized tool called a “cavity cleaner.” This tool will easily loosen up the tough outer plaque that is stuck between the teeth.

Remember that flossing is a daily activity. To maintain good oral hygiene, you must continue to do it daily. Practice flossing techniques regularly. There are also mouthwashes and toothpaste designed to kill any bacteria present when you do floss. The best flossing techniques will remove any bacteria that may be present on your teeth and gums. Additionally, learning the best flossing technique will save you money on dental bills. 

Are you tired of not having a beautiful smile? Contact us here at Mountain View Dental. Our team of professionals will have your smile looking great in no time. We can also answer any questions you may have on flossing.

Are you suffering from sudden tooth pain? You’re likely not alone! Tooth pain is a fairly common problem. It is estimated that 22 percent of adults have had tooth pain within the past six months. Finding the cause is the key to treating sudden tooth pain.

Below, we’ll discuss a list of common causes of sudden tooth pain.

Extreme Hot or Cold

If you eat or drink something hot or cold, then you may have sudden tooth pain. You are more likely to have pain if you have exposed nerves or worn-out tooth enamel. Those things can make your tooth very sensitive.

Gum Recession

Your gums are supposed to protect your teeth; however, your gums can recede as you get older. When your gums recede, they can expose your tooth roots. This can put you at risk of developing a tooth infection or gum disease.

Tooth Decay

One of the main causes of sudden tooth pain is tooth decay. You can have a cavity and not know it! However, a cavity will get bigger as long as it is not treated. You will start to develop pain if you have a big cavity.

Gum Disease

Half of the adult population suffers from gum disease, which is also referred to as a periodontal disease. You may not notice any signs of gum disease if you are in the early stages. However, as gum disease progresses, your teeth will become more sensitive. That is why you may develop pain.

It is important to note that gum disease is serious, and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. This condition will destroy your gum tissue and bones. It can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Sinus Infection

Your tooth pain may not even be tooth-related! Did you know that a sinus infection can cause tooth pain and jaw pain? A sinus infection will cause inflammation in your sinus cavity. You may feel the pressure from your sinus cavity in your teeth.

Dental Procedures

If you have recently had dental work, then you may have lingering pain. Dental work can also make your teeth more sensitive.

Tooth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, then you can eventually wear them down. Stress and poor sleep are some of the things that can cause tooth grinding. You may also grind your teeth in your sleep without realizing it.

Get Help for Your Tooth Pain

Sudden tooth pain is not something that you should ever ignore. Please contact the team at Mountain View Dental if you have tooth pain. We can answer the questions that you have and get you scheduled for a consultation!

Were you aware that there are five stages of a cavity? And depending on when you have them taken care of, these stages must be treated very differently. Here is everything you should know about the stages of a cavity.

Stage 1: Enamel Begins Losing Calcium

This process is called demineralization of the enamel. The enamel is an extremely hard tissue, and when calcium is lost, white spots may develop on the surface of a tooth. However, sugars and acids can erode the surface and produce plaque bacteria. When a cavity is found at this earliest stage, the damage can be reversed with plaque removal and fluoride treatment, before more severe, even permanent damage has a chance to occur. 

Stage 2: Enamel Begins to Decay

This process happens after bacteria invade the surface of the weakened enamel. At this stage, you may notice the white spots begin to darken and form small holes in the tooth’s surface. To fix a cavity at this stage, the dentist will remove the areas of decay with a tool, preparing your tooth for a filling made of resin, amalgam, or ceramic, depending on the location of the tooth. 

Stage 3: Decay Reaches Dentin

Dentin is the soft tissue situated beneath the enamel. If decay makes it through the strong enamel, it won’t take long to have problems once it is within the dentin. It tends to progress quickly at this stage and may require much more extensive repair. It is much more sensitive to damage by acids and sugars. When caught immediately, there is still a chance for the decay to be cleaned out and filled. Many times, however, once the decay is removed, a crown will be placed over the tooth. 

Stage 4: Infection of the Tooth Pulp

This is an advanced and serious state for a cavity. It is typical for this stage to cause pain, often severe. You will certainly feel sensitivity to many things, particularly cold, and you will have discomfort when you try to eat with that tooth. The only real fix for a cavity this advanced is with a root canal, in which the infected pulp is removed, and a crown is placed. In some cases, the tooth must be extracted completely. 

