Invisalign Invisible Braces: A New Option!

You can tell a lot about a person from their smile; so what does your smile say about you? As perhaps one of the most basic ways of expressing one’s self, a person’s smile, is a central part of one’s personal identity and often something people take pride in. Unfortunately, if there are irregularities or blemishes in a person’s smile, it can also be a source of embarrassment and anxiety and may even affect their self-esteem.

While traditional dental braces have become something of a hallmark among American teenagers to correct misaligned teeth, for adults looking to correct this issue, metal braces may not seem like the ideal solution. However, with the emergence of Invisalign technology, folks in both the U.S. and abroad now have an alternative option in improving the quality of their smile.

Invisalign Invisible Braces: “Invisa what?!”

As arguably the most popular and sought-after treatment in the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the term Invisalign has quickly become synonymous with cosmetic dentistry, often serving as the poster child representing cosmetic dentistry as a whole. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that since its inception, the technology for Invisalign invisible braces has received critical acclaim among both practitioners and patients alike, and only continues to receive praise as time goes on!

What is Invisalign?? And How does it work??

As an alternative to the standard dental braces, Invisalign is a transparent custom-fitted aligner that is designed to straighten and ultimately realign your teeth. The purpose of the Invisalign invisible braces device is not only to improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, but also to correct any jaw alignment issues or irregularities, including: underbite, overbite, crossbite, ect. The Invisalign aligners are temporary, interchangeable aligners that are to be changed every two weeks over a period of generally six to eighteen months or more, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign invisible braces are easily removable aligners and require patients to make relatively few lifestyle changes. Although highly effective, standard metal braces prohibit patients from enjoying certain foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, or chewy, as the food partials may damage or get stuck in the wires or metal brackets.

Invisalign Requirements/Limitations

To receive these coveted custom aligners, your dentist must determine whether you meet the proper candidacy requirements as Invisalign invisible braces have certain restrictions that conventional braces do not. Although Invisalign can assist with realigning a patient’s jaw, in some cases the jaw is simply too misaligned for the aligners themselves to fix, thereby making braces the only option. Another aspect of Invisalign that you might wan to consider is that while easy to remove, there have been instances of aligners getting lost in the past. Due in part to their transparent appearance and small size, aligners may be easy to misplace and ultimately lose, thus delaying progress as well as wasting time and resources.

Related Article: Invisalign Dentist in Overland Park

What’s in a smile?

There is a lot that you can tell about a person from their smile, so what does your smile say about you? If your smile isn’t saying what you want it to, or is causing you embarrassment, then perhaps Invisalign invisible braces is the answer for you! If you have any questions about Invisalign or are interested in trying it for yourself, please contact us at Overland Park Dentistry to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry options for you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.

Is tooth sensitivity making it difficult to enjoy the holidays?

December 4, 2018Dental Health Tipssensitive teeth, tooth sensitivityDr. Charles R. Kimes

Tooth Sensitivity: ‘Tis the Season!

As the holiday season approaches and a sweet sense of nostalgia hangs high in the air, fond memories and familiar sights, sounds, and of course, tastes are likely to come to mind! For many people, it’s the latter aspect of these that evokes the most memories. As great food is often a favorite part of the holiday season as few things can spread joy of the holidays like great food!

Unfortunately, there are some things that can undoubtedly hinder your holiday festivities, and tooth sensitivity is certainly one of them! Teeth that are easily irritated or overly sensitive to foods or beverages can be a very frustrating problem indeed, and while it may seem as little more than a minor nuisance at first, if this issue continues to persist for an extended period, it may began affect one’s life in a most unpleasant way!

Tooth Sensitivity: That’s gotta hurt!

While it often varies from person to person, it usually starts with a slight tingle when consuming certain foods or drinks, and gradually progresses to a sharp biting pain over time. While that might not sound so bad at first, those suffering from tooth sensitivity often find themselves going to great lengths to avoid the foods that trigger this sensation and are likely to give up things that they once enjoyed.

Things likely to trigger sensitive teeth may include foods that are extremely sweet or sour, as well foods or drinks that are particularly cold or hot as changes in temperature are often the most frequent source of pain according to sufferers. The reason for this pain generally stems from the tooth’s outer layer enamel becoming increasingly depleted and worn, thus leading the nerves and roots of the tooth to become (at least partly) exposed to the elements. The source of the pain might be easy to determine.

Unfortunately, the cause may not be as easy to determine; as there are multiple potential causes for the loss of your tooth’s enamel.

