2020 – Page 3

The Connection Between Diet and Oral Health

Venture Creative on June 12, 2020

How often do you think about your oral health? Usually just when brushing and flossing your teeth. But your diet can have a huge effect on how healthy your teeth, tongue, and gums are.

Eating healthy is usually marketed to people as a way of maintaining healthy body weight and getting all your essential vitamins and minerals. But healthy foods are also good for your oral health!

The most common oral health issue seen is cavities, which are parts of the teeth that have rotted away from improper care.

Taking care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing can avoid cavities, but your diet can also help prevent them!

Foods That Support Oral Health

Your teeth are primarily calcium, so eating foods with high calcium contents, like dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can help increase the amount of calcium in your body and strengthen your teeth.

In addition to foods high in calcium, eating food with high amounts of phosphorus can be beneficial too. Nuts, meat, spinach, and other leafy greens, (which are high in calcium, for those who cannot consume dairy,) are very good for teeth.

Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, or cucumbers are great for your oral health too!

When eating crunchy fruits or vegetables, your mouth produces more saliva which helps to wash away food particles stuck in your teeth or rest in your mouth cause odor or build-up of bacteria.

Water

Water helps dilute the left-over sugars in your mouth that are consumed by the bacteria in your mouth and turned into acid and damage your teeth and cause bad breath.

Drinking water works but eating crunchy fruits and veggies will also help!

Avoiding Sugary and Acidic Foods

Foods high in acid or sugar can cause damage to your teeth in the form of cavities, canker sores, or wear down the enamel on your teeth, causing tooth sensitivity.

Highly acidic foods include citrus, (oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit,) and tomatoes.

Sugars and carbohydrates are in most common foods, and thus can be harder to avoid. Carbs are broken down into sugars by the enzymes in your saliva, which then acts just like normal sugars when they interact with the bacteria in your mouth, turning acidic.

Desserts are foods that are very high in sugars, and so are sodas, and premade drinks among others. Foods with large amounts of carbs are bread, pizza, chips, pretzels, and so on.

Drinks

Drinking water is fantastic for your body’s health and your oral health. However, sugary drinks like sodas and pre-made iced teas, lemonades, and fruit punches often have lots of added sugar that can cause acidity in your mouth.

Sodas can also be highly acidic, so they are better to avoid in general.

The optimal drink for your oral health is water with fluoride, since it helps to strengthen your teeth, just as the fluoride in your toothpaste or mouthwash does.

If you often put lots of sugar into your coffee, consider lessening the amount and switching to tea instead of highly acidic coffee.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Venture Creative on May 28, 2020

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine dental specialties currently recognized by the American Dental Association and the American College of Surgeons. Oral Maxillofacial surgeons are highly specialized surgeons that are trained to treat a wide range of disorders and jaw and tooth emergencies.

What Kinds of Situations do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat?

If you had your wisdom teeth removed, chances are they were removed by an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. These surgeons treat a wide variety of oral issues, as well as injuries and diseases in and around your jaw.

They aren’t the kind of specialist you’ll call in if you have a chipped tooth. But if you lose a tooth and need a replacement, you might find yourself talking to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. They handle implants, and more extensive oral and jaw repairs and reconstructions after accidents.

You might also need an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon if you need a jaw re-alignment. They also treat tumors and cysts that develop on or near your jaw and can earn additional specializations to treat complex issues like cleft palates.

Some Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also perform a variety of cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic implants.

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also be called on to consult with other doctors for some issues. If you have sleep apnea, you might go to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon so that they can work with your doctor as a consultant. They might also get called in to help correct and treat obstructive sleep apnea and other condition that involve your mouth and jaw.

This type of surgeon can also be critical in the treatment of certain types of oral cancers.

How are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Trained:

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons need to complete dental school before they can move on to their specialization. That means that they have the same skills and expertise as your dentist, plus additional training, and specialization. It also means that your Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also notice and diagnose a variety of mouth and tooth issues, just like your dentist.

Depending on why you’re seeing an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, they make recommendations for your oral health and future care.

After dental school, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons study for another 4-6 years learning the additional surgical skills needed for the base specialty. Beyond that, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also spend another 1-2 years earning additional specialties.

Their specialties include:

Cosmetic facial surgery
Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery
Treating craniofacial traumas

The result is that these are some of the most highly specialized and skilled surgeons out there. Other than anesthesiologists, they are the only specialists able to use all forms of sedation. They have a strong understanding of your face and jaw, as well as the inner workings of your mouth and teeth.