Stage 5: Abscess of the Tooth

This is the final stage of a cavity, where the infection has moved beyond the tooth itself and has reached gums and bone in that area of the mouth. Extreme pain is common. You may have swelling and bleeding in the area, as well. Any hope to save this tooth involves a root canal, however, in many cases, the infection will require extraction and antibiotic treatment. 

If you are experiencing dental concerns in Pleasant View, Utah, reach out to us at Mountain View Dental today so that we can help you regain your smile!

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within the tooth or gums and can cause symptoms including toothache and fever. It is important to get dental attention as soon as possible if an abscess is suspected, as complications can develop.

Types of abscesses

There are three types of dental abscesses: periapical, periodontal, and gingival abscesses.

Periapical abscesses are located at the root of the tooth and typically occur when the blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves inside the tooth become infected. This can arise when a cavity or chipped tooth allows bacteria to enter the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp. 

A periodontal abscess is located in the area between the tooth and gum and is caused by periodontal (gum) disease or injury. In an individual with gum disease, space can form between the tooth and the gum. When this area becomes filled with bacteria, an abscess may form and visible swelling or boil can often be seen.

A gingival abscess is located on the gums, and is the result of a foreign object, such as food, becoming stuck in the gums.

Symptoms

  • Pain in tooth or gums, increasing in severity over time
  • Ear, jaw, or neck pain
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Facial swelling
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever

Ruptured Abscess

If an abscess ruptures, an individual may feel temporary relief as the pus drains from the lesion. However, it is still important to get dental treatment, as the bacteria may spread to surrounding areas such as the jaw, head, and neck. 

Tooth Abscess Treatment

For a periapical abscess, the typical treatment is a root canal. This allows the dentist to recover the damaged pulp by allowing the pus to drain from the abscess and then removing the dead tissue. A filling is then placed into the space. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed completely. In the case of periodontal tooth abscess treatment, the dentist will drain the pus pocket and help promote the reattachment of the gum to the tooth. To treat a gingival abscess, a scaling procedure or root canal may be necessary.

Complications

Although rare, dental abscesses may cause serious complications if left untreated. These include:

  • Osteomyelitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Cavernous sinus thrombosis
  • Sepsis

Prevention

Since the majority of dental abscesses are caused by cavities or periodontal disease, they can be prevented by good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks. 

Mountain View Dental is committed to providing you with exceptional dental care in a comfortable and professional environment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the office at (385) 238-1085 or visit our website.

If you suddenly feel a temporary shock-like pain or twinges in your teeth from time to time, it’s best to investigate. There are many reasons for tooth pain, and some of them are quite easy to overlook. The AAE (American Academy of Endodontists) defines tooth sensitivity or pain as a brief sensation brought on by a stimulus like cold or heat, which affects exposed dentin- the layer beneath the white enamel of your teeth. 

Note that dentin has a protective cover that acts as a buffer for the nerves in your teeth. Meaning you’ll feel pain every time there’s stimulation if this buffer becomes damaged. With that in mind, here are some of the most unexpected causes of toothaches.

You Grind or Clench Your Teeth

Medically known as bruxism, clenching, gnashing, or grinding your teeth is a condition that occurs unconsciously either at night (sleep bruxism) or during the day (awake bruxism). Many endodontists consider sleep bruxism a sleep-related movement disorder. 

While mild bruxism may not need any treatment, it’s best to see a dentist for frequent and severe bruxism as it may cause headaches, jaw disorders, damaged teeth, etc. Now, get this, one of the most common symptoms of bruxism is tooth sensitivity or pain. 

You Brush Your Teeth With Too Much Pressure

Without a doubt, brushing your teeth too hard causes tooth sensitivity by wearing down the enamel to expose dentin. Also, brushing for too long or with a hard-bristle brush will cause tooth pain, especially if you have thin enamel. If you suspect that how you brush is the problem, try going for a softer brush and brushing teeth for no longer than two minutes. 

Abuse of Mouthwash

Yes, you read that right. Some mouthwash products contain acids that can extensively damage dentin. Mind you, with exposed dentin, any acid, cold, heat, or even sticky substance that gets into your teeth will cause pain. So avoid using over-the-counter alcoholic mouthwashes for too long. Instead, consider going for neutral fluoride mouthwashes. 