Tooth Sensitivity: The Causes

Highly Acidic Foods:
Foods or beverages with a high pH level, (or highly acidic contents) will always be a danger to your tooth’s enamel if consumed too frequently. While this obviously includes sports drinks, soft drinks, and sour candy. Certain fruits such as lemons, kiwi, oranges, or grapefruit are all very acidic and should be consumed in moderation also.
Brushing Too Hard:
While it’s important to really brush your teeth effectively, sometimes it can be easy to overdo it. Brushing with a little too much gusto or pressing too hard can sometimes actually put excess wear and tear on your tooth’s outer layers. While certainly a lighter touch may be key in alleviating this issue, a new toothbrush with softer bristles would be a good idea too. Such extra soft brushes can be found at most local convince stores or in our offices as well!
Mouthwash Overuse:
Much like over brushing, the over application of mouthwash can in fact be more harmful for your teeth than expected, due to alcohol and other chemicals within the solution. To avoid this, try brushing and flossing more thoroughly, or perhaps consider using a natural fluoride rinse instead.
Gum Disease:
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a slow progressing, but potentially serious condition that if left untreated could trigger many additional issues including sensitive teeth. Such telltale signs of gum disease may include; receding gums, bleeding gums, or noticeable discoloration of both gums and teeth. However, if you are unsure, scheduling a dental checkup is probably a good idea.
Recent Dental Treatment:
If you have had any recent dental procedures such as extractions or crowns (or others), it’s common to experience a degree of sensitivity for a small period of time. However, if the tenderness does not subside, a follow up appointment might be in order as this may indicate an infection.
Damage/Decay:
If your tooth has any sustained any cracks or chips or has simply developed a certain amount of decay over time, your teeth are likely to become susceptible to pain or discomfort. This discomfort will only increase if left untreated. If you believe this to be the case, then assessing the damage now is your best option, as it will only get worse if you don’t!

Overland Park Dentistry: We Can Help!

In what’s sometimes referred to as “The most wonderful time of the year” the holiday season can be a great time to enjoy some of your favorite foods with those you love. However, if increased tooth sensitivity gets in your way, you may find yourself feeling pain instead of the holiday spirit! At Overland Park Dentistry we have all the knowledge and resources necessary to assess this issue and get you back to celebrating the holidays with lots of cheer!

Don’t wait, make your appointment today!

Say ‘Cheese’ with Cosmetic Dentistry Options!

November 27, 2018Cosmetic Dentistry, Uncategorizedoverland park dentist, porcelain veneers, teeth whiteningDr. Charles R. Kimes

In an age of social media, iPhones, tablets, and of course selfies galore, certainly you always want to look your best! While this can be achieved through dressing nicely and always being mindful of the latest fashion trends, if your smile fails to meet your expectations, then life in an era of selfies may prove to be a bit challenging. While unfortunately this is the case of some people, such a situation does not have to persist any longer than necessary. As with social media and other new technology, modern cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years and only continues to get better!

Are Cosmetic Dentistry Options for You?

Through a quick Google search of the term “cosmetic dentistry options” you will undoubtedly receive various definitions and results. Indeed, cosmetic dentistry options is something of an umbrella term that generally refers to image-based dental procedures, ultimately seeking to improve the appearance of one’s smile. To put it simply; cosmetic dentistry is like getting a makeover for your smile in order to restore it to its former glory. However, this “smile makeover” is not strictly for appearance purposes, as it also servers to improve your overall oral health and keep your teeth both beautiful and strong.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options and Procedures

Listed below are several procedures that fall under the cosmetic dentistry category, all of which are offered at Overland Park Dentistry and can be made available to you upon your request!

Invisalign:

As a cutting-edge innovation within the field of dentistry, Invisalign is now one of the most sought-after procedures within the industry today! Invisalign aligners are transparent, easily removable, custom-fitted dental aligners that are designed to realign and straighten your teeth and are minimally invasive. The Invisalign procedure requires approximately 6-18 months to complete and offers a much less invasive approach than traditional braces.

Related Article: Invisalign Dentist in Overland Park

Bonding:

Dental bonding is an easy and relatively inexpensive procedure in which a plastic composite resin is applied to a damaged or decayed tooth, ultimately to repair and restore the tooth to its former self. While bonding is generally used to repair chips and cracks in teeth, it can also be done to fill in troublesome gaps and close spaces between teeth.

Teeth Whitening:

As its name implies, tooth whitening is a simple procedure in which the shade of ones’ teeth is exponentially brightened, creating a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The purpose of tooth whiting is to reduce any stains, blemishes, or signs of ageing. While basic dental whitening kits have been sold at convenience stores for years, these generic kits have been known to irritate users’ gums and sometimes cause a great deal of discomfort. Therefore, if you desire a brighter, healthier looking smile, its always best to have your teeth professionally whitened!

Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers:

While terms such as porcelain veneers or Lumineers might still be unfamiliar to some, dental veneers have slowly become one of the most sought after and universally praised cosmetic dentistry options for restoring smiles. Appearing as a clear, shell-like device, veneers may not look like much. However, once fitted over your upper and lower rows of teeth, the veneers act as something of a rain jacket, effectively shielding your teeth from any hazardous elements they may encounter. In addition to the widely popular porcelain veneers, dental Lumineers have also recently been made available! Serving as something of a streamlined-upgrade from veneers, lumineers provide the same protection for teeth while eliminating the need for removing the tooth’s enamel or reshaping them.

