Dental Info

Whether you’ve never been thrilled with your smile, or it lacks the luster it once had, dental bonding is a multipurpose cosmetic and restorative dental procedure that can be performed on patients of all ages. Bonding has the capability to fill gaps, correct damage, and refurbish the overall structure and look of your teeth. Gordon Dental Associates wants every patient to feel good about their smile, but if you feel less than confident in yours, we may recommend a simple and affordable treatment called dental bonding. What is the Bonding Procedure? There are two different types of dental bonding: direct composite bonding and adhesive bonding. Adhesive bonding attaches a separate restoration to a tooth, so that type of bonding is used for veneers, crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays . This article will focus on direct composite bonding, which is its own minimally invasive smile makeover procedure—and the one most people think of when they hear the terms “bonding” or “dental bon...

Your jawbone (the mandible) meets your skull bone (the temporal bone) at the temporomandibular joint or TMJ. On a good day, this joint allows your mouth to open and close, to speak and eat or rest. On a bad day, you can develop pain and dysfunction in the TMJ that affects many areas of your life and health. Gordon Dental Associates explains more below about how problems with your TMJ are connected to problems with sleep. TMJ Disorders If you have a recurring problem with your temporomandibular joint, it’s called temporomandibular disorder (or TMD, although TMD and TMJ are often used interchangeably ). The National Institutes of Health estimates that 10 million people have TMD, though the cases are usually mild. TMD frequently includes pain, clicking or popping, and tight, sore facial muscles. TMD can be caused by genetics, arthritis, or jaw injuries. Sometimes it’s hard to diagnose what’s exactly causing the problem because stress and jaw problems can turn into a painful, self-pe...

Accidents are never planned and rarely anticipated, but good dental care is always ready and available 24/7. Like all medical emergencies, dental emergencies require quality care, and fast! Here’s what to do if you think you have a dental emergency on your hands. What is a Dental Emergency? If you are in a lot of pain or have experienced trauma that puts your oral health at risk, you should seek emergency dental treatment immediately. Sports impact, chewing hard food, using teeth as scissors, and infections can all cause a dental emergency. Pain and swelling, discoloration of gums or teeth, or a broken or knocked-out tooth should send you to the dentist immediately. Dental emergencies can lead to complicated health issues if left untreated. What to Do in a Dental Emergency In any dental emergency, call Gordon Dental Associates and make an appointment right away. Even if the office is closed, our dentists are on call and available to help . At the same time, clean and treat you...

A hole in your smile is never a positive thing. It negatively affects physical appearance, eating, speaking, and your overall sense of confidence and well-being. Let Gordon Dental Associates bridge the gap between where you are with your smile and where you want to be! A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth tend to move into the empty space, causing unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems . Dr. Gordon and Dr. Hutson share how each tooth plays an important role in your health and everyday life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth. Types of Bridges Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of dental bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference between each type of bridge is how they are installed and secured. The core of every bridge is the false tooth...

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know that we love to talk about tooth decay. The chances are, everyone has had or will have tooth decay at one point. It is classified by the National Institutes of Health as the most prevalent disease in the world. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the factors involved in causing tooth decay and what you and Gordon Dental Associates can do to protect your smile. The Unique Makeup of Your Teeth Even within your own mouth, teeth vary widely in shape, size, and enamel quality and consistency. Some teeth are harder than others, and some—especially molars—may have deep fissures that can trap bacteria, causing decay. Additional defects in enamel formation can cause yellow or brown areas on your teeth that are more susceptible to caries (tooth decay). The pH Level in Your Mouth Research indicates that acidity in your mouth plays an important role in developing tooth decay . A low pH (an acidic state) allows decay-causing bacteria to thrive....

Ah, nighttime… the end of the day, the ceasing of work, and hopefully a good night’s sleep. But did you know things are still happening in your mouth all night long, even if you’re blissfully unaware of it? The St. Augustine dentists of Gordon Dental Associates sheds some light on the world of your mouth and everything going on inside of it while you catch some zzz’s. Dry Mouth You produce much less saliva overnight than you do during the day—your body’s way of minimizing the risk of choking. This leads to the common occurrence of dry mouth . Dry mouth can be a bit uncomfortable and lead to more cavities and bad breath. It’s perfectly fine and normal to have less saliva at night but to take care of your oral health, it’s important that you brush and floss before going to bed. Saliva usually rinses away the food debris that can stick around and cause plaque and bad breath, so it’s a good idea to head to bed with a blank canvas. Keeping a glass of water by your bed can relieve the ...

