Did you brush your teeth this morning?
Do you plan on scrubbing those chompers tonight?
A regular dentist appointment isn’t always the most appealing task, but the results of these visits depend entirely on how you go about brushing and flossing your teeth.
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Island Coast Dentistry Blog | Naples, FL Dentist
How to Maximize Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth
February 10, 2016
What Causes Tooth Decay?
January 31, 2016
Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss. Visiting a dentist is the best way to prevent tooth decay.
Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.
Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.
Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.
Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin. It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root.
Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection. Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.
Simple Preventative Measures
The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.
A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body’s production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.
In some cases, visiting a Naples Cosmetic Dentist can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.
How To Get The Most From Your Dental Visits
January 24, 2016
For a lot of people, going to the dentist is something that they don’t like to do. But the good news is that there are things that you can do to make sure that when you are at the dentist that you are getting the most out of you appointment. Here are four things that you can do to make your next dental appointment at Island Coast Dentistry the best ever! (more…)
How to Straighten Your Teeth Without Braces
January 15, 2016
When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have a lot of different options besides metal braces.
Despite your best efforts, whether it’s sports related, decay, missing teeth, genetics, or age your teeth can move out of alignment.
Thankfully, many of these misalignments can be treated by individually addressing them, or by using clear aligners like Invisalign. (more…)
What Causes Tartar and Plaque Build Up?
January 4, 2016
Are you wondering what tartar is? Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup.
Plaque
Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. The buildup of plaque can trap stains on the teeth, and it is also the primary factor in gum problems. Fighting plaque buildup on teeth is a life-long part of good oral care.
Plaque begins forming on teeth 4 to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush at least twice a day and floss daily as a part of oral care.
Tartar
Tartar buildup on teeth, also called calculus, causes teeth discoloration and stains on your teeth. Calcium and phosphate bind to form crystals on the teeth. These calcium phosphate crystals eventually harden within plaque buildup on teeth, forming calculus.
Certain types of chemicals called pyrophosphates help to decrease calculus build-up by stopping the growth of crystals on the tooth surface and preventing new crystals of tartar from forming. For many of us, these deposits build up faster as we age.
Tartar buildup on teeth creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Its formation may also make it more difficult to remove new plaque bacteria, thus potentially creating problems further down the road.
Understanding Calculus
Calcium and phosphate bind to form crystals on the teeth. These calcium phosphate crystals eventually harden within plaque, forming calculus, i.e. tartar buildup on teeth. Certain types of chemicals called pyrophosphates help to decrease calculus buildup by stopping the growth of crystals on the tooth surface and preventing new crystals from forming.
Dental Hygiene for Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque and tartar do not affect everyone in the same way; individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility and resistance. There are, however, several ways in which you can alter your dental hygiene practices to help protect your teeth from the build-up of plaque and tartar.
- Having your teeth cleaned professionally in the process of plaque and tartar removal every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
- Brushing teeth with a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate, which adheres to the tooth surface and inhibits the formation or growth of calculus crystals.
- Brushing with a Sonicare toothbrush can help agitate and prevent the tartar from adhering to the surface of your teeth.
Conclusion
Brushing teeth, although necessary as a part of dental hygiene, is not enough. Make sure to floss your teeth every day in order to get those hard-to-reach places between teeth to help prevent the build-up of plaque.
We know you have many choices when choosing a dentist. Island Coast Dentistry works with patients who live in the finest Florida neighborhoods and cities in Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Port Royal and Estero.
10 Healthy Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth Correctly
January 1, 2016
Common Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth
December 27, 2015
Do you want to know the secret to a whiter smile? The biggest contributors to teeth discoloration come in the form of intensely colored foods and drinks.
The same dyes found in nature and used in processed foods changes the coloring of the enamel on your teeth by exposing your teeth to dyes.
Whiten Your Smile
The best way to whiten your smile is with good daily oral hygiene routines. Twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and professional teeth whitening procedures can help you maintain a bright smile.
But you can make the effects of teeth bleaching whitening treatments last longer by carefully monitoring your food choices and behaviors. Here are 10 everyday foods and habits that can discolor your teeth.
3 Bad Habits that Stain Your Teeth
Many preventable and avoidable bad habits can cause discoloration to your teeth. Do your best to eliminate exposure to these unhealthy products.
