Cavities – They’re Not the End of the World

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Why do I have cavities?

It’s the word that people fear when they go to the dentist for their check-ups: Cavities. You brush twice a day and floss so why did your dentist give you a failing grade on the big oral health test? Here’s an interesting fact many in Ballwin, MO don’t know: cavities are a very common disorder, second only to the common cold, in fact. Still not making you feel better? Let’s take a look at the facts:

What is a dental cavity?

Dental Cavities are a result of tooth decay.  Decay is the deterioration of the tooth structure; both the enamel and the dentin can be affected.

What causes a tooth cavity?

Cavities start to form on teeth when the bacterium in your mouth changes the food you eat into acid.  This acid, combined with saliva and the remaining food particles in your mouth form plaque, which sticks to your teeth if not washed or brushed out.  Plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating.  It is this plaque that damages your teeth’s enamel, and eats away at it, forming a cavity.

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The Monster Lurking on Your Lips

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If you have ever had a cold sore, you know how embarrassing they can be and how isolated they can make you feel. It should make you feel better to know that you are not alone: cold sores affect a whopping 8 out of 10 people. This may seem high, but even if you don’t remember getting a cold sore, you could still be a carrier, as most people are exposed to the virus before the age of seven. Some people who have been infected might not display any symptoms at all, and may never actually have an outbreak.

There is an urban legend floating around the internet that you can contract cold sores during your dentist appointment, but that is simply not true. Dr. Postol sterilizes everything we use and takes as many precautions as possible to avoid transmission of diseases between staff, other patients, and you. The fact is, you probably got the cold sore from kissing or sharing drinks someone who had an active breakout.

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Dental Hygiene: Will You Look Like a Horse in Ten Years?

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We understand how time can just slip by between appointments: you move, you get a new job, you have children, you retire, and before you know it ten years has passed. Things can happen, but we want everyone in Ballwin, MO to remember how important it is to stay on top of your dental health.

 

So what would ten years of complete neglect look like for your teeth?

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Are Your Bad Teeth Making Your Baby Sick?

cavitiesYou might be surprised at the number of connections between infants and the oral health of their mothers, whether through cavities or gum disease, during both pregnancy and infancy.

 

Gum Disease and Low Birth Weight

Frightening new studies have shown that women who had gum disease during their pregnancy were an astounding 7 times more likely to have a low birth weight baby. While it may seem strange that your mouth could be so important, gum disease is in fact an infection, and any infection can have detrimental effects on a healthy weight for your newborn. The best way to avoid this is to talk to Dr. Postol as soon as you know you are pregnant so that he can test for any health problems that might affect your baby.

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Forget About Traditional Braces

BracesIt’s no secret that regular old braces carry a certain stigma. The brackets, wires, and small, colored bands are clunky and painful, and most people shudder at the thought of having to get them. However, the dentistry of today is very different and Dr. Postol has options for you that are less-invasive, nearly invisible, more comfortable, and take much less time. If you have ever dreamed about having a nicer smile, now is the time to visit St. Louis Dentistry and find out about the wonderful ways we can help build your confidence with a beautiful smile.

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Get Your Smile Back with Dental Implants

Implants, IndependenceDon’t let dentures or gaps in your teeth take away your confidence! Talk to Dr. Postol about dental implants and get started on a path to reclaiming your smile! St. Louis Dentistry offers the best dental implant technology available and we love to help our Ballwin, MO patients regain their confidence with a beautiful, healthy mouth.

 

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Improve Your Dental Health with These Five Foods

5 foods, dental healthKeeping your teeth and gums healthy can be tricky, and Dr. Postol wants to help Ballwin, MO residents get their mouths in tip-top shape. Here are five foods that can improve your dental health and may even help you avoid costly procedures such as implants, fillings, and more.

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Several Ways to Make Children Smile at the Dentist

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Visits to oral health professionals are strongly recommended within the first year of life, as proper brushing, flossing, nutritional habits, and tooth alignment are of extreme importance after the very first tooth has erupted. While children often become anxious at the prospect of visiting the dentist, their fears can be alleviated with gentle, positive reinforcement and a comfortable environment. Early positive associations with oral health care can mean the difference between frequent dental infections and teeth that are free from unnecessary decay and trauma throughout their lifetime. Here are several tips for promoting habits that will have a positive impact on your child’s oral health.

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Gum Disease: What You Didn’t Know

X- Heart Health, PerioIn celebration of National Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, Dr. Postol is hoping to educate all Ballwin, MO men and their loved ones about the dangers of periodontal disease. This condition is sadly underdiagnosed  and could affect as much as half the population. Worse, most people have no idea that they have it. Even if you have read our gum disease page, there may be more that you don’t know about how this condition affects you and why it is important to both your overall health and the health of your mouth.

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Teething Doesn’t Have to Bite!

TeethingMay is National Women’s Health Month, and St. Louis Dental wants to celebrate by providing helpful information to all new mothers in Ballwin, MO who may have some questions about their baby’s teeth. We know how stressful being a new mom can be, and that stress can have a toxic effect on your own health. We also know that when you’re not feeling your best, you’re not able to care for your baby in all the ways you would like.

 

So taking care of baby and taking care of mom are both equally important to us! Until your child is ready for their first dental appointment at around age three, they will need you to manage all of their dental care, so make sure to ask Dr. Postol if you have any questions about their teeth.

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