Related Article: Porcelain Veneers: A hot new arrival

Dr. Kimes: Your Overland Park Cosmetic Dentist!

Born and raised in the greater Overland Park area, it was only natural that upon graduating from dental school at UMKC, that Dr. Kimes opened his practice in Overland Park, a community he knows and loves. Now with thirty plus years of experience and expertise to offer his patients, Dr. Charles Kimes is also a world class dentist with the ability to provide multiple dental services to those in need. While certainly preventative and restorative dentistry is very very important, cosmetic dentistry might just be his favorite!

“My favorite part of what I do is making patients smile” he said. “I’ve had so many people come into my office that have been unhappy with the appearance of their smile or ashamed and embarrassed by how their teeth look, and I love how happy it makes them when we fix that. It’s truly the best feeling in the world!”

Indeed, making people happy is perhaps what cosmetic dentistry is all truly about and there’s no better way to express ones’ happiness than by smiling. So, remember in a world where pictures are constantly being taken (and are always a click away from being uploaded for all to see) don’t let a simple stain or gap between your teeth keep you from smiling! Come see us at Overland Park Dentistry and keep on smiling!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry options for you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.

Dental Insurance Benefits: Use ‘Em OR Lose ‘Em

November 13, 2018Dental Health Tipsdental insurance benefitsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Dental Insurance Benefits: The clock is ticking!

As December grows closer and the year slowly begins to draw to a close, there is certainly much to do and many things to think about, but have you thought about a dental check-up? Sure, it may seem like a small minute detail, but unfortunately it could be a costly one as dental insurance benefits do NOT carry over from one year to the next!

That’s right, at the beginning of every year your insurance benefits automatically reset to their defaults, thus any and all unused benefits are ultimately lost! This is an unfortunate and often regretful situation that many patients have found themselves in, and at Overland Park Dentistry we always hate to see this sort of thing happen. So, remember if you still have any unused benefits please use them before it’s too late!

Basic checkups

As a general rule, the majority of dental practitioners require a minimum of two routine check-ups per year with an approximate six-month gap between each appointment. Fortunately, most insurance providers have plans to provide coverage for exactly this, two yearly appointments. Overland Park Dentistry accepts the coverage plans of many of the most well known and commonly used providers. Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Guardian, Humana, MetLife and United Healthcare are all among our accepted providers, and we can provide all necessary forms and paperwork for you upon your next scheduled visit. Of course, if you have additional questions or concerns about this, our front desk would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible!

Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Advanced Procedures

If you have sustained any kind of damage or decay, and require more advanced treatment, the latter months of the year are perhaps the best time to receive this. (Especially if you have yet to use all your benefits.) While obviously repairing broken or damaged teeth varies greatly on the severity of the damage and necessary procedure required to treat it, (such as bonding, crowns, implants, or others) the more advanced dental procedures can require an extensive bit of work on the part of your dentist and sometimes require multiple appointments to properly assess. While certainly Dr. Kimes and his staff would be willing to help you come up with an arrangement that best allows you to maximize your insurance benefits while receiving the treatment needed, this window of opportunity will only stay open for so much longer. Keep in mind, while it might be easy to put dental care on back burner due to its slow progressing nature, oral health issues can be a slippery slope that CAN become very serious if neglected!

Don’t Wait!

As the leaves have fallen and Overland Park has already had a couple of snowy cold days , it’s clear that many different things are on the horizon, and as exciting as this might be its important not to lose sight of the important things. While it can be easy to forget about or overlook those hardworking pearly white teeth of yours, your teeth and oral heath are very important, and taking the time to visit your dentist and have them checked and maintained is absolutely mandatory in keeping them healthy.

So remember, while those lingering unused insurance benefits might not seem like a big deal to you, they are a big deal to your teeth! And although it still seems far away, once the ball drops on December 31^st, those unused benefits are gone forever! So if you have remining benefits on your insurance plan, please use them, trust us… your teeth will thank you for it!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dental needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.

Dentures and Partials: A tooth replacement option to consider

October 23, 2018Restorative Dentistrydentures, dentures and partials, tooth replacementDr. Charles R. Kimes

A Nightmare Come True!

Have you ever had a dream in which your teeth inexplicably began falling out? While this may sound like an odd question to some, according to numerous oneirological case studies (the scientific study of dreams) a dream in which a person begins losing their teeth is actually one of the most common dreams (or nightmares) a person can experience. While this research may lead many psychologists and data analysts to draw their own conclusions, clearly there’s no denying that out teeth are very important to us and losing them would essentially be a nightmare come true!

While you may be counting your lucky stars that this hasn’t happened to you, this scenario has been all too real for many people in the past, and while seemingly farfetched, it might just be a greater possibility than you think.

Tooth replacements ARE necessary!

