Do All Wisdom Teeth Require Removal? | Issaquah Dentist

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are a set of four teeth that appear after the initial growth of the permanent teeth. This is why they are called “wisdom” teeth colloquially; they appear in our wiser years. They are routinely removed by dentists, as they can often be the cause of oral health issues.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Our prehistoric ancestors had larger jaws than we do, and room to accommodate the extra set of teeth that we dub “wisdom teeth”, today. A mutation in the gene MYH16 may be responsible for having caused changes in the size of some of our ancestors’ jaws.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

As a result of these evolutionary changes, many modern humans have smaller jaws, and the growth of the extra teeth can cause dental crowding (the other teeth are slowly pushed forward, and with nowhere to go, become crooked near the front of the mouth). They can also be hard to reach when brushing and flossing, resulting in decay and cavities.

Wisdom teeth may also cause issues with the bite, leading to jaw discomfort. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not fully grow in, but remain impacted within the gums. This causes extreme discomfort, swelling, and even bleeding.

When Can Wisdom Teeth NOT Be Removed?

Some people have space in their mouths for wisdom teeth. If there is space in the mouth, and the extra teeth grow in fully, without impaction, do not compromise the health of a patient’s bite, and can be easily reached during daily cleaning, there is no need for removal.

The decision whether or not to remove wisdom teeth is one that must be made with the help of our dentists. There are many factors to take into account, all of which our dentists are aware of, and able to discuss with our patients. We will be able to assess whether it is in your best interest to have your wisdom teeth removed.

For more information about wisdom teeth, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Common Foods that Darken Teeth | Issaquah Dentists

If you want to keep your teeth white, brushing regularly and using a tooth-whitening toothpaste aren’t the only things you have to do. You also have to watch what you eat and drink. What does eating and drinking have to do with your teeth staying white?

What many people don’t realize is that some food and drinks have compounds in them that cause your teeth to stain. These compounds are called chromagens and they are what make some foods and beverages very colorful. Another tooth staining compound is called tannin, and this gives beverages a brown color. What’s crucial to understand is that acids in food and drink play an important role. Acids wear down the enamel on your teeth which makes it easier for the staining to occur.

What Should I Look Out For?

You can probably guess that coffee and tea contain tannins, but you may not know what other food and beverages to avoid. Colas is damaging not only because of their color, but also because of the acids in them. The combination is brutal for your teeth. While on the subject of beverages, you should also know that red wine is one of the most common tooth-staining beverages.

Yes, it tastes good, but it isn’t good if you want white teeth. Dark-colored fruit juices can also stain your teeth. Look out for grape, cranberry, and blueberry juices, particularly if you have had your teeth whitened. You may find that you just wasted your money.

When it comes to food there are many culprits out there. Tomato-based sauces, healthy though they are, will stain your teeth. Spices such as curry can stain your teeth. Soy sauce makes your Chinese food have a little extra kick, but it also kicks I the staining factor. Beetroot and most berries are also likely to stain your teeth.

Aside from rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking these substances or stimulating saliva production after eating them, your only other option is avoidance. Give us a call and we can discuss it at your next appointment.

For more information about foods that darken teeth, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Why Does a Taste Bud Swell So Much if You Accidentally Bite It? | Issaquah Dentist

When you look at your tongue you may notice that there are bumps on it. These are known as papillae and they help with taste, hence the name “taste buds.” Sometimes these will grow enlarged. There are numerous reasons for this.

Why taste buds swell. Sometimes if you accidentally bite your tongue in the wrong way you can cause your taste buds to swell. This is because the nerve receptors in this area of your mouth are especially sensitive. They can also become inflamed or irritated occasionally. Usually this happens when you have a virus in your body though.

Treating swollen taste buds. Usually, it’s unnecessary to treat your taste buds if they become enlarged. However, if they stay enlarged for more than 7 – 10 days you should definitely give our office a call. We will bring you in for an appointment so that we can look at the size, color, and location of the swelling.

You most definitely want to schedule an appointment any time you have unusual bleeding, pain, or growth in your mouth. These are things that we’ll want to immediately take care of for you.

Preventing swollen taste buds. It’s important for you to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily. Make sure you brush your tongue when doing so. When you’re participating in sports, make sure you’re wearing a mouth guard. Additionally, you should avoid smoking and chewing on things that aren’t food. Sometimes you will still experience swollen taste buds.

When this happens, try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater and drinking plenty of water. Monitor how well your swollen taste buds are healing for you and when or if you have any concerns, make sure you set up an appointment to visit our office so we can look at them for you.

For more information about taste buds, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Can You Eat Regular Foods Following Getting Sealants? | Issaquah Dentist

Dental sealants help to protect your teeth from cavities. They do this by creating a barrier between the enamel and plaque, which is full of bacteria.