If you ever find yourself in the care of an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, rest assured that you’re in good hands. Their extensive training and specialization makes them some of the most qualified people out there to help you diagnose and treat issues starting with your mouth and jaw.

Your mouth and jaw are important for your whole body’s health, so these treatments are about a lot more than just having good teeth for a family picture. Taking care of your mouth and jaw can have a huge effect on your overall health.

Why You Should Have an Oral Surgeon Perform Extractions

Venture Creative on May 21, 2020

One of the stereotypes of the dentist, especially in cartoons, is that they are known for pulling out teeth. In fact, one can argue that this stereotype (along with constant drilling for cavities) can be the root of the fear of the dentist that many children (and some adults) have. While dentists perform a wide amount of oral care and will pull teeth when needed, the procedure of tooth extraction is best left for oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. Many dentists will refer extractions to oral surgeons, but surgeons should be considered in all cases – and here’s why.

Oral Surgeons Perform FAR More Tooth Extractions

Dentists cover a wide variety of procedures and care information during their education and residency. Oral surgeons specialize in just surgical procedures. While there are obviously far more procedures than just extractions, this specialization means that an oral surgeon will perform hundreds, if not thousands, of extractions during their residency, which is far more than a dentist. This gives an oral surgeon loads of hands-on, practical experience to make the procedure an exceptionally successful one.

If You Want Sedation, Go with a Surgeon

Even routine surgical procedures can cause anxiety in patients, and the thought of being awake and cognizant during the procedure can just add to the nerves. Most dentists don’t have the ability or the certification to use anesthesia during a tooth extraction. However, oral surgeons are all licensed to use full anesthesia for a procedure, rather than just local. While this doesn’t impact the actual outcome of the procedure, it can certainly make you feel a whole lot better about going in for an extraction!

Prepared for All Circumstances

Even practiced dentists and oral surgeons can’t perfectly predict how an extraction will go. Sometimes, an extraction that seems routine can shift with a tooth cracking or extra tissue needing to be removed. An oral surgeon has the know-how and all the facilities to handle these unforeseen issues quickly and successfully. Even more, if an extraction has notable difficulties going into the procedure such as multiple curved roots, an oral surgeon will absolutely be the best option to get a positive result.

If you are in need of an extraction, it is always worth considering and selecting an oral surgeon to perform the procedure, whether or not your dentist actually refers you to one or not. It is hard to match the expertise and experience of a good oral surgeon when it comes to tooth extraction.

Give us a call or set up an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Venture Creative on May 7, 2020

The statistics are sobering. Approximately 53,000 new cases of oral cancer were reported in the U.S. in 2019 alone, resulting in the estimated death of almost 11,0000 people from all walks of life. And if you think you aren’t susceptible because you’re a non-smoker, think again. The risk for oral cancer can be just as much the result of both a genetic predisposition and poor dietary and nutrition habits as it is tobacco.

But oral cancer isn’t untreatable. In fact, the overall 5 year survival rate for patients diagnosed with either oral or oropharyngeal cancer is 65 percent, with numbers reaching as high as 84 percent if diagnosed early enough.

Those numbers alone should convince you of the importance of early oral cancer screenings. But screenings alone aren’t enough. You have to know what to watch out for specifically.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

During an oral cancer screening, dentists may look for any number of symptoms. Some of the most common can include:

Consistent difficulty in chewing, speaking, swallowing, or moving the jaw.
Displacement in teeth or jaw.
Erosion, lumps, thickness, or unnatural abrasions inside the mouth.
Pain, soreness, and irritation inside the mouth and lips.
Numbness and pain when biting.
Reddish or white patches.
Spots inside the mouth which bleed continuously.

Where Does Oral Cancer Occur?

There are two forms of oral cancer. One form is within the oral cavity itself, which includes the front of your tongue, your gums, the insides of your cheeks, your lips, teeth and the roof of your mouth. The other is oropharyngeal cancer, which occurs in the throat; including the base of your tongue and your tonsils.

Am I At Risk for Oral Cancer?

Patients with the following factors have a higher susceptibility to oral cancer:

Aged 40+
Excessive drinking habits
Poor diet
Previous diagnosis of HPV (human papillomavirus)
Prolonged exposure to the sun
Tobacco usage (including smokeless tobacco and vaping.)

How Can an Early Screening Prevent Oral Cancer?