A recent, three-part study by Crest® puts numbers to what most of us already knew – white teeth are beautiful and powerful! The study used both qualitative and quantitative measures in multiple settings to determine what effect white teeth can have on a person’s life. In a portion of the study on employment, researchers found that whiter teeth greatly increased a person’s chance of being offered jobs but also of receiving higher pay. In a portion of the study on romance, subjects went on simulated dates and found the dates were more successful after their teeth had been whitened. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a smile psychologist and psychology professor, says, “This study provides some of the first findings that speak to the powerful benefits of having a whiter smile.” Why We Like White Teeth There’s no arguing it, people like white teeth – on themselves and on others. Perhaps this is because white teeth appear healthier and cleaner. Some scientists also guess that having white teeth is a...

Breakfast is always being touted as the most important meal of the day—and for good reason! It’s important for families to kickstart their day with nutrients that will help them power through school, work, socializing, sports, homework… does anyone else feel exhausted just thinking about it all? The right foods in your child’s lunch can help boost their energy and keep those brains, bodies, and mouths going all day! Alternatively, lunches full of sugary, sticky, acidic foods and beverages can accelerate tooth decay and cause your child to feel sluggish both physically and mentally. The St. Augustine dentists of Gordon Dental Associates love to share ideas on what to include in your child’s lunch to keep their smile safe and their health optimal… and perhaps what to leave out and have as an occasional treat for good behavior. But First, Hydration About 65% of a child’s body is made up of water (60% for adult men, 55% for adult women), and it’s important for this balance to be ma...

Acids and bases might sound like something from far back in your memory, like middle-school science class, but the concept is still very applicable to every aspect of life today. The foods and beverages you consume daily have a very big effect on your oral health and overall health, for better or worse. You can protect and support your health by eating the right foods. We know this isn’t news to anyone, but it’s much easier said than done, right? The St. Augustine dentists of Gordon Dental Associates explain below how an alkaline diet can benefit your oral health and overall health. What is an Alkaline Diet? Everything around us is made of chemicals that are either some level of acidic or basic (alkaline). Chemicals are numbered on the pH scale from 0-6 as acidic, 7 as neutral, and 8-14 as alkaline and more people are talking these days about the negative effects of diets high in acidity. A minimally acidic—or alkaline—diet will contain mostly foods with a pH above 7. Research s...

If you’re one of the 40 million Americans with sensitive teeth, you must be familiar with the painful zing that follows a hot drink, a bite of ice cream, or just a deep breath of cold air. These and other elements can cause a sudden discomfort if you have sensitive teeth, also called dentin hypersensitivity. Each of your teeth has an important protected layer called enamel. If your enamel gets worn down, your teeth can become more sensitive over time. Your enamel is the visible, white part of the tooth and it protects the softer, inner layers of each tooth. Receding gums can also reveal sensitive parts of the tooth that aren’t protected by enamel. If you’re living with sensitive teeth, it’s good to know what causes the pain and how to avoid it. You should also talk with your St. Augustine dentists about how to treat sensitive teeth and prevent further damage to your enamel or gums. Causes of Sensitivity Underneath your enamel is a part of the tooth called the dentin. Dentin is ...

What if we told you that gum disease is linked with all sorts of other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, birth defects, and chronic respiratory illness? If that were true—which it is—wouldn’t you want a dentist who doesn’t just look at your mouth, but instead looks at your whole body and health at once? That is the guiding principle behind natural dentistry. Read more below from Gordon Dental Associates to learn about natural dentistry and whether or not it’s right for you. What is Natural Dentistry? All dentists are aware of the oral-systemic link (a fancy way of saying how your oral health relates to your overall health), but different dentists and dental offices can be more or less committed to dental practices that consider your whole body. The goal of natural dentistry is to work holistically with your body’s natural functions of everyday life and healing. Natural dentistry is also called holistic dentistry or biocompatible dentistry. This means that ...

The root word “ortho” means “straight or upright.” Orthodontics— you guessed it – help make your teeth straight. But oh, how it can do so much more! A lovely smile with straight teeth and an even bite is equal parts functional and beautiful – and thanks to scientific progress, all that can be yours. Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on how the bones and teeth of your mouth are placed and fit together. St. Augustine dentists Dr. Jeremy Gordon and Dr. Sarah Hutson are professional providers of orthodontic treatments. Read more for our general overview of orthodontics and what teeth straightening can do for you. How Does Orthodontics Work? Orthodontics moves the placement of your teeth slowly over time. Appliances (fixed or removable pieces in your mouth) add a tiny bit of pressure to help your mouth and teeth achieve the perfect shape and alignment. Your mouth is an incredible machine with many parts that work (or should work) in harmony to let you eat, speak, and ...