So why do teeth break? And just why exactly are tooth replacements so darn necessary? If this is what you find yourself wondering, please allow us to explain!

While your teeth may be tough and beautiful, those gorgeous pearly whites of yours have a very important and very difficult purpose. Tasked with the demanding job of breaking down food partials for safe and easy consumption, your teeth unquestionably take one heck of a beating! Although receiving the required amount of dental care and practicing proper oral hygiene play a major role in sustaining the lifespan of your teeth, sometimes the wear and tear is just too much. Therefore, once weakened after years of absorbing punishment, your teeth become increasingly susceptible to incurring damage, from hard or crunchy food products. If a tooth suffers severe damage or is ultimately lost, then having that tooth replaced is necessary if one wishes to maintain their future oral health and prevent further damage from occurring.

Dentures and Partials: What to know

When words like dentures and partials are mentioned, it often doesn’t elicit the most positive reaction. While it’s certainly no secret that dentures and partials are typically associated with the elderly, and may not conjure up the most pleasant images, it should be noted that they are also not exactly what they are perceived to be. The preconceived notion that dentures and partials are removable sets of false teeth for elderly people who simply don’t have any teeth left is not entirely true. As there are in fact several different variations of these devices, that are used by all sorts of people for numerous reasons.

Partial Denture:

Contrasting to the stereotypical idea of dentures, the partial denture is a plate of prostatic dentures that is custom made for you, to be suited to your replacement needs. This plate-like device can be used to replace one or several teeth and may be used to provide prosthetic teeth that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Economically friendly and easy to maintain, the partial is fitted to attach to your natural tooth or dental implant and can be easily adjusted to maximize its effectiveness.

Additionally, the device may also vary depending on the needs of the patient and may come in the form of an RPD or Fixed Bridge.

The RPD (removable partial denture) is designed to be removed if necessary and can easily be snapped back into place when desired.
A fixed partial denture or fixed bridge; however, cannot be removed once put in place and may better resemble natural teeth due to their sedentary nature.

Full Denture:

Unlike the before mentioned partial, a full or complete denture does somewhat resemble the stereotypical dentures of the past; however, thanks to innovative 21^st century technology, the sleek new dentures of today are by far superior to their clunky and cumbersome predecessors. A composite of plastic and acrylic based material, the modern full set of dentures is molded to fit seamlessly to the roof of your mouth or lower jaw (or both) for a smooth and comfortable fit. As its name implies, the full denture is designed for individuals who no longer have their natural teeth and require extensive replacements.

Have no fear!

Although we may often take them for granted, and occasionally forget to treat them with the care they deserve, there’s no denying that our teeth are very important to us and losing them might seem like a nightmarish scenario. However, if you do ever find yourself in such a situation, please remember that it is necessary to get any missing teeth replaced, and you do have great replacement solutions, like dentures and partials, that can be made available to you upon your request.

Remember if one tooth is lost, then others are likely to follow! Don’t let this happen, come see us at Overland Park Dentistry so that we may help put an end to your nightmare once and for all!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dental needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Receive a Same Day CEREC Crown at Overland Park Dentistry

October 9, 2018Restorative Dentistrycerec crown, same day crownDr. Charles R. Kimes

The Basic Dental Crown

As a basic staple in the arsenal of dental practitioners nationwide, dental crowns have been one of the most familiar dental procedures among the general populace for many years. The purpose of the standard dental crown is to repair a tooth that has sustained sizable damage or has simply decayed over time.

Although primitive, the methodology of the dental crown has proven itself to be an effective solution for restoring broken teeth to their former glory. This is achieved by way of a tooth-shaped cap that is fitted over the top of the tooth, effectively covering the damaged area and preventing any further damage or decay from occurring. This solution not only enables the tooth to become functional once again, but also provides the patient with some often much appreciated aesthetic relief as well.

Despite the obvious benefits of the standard dental crown, it is not without its share of drawbacks or issues as well. Even with its seemingly sturdy nature, the conventional crown has a lifespan of approximately ten years. While certainly the crown’s longevity weighs heavily on the lifestyle of the recipient as well as the amount of proper hygienic treatment it receives regularly, the crown will at some point need to be replaced.

In addition to its impermanent nature, the process of receiving a dental crown has historically shown itself to be a less than desirable experience among some patients, due to the somewhat time consuming and tedious process of receiving the crown. The standard dental crown requires a minimum of two appointments for the crown to be created and applied to the damaged tooth. While the specifications for the new crown are sent to be created in a lab, a temporary crown may be applied to prevent any damage from occurring in the interim. Although designed to serve as a temporary solution, the temporary crowns have caused frustration among patients in the past due to their overall fragility.

CEREC Crown: A 21^st Century Upgrade!

It’s often said that “it’s never too late for an old dog to learn some new tricks” and while that might not always be true, in the case of the trusty old dental crown, this statement couldn’t be more accurate!