The molars have small grooves within the surface that can trap plaque and food particle, and since your toothbrush can’t remove them completely, they can get stuck there for a long time. Dental sealants can help, and after a relatively simple procedure, you’ll be able to start eating and drinking right away.

What to expect after dental sealants

After we’ve finished sealing your teeth, you can eat, drink, play, or work. There won’t be any restrictions. It may feel strange to bite into something at first due to the new sealant, but this sensation should go away in a few days. Soon, you won’t even know that you have the sealant. Regular dental appointments are still essential after your teeth are sealed.

Some patients believe that once they have sealants that their teeth are virtually immune to decay and other issues. That simply isn’t the case. You still need to brush and floss regularly, and regular appointments in our office allow us to check how your sealant is doing. Sealants don’t last forever, but they can effectively seal teeth for 10 years, and they can be replaced easily if they are damaged or chipped.

Foods to avoid

While they aren’t specific to dental sealants, there are some foods that you should avoid in order to maintain good oral health. These are foods that are especially sticky, hard, and chewy, including caramel, taffy, jawbreakers, hard candy, chewing gum, and gummy bears.

Are you interested in dental sealants for either yourself or your child? If so, contact our office today to learn more about your options. We will discuss the pros and cons of dental sealants to help you decide if they are right for you.

For more information about dental sealants, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Is It Important to Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly? | Issaquah Dentist

Once you buy a toothbrush you haven’t made a lifelong investment. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) you need to replace your toothbrush once every three months. If its bristles become frayed, you will need to replace your toothbrush even sooner.

Why You Need to Replace Your Toothbrush

Unfortunately, the bristles on your toothbrush don’t kill the bacteria that’s in your mouth or keep you from getting sick. In fact, things like the flu virus, strep virus, yeast fungus, staph bacteria, and E. coli can live on your toothbrush and make you sick (which is why you should change your toothbrush after you’re done being sick with any of these things).

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Toothbrush

When you don’t change your toothbrush frequently enough, you could actually get sick from using your toothbrush. Fortunately, this is unlikely to happen, but it’s still a disgusting possibility – one that should encourage you to replace your toothbrush as often as recommended.

In fact, researchers have found that even though bacteria do hang out on your toothbrush, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be re-infected with the same illness a second time. Instead, it’s more likely that you’ll develop another type of virus from it.

How to Choose a New Toothbrush

Once you’re ready to choose a new toothbrush, you’ll want to make sure you choose one that will fit your needs – not just any toothbrush will do because they’re not all made the same. You want a toothbrush head that’s a half-inch wide and one-inch tall, so you can reach all the areas of your mouth.

Make sure it has soft bristles so it’s both comfortable and safe to use. It’s also a good idea to make sure that it’s recommended by the ADA. You can learn more about your toothbrush by giving our office a call today.

For more information about toothbrushes, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

You Should Not Brush for 30 Minutes After You Eat – Why Is That? | Issaquah Dentist

You know how important it is to brush your teeth regularly to prevent cavities and decay. However, did you know that brushing too soon after you eat could actually do more harm to your teeth than good? It is true, and that is why we recommend that you wait at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush.

Don’t Brush Right Away

To explain why you shouldn’t brush right away, it is important to understand what is going on in your mouth right after you eat. The foods that you consume create acids that will work away at the enamel, and right after you are eating, those levels are at their highest. This means that your teeth are in a weakened state, as they are being attacked by acid.

The good news is that your body will naturally neutralize acid levels in your mouth. The saliva rinses food particles away, and after about a half an hour, the pH value should be back to normal. The bad news is that if you brush during this weakened time, you’ll actually help the acids to attack the teeth, scrubbing the destructive acid right into the enamel.

What Should You Do?

It is good that you are concerned about your teeth and the impact food might have on them. If you want to do something right after you eat, rinse your mouth out with water. This will help to speed up the neutralizing process. Then, don’t forget to brush later, at least two times a day. As long as you wait at least 30 minutes after you eat, your teeth should be strong again and out of the danger zone.

Do you have questions about how to better care for your teeth? If so, please call our office and speak to one of our friendly staff members about an appointment.

For more information about brushing, call Dr. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Frank S. Sciabica proudly serves patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

How All-on-4 Implants Work When You Also Have an Arch of Original Teeth | Issaquah Dentist

If you suffer from tooth loss, you may want to consider implants as a permanent solution to restore your smile. All-on-4 implants are a great option, especially if you still have some of your original teeth. Find out if this option might be right for you.

What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?