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Neglecting oral hygiene
Beverages and Foods that Stain Teeth
If a food or beverage stains a white tablecloth, it could potentially stain your teeth. The presence of pigments called chromogens is responsible. Foods containing tannins enhance the stain-producing abilities of chromogens, and foods with high acid content contribute by weakening enamel and making it more vulnerable.
1. Red Wine
Red wine contains acid, chromogens, and tannins, and it is notorious for staining teeth. White wine, although it is not a colored liquid, also promotes staining.
2. Sugary Treats
Hard candies, popsicles, and gum often contain strong pigments that cause stains.
3. Sports Drinks
Acidic sports drinks soften tooth enamel, and promote staining caused by other foods.
4. Sauces
Deeply colored sauces such as tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and curry sauce have tooth-staining potential.
5. Fruit
Brightly colored berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries easily stain teeth.
6. Soda, Cola and Pop
Cola drinks contain acid and chromogens. Light-colored carbonated drinks also promote stains because of their acidity.
7. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in tannins, and it is considered to cause staining even more aggressively than coffee. Herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain teeth.
4 Tips for Avoiding Teeth Stains
Many stain-causing foods offer great health benefits, so you don’t want to avoid them entirely. Moderation is key to limiting tooth discoloration due to foods and beverages. Here are a few tips to help you protect your teeth while enjoying healthy foods that can leave stains.
- Swallow the food or liquid as quickly as possible; don’t let it linger inside your mouth.
- Drink through a straw to minimize contact with tooth-staining beverages.
- Swish your mouth with water after consuming foods that stain teeth.
- Chew sugarless gum after eating or drinking.
Improve Your Smile in Naples
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental services and techniques to provide the very best results for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with cosmetic dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile.
Contact our dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.
Island Coast Dentistry Celebrates 5 Years in Naples!
November 12, 2015
Happy five year anniversary!
Five years ago, this month, we opened the doors to our new state-of-the-art dental practice, serving our patients with the highest quality dental care in Naples Florida.
But where does the time go? So much has happened in the last five years at Island Coast Dentistry that to write about it all would be too much to read. But a big event was the birth of Luca Skupny (pictured above) to Dr. Skupny and his wife Melissa in May of 2015.
First and foremost we are thankful to our loyal patients, our staff and online team for making our practice what it is today.
We are so proud of what we’ve done here at Island Coast Dentistry and as always, thank you to everyone that has helped make this little dream of ours a reality.
Again, thank you for choosing Island Coast Dentistry for your oral health needs and for being a part of our success! Here’s to 20 more years – and beyond!
Two Important Reasons to Visit Your Dentist Regularly
October 10, 2015
You might not realize it but regular dental checkups are not only critical for your oral health, but also for early detection and prevention of chronic health issues like gum disease and oral cancer.
During your annual checkup, Dr. Skupny will take x-rays and examine your teeth and gums for signs of deterioration or infection. Also our oral hygienists will conduct teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments to maintain and improve your oral health.
1. Preventative Care
Island Coast Dentistry, focuses on preventative care, ensuring that your smile stays healthy and looking its best. While personal hygiene like brushing and flossing is important to healthy teeth, a professional tooth cleaning is much more thorough and gets rid of plaque buildup. Island Coast Dentistry recommends a dental cleaning and a checkup every six months.
When deciding whether or not to schedule your biannual visit with Island Coast Dentistry, keep in mind that it is much easier to prevent health problems than to repair them. Poor oral hygiene can lead to several issues such as bone loss, gum disease, and infections. Island Coast Dentistry can help prevent oral hygiene problems with fluoride treatments, teeth cleanings, tooth decay prevention, and early detection of oral diseases.
2. Dental Health
During a checkup with Dr. Skupny he looks for signs of oral health problems such as gum disease or oral cancer. The early detection of gum disease is important since it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and it can lead to even greater health problems like heart disease and stroke. However, when caught early, gum disease can be reversed. Regular visits to Island Coast Dentistry can maintain both your oral health and overall health.
