Dry Mouth and Braces

We want patients at Ross Orthodontics to be as comfortable as possible when undergoing orthodontic treatment, which is why we’re interested in preventing dry mouth. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth not only puts braces patients at greater risk for irritation, it also increases the risk of gingivitis. However, it may be treatable with some simple lifestyle changes.

Saliva isn’t just a lubricant; it’s also a part of the immune system. It washes away food debris, denying food to decay-causing bacteria, and it regulates the mouth’s pH level to make it inhospitable to fungi. But when saliva production is inhibited or can’t keep up with dry conditions, the mouth is likelier to develop infections, which could be particularly troublesome to people with mouth lesions.

In the short term, patients with braces can use dental wax to prevent mouth injuries, but dry mouth deserves attention. Alcohol, sugar, and caffeine are all contributors to it, so patients should avoid drinks such as soda. They may also want to try throat moisturizers or stimulating saliva production by sucking sugar-free hard candy. Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, particularly those for ADHD, so patients may need to consult with other doctors about changing them.

To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit Smiles by Ross. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.

Where Do Cavities Come From?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Also known as tooth decay or caries, these cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. If you have tooth pain that you suspect may be a cavity, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS.

There are two main factors that contribute to cavities. One is bacteria in the mouth and the other is a diet that is high in sugar. It’s no surprise that cavities are common among children, but changes that occur with aging, make cavities an adult problem, too. To prevent cavities from developing you should brush and floss on a daily basis, in addition to scheduling professional cleanings with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS, twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you are one of the 40 million adults who suffer from sensitive teeth, it’s time to seek the help of Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS. Orthodontic appliances such as traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligner trays can cause sensitive teeth, but the primary culprit is usually a lack of oral care habits. If your teeth and gums wince when you eat hot or cold food and beverages, schedule an appointment, today.

Once, Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS diagnoses the cause of your sensitive teeth, he can begin to get the situation under control. When teeth become sensitive, it’s usually because some of the enamel has worn away. Though enamel can’t be replaced, the tooth can be repaired and restored to function normally. Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using desensitizing toothpaste, having Dr. Ross apply dental sealants, and decreasing your acidic intake.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS wants patients to keep their permanent teeth for a lifetime, but depending on your dietary habits, this may or may not be an easy thing to do. Many different types of bacteria live on the teeth, and if these bacteria aren’t washed away through adequate brushing and flossing, tooth decay will occur. Tooth decay is the softening of tooth enamel and can cause damage to surrounding teeth.

Major causes of tooth decay include sugary beverages, foods that are heavy in carbohydrates and foods that stick to the teeth and provide no nutritional value to them. If your oral hygiene habits are poor, or if you suffer from dry mouth, these habits increase your risk of developing decay. If you notice symptoms of a cavity, such as pain or pressure in the teeth, contact Dr. Falsey immediately, as cavities are a form of tooth decay.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.smilesbyross.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Ross, DDS call our Forest Lake, MN location at 651-464-6988 or our Hudson, WI location at 715-808-8379.

Keeping Retainers Clean

Keeping retainers and aligners clean is another part of oral hygiene people have to adapt to while undergoing orthodontic work. At Ross Orthodontics, we want our patients to get the most benefit out of our aesthetically-pleasing Invisalign products, which is why we’re educating them on proper maintenance.

Anytime you remove your retainer is an opportunity to rinse it. It is easier to brush away plaque when a retainer is wet, and a retainer should also be rinsed before being put back in. However, retainers should only be cleaned with room-temperature or cool water—hot water can distort their shape, requiring them to be replaced. Retainers need to be brushed at least once a day. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one you use on your teeth) and brushing thoroughly, but gently; otherwise, you may scratch the plastic surface, creating a space that is easier for bacteria to colonize.

Toothpastes designed for enamel therapy may contain gritty minerals which can cause scratches since teeth have natural protective films that artificial devices lack. On the other hand, toothpastes that are made specifically for dentures work well on retainers. Remember that the protective case needs to be cleaned regularly as well and that the cleaner your mouth is before you put your retainer in, the fewer opportunities there will be for plaque to build on it.

To learn more about Ross Orthodontics, visit SmilesbyRoss.com. Offices are located in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin.