This message from The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ concerns a serious issue, facial injuries. Facial injuries occur far too often. Little Leaguers get hit by inside pitches, construction workers suffer falls and other accidents at the worksite, and motorists sustain injuries in collisions every single day. Accidents at home can also result in serious injury to the face.

Serious facial injuries can affect the victim’s ability to eat, breathe, and speak. Because of the vital physical processes at risk, a person who has suffered a facial injury should receive medical care as soon as possible. Injuries to the mouth are treated by general dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

At The Yuma Dentist, we are dedicated to the use of protective equipment for every type of sport, whether it is a team sport or individual activity. Call us about mouthguard recommendations regarding your (or your child’s) specific sport.

At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ we want all our patients to have healthy teeth and gums. Patients from Foothills, Winter Haven CA, and Somerton come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Yuma Dentist:

928-783-0804

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

The Yuma Dentist – Yuma
1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ 85365

The Yuma Dentist – Fortuna Foothills
11231 E Commercial Centre Loop Ste 105
Yuma, AZ 85367

If you are considering piercing your lip or tongue, this post from The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ is for you.

Please consider the following potential side effects:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Dentists and doctors are continually treating acute infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily damage tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, The Yuma Dentist in Yuma offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some extreme cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Again, our advice is to avoid the dilemma right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers or oral piercings. At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ the oral health of each patient is always our top priority. Patients from Foothills, Winter Haven CA, and Somerton come to our office for complete general and cosmetic dentistry. We also have an office in Fortuna Foothills. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Yuma Dentist:

928-783-0804

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

The Yuma Dentist – Yuma
1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ 85365

The Yuma Dentist – Fortuna Foothills
11231 E Commercial Centre Loop Ste 105
Yuma, AZ 85367

Are floss picks as good as regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ, we recommend traditional floss or tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. But teeth are rounded, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just won’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional, string floss.

By wrapping string floss completely around a tooth, you can clean off plaque far more effectively. We have seen patients who are dutiful floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Flossing, The Right Way

Here is a guide to proper flossing:

• Cut a segment of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
• Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s critical to scrape up and out of the pocket.
• Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. With 18 inches, you should have enough to furnish a clean segment for each tooth.
• Some people find it simpler to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch.

If you don’t usually floss, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding typically stops within a week or two.

At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ, we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. That means daily flossing and brushing, and a checkup in our office every six months. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today!

Contact The Yuma Dentist:

928-783-0804

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ
85365

At The Yuma Dentist, one of the most common complaints we hear from patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions which can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Foothills population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods.

Dr. Mann can prescribe a topical dental paste to relieve pain and guard against infection. Recurring canker sores can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health problem.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Yuma cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At The Yuma Dentist, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ we offer complete general dentistry services, along with restorative dentistry and much more. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Yuma Dentist:

928-783-0804

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ
85365

At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ we are big advocates of good dental health, and really promote regular brushing and flossing. Since we’re a dental practice that should come as no surprise.

Many of our patients bring questions with them to their checkups, like which toothpaste to use or proper tools and techniques. We think that’s great, since we are all about educating our patients. Some of our answers are as easy as 1-2-3.

1 Soft Bristle Toothbrush

We strongly recommend gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. It will clean your teeth and massage your gums. There is never a good reason to use hard or medium bristle toothbrushes.

2 Minutes of Brushing and Flossing

Visualize your mouth in four sections and spend a good 30 seconds in each one. Get the chewing surfaces, the inside surfaces, the outside surfaces and gently brush the gums. Be sure to pay attention to the far side of the back tooth. It’s never visible but can collect food and allow tooth decay to begin.

Take two minutes to floss after brushing in the evening. You’ll remove any debris the toothbrush couldn’t get.

3 Times a Day

Brushing after every meal should remain the goal. This is difficult if you aren’t home for the midday meal. To maintain good dental hygiene, brushing is priority one.

There are as many toothpaste choices out there as you have teeth. Choose the flavor you like best, but be sure it has fluoride and carries the American Dental Association seal.

At The Yuma Dentist in Yuma AZ, the dental health of each of our patients is always our top priority. Services include general and restorative dentistry. We also have an office in Fortuna Foothills. Call for your next checkup today!

Contact The Yuma Dentist:

928-783-0804

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ
85365