Family Dentistry In Maryville — Taking Your Bad Breath Away

Posted on December 29, 2011 by LindahlSmiles

Many individuals avoid talking about bad breath, or perhaps more accurately, many avoid talking to someone who has bad breath. In providing quality family dentistry in Maryville, Dr. Lindahl and his team realize that bad breath can affect family members of all ages.

Bad breath can be a sign of a medical disorder such as a respiratory infection, diabetes or liver or kidney ailments. It can also be caused by what an individual takes into their body, such as prescription drugs, cigarette smoke, alcohol, or certain foods such an onions and garlic.

Another common culprit is a lack of good oral hygiene. Improper brushing habits leave food debris between the teeth and on the tongue, and can lead to an unwanted odor emanating from the mouth. This can also lead to serious oral health issues including periodontal disease.

Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of reducing bad breath. Brush twice a day, and clean between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner. Brushing the tongue will aid in removing food particles and bacteria that are lodging there as well. Chewing sugar free gum can help by stimulating saliva flow and thus providing protection for the teeth. Scheduling bi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings is also an important factor in promoting good oral health.

Do you or one of your family members suffer from chronic bad breath or other dental concerns? We invite you to contact Dr. Lindahl and his team today to help identify the cause, and to take the steps to eliminate the problem. In providing high quality family dentistry for Maryville households, parents and children alike can smile and breathe a sigh of relief without worrying about their teeth or the smell of their breath.

What are plaque, tartar, and gingivitis?–From Your Dentist in Maryville

Posted on December 14, 2011 by LindahlSmiles

With incredibly high standards of excellence and care, Dr. Marty Lindahl knows that being a great dentist in Maryville also involves educating his patients. Terms such as cavities, plaque, tartar, and gingivitis may sound familiar to most. But understanding what they mean and how they each negatively affect oral health can be the first step to improving oral hygiene.

1. Cavity- When the protective coating (enamel) on a tooth is damaged and a little hole forms in the tooth. Another name for it is tooth decay, which really means that the tooth is rotting and weakening.

2. Plaque- A clear, sticky film/coating that constantly forms on the teeth 24 hours a day. The bacteria in plaque feeds on sugars and starches found in our foods and drinks, producing acid. The sticky plaque keeps this acid against the teeth.

3. Tartar- Plaque that continues on the teeth and that is not removed eventually hardens into tartar. This tartar makes it more difficult to clean the teeth properly and can result in gingivitis.

4. Gingivitis- An early form of gum disease that results in gums that can be red, swollen, irritated, and bleed easily. If not treated, the disease can progress resulting in further problems to the gums, jawbone, tooth loss, and other health issues.

Regular brushing and flossing, along with eating nutritiously can help prevent these problems. Just as important though is scheduling regular visits to your dentist.

There can be little or no pain at the beginning stages of tooth and gum disease, so don’t be fooled by thinking that the lack of discomfort means no problems. Furthermore, the removal of tartar and the repairing of a cavity (even at the earliest stage) are also procedures that can only be performed by your dentist.

If you have questions about your oral health, or are in need of a dentist in Maryville, Dr. Lindahl and his team can provide you with the assistance to keep you and your teeth happy and healthy.

Time Will Fly When At Your Dentist In Maryville TN

Posted on December 7, 2011 by LindahlSmiles

Time Will Fly When At Your Dentist In Maryville TN

Many people avoid going to the dentist, even if it means damaging their oral health. Dr. Lindahl, your caring dentist in Maryville TN offers the solution to that aversion to dental visits. How? By means of relaxation dentistry. It addresses the concerns and fears that most patients have and helps keep them to a minimum. For example, what makes people stay away from the dentist?

1. Sensitive gag reflex.

2. A bad dental experience in the past.

3. Concern about the pain involved, and perhaps the amount of time required with your mouth wide open.

4. Fear of needles, dental drills, along with the various sounds and smells associated with dental offices.

All of these concerns and dental phobias can be alleviated though relaxation dentistry and result in a calm, relaxed, and safe environment for the patient. This is done by means of oral relaxation methods, along with the safe use of nitrous oxide, and if required, anti-anxiety or tranquilizing drugs.

The results? Necessary dental procedures can be carried out without the fear, stress and anxiety that many associate with the dentist. In fact, a visit of several hours at our office can feel like just a few short minutes to you as a patient. If you have questions about sedation dentistry and how we can make your dental experience a positive one, please contact the office of Dr. Lindahl today. Yes, time can indeed fly when you visit this dentist in Maryville TN.