It’s important to remember that oral cancer typically won’t be diagnosed until tests are run at a lab; so, if your dentist notices any abnormality, stay calm. It may not be cancer, but a benign disorder that can be easily treated without invasive surgery.

A screening alone won’t prevent cancer. If diagnosed early enough, oral cancer can be treated successfully through any number of therapies, often with a substantially higher success rate than other forms of cancer. But most dentists and oral surgeons will agree that the best preventative care is a change in your lifestyle. Review the above listed factors and eliminate or address any particularly high-risk elements. Consult with Dr. Davis about the best course of action for you if tests come back positive. You might find that a change in habit won’t just change the health of your mouth. It will transform every single part of you.

The health of your mouth is critical. Call us today at (435) 628-1100 or visit us at Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

5 Tips to Keep Your Jaw Healthy as You Age

Venture Creative on April 21, 2020

We all know aging is a natural part of life. And most of us start considering ways in which we can keep our bodies healthy as we age. We eat better. We step up our exercise routine. We even take extra vitamin supplements in the hopes that our bones and joints remain in healthy condition.

So why do so many of us take our jaws for granted?

We all know that tooth decay and gum disease can happen at any time—even if you’re older than 65. And most of us take preventative steps to combat it. But did you know that musculoskeletal conditions such as TMJD can occur in up to 12 percent of the U.S. population? And did you know that older Americans are particularly susceptible to it?

Don’t take the health of your jaws for granted. Here are 5 tips to keep them strong and healthy.

1. Healthy Bones, Healthy Jaws

We all know calcium prevents osteoporosis. But most of us quickly forget that our jaws are also made of bone. As our bodies age, our ability to absorb calcium declines. Postmenopausal women in particular are more susceptible to bone disease and should strive for a calcium intake of at least 1200 mgs a day. But don’t think that men can’t be impacted by bone decay, either. Even if you think your intake is adequate, men between the ages of 45 and 70 should still try to ensure at least 1000 mgs of calcium each day; adjust your intake to 1200 mg.

2. Stop Grinding Your Teeth!

Teeth grinding is a habit many of us are entirely aware of. That’s because it happens primarily at night while we’re asleep. But teeth grinding can also occur during times of stress and even in deep thought. It’s not just responsible for tooth damage. Headaches are just as common with tooth grinding and inevitably what goes for teeth will eventually affect your jaw, as well. Typically, your surgeon can identify signs of damaged teeth caused by grinding, and may even suggest Botox injections if the need is particularly drastic..

3. Eat Clean. Eat Healthier

If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably already eating a balanced diet as you age. But that’s the key word: balance. Strive for a mixture of hard and soft foods for a healthy jaw, including calcium rich foods such as:

Almonds
Beans and lentils
Celery
Cheese
Milk
Oranges
Sardines
Seeds, nuts and grains
Tofu

4. Give Your Jaw A Break

It’s common to recommend a course of regular jaw stretches for maximal health as we age. The problem comes when we overwork them. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be overused by excessive talking, eating too many hard foods… even chewing gum! It needs time to rest. Don’t try to stretch your jaw for more than 10 minutes each morning and massage it regularly if you feel stiffness or tenderness.

5. Visit Your Dentist More Frequently

It’s a good rule of thumb that most people under the age of 50 should visit their dentist at least once a quarter. But as we age, the resilience of our gums, jaw and teeth begins to fade slowly. As a result, you may need to find it necessary to visit your dentist or oral health specialist more often to keep your jaws at peak performance. Remember, it’s the health of your entire mouth you need to be concerned with as you age.

And you won’t get a chance to buy another one.

If you’re in Southern Utah and are concerned about the health of your jaw, you may be experiencing more than periodic discomfort. We can help. Find out more about Dr. Shawn Davis and his team at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait for Your Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 20, 2020

Dental implants are a big commitment in a lot of ways, and we all know that a fear of commitment is pretty common. There is obviously a cost associated with the procedure, and there is concern about the recovery process. However, it isn’t worth procrastinating. There are some big reasons why you should get your dental implants as soon as possible and not put it off any longer.

With Care, Implants Can Last a Lifetime

With modern technology, dental implants aren’t a temporary solution. The titanium posts that form the new roots for the implants seamlessly integrate into your existing bone structure. In addition, they are designed to be extremely durable. In fact, with care, you should be able to maintain your implants for an entire lifetime. With that in mind, there is no reason not to start right away!