What is the Oral-Systemic Link? You’ve always heard that it’s important to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss every day, and see the dentist for good oral health. But did you know that your oral health could directly affect your overall health? And the road goes both ways—problems with your overall health show signs in your mouth, too. Did you know that gum disease increases your risk of heart attack by 50%? Did you know that plaque buildup in your mouth can be an indicator of and contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries? These mouth-body connections are called the “ oral-systemic link ”. Your St. Augustine dentists Dr. Jeremy Gordon and Dr. Sarah Hutson explain the important ways your body systems work together for better or worse. Gum Disease Infection in your gums can significantly increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low birth weight babies, bacterial pneumonia and more. In fact, gum disease is directly linked to at least 52 other sy...

Biofilm is quite literally a “film” or layer of biological matter that forms on teeth, in sink pipes, on river rocks, and more. Biofilm is made of many different things. Think of it as concrete, which contains cement as well as a slew of other materials. It’s likely you’ve been aware of biofilm on your teeth when they feel slimy or fuzzy instead of smooth and clean. St. Augustine dentists Dr. Jeremy Gordon and Dr. Sarah Hutson of Gordon Dental Associates explain more below about biofilm and the role it plays in your oral wellness. My Teeth Aren’t Cold, Why Do They Need Sweaters? It’s true; the texture of biofilm can feel like fuzzy little sweaters on your teeth. Biofilm occurs when bacteria stick to a wet environment, creating a slimy layer of microorganisms and random debris. Biofilm is a diverse and highly organized group of biological matter all webbed together. Some of the microorganisms are neutral but some are pathogenic and cause a lot of problems for your oral and overall...

If your teeth or jaw don’t line up well with each other, you may have crossbite . St. Augustine dentists Dr. Jeremy Gordon and Dr.  Sarah Hutson explain of Gordon Dental Associates explain more about this condition, its effects and what you can do to treat it below. A Good Bite In a perfect world, your teeth would all be straight, and your upper jaw would rest nicely on top of and just a little in front of your bottom jaw. Of course, this frequently isn’t the case. Sometimes teeth are crooked or twisted and sometimes your top jaw rests awkwardly on your bottom jaw. How your teeth and jaw line up together is called your “bite.” When we talk about this alignment, the medical term is “occlusion.” If you have a problem with your bite or alignment, it’s called “malocclusion.” Crossbite is a condition of malocclusion. A Bad Bite It’s estimated that one in five people have some kind of malocclusion. Under the category of malocclusion, you can have: Underbite – when your lower ja...

A trip to the dentist should be a pleasant experience. That’s what we want for our kids: happy associations with that twice-annual visit to Gordon Dental Associates . Nothing ruins the good feeling at a dental visit faster than the dreaded words, “I found a cavity.” A cavity in a baby tooth is bad news, but not the end of the world. A cavity in a newly erupted permanent tooth is more cause for concern. So what is a cavity? How do they form? And, what can we do to keep them from ever getting started? What is a Cavity? Simply, a cavity, also known as dental caries, is a hole in the tooth enamel. A tooth has an outer layer of hard enamel surrounding an inner layer of dentin, which covers the tooth pulp, which contains blood vessels and a nerve. A cavity forms when the enamel is weakened then fails and no longer covers the dentin. A small cavity can usually be drilled to remove any decayed portion and stop further decay, then filled with strong material, like resin, to re-strengthen t...

Gingivitis, very simply, is an inflammation of your gums. (Any time a medical term ends with “itis” it means inflammation.) Gingivitis varies in severity and can look a few different ways. Very bad gingivitis leads to periodontal (gum) disease . Gingivitis is common and affects many, rather, most adults. But with good oral hygiene and the care of your St. Augustine dentists , you should be able to avoid any major problems and even prevent gingivitis before it begins! Gordon Dental Associates shares some information below about what causes gingivitis, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if it happens to you! Causes of Gingivitis Plaque forms on your teeth and near your gums after you eat and drink. Regular brushing and flossing cleans your teeth and removes this plaque. But if you go too long without brushing and flossing, or you don’t do it well enough, the plaque can build up and harden in your mouth. At this point, the plaque becomes tartar that can only be removed by a dent...

Diabetes is a chronic and complicated disease that affects how your body processes sugar—its main source of energy. Diabetes symptoms mostly affect your heart, eyes, nerves, and kidneys, but it can affect your whole body, including your mouth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) , more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and almost 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Managing your blood sugar is very important if you have diabetes and will help keep symptoms at bay. Taking good care of your oral wellness is actually one key to managing blood sugar. Diabetes & Your Mouth Diabetes can show itself in your mouth by causing: Gum disease : This condition is surprisingly common among most adults and has an even stronger correlation with diabetes, but it can and should be treated. Dry mouth : Diabetes tends to cause a decrease in saliva, which can be uncomfortable and cause bad breath. Decreased ability to taste : Diabetes can make it difficult to full...