What is Discoloring My Teeth?

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If you’re frustrated because the whitening toothpaste or tooth strips you’ve tried from the drugstore aren’t really working, you’re not alone. Here at Athens Smiles, patients who finally decide to have our Athens, TX dentist do their teeth whitening professionally complain of the same experiences with OTC products. Another question they often ask is, “Why are my teeth dark and discolored?” There could be a lot of reasons:

Dark Foods or Beverages

Any dark food or drink that you partake of frequently has the potential of darkening your teeth. This is true for both healthy and less-healthy food options. For example, berries, cherries, and dark leafy greens are all super-nutritious choices, so don’t stop eating them! Just be aware that their dark pigments, which are so healthy for your body, can also darken the tooth enamel. So can coffee, red wine, tea, and soy sauce.

Traumatic Injury

If you ever damaged a tooth in a fall or other injury, that can also cause tooth discoloration.

Tobacco Products

Smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your health, and they also darken your teeth. In fact, they can stain the teeth an unsightly yellowish brown color. Our dentist in Athens, TX urges you to stop using these products if you can because even if you do engage our teeth whitening services, if you continue to use tobacco products, your oral health and teeth coloration will continue to suffer.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing at least twice every day and flossing before bed are critical for your overall oral health. These practices can also keep your teeth brighter than when you don’t do them.

Other Things that Can Darken Your Teeth

In addition to those common factors, these conditions and situations can also play a role in darkening your teeth:

  • Certain medications
  • Medical conditions (especially nutritional deficits, eating disorders, and metabolic diseases)
  • Aging
  • Genetic factors

Professional Teeth Whitening with the Dentist Athens, TX Neighbors Rely On for Bright Smiles

If you are unhappy with tooth discoloration, you don’t have to be. Schedule an appointment with us here at Athens Smiles and see just how much brighter our teeth whitening services can make your smile after just one visit.

Advantages of Dental Bonding Over Other Options

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When people talk about fixing up their smile, veneers and crowns usually get most of the attention. But there’s another option that doesn’t always make the headlines—dental bonding. It may not sound glamorous, but it can do more heavy lifting than many realize. Chipped tooth? Small gap? A spot that looks darker than the rest? Dental bonding in Athens, TX often steps in quietly and gets the job done.

Why It Looks So Natural

Bonding uses a resin that’s shaded to match the tooth right beside it. Once it’s shaped and polished, the repair just blends in. No sharp color lines, no obvious “patch.” A lot of patients say they forget which tooth was fixed until the dentist reminds them. That seamless appearance is one reason bonding continues to hold its ground against more involved procedures.

Gentle on the Tooth

Here’s another point in bonding’s favor that patient’s often don’t realize—it doesn’t require the tooth to be filed down the way veneers or crowns often do. Most of the time, the dentist leaves the original structure almost entirely intact. That means less time in the chair, less drilling, and more of the natural tooth staying right where it belongs.

Fast Results Without the Wait

Bonding doesn’t need a lab or weeks of waiting for custom work. It can often be completed in a single appointment. For someone who chips a front tooth the night before a big meeting or family event, that speed makes all the difference.

Why It’s Worth Considering

Bonding may not be the flashiest option, but it’s quick, conservative, and natural-looking. For everyday cosmetic fixes, it’s often the treatment that makes the most sense—and that reliability is why your Athens, TX dentist   highly recommends it when the situation warrants.

Anatomy of Your Teeth Made Simple

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When’s the last time you actually thought about what your teeth are made of? Probably not while eating that burger at lunch. Yet every bite, every smile, and every conversation relies on an amazing little structure in your mouth. Learning the anatomy of a tooth will explain a lot. And your dentist in Athens, TX, can help you with that. But until then, let’s go over the basics.

Types of Teeth and Their Jobs

You have 32 adult teeth (28 if you don’t have your wisdom teeth). And each tooth plays a unique role.

  • Incisors – Slice and dice your food like tiny kitchen knives.
  • Canines – Tear into chewy foods.
  • Premolars – Crush and mash.
  • Molars – Grind food down so it’s ready to swallow.

The American Dental Association (ADA) has a handy Oral Home Care Recommendations chart that provides a great daily care routine. You might want to take a quick look. (source)

Layers of a Tooth

Think of your teeth like a jawbreaker candy. It has layers on top of layers.

  • Enamel – The outer shield, and the hardest material in your body.
  • Dentin – A yellowish layer that sends signals to your tooth’s center.
  • Pulp – Home to nerves and blood vessels. This is where pain starts if decay reaches deep enough.
  • Cementum – Anchors your tooth root to your jawbone.

If enamel gets worn away, dentin and pulp are exposed (that’s when problems start). Exposed dentin and pulp could lead to tooth loss. And that’s when you might need to consider a dental implant in Athens, TX.

Structures That Support Your Teeth

Your teeth don’t stand alone. Gums protect roots and bone. Periodontal ligaments act like shock absorbers. And your jawbone keeps everything stable. Damage any of these, and your whole smile will feel the impact.

Why Knowing Tooth Anatomy Matters

Understanding your teeth isn’t just “science stuff.” It helps you recognize warning signs early. Issues such as tooth sensitivity or bleeding gums. Knowing these signs will help you take action before those issues turn into major problems. Not to mention expensive restorations.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Athens, TX?

Your teeth are small, but they do big work. Ready to give them the care they deserve? Please Contact Athens Smiles today to schedule an exam. We want to be your trusted dentist in Athens, TX, and keep every part of your smile healthy for life!