Keep Your Remaining Teeth In Place

If you think about it, your teeth almost serve like a tension rod – it’s the fact that they are all in together, which keeps them in place. However, if you remove teeth, that tension dissipates. That means that you can certainly see your remaining teeth start to move if left untreated for extended periods of time. At the same point, the jawbone can deteriorate over time without teeth in place. Getting dental implants done now will prevent the spread of your teeth and preserve your jaw bone all at the same time.

Don’t Let Missing Teeth Impact Your Speech

You’ve spent your whole life learning to talk with your full mouth of teeth. With missing teeth, it can be easy for your speech to be affected, making it hard to fully enunciate words and may even give the impression of you having a lisp. Getting dental implants in can keep your speech crystal clear.

Over Time, Your Facial Appearance Can Be Impacted

Similar to the issues with the jawbone mentioned above, the impacts of missing teeth for a long period of time can impact your face as well. Most commonly, missing teeth may eventually cause your cheeks to sag, providing an aged, hollow look that can add years on, something we can all agree we want to avoid.

Keep Your Self Confidence

Self-esteem is massively important. Missing teeth, even if not noticeable to others, can be something that you quickly become self-conscious about. By quickly addressing any missing teeth, you can keep your confidence high and not worry about getting in your own head about missing teeth.

These are just a few reasons why it makes sense to get your dental implants sooner rather than later. We want to help achieve your smile goals! Contact us today, and let’s get you started on the road for your dental implants today.

What Could Cause My Sudden Jaw Pain?

Venture Creative on March 7, 2020

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Dealing with any type of jaw pain can derail any day. There are many different reasons why you are suffering from sudden jaw pain. We are going to share some of the most reported types of pain in your jaw, and what you should do to alleviate the suffering. In some cases, surgery may be required, but that is usually a last resort.

Different Types of Sudden Jaw Pain

1. Cluster Headaches

– while this might not seem like it could affect your jaw, cluster headaches can cause jaw pain. These headaches affect your eyes and also can migrate down into the jaw region. These are one of the most painful types of headaches, and if you suffer from these, you should consult with your doctor. They can help regulate and monitor medications to ensure that your suffering is minimized.

2. Pain in your teeth

– depending on the type of issues that are going on with your teeth, it can cause jaw pain. If you are suffering from an abscess, this can cause pain to again radiate into your jaw. With any tooth pain, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible. If you have an abscess, it is imperative that you see your dentist quickly, because this type of infection can cause more significant issues.

3. Sinuses

– when you are having issues with your sinuses, or a severe sinus infection, this can cause pain in your jaw. Because of the nasal cavities and their location, it can allow the pressure to increase on your jaw. A visit to your doctor and medication can alleviate the pressure.

4. Temporomandibular

joint and muscle disorders – commonly known as TMJ, there are many different causes for this type of pain. While there are some different causes for the pain, doctors and dentists can help with the alleviation of your symptoms. Tell your dentist on your next visit about the pain, and any symptoms that you are experiencing. Some of the more reported ones are:
● Grinding of teeth
● Injuries to your jaw
● Stress
● Arthritis in your jaw

5. Heart Attack

– while many are aware of the more common signs of a heart attack, pain in your jaw is one of the warning signs. Heart attacks cause significant pain increases in different types of your body, and the jaw is no exception. If you feel that you are ever suffering from a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Contact us today, and let us help you keep your smile bright and your jaw pain-free!

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Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Venture Creative on February 21, 2020

If you ask a child, they will tell you wisdom teeth make you smarter. While we wish this were true, the real reason why we have wisdom teeth is much different. Although times have changed, and the way we live has evolved, many years ago, wisdom teeth were essential for eating and survival for our ancestors. They were an essential piece for being able to eat, given that much of the food consumed was raw or very tough.

Today, wisdom teeth don’t serve their original functions anymore. With the advances in cooking and utensils, the need for the back set of molars, or wisdom teeth, have become obsolete.

Wisdom Teeth and Modern Times

Wisdom teeth are not needed for survival today, which might be the reason why not everyone has them. Genetics are the determining factors of those who get wisdom teeth. While males are more likely to get them than females, they can be painful regardless. Most wisdom teeth, or your last set of molars, will erupt in your late teens to early adulthood.

When these molars finally erupt, it can be painful. Some might never erupt, and these can become impacted. Over time, our build has changed. Our ancestors would have had wider mouths, with a bit of a larger jaw, allowing for more room for the wisdom teeth. While many of our appearances remain the same, there have been some changes over time.

