Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, but it’s normal to feel nervous and have questions. At Modern Dentistry of Peoria, we’re here to calm your nerves and answer all your burning questions about wisdom teeth!

What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Following the procedure, stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. These include:

• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Soup

Most people can reintroduce solid foods after 3-4 days, depending on your pain level. We’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

Don’t worry, it’s a quick procedure! Most wisdom teeth removals take only one hour or less. You’ll need to rest for at least a day afterward, but we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and well-informed throughout the process.

What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

For most people, wisdom teeth erupt between 17 and 25. Don’t fret if yours come in a little earlier or later. We can easily identify your wisdom teeth using x-rays during your regular checkups.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

It depends on your case. Some wisdom teeth grow straight and cause no problems. However, many grow crooked or impacted, leading to:

• Pain
• Infections or cysts
• Damage to other teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Gum disease

If you experience any of these, wisdom teeth removal might be necessary. We’ll carefully assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to call Modern Dentistry of Peoria at 623-566-1200. We’re happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation to discuss your wisdom teeth needs!

Dental issues might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to emergencies. However, dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and often require immediate attention to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and ensure oral health. If you believe you are experiencing a dental emergency call Modern Dentistry of Peoria at (623) 566-1200. 

Understanding Dental Emergencies:

Dental emergencies include a variety of critical dental issues that demand prompt professional assistance. Severe toothaches, knocked-out or broken teeth, lost fillings, broken braces, and other emergencies can occur. Recognizing the signs of a dental emergency is crucial to initiate timely action and minimize potential complications.

Immediate Steps to Take:

When confronted with a dental emergency, it’s essential to stay calm and take immediate steps to mitigate pain and prevent further damage. Here are some actions you can take:

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water, floss gently to remove any food particles, and apply a cold compress to the affected area for temporary relief.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out, keep the tooth moist in milk or a tooth preservation kit and seek dental help immediately.
• Fractured Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and visit a dentist as soon as possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Use dental cement, which can be purchased at a local pharmacy, to temporarily cover the exposed area until you can visit a dentist.

Seeking Professional Dental Care:

While the initial steps mentioned above provide temporary relief, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a dentist promptly. Dental professionals are trained to handle emergencies and can provide the necessary treatment to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and restore oral health. Delaying professional care can lead to more significant problems and complications down the line.

Prevention and Preparedness:

Although dental emergencies are unexpected, you can take preventive measures to minimize the risk. Maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and visit a dentist for routine check-ups. Additionally, wearing mouthguards during physical activities and avoiding chewing on hard objects can help reduce the likelihood of dental injuries.

Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to handle them can make a significant difference in protecting your oral health. By understanding common dental emergencies, taking immediate steps to alleviate pain, seeking professional care promptly, and practicing preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of these situations. Remember, in any dental emergency, always consult a dentist for the best course of action. Stay prepared, stay calm, and prioritize your dental well-being. 

Visit Modern Dentistry of Peoria to learn more about dental emergencies and the services that are available.

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Learn About Water Flossing With us at Modern Dentistry of Peoria

Are Water Flossers Effective?

Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are increasingly popular as a potential alternative to traditional string floss. But are they effective? Let’s dive into the research:

Water Flossers Vs. String Floss:

• Studies suggest water flossers are effective: A 2013 study found water flossers removed 29% more plaque than string floss, particularly between teeth.
• However, research isn’t unanimous: A 2021 study concluded water flossers were equally effective as string floss, making them ideal for individuals with braces or fine motor skill limitations.
• Verdict: Water flossers seem to work and could potentially replace string floss in your routine, but they might not be definitively superior.

Downsides to Consider:

• Potential for bacterial growth: A 2021 study found water flosser nozzles can harbor bacteria despite cleaning recommendations. Proper care (draining and drying) is crucial.
• Travel inconvenience: Water flossers are generally not travel-friendly, so you might still need string floss for trips.
• Additional cleaning time: Thorough cleaning of a water flosser (draining, drying) may be more time-consuming than traditional toothbrush care.

Choosing the Best Water Flosser:

• Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance: This indicates the product meets the American Dental Association’s safety and efficacy standards.

Modern Dentistry of Peoria is here to help! We can answer your questions and guide you toward the best oral hygiene routine for your individual needs. Contact us today!

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Many people wish that their teeth were whiter. One thing that you may not realize is causing your teeth to be discolored is the things that you eat. The foods you eat can actually have a significant effect on the color of your teeth. Join us at Modern Dentistry of Peoria as we dive into some of the most common foods that can stain your teeth.