You Have Sinusitis

Sinus inflammation (sinusitis) or sinus infection can lead to tooth pain. If anything, this is one of the biggest, yet the most unheard-of, reasons for tooth pain. The pain from sinusitis mostly affects the upper rear teeth and occurs when fluid enters and puts pressure on your sinuses. If you feel your teeth hurting more when you lean over (with your head down), it’s probably a sinus infection. 

You Open Different Things With Your Teeth

There are so many ways you can use your teeth as tools. Opening a can of soda, ripping bags open, chewing on plastic, you name it. Even so, studies show that using teeth for such purposes eventually cracks your tooth enamel. It might be the reason that you’re feeling a sudden but temporary sharp pain. 

Final Thoughts

While cavities are arguably the most popular reason for mouth aches, there are loads of other causes that may make your teeth painful. So be sure to consult your dentist if you’re not sure about the source of your pain. Over-the-counter medicines treat only the symptoms and not the underlying issue.

If you are located near the Pleasant View, UT area and are experiencing tooth pain, give us a call at Mountain View Dental. We have an experienced, friendly staff and a modern, comfortable office awaiting you. Schedule your appointment today.

A sweet tooth is harmless; that is until it starts reaching levels in which you need sugar to function daily. The over-consumption of sugar can lead to dental, health, and overall wellness problems. Those who have a strong craving for sugar may be asking themselves the question, am I addicted to sugar? Listed below are signs that you may have a sugar addiction. 

Always Craving Sugar

According to Healthline, “Sugar and other sweeteners are the main ingredients in some of America’s favorite drinks and foods. And they’ve become ingrained in the American diet, considering the average American consumes about 20 teaspoons, or 80 grams, of sugar a day.” Being that sugar is one of the main ingredients in some of the best-tasting food, it is hard not to crave that chocolate sundae or chocolate chip cookie. The real problem is when you are craving sugar more than normal.

Are you eating sugar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? If you feel as though you need to consume sugar to be able to move on to your next task of the day, you know that the question, “Am I addicted to sugar?”, is more than likely true. Sugar should be consumed in a limited amount during the week, and you should not overdo it due to the risk of declining health. One of the biggest giveaways of sugar addiction is if you say, “one more wouldn’t hurt.” Because, we all know, that “one” is going to turn into numerous amounts more.

Guilty After Sugar Consumption

Feelings of guilt after consuming sugar is a way in which you can tell that you have a potential sugar addiction. It is not typically normal to feel guilty after eating food. Those who struggle with eating disorders can have a similar problem to those who have a sugar addiction because the feeling of guilt is present in both. If you are having feelings of guilt, whether that be from sugar consumption or food consumption in general, that is a good sign that seeking professional help may be of your best interest. Do not be ashamed of any problems that you may be suffering because there are people out there who are going through the same thing you are. Professionals are here to assist you, listen to you, and help pave the path to recovery. They are not going to judge you in any way, shape, or form. 

Consume Sugar for Relief

Consuming sugar for mental or physical relief is not the answer. If you are relying on sugar to destress you and make you feel better, it is quite possibly a given that you have a sugar addiction. No one should be relying on one single thing to make them happy in life. If you need sugar to feel happy and/or content with yourself and your life, it may be time to seek professional help and treatment. Professionals will be more than happy to welcome you with open arms and get you back on track in reaching real and authentic happiness in yourself and your life. 

Sugar Addiction Prevention

Ways in which you can prevent a sugar addiction are:

  1. Seek treatment and help by professionals 
  2. Eat a healthy meal when you are hungry
  3. Do something to get your mind off of the craving
  4. Avoid triggers
  5. And, avoid stressful situations.

It may be a good idea to refrain from buying sugar at the grocery store, so when you go to your kitchen to get food, there is no sugar available for you to consume. You can also purchase healthy foods that mimic the taste of sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

If you are struggling with sugar addiction and want to make a positive change in your life, contact professionals who will be willing to assist you in your sugar addiction recovery. Mountain View Dental, located in Pleasant View, Utah, are here for you and all your dental advice, service, and needs. For further questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Mountain View Dental at (385) 324-3557.

Dentist Office

2797 U.S. 89 #201
Pleasant View, UT 84414
Monday 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday 8 AM - 7 PM
Friday 8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday Closed
Proudly accepting new patients from: Pleasant View, North Ogden, Harrisville, Farr West, Marriott-Slaterville, Ogden, Plain City, South Willard, Willard and Perry!

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