Dealing with Wisdom Teeth Today

Wisdom teeth can cause pain, but they can also cause teeth to move and not leave enough room in your mouth for your regular teeth. If you are experiencing pain from wisdom teeth, you need to visit your dentist and discuss having these removed.

Contact our office today, and we can help determine the best course of action for all your dental needs. From wisdom teeth to preventive care, we have all your dental needs covered!

5 Jaw Exercises for Overcoming TMJ Pain

Venture Creative on February 14, 2020

There is a good chance that you have not considered pain associated with TMJ or the temporomandibular joint. However, once it begins to cause any discomfort, you won’t be able to think about anything else. TMJ can originate through many different causes, such as arthritis.

One of the ways to combat TMJ pain is through some simple exercises. We have compiled 5 jaw exercises for overcoming TMJ pain for you to use at home. We do, however, encourage you to reach out and talk to a doctor, so that they can determine the best steps for you to take, and recommend the best course moving forward.

5 Exercises for TMJ Pain

Relaxed jaw – This is done by placing your tongue right behind your top front teeth. Keep your jaw closed so that all your teeth are touching. Slowly, with your tongue still touching the back of your teeth, let your jaw go slack. This will draw your jaw downwards in a relaxed position.
Tuck the chin – Square your shoulders while keeping your head and neck straight. You are going to drop your head in order to create a double chin effect. Hold this position for three to five seconds. Repeat ten times daily.
Tongue Exercise – Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and then open and close your mouth. Do not rush through these motions. This one can be done a couple of times a day – ideally, morning and evening.
Moving your jaw side to side – Using a firm object, such as a popsicle stick, place the object between your teeth, and then move your jaw side to side. You are going to want to do this movement for a few minutes. It will be a little painful at first, but it will become easier. As you move forward, you can increase the width of the object, such as two popsicle sticks, and continue practicing this motion.
Moving your jaw forward and backward – Such as the movement above, you are going to use a firm object between your teeth, and then move your jaw forward and backward for a few minutes each day. As the exercise becomes easier to do, increase the width of the object between your teeth.

Moving Forward with TMJ Pain

With the 5 exercises for overcoming TMJ pain above, you have a good start on decreasing the pain. However, there are other options that a doctor could go through with you to ensure that the pain lessens.

At the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute, we hate to see you suffer! We want to help you continue presenting your best face each day. Our office is ready and willing to answer any questions that you have! Contact us now and make an appointment with our fabulous Dr. Davis.

When Is Jaw Surgery Recommended?

Venture Creative on January 25, 2020

Generally, most patients look to avoid surgery of any kind. However, there are times when it is recommended to “bite the bullet” and have the procedure done. Jaw surgery, in particular, can be daunting, but a surgery done in the careful hands of the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute can provide you with a huge improvement in the quality of life. There are a few key situations in which jaw surgery is highly recommended.

TMJ Suffering

Standing for the temporomandibular joint disorder, TMJ can be an agonizing condition that can be treated with surgery as a last resort, to great effect. The condition causes pain and tenderness, and, if left unchecked, it can even cause your jaw to lock, making it difficult to open and close your mouth, as well as to chew. While most cases of TMJ can be treated nonsurgically, persistent cases can see massive benefits from surgery.

Orthodontics

Oftentimes, jaw surgery is performed in coordination with other orthodontic treatments to correct severe issues with the jaw alignment. These can be both aesthetic and functional issues that get treated by surgery. Examples of this include an open bite, which is a space between the top and bottom teeth, even when your mouth is closed, protruding jaw and a receding lower jaw. Braces are sometimes used in the course of treatment both before and after surgery, to keep everything moving and ensure the most positive result.

Respiratory Ailments

There are even times when jaw surgery may be recommended for certain breathing conditions that can actually be a result of structural defects within the jaw. One common example is sleep apnea, a problem that plagues millions of Americans. In some instances, the breathing obstruction can be remedied by a surgical procedure that will open up the airways and allow restful sleep without the aid of a CPAP or other device. Another example is chronic mouth breathing, which can be caused by an issue with the structure of the jaw as well.

There are a plethora of possible reasons as to why one may need jaw surgery. Although it can seem like an intimidating surgery, in certain cases, the benefits of jaw surgery will make it worth it. Discussing any conditions that may be improved by such a surgery with Dr. Shawn B. Davis can help you decide if surgery is the right option for you.