Our Las Cruces dental office is pleased to offer a full range of dental care services and dental treatments. Our dental services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, laser, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay. “Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings. “This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.” Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment. “Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com
If you have become frustrated with adhesives to eliminate denture movement while eating or speaking, we have an alternative that will put a smile on your face. Overdentures will lock your dentures into place with just a few dental implants. They are removable and easily snap off for proper cleaning. Come in and let us determine if overdentures are the right option for you!
The silver-mercury amalgam has been used by dental practices for dozens of years. They are a reasonable restoration, but metal does not bond tightly to teeth. Eventually, the filling will loosen and allow decay to set in. Also, many people are unhappy with the appearance of a dark filling in light teeth.
We use only composite resin fillings that bond very tightly to teeth. They are made to match the shade of the tooth they fill, and are unnoticeable when laughing or speaking. They actually add strength to the teeth while minimizing the chances of decay setting in. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Bridget Burris, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation. In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.” Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer. Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly. To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
A Very Effective Preventive Treatment for Children and Adolescents
Any amount of decay, even the smallest cavity, will require a restoration. Is there a treatment that can help in the prevention of cavities? Yes! Dental sealants have been proven to be very effective in the fight against cavities. It is one quick and easy application to the back teeth that will help to preserve children's and adolescents' adult teeth for a lifetime.
The whole procedure takes just minutes! After the teeth are cleaned, one thin coating of a clear sealant is applied to the exposed surfaces. The dentist uses a curing light to bond the application to teeth. And that is all there is to it. No shots, drilling, or tooth removal are necessary. We highly recommend this treatment to reduce the occurrence of cavities. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start. Toothbrush Tips Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method. Sports and Dental Injuries Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it. To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons- brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.
You may have been told you are not a candidate for dental implants because of insufficient bone density. If you would like to take care of your denture problems of slipping and tilting, you will be pleased to learn of mini implants. They will secure your dentures as well as regular implants, can be placed in just one visit, and the procedure is painless! Even more amazing, you can eat whatever you like the same day. Give us a call today to add to your quality of life by relieving these problems with your dentures. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make. Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health. To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com
A New Smile in Two Visits Don't think your dental problems are beyond the scope of correction. You will be glad to know that we can alter the appearance of misshapen or gapped teeth, and even deeply discolored teeth, with porcelain veneers. They can produce the straight and even smile you desire in just a matter of two dental visits.
If you have chipped or cracked or worn-down teeth, veneers can be bonded to the tooth structure to hide the damage and give you a fresh look. Our veneers are very thin, yet durable dental ceramic. They are made to match the shade of your other teeth for a totally natural look. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Wine tasters may be at high risk for enamel stain and erosion. Why? Sipping wine many times a day -- and swishing it in the mouth -- increases the enamel's exposure to damaging acids. That is why it's better to drink a glass of wine, soda, or sweet tea with a meal instead of sipping it over several hours.
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?
Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.
Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?" More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss. American Academy of Periodontology
She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!" To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org
Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser. A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth. If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space. Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel. The above article is from: OralB.com Bridget Burris, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining. Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health Bridget Burris, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.
Multitasking while you brush Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.
Overcleaning your toothbrush Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.
Using social media as your dentist The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com Bridget Burris, DDSJared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Having your teeth cleaned by our professional hygienists will remove any lingering bacteria and plaque that lead to decay and gum disease. Often, areas in the back teeth are missed with everyday brushing, allowing harmful problems to set in. Decay and tooth loss are only two of the problems that can result from build-up of bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Medical research has shown a link between untreated gum disease and the development or worsening of diabetes, heart conditions, and stroke. A quick visit to our office for the cleanest your teeth can be will help you stay healthy. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.
It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.
And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.
To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com
Having your bite in correct alignment can relieve headaches, painful jaw joints, shoulder pain, and neck pain. There are various reasons for a malocclusion (improper bite). Teeth may have ground down, or injury or disease may have occurred. When your jaw does not move or rest in the position nature intended, stress and tension is put on the joint and muscles. This causes the pain that you may have become accustomed to living with. But we have techniques to restore your bite to its proper position that will relieve most or all of the discomfort you experience. Come into our office to let us discuss what we can do for you. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
It's important to know that most teeth are lost due to gum disease – not trauma or decay. This condition will often have no symptoms until the problem is severe. Early signs of infection include bleeding gums from flossing or brushing and loose teeth. If treated in the early stages, nonsurgical methods will halt the problem; otherwise, surgery may be the only option if you wait too long for treatment. Both types of treatment are generally covered by most insurance plans. Bridget Burris, DDS Jared S. Wallis, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
What is Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth. Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65. When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed. Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com Bridget Burris, DDS 1748 South Triviz Drive Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575) 522-1983 LasCrucesDentist.com
Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall.
"Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD.
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.