Coffees & Teas

Tea and coffee are both highly acidic, which can weaken the surface of your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining. Tea and coffee also both contain tannins, which help their coloring stick to your teeth. There is some evidence that having milk in your tea or coffee can help reduce the amount of staining.

Sauces

Dark-colored sauces such as soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curries also cause staining. Switching to lighter or creamy sauces can help mitigate some of the staining.

Fruits & Berries

There are many vibrant fruits that can stain your teeth. Think of the fruits that can stain your clothes – pomegranates, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries just to name a few. In the same way that they can stain your clothes, they can stain your teeth.

Sodas

Sodas are highly acidic thanks to their carbonation. In addition, the dyes in these drinks – including light-colored ones – can cause staining. There are also chemicals in the drink that eat away at your enamel.

How to Mitigate Staining

There are several things you can do to mitigate the effects of food on the color of your teeth. While cutting out the food listed above would be the number one way to reduce their effect, even we enjoy having them so we’ve included things you can do to reduce the staining while still enjoying your favorite foods.

• Use a straw. Using a straw when drinking your favorite beverage helps reduce the amount that the acidity and coloring of the drink come into contact with your teeth.
• Brush after you eat. Brush your teeth about 30 minutes after you eat food that can stain. It’s important to wait a little bit of time to allow the acidity in your mouth to get balanced out so you don’t cause additional damage.
• Rinse your mouth. If you cannot brush your teeth after eating, rinsing your mouth with water can help reduce the acidity of your mouth and remove some of the staining agents from your mouth.
• Visit your dentist. Having regular checkups and teeth cleanings at your dentist is a great way to help your smile stay beautiful.

In addition to providing teeth cleanings, we also proudly offer teeth whitening services in Peoria, AZ. Please give our dental office a call at 623-566-1200 or use the link below to schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning or whitening.

To many people, a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine is a ritual that cannot be disturbed or broken, but as there are many joys that come with those drinks there are still many enamel-straining prices. There are 3 different types of staining that can happen to your teeth and different causes. Learn more below. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, Modern Dentistry of Peoria in Peoria, AZ can help!

Types of Stains:

Tooth discoloration can be caused by surface stains, material changes in your teeth, or a mix of the two. Tooth discoloration can be divided into three types, according to dentists:

• Extrinsic Teeth Stains: These stains are a type of discoloration that affects the outer layer of your teeth. Extrinsic stains are not as permanent as the other types, these stains will not respond to simply brushing your teeth. If there are cracks on the teeth they can become deep-set and begin to be harder to remove. 
• Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This type of stain will be found on the inner layer of your teeth or the dentin. Though dentin is beneath the tooth enamel, the darkened dentin can cause the whole tooth to appear discolored. 
• Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, will naturally yellow over time causing your teeth to become discolored. Another factor that may cause your teeth to show discoloration is that the enamel of your teeth will become thinner allowing the dentin to show through. 

Causes of Enamel Stains

There can be many causes when it comes to teeth stains. Certain drinks and foods can cause there to be stains on your teeth, but there can be a biological factor as well. Many times there can be ways to prevent these stains from appearing on your teeth and many that you can not control. This list can help you determine what the cause was behind the stains on your teeth.

1. Food & Drink: Coffee, dark sodas, red wine, and some fruits and vegetables can be so acidic that they cause staining.
2. Tobacco: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discoloration
3. Oral Care: Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, such as insufficient brushing or flossing.
4. Trauma or Disease: Discolored teeth can result from any trauma, illness, or disease that impairs enamel formation in children, whether in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8). Adult teeth can sometimes become stained as a result of trauma. Discolored teeth can be caused by a number of disorders and therapies, chemotherapy and radiation, for example, cause tooth discoloration.
5. Medical Treatments: There are times when some medical treatments can contribute to your teeth staining as well as some medications. 

Ways to Help Clear Stains

There are a few remedies that can help lessen the impact of these causes. With help of some products, the coloration of your stains can become less apparent, but will not fully remove those stains. 

• Keeping a consistent healthy oral routine – brushing twice a day and daily flossing
• Twice-yearly visit to your dentist
• Limitation of teeth-staining beverages
• At-home remedies – brushing with baking soda products
• Professional teeth whitening

If you are interested in getting your teeth back to pearly white, contact Modern Dentistry of Peoria in Peoria, AZ today for a professional teeth whitening session!