As we progress further into the 21^st Century, the conventional dental crown has finally received the long-awaited upgrade that both dentists and patients alike have asked for, with the revolutionary new CEREC technology!

The CEREC or “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” is a new type of dental crown that by way of digital imaging allows dentists to pinpoint the precise dimensions of you new crown, thus creating a seemingly perfect replica of the natural tooth. Indeed, the CEREC crown has received critical acclaim through the dental and medical fields since its inception and has been cited by many experts as offering a glimpse into the future of digitally based medical treatment.

Fascinated by the new technology and determined to provide it for to his patients at Overland Park Dentistry, Dr. Kimes quickly began receiving the necessary training and equipment allowing this to happen! It wasn’t long before the CEREC technology became a big hit amongst his patients, staff, and Dr. Kimes himself, thus becoming one of the most sought-after treatments ever!

“The thing that’s so great about the CEREC technology is how patient oriented it is, it allows me to design a case in my office right alongside the patient!” Dr. Kimes explained.

“Its really something of a collaboration between the patient, the staff and myself, as we all discuss the formation of the crown, and what would be best suited to help the patient.” By eliminating the need for an outside dental lab, the CEREC crown not only offers a much more personalized solution, but also allows the procedure to be fully completed within one single appointment!

That’s right, no longer will patients have to deal with the hassle of scheduling multiple appointments, or frustration of managing the highly breakable temporary crown, as with one appointment the patient will receive a near flawless and permanent replacement.

Changing the Dental Industry: One CEREC Crown at A Time!

As the CEREC crown continues to restore the mouths of patients across the country, Dr. Kimes and his staff at Overland Park Dentistry continue to remain busy, offering the CEREC crown and numerous other treatments to their patients to keep them smiling! If you have any questions about the CEREC technology, or are interested in receiving a CEREC crown of your own, feel free to call or stop by our offices and see what CEREC technology can do for you!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dental needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Sugar Hurts Teeth: Do You Sip and Snack All Day?

September 25, 2018Dental Health Tipsfruit juice, hard candy, soft drinks, sticky candy, sugar hurts teethDr. Charles R. Kimes

Sugar Hurts Teeth: If You Sip and Snack All Day, You Risk Tooth Decay!

As hardworking and productive members of society, we all deserve a little reward from time to time right? Whether it be the daily grind of working nine to five, or the rigorous duties of parenthood, a well-deserved reward always makes seems to make thinks a little more enjoyable.

Snack Attack!

However, for many people this so-called guilty pleasure often takes the form of treating themselves to sweet tasting snacks or beverages. While it’s certainly okay to partake in enjoying a bit of sweet flavored candy every now and then, if this becomes a regular daily habit, you may find this habit causing a bit more pain instead of pleasure!

Did you know … sugar hurts teeth?

Sugar Hurts Teeth: A Truly Rotten Problem!

As its name implies, tooth decay refers to the condition in which the build-up of acidic material in a person’s mouth causes the outer layers of their teeth to slowly begin to dissolve. With the loss of its protective outer coating, the tooth is left vulnerable to the excess plaque and bacteria within the mouth, causing the tooth to break down and begin to rot. While the idea of a rotten or missing tooth may sound unappealing, what truly makes this an urgent problem are the infectious complications that can occur as result of tooth decay. When a serious oral infection occurs, there is always the potential for the excess bacteria to spread to the bloodstream reaching regions of the body. This can cause severe damage and can even be life-threatening if left untreated.

Sugar Hurts Teeth: Worst Snacks for Teeth

As you probably already know, there are certain types of foods that are worse for your teeth than others; however, there are indeed certain snacks that can absolutely decimate your oral health if consumed in excess.