4 Ways to Take Care of Dental Implants

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A missing tooth can lead to many problems including self-consciousness, difficulty chewing, and difficulty talking. Having a dental implant can fix that. Maintaining your dental implant is important. When your dental implant is installed, the dentist in Athens, TX, can give you advice to help you take care of your dental implant. Below, we’ve listed four ways that you can take care of your dental implants.

1. Brush Your Teeth

Hopefully, you already brush your teeth every day. Continue to brush your teeth twice every day after your dental implant is installed. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent your dental implant from becoming scratched. Using abrasive toothpaste can scratch your implant and cause stains to develop.

2. See the Dentist

See your dentist every six months for dental check-ups and exams. Seeing the dentist twice per year can help your dentist identify problems with your dental implant before they become serious. Seeing the dentist can also help you avoid problems like gum disease, which could put your dental implant at risk.

3. Don’t Use Your Teeth to Tear or Cut

Your dental implant should only be used for chewing food, not for tearing or cutting. If you often use your teeth to bite your nails or cut through packaging, now is the time to stop.

4. Don’t Whiten Your Teeth

Dental implants can’t be whitened. Whitening your dental implants will not turn the tooth whiter, and could lead your dental implant to become mismatched with your other teeth.

Do you have questions about dental implants in Athens, TX? Call today to make an appointment.

Why Professional Cleanings are Necessary for Optimal Health

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Even if you brush and floss regularly, you will still need a professional occasionally.

While it is important to focus on your diet, limit your bad habits, and take care of your oral hygiene, professional cleanings ensure that you are progressing correctly in your health.

The talented team at Athens Smiles in Athens, TX, is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including professional dental cleaning services so that you can rest assured that you have a professional in your corner helping you smile wider and brighter.

Why You Need Professional Cleanings

Even with a diligent home care routine, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth and gums.

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria.

Tartar is a hardened plaque that can only be removed by a professional.

  1. Remove Plaque and Tartar: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
  2. Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss and other health problems. Regular cleanings can help prevent and detect gum disease early.
  3. Detect Oral Health Issues: During your cleaning, our dentist will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, and other problems.
  4. Personalized Advice: We can provide you with personalized advice on how to improve your oral health.

Your Trusted Quality Dentist

We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure thorough and gentle cleanings. Our experienced hygienists are committed to providing you with the highest-quality dental care.

We look forward to helping you live a happier and healthier life while reducing your time in the dental chair.

During your next appointment with the skillful team at Athens Smiles in Athens, TX, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and quality that you and your family deserve.

Reasons to See the Dentist ASAP In the New Year

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We’re in the holiday season right now, but soon it will be time for the new year. When this time of year rolls around, it’s important to look forward and think of what we can do to take better care of our teeth.

If you haven’t yet made an appointment for your dental cleaning in Athens, TX in 2024, now is the time to do so. Making your next appointment can help you avoid oral health problems. Below are four reasons why you should make an appointment to see the dentist ASAP in 2024.

Visiting the Dentist Twice Per Year Is Good for Your Oral Health

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for a cleaning and exam twice annually. If you wait too long to make your first appointment, you may not be able to fit in the second appointment, which should happen 6 months after the first. Making the appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible helps ensure that you’ll be able to get both appointments in, and that’s good for your teeth.

Making the Appointment ASAP Prevents You From Forgetting

If you wait too long to make a dental appointment in 2024, you might forget. The sooner you act, the less likely it is that you’ll miss one of your appointments for exam and cleaning in the coming year.

Your Dentist Will Be Able to Clean Your Teeth of Plaque from Holiday Sugar

The holidays are a time when many people eat sugary foods and drink sugary drinks. All that sugar can leave plaque on your teeth, which in turn can lead to cavities and tartar. If you go see the dentist soon after the holiday season is over, you’ll be able to remove that plaque before it becomes a big problem.

Ready to make your appointment with your dentist in Athens, TX? Call Athens Smiles today to get your appointment on the calendar.

5 Proactive Ways to Calm Your Dental Anxiety

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Do you get nervous around the dentist? You’re not alone. Many people get anxious when they think about seeing the dentist in Athens, TX. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to calm your dental anxiety. By engaging in guided imagery, breathing deeply and by working with your dentist, you can calm your dental anxiety.

1. Listen to Podcasts

Listening to podcasts can take your mind off of the dental exam. Load up your phone or portable device with podcasts before your dental appointment begins, so you’ll have back to back programs to listen to while you’re sitting for your dental cleaning.

2. Talk to Your Dentist

Tell your dentist that you have dental anxiety. Your dentist likely has suggestions and strategies for controlling your anxiety while you’re in the dental chair. If nothing else, you can ask your dentist to schedule breaks during the cleaning. You may also want to develop a signal to indicate that you’d like a break – this can make your experience less stressful.

3. Engage In Deep Breathing

Breathe deeply and mindfully throughout the visit. Deep breathing can help calm your heartbeat and bring you back to center, which can make the entire experience less stressful.

4. Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can reduce your discomfort throughout the dental cleaning, making the experience more relaxing. There are many different types of dental sedation. Talk to your dentist to find the right level of sedation for your anxiety.

Before going for your next dental appointment, call your dentist about sedation dentistry in Athens, TX. Make a plan to help calm your dental anxiety. Going to the dentist is important, and it can be a positive experience.