In addition to cleanings and checkups, Island Coast Dentistry also offers other dental services such as the following:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Invisalign Clear Braces
- Crowns and Bridges
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
General and Cosmetic Dentist in Naples
Naples, Florida dentist Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental procedures and techniques to provide the very best result for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile. Contact our dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located near Bonita Springs and Marco Island in Naples, Florida.
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How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
August 31, 2015
Single-tooth implant procedures can be used in people who are missing one or more teeth. An implant is surgically placed in an opening that your dentist makes in the jawbone. After the implant integrates (attaches) to your bone, it acts as a new “root” for the crown that will replace your missing tooth.
A crown (cap), which is made to look like a natural tooth, is attached to the implant and fills the space left in the mouth by the missing tooth.
For this procedure to work, there must be enough bone in the jaw. The bone has to be strong enough to hold and support the implant. If there is not enough bone, it may need to be added with a procedure called bone augmentation or bone grafting. In addition, natural teeth and supporting tissues near where the implant will be placed must be in good health.
How Do Implants Work?
An implant-restored tooth consists of several parts.
- The implant, which is made of titanium, is placed in the upper or lower jawbone.
- The abutment can be made of titanium, gold or porcelain. It is attached to the implant with a screw. This part connects the implant to the crown. It is shaped like a natural tooth that has been cut down to receive a crown.
- The restoration (the part that looks like a tooth) is a crown. It usually is made of porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM). It also can be all metal or all porcelain. The crown is screwed or cemented onto the abutment. If the crown is screwed to the abutment, the screw hole will be covered with restorative material such as tooth-colored filling material (composite).
The Implant Process
The time frame for completing the implant and crown depends on many factors. When the traditional method of placing an implant is used, the shortest time frame for a complete implant is about five months in the lower jaw and six months in the upper jaw. This includes surgeries and placing the permanent crown. However, the process can last a year or more, particularly if bone needs to be built up first.
In another technique, implants and healing caps are placed at the same time. If the dentist is using mini implants, he or she will place them as well as the crown, bridge or denture at the same visit.
In the traditional method, two procedures are required, with three to six months between them. During the first procedure, a small incision is made in the gum where the implant will be placed. A hole is drilled in the bone, the implant is placed into the hole in the bone, and the incision is stitched closed.
At the end of the healing period, a second procedure takes place. It involves making a new incision to expose the implant. A collar, called a healing cap, is screwed onto the top of the implant. It helps the surrounding gum tissue to heal. After a few weeks, the healing cap is removed. The abutment is screwed into the implant and used to support the crown.
A one-stage procedure is now used sometimes for implants. In this procedure, your dentist can place the implants, abutments and a temporary crown or bridge all in one visit.
Initial Consultation
Before any work is done, you will visit either a specialist called a prosthodontist or a general dentist who has had advanced training in the placement and restoration of implants.
Your dentist will do a comprehensive examination. During the exam, he or she will review your medical and dental history, take X-rays, and create impressions of your teeth and gums so that models can be made. In some cases, the dentist also may order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your mouth. This scan will help your dentist determine how much jawbone is available to hold the implants in place. It also will show the location of structures such as nerves and sinuses (located above your upper teeth) so they can be avoided during surgery.
If the X-rays show that your jaw does not have enough bone to hold an implant, the dentist can discuss options for building up the bone. These may include bone grafting or bone distraction. Grafting involves taking bone from another source and adding it to your jaw. A graft could be your own bone, from your mouth, chin or hip.
Processed cadaver, cow or pig bone also can be used. Another option is a synthetic material such as hydroxyapatite or calcium phosphate. Bone distraction is a surgical procedure at the site where more bone is needed. It causes the body to grow more bone by slowly pulling apart the existing bone using pins and screws.
If you need one of these procedures, it will take about 4 to 12 months for the bone to be ready for the implant.
What Can You Expect From Your Implant?
Single-tooth implants will work and look like your natural teeth. However, for some patients, it will be difficult to make the implant look exactly like your natural teeth. In some cases, your implant will not be placed straight, but will be inserted on an angle in the bone because of the amount of bone that you have and the amount of bone that is needed to place the implant properly.
A crown can be made wider to close a space. Studies so far have shown that these implants can last as long as 25 years.
Upgrade Your Smile in Naples
Dentist Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental services and techniques to provide the very best result for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile. Contact our Naples dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.