Hard Candy: As strong as your teeth might be, excessive hard candy (such as lollipops, peppermints, and jawbreakers) can be the kryptonite to your pearly whites! In addition to being packed full of cavity-causing sugar, (and we know that sugar hurts teeth!) the candy’s hard material can also cause cracks and chips to form in your teeth, requiring an emergency visit to repair. This can also be said for ice, which although not candy, can very easily break or damage teeth. Heed our advice; please DON’T chew ice!
Soda/Soft Drinks: Although soft drinks such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi products are moderately priced and highly accessible, with their high acidity these various sodas can slowly eat away at the enamel of your teeth, making them increasingly frail and vulnerable to decay.
Citric Fruits and Juices: While fruits and their juices (oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, ect) certainly provide some great health benefits, their highly citric nature can be hazardous for your teeth and cause painful sores to form within your mouth. Although this surely doesn’t mean that you should avoid fruits all together, but just to be mindful of some of the negative affects that they can cause if consumed too often.
Hard or Crunchy Food: Although crunchy snacks like chips, pretzels, crackers and other assorted items are beloved snacks that have been enjoyed by people for many years; these starch-rich snacks are not exactly kind to your teeth. Due to their highly breakable composition, these snacks often find their way into the various crevasses within your teeth. Once the food particles have become lodged within your teeth, excess plaque begins to build and cause decay. If crunchy chips are your snack of choice, taking the time to floss regularly is a wise idea.
Coffee / Caffeinated Drinks: Okay, this is a tough one for many people to accept, but caffeinated coffee, tea, or energy drinks, are not good for your teeth. Although caffeine certainly helps you stay awake, it also dehydrates you, causing your teeth dry out and decay. While this might be unwelcome news to those who depend on their caffeine kick do get them through the day, our advice to caffeine users would be to reduce sugary add-ons and supplement your caffeine intake with plenty of water.
Sticky Candy: According to many industry insiders, chewy or sticky candy holds dubious distinction as the worst snack for a person’s teeth. Much like its harder-candy counterpart, sticky candy such as jolly ranchers, gummy bears, and taffy are rough on your teeth due to their extremely high amount of sugar. (Remember?!?! Sugar Hurts Teeth!!) However, what truly makes sticky candy the worst of the worst is its uncanny ability to get stuck in the small gaps and crevasses among your teeth, and its difficulty to be removed once caught there. Because of the sticky materials’ ability to get stuck within your teeth and the sugar within it to continue to harm your teeth, if you do choose to avoid any snack on this list, sticky chewy candy might not be best one to avoid (because it’s the worst one for your teeth).

Sugar Hurts Teeth: Keep Decay at Bay

While finding better alternatives to some of the previously mentioned snacks isn’t a bad idea, your best course of action is to schedule your routine dental exams with Dr. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry, and of course to make a consistent effort in practicing proper oral hygiene techniques on a regular basis. And please remember while the above-mentioned snacks can certainly lead to their fair share of problems if consumed in mass quantities, its certainly okay to partake in the occasional snack if done so in moderation.

Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Life is stressful and hard sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself and taking joy in the little things. So if you choose to indulge in your guilty pleasure and enjoy the occasional snack or treat, just remember to do so in moderation, because if done too often, a little treat can turn into a big problem!

How to Stop Bad Breath: A Stinky Situation

September 4, 2018Dental Health Tipshalitosis, stop bad breathDr. Charles R. Kimes

Whether it be a pesky zit or blemish that appears on your face before an important event, an unrelenting headache that just won’t go away, or the ever-annoying cold or flu that hits you at the worst possible time, some things just flat out stink! Certainly, if one were to compile a list of the most unpleasant and undesirable pitfalls of daily life, the topics listed would be almost endless. However, one thing that’s sure to make such wanting to stop bad breath! Foul breath or halitosis as it’s formally known, is an offensive odor that emits from inside your mouth on a regular basis. While gum or breath mints can be used to remedy this, as with any chronic condition, the issue always persists. Obviously foul breath presents something of a social problem; however, it may also be indicative of certain underlying health issues as well. Therefore finding the root of bad breath and treating it might be more urgent then you realize. Read on … let’s stop bad breath!

Stop Bad Breath: The Causes of Bad Breath

Wanting to stop bad breath can certainly be a more serious issue than one might expect, many people are often quick to dismiss bad breath due to its seeming benign nature. While indeed some causes of bad breath are relatively harmless, it’s important to keep in mind that if the problem becomes persistent, there is likely something larger at play.

Proper Oral Hygiene:

While there are numerous reasons for bad breath, perhaps the primary culprit is improper or a lack of oral hygiene. While typically progressing at a slow rate, improper dental hygiene may likely result in periodontal or gum disease. Although this might not sound like a big deal, untreated gum disease can lead to a litany of additional health problems that can manifest numerous different ways, some of which could be potentially fatal!

Life Style & Dietary Habits:

Although it might seem rather obvious, a person’s life style and dietary habits can be a major factor in causing bad breath for multiple reasons. As food partials are broken down within your mouth, the level of bacteria within your mouth naturally increases and creates a foul odor. While this is certainly a natural process, if excess levels of bacteria are able to build up within the mouth, obviously the foulness of odor will increase exponentially, as will the frequency of the unpleasant smell. This may be caused by consuming increasing amounts of sweet or acidic foods, or by practicing poor or improper dental hygiene. Although seldom acknowledged, taking various types of medications can also have an influence on the occurrence of bad breath, as the combining and interaction of certain medications almost always has the potential of causing various unexpected and sometimes unpleasant side effects.

Internal Interactions or Pre-Existing Conditions:

Whether you’re aware of it or not, if you are suffering from certain medical issues or conditions, bad breath can occur because of this, and require you to take a closer look at the potential cause. One such condition that can be a sure-fire cause of chronic bad breath, and numerous other health issues is that of periodontal or gum disease.

Periodontal Disease or sometimes known as Periodontitis, or gum disease is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the teeth and surrounding tissue. Although there are multiple factors that may contribute to the onset of periodontal disease, the primary cause is the buildup of excess bacteria in your mouth due to dental plaque. While this may sound relatively benign at first, don’t be fooled! Gum disease can be a serious or even life-threatening condition that may result in a litany of additional health problems if left untreated.

