Dr. Thomas Walther

Chesterfield Dentist

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Dental Care Myths

November 23, 2016 By responsetm

There are several dental care myths out there, and many people believe them. This could be dangerous for your dental health — so don’t believe everything you hear!

Dental Health Myth: “If my teeth don’t hurt, they’re fine.”

Many dental problems are hard to notice at first and don’t cause any pain until they become more serious. When things like gum disease or a cavity starts, only a dental professional may be able to see the warning signs. However, when these problems progress, discomfort sets in. And the further along it is, the more expensive and serious the treatment will be. Preventing a problem or catching it early is much better than waiting until it’s too late. Visit your dentist regularly so he or she can catch any early warning signs!

Dental Health Myth: “Tooth Decay Is Mainly Caused by Sugar.”

Many people think candy and sugary foods are the only cause of tooth decay. Although sugar plays a role in tooth decay, it isn’t the only thing. Acids from bacteria in your mouth combine with saliva and cause plaque buildup on teeth. This doesn’t only happen when eating sugar; it often happens when your mouth is breaking down carbohydrates!

Dental Health Myth: “Rinse your mouth out with water after brushing.”Don't rinse after you brush!

Rinsing your mouth out with water may seem like it’s leaving your mouth extra clean. But it may actually be reducing the positive effects of your tooth brushing! Toothpaste contains fluoride, which protects teeth from decay, strengthens enamel, and even reduces the amount of cavity-causing acid that bacteria produce. When you rinse your mouth out after brushing, you’re also rinsing away that valuable flouride! Spit toothpaste out when you’re done brushing, but don’t rinse.

Dental Health Myth: “Bleeding gums are normal.”

Although some people may have more sensitive gums than others, bleeding is not normal. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of infection. If your teeth aren’t used to being flossed regularly, they may bleed a bit when you start as you get rid of plaque and your gums adjust. To heal bleeding gums, consistently brush and floss gently twice a day. But if bleeding continues, see a dental professional to check for more serious issues.

If you have questions about your dental health, call 314-469-1950 to make an appointment!

Filed Under: Dentist Blog Tagged With: Chesterfield, dental health, dental health myths, Dentist, missouri, oral health, pain, sensitivity

5 Signs You Need to Make a Dental Appointment

November 14, 2016 By Distinctive Dental Solutions

tooth pain, sensitivity, chesterfield, dentist

We know that the dentist isn’t the first place you’d like to spend your time.  Unfortunately, there area many signs that indicate a visit to the dentist is in your near future.  Here are the top 5 signs you need to schedule a dental appointment in our office:

5 Signs You Need to Make a Dental Appointment

  1.  Pain – Now this one seems pretty self-explanatory.  Pain in a tooth or an area of your mouth usually signifies something going on internally.  In order to prevent your pain from worsening, a thorough exam (and typically an x-ray) is crucial as the first step in relieving your pain.
  2. Sensitivity – Most of us experience mild tooth sensitivity during our daily lives.  Whether you’re digging into your favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor, drinking your morning coffee or biting into your dinner, some level of sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweets or hard foods is normal.  If the sensitivity subsides after the stimulus (food, beverage etc) is removed, this is generally considered a normal response.  If, however, the sensitivity lingers, that could be an indication that something is awry, and a visit to the dentist is in order.
  3. Headaches – I know you’re probably wondering what headaches have to do with your mouth, right?  Well, there is a very important joint that links the two: the TMJ.  As Dr. Walther explains here, dysfunction in the TMJ joint can manifest itself in painful headaches for some patients.  You may also notice popping or clicking in the jaw joint, or grinding your teeth as other symptoms.  This condition is progressive and requires treatment to relieve the symptoms.  Thankfully, we have many patients who have become symptom free by treating this condition with Dr. Walther.  In addition to the TMJ, pain or sensitivity in the teeth can radiate pain that manifests as headaches.
  4. Broken or Chipped Teeth – While it is no secret that a broken or chipped tooth can be seriously unsightly, it is extremely important to visit Dr. Walther promptly after you notice the tooth is broken or chipped.  If left unattended, debris and bacteria can permeate the tooth and cause tooth decay, cavities and significantly more uncomfortable pain or sensitivity.  Repairing the tooth is paramount in preventing any further damage.
  5. Inflamed or Bleeding Gums – Patient experience puffy or bloody gums for lots of reasons.  Some of the major contributors are a home care routine that is lacking, certain conditions such as pregnancy or diabetes, or not keeping your professional cleaning appointments at least every six months.   Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is imperative to your overall health, and periodontal disease has been linked to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you are experiencing any of these dental conditions, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible.  Give us a call today to schedule your appointment at 314-469-1950!

 

Filed Under: Lists Tagged With: Bleeding Gums, broken teeth, Cavities, Chesterfield, chipped teeth, dental care, dental health, Dentist, Dr. Walther, Headaches, periodontics, sensitivity, TMJ, Tooth Decay

Happy Halloween from Your Dentist!

October 31, 2016 By Distinctive Dental Solutions

Happy Halloween Dentist Chesterfield Dr. Walther

Happy Halloween!  We know this holiday is loved by many for its fun or scary costumes, but more importantly, the CANDY!  Now it may seem strange, but we are here to tell you it is totally okay to indulge in the treats today (and maybe tomorrow, then thenext day).   But, use good judgement and enjoy them
in moderation.  Also, make sure to brush and floss very well after indulging in the sugary goodness.  Check out the silly video below about a funny way to trick the kids this Halloween:

                                                                             

 

Here is Dr. Walther’s list of the TOP 3 WORST candies for your teeth this Halloween:

  1. Chewy/Sticky Candies (ex. Taffy, Starburst, Tootsie Rolls) – Sticky and chewy candies are particularly bad for your teeth because of their ability to stick to your teeth and potentially cause tooth decay.  These treats burrow into the grooves of your teeth on the chewing surface and pose a serious threat for cavities.
  2. Sour Candies (ex. Sour Patch Kids) – Sour candies are harmful to your teeth because they are extremely acidic and can wear away the enamel (outer layer) of your teeth quickly, making it much more likely you might experience sensitivity (or even pain) or tooth decay.
  3. Hard Candies (ex. lollipops or Jawbreakers) – Hard candies could potentially damage your teeth because they usually take a long time to consume.  Because of this, the sugar they contain lingers in your mouth for an extended period of time.

Now that you know the facts about your Halloween candy, it’s time to start Trick or Treating!

As always, a good home care oral hygiene routine is so important (each day, but particularly on these sugar filled holidays) to prevent tooth decay and cavities, along with your regular visits with Dr. Walther.

We hope you all have a safe, exciting and SWEET Halloween!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dental Funny Tagged With: Cavities, Chesterfield, Dental Tips, Dentist, Dr. Walther, Funny, halloween, Halloween Candy, Tooth Decay

Distinctive Dental Solutions


42 Four Seasons Shopping Center
Suite 128
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: (314) 469-1950
Fax: (314) 205-8778
Email:thomaswaltherdds@gmail.com



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Distinctive Dental Solutions

42 Four Seasons Shopping Center
Suite 128
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: (314) 469-1950
Fax: (314) 205-8778
Email:thomaswaltherdds@gmail.com

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