Related Articles: Link between Diabetes and Oral Health

Stop Bad Breath: What can be done?

With numerous causes and factors at play, solving the issue of persistent foul breath might seem a bit daunting at first. Fortunately, however there are multiple solutions that can help stop bad breath, put an end to this embarrassing problem and allow you to return to a happy and stink-free life!

Focus on Proper Technique:

As mentioned previously, proper oral hygiene is paramount. Unfortunately, due to its routine and somewhat mundane nature, it can be easy to forget about the importance of this activity and become a bit sloppy. Take the time to give your oral hygiene routine a nice tune up. Perhaps try a different brushing technique or consider investing in some new hygiene materials, like an electric toothbrush.

Try Flossing or Using Mouthwash:

If dental floss and mouthwash are not part of your routine right now, consider adding them quickly. It’s no secret that both flossing and using mouthwash can play a vital role in freshening breath or improving overall oral health. A refresher course on flossing can checked off your list by scheduling a dental appointment. And stock up on supplies when you go to the grocery store.

Schedule A Dental Exam:

While the previous options are indeed good ideas to consider, scheduling an appointment to see Dr. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry is undoubtedly the smartest thing you can do. If bad breath is a continuous problem that won’t seem to go away, you may be suffering from addition issues such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or even some sort of internal infection. However, the best way to have the issue properly diagnosed and assessed, so you can stop bad breath is by a professionally trained dentist.

Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Stop Bad Breath: We Can Help!

Rotten breath is truly one nasty problem to have, and here at Overland Park Dentistry, our job is to prevent and alleviate such problems. If you find yourself plagued by bad breath, don’t let this problem stink up your life! Come see Dr. Kimes and his amazing staff at Overland Park Dentistry and keep on smiling!

Dental Implant Procedure: New & Improved

August 28, 2018Restorative Dentistrydental implant procedure, dental implants, tooth replacement optionsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Where’s the Tooth Fairy when you need her?

When reflecting on childhood memories, one might fondly remember losing those first few baby teeth. Surly the excitement and anticipation of a visit from the Tooth Fairy, and of course the promise of receiving that oh so precious reward under their pillow the next day is enough to put a huge smile on any child’s face! However, as time goes by and we grow into adults, much like Santa and the Easter Bunny, visits from the Tooth Fairy seem to no longer apply. Therefore, when sitting down to enjoy a meal and hearing an unpleasant crunch followed by a sharp pain, clearly the prospect of losing a tooth isn’t what it used to be!

Why Teeth Break?

“If my teeth are meant to last a lifetime, why would they break?”

As silly as it sounds, if you have broken a tooth, you just might find yourself asking that very question; and as simple as the question may be, the answer is actually a bit more complicated. While your natural teeth are certainly strong and durable, there are numerous factors such as accidents, hard foods, acidic substances, or simply neglect and old age, that can seriously damage or even destroy your teeth. Whether it is sudden damage or long-term decay, obviously broken and or missing teeth present a problem in both a practical and aesthetic sense. Therefore, if you have one or more missing teeth, considering getting the necessary replacements is without question the best course of action.

Dental Implant Procedure: New and Improved!

Although the dental implant procedure has been around for a long time, thanks to the numerous recent improvements within modern dental technology, the dental implant procedure today is much different than it once was. While previous incarnations of the dental implant procedure were sometimes cumbersome and final product occasionally failed to blend in with natural teeth. The modern dental implant procedure makes the look and feel of the finished product less like a synthetic substitute, and more like a natural tooth!

Affordable Dental Implants are a Healthy Investment

Implants – The Next Best Thing to Your Real Teeth

Dental Implant Procedure

The process of receiving one of these sleek new implants is a relatively straight-forward procedure in which the roots of the tooth are surgically replaced with a metal post that is designed to anchor in the implant.

Once in place, an abutment is attached to each post to connect them with the artificial tooth. Although, abutments all serve a similar purpose, they may vary somewhat depending on the type of implant you are receiving.

Finally, once each abutment is in place and the gums have healed, (usually taking one to two weeks) you are ready to receive the artificial tooth. Much like the abutment, the tooth will vary depending on whether it’s a removable implant that’s designed to be removed for daily cleaning; or whether it’s a fixed implant that is permanently fastened in place. This ceramic, customized synthetic tooth will provide a high quality and seemingly flawless replacement.

Something to Smile About

As an adult, losing any of your permanent teeth is never a desired situation. However, with state-of-the-art new dental implants, having damaged or missing teeth replaced has never been easier or more effective. So if you have experienced that unfortunate situation where you’ve lost or broken a tooth, and the Tooth Fairy simply doesn’t visit you anymore, perhaps a dental implant procedure is the answer for you!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment or dental implant procedure consultation with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Dental Health Awareness: Gum Disease and Heart Disease

August 15, 2018Dental Health Tipsdental health awareness, gum disease, periodontal diseaseDr. Charles R. Kimes

Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease: A Dangerous Duo

A little-known fact…

When someone is stricken with an illness, they often feel as though they are “fighting” the illness, and while it has become something of a cliché way of describing it, indeed “fighting it” is actually a quite accurate way of putting it. Fighting a disease is essentially like fighting an enemy within your own body and while fighting one disease at a time can be very tough, fighting two different diseases at one is a harrowing experience to say the least!

Unfortunately, this has been the case for many people, as not having accurate dental health awareness, overlooking routine oral hygiene procedures or improperly preforming them can lead to the condition known as Periodontal Disease!

Periodontal Disease: A Deceptive Enemy

Whether known as Periodontal Disease, or more formally as Periodontitis, or even simply as gum disease, this progressive illness should not be taken lightly! While initially considered to be more of a cosmetic issue, periodontal disease has in many cases been thought of as little more than a nuisance that merely discolors your teeth and gives you bad breath. However, this is a gross misconception. In reality, gum disease is a progressive infection that while beginning in the gumline, eventually spreads throughout the mouth, often damaging everything it reaches. In some of the more severe cases, gum disease has been known to entirely destroy a sufferer’s jawbone, or even spread into other regions of body. Once periodontal disease has reached this stage, the likelihood of it triggering additional illnesses or interacting with pre-existing ones becomes a serious concern, that may even prove to be life-threatening.

Dental Health Awareness: The Interaction

While periodontal disease can affect a person’s health in a number of different ways, the link between periodontitis and a person’s cardiovascular health is perhaps the most prominent. As something of an umbrella term, cardiovascular or heart disease pertains to any such conditions that may block the heart’s valves or restrict its blood flow in anyway. As mentioned previously, in severe cases of gum disease once the excess bacteria enter the body’s blood vessels, it will begin to travel throughout the body. If the periodontal bacteria reach the heart, it will likely inflame vessels causing blood clots to develop and damage to occur. This damage will slowly began restricting the flow of blood, effectively choking the heart and forcing it to pump faster while producing less and less.

Given this data, skeptics in both the dental and medical fields are quick to point out that despite the previous information, periodontal disease still does not guarantee an eventual heart attack. While this is certainly true, according to a recent study conducted by Harvard University, individuals afflicted with gum disease have at least a two to three times higher probability of suffering a heart attack, stroke, or other sort of cardiovascular-based issue; alas, proving the correlation to be self-evident.

Dental Health Awareness: What to look for

Along with the clear link to cardiovascular illness, periodontal disease can also play a major role in the onset of or worsening of diabetes mellitus, which if mismanaged may wreak havoc on a person’s health and overall quality of life. With so many hazards and associated issues, you’re probably wondering what exactly can be done to stop gum disease? Odd as it may sound, the key to preventing periodontal disease from appearing in your life is prevention itself. Much like a large hornet’s nest that has been left to grow and prosper, (thereby becoming a problem) gum disease is a progressive illness that will only become an issue if it is neglected, improperly managed, and ultimately allowed to thrive. This is one of the main reasons we talk so much about dental health awareness.

Learning and familiarizing yourself the signs and symptoms of gum disease is a crucial first step in preventing periodontal disease from becoming an issue in the first place. Some of the signs and symptoms include:

Bleeding or noticeably swollen gums
Excess pus buildup around gums and teeth
Hard brownish deposits that accumulate along the gum line
Chronic foul breath
Newly formed gaps between teeth or teeth that appear loose
Alterations in bite / changes in chewing habits

Dental Health Awareness: Risk Factors

As you can imagine, there are multiple factors such as; lifestyle habits or underlining issues that can play a major role in the development or worsening of periodontal disease which is why your dental health awareness is important to our team.

Such risk factors may include:

Smoking or any tobacco use
Genetic disposition / history of dental problems
Poor or improper oral hygiene
Preexisting health issues such as diabetes or hormonal disorders
Prescription or recreational drug use
Bruxism / clenching and grinding your teeth
Excess stress or a weakened immune system
Inadequate nutrition
Excessive alcohol use
Previously damaged or misaligned teeth

Don’t Fight Alone!

As mentioned previously, what truly makes a disease like Periodontitis so dangerous is its uncanny ability to trigger additional issues such as heart disease. While fighting this gruesome twosome of periodontal disease and heart disease is certainly an uphill battle, you don’t have to fight alone! At Overland Park Dentistry, Dr. Kimes and his wonderful staff are here to help you in this battle by providing you with some of the highest quality dental care in the Kansas City area.

Make no mistake, gum disease is very dangerous and if left untreated the consequences could be dire. So, please don’t let this happen to you, come see us at Overland Park Dentistry and let’s fight periodontal disease together!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment or whitening consultation with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.