The All-on-4 dental implant is a minimally invasive approach to placing implants false teeth using only four implants to support an arch. You’ll be able to have a full set of teeth without the need for multiple surgeries, and the entire process may be completed in just one appointment under local anesthesia.

What if I Still Have an Arch of Natural Teeth?

All-on-4 implants are best suited for people who have lost multiple teeth. However, if you still retained some of your natural teeth, you are not out of luck. If you have an arch of original teeth – for example, you suffered tooth loss on the top of your mouth, but the bottom arch remains intact – you can simply have implants placed on the top arch.

Who Should Consider All-on-4 Dentures?

If you have lost teeth and want a permanent set of replacements, dental implants might be for you. The All-on-4 system is preferred over dentures for many people, as they are fixed into place and won’t shift or slide out.

This procedure is also ideal if you don’t have the bone density needed to support a full set of traditional dental implants. Even better, All-on-4 implants are less expensive than traditional implants, so it will be a more affordable way to restore your smile.

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth or wish to explore alternatives to traditional dentures, please schedule a consultation with us. We would love to help you learn more about All-on-4 dental implants.

For more information about All-on-4 implants, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

How Does a Rainbow Diet Improve Your Oral Health? | Issaquah Dentist

We don’t know about you, but rainbows have always been our friends. We love the beautiful spectrum of color, in a harmonious palette that the rainbow brings us. Did you know, however, that you can also experience feelings of joy and harmony when you eat the rainbow as well?

Rainbow Eating

Eating the rainbow is actually a very simple concept. Rather than try to understand all of the complicated nutritional formulas that are out there, you can make sure that you have a variety of fruits and vegetables available for you to eat. Each color represents a different nutritional value with regard to vitamins and minerals.

For example, eating orange colored fruits and veggies means you are putting Vitamin C in your body, which is essential for healthy gums and circulation in your mouth. Each color means that a different vitamin, mineral, or value is added. Red colored fruits and veggies produce increased levels of Resveratrol, which means that it has anti-cancer properties, including oral cancers and throat cancers.

Yellow veggies or fruits mean that you can protect your mouth and throat from the effects of food allergies. Yellow citrus also works to protect existing body structures free from cancer and disease. Leafy greens are good for the calcium in your teeth, but they are also excellent for maintaining gum health and gum circulation. Blues and purples contain acids to improve gum health as well.

If you eat the rainbow, you not only improve your dental health, but you also improve your overall health as well. A rainbow diet also helps to prevent some types of cancer including stomach, mouth, esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.

Questions about eating the rainbow or eating in general to maintain good oral health? Why not give us a call? We can talk with you about your oral health and steps you can take to make it better.

For more information about diet improvements, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth | Issaquah Dentist

A lot of people have sensitive teeth, but they may not have realized what that meant until it was officially diagnosed. We see people all the time who are showing symptoms of having sensitive teeth. Do you have sensitive teeth? If you are not sure, we can help.

The symptoms show up slowly, so you may be in the early stages of a problem. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for if you think you may be slowly getting sensitive teeth.

Temperature Changes Cause Discomfort

The first symptom that most people note when developing sensitive teeth is that temperature changes in their mouth begin to cause them discomfort. If you have started to notice that going from standard body temperature to either hot or cold temperatures starts to make your mouth a bit sore, this could be due to increased tooth sensitivity. Some people only have discomfort with one temperature, usually cold, while others get discomfort with both.

Sensitive Teeth Can Also Lead to Headaches

If you have started getting more headaches, it could also be a symptom of sensitive teeth. When your teeth become more sensitive, no matter what the sensitivity is, it can lead to pain and pressure in your head. When you avoid the items you have developed a sensitivity to, the headaches should subside. If you have noticed this pattern, you need to come in for a checkup.

People all around the world struggle with the discomfort of sensitive teeth on a daily basis. Thankfully, we can do a lot to minimize, if not eliminate, sensitive teeth. Call our office today and let us see what we can do to help you remove that type of discomfort from your life. Just because you find yourself shying away from certain items now, does not mean you need to live the rest of your life like that.

For more information about sensitive teeth, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

Calcium Needs to Be a Big Part of Your Diet When Restoring Your Oral Health | Issaquah Dentist

If you think about calcium, you probably already know that it is essential for healthy bones. Do you know that it is just as important for your oral health? Of course, you need calcium to keep your teeth strong, but it is also needed for your jaw.

Calcium is also important in muscle health. It is absolutely essential when it comes to oral health. What happens if you have had problems, and you are trying to restore your oral health? Do you still need calcium? The answer is a resounding yes!

Each Part of Your Mouth

There is not a part of your mouth that does not need calcium. It is found even your blood vessels and nerves. When trying to restore oral health, you will want to make sure that you ingest enough each day. Not only will you end up with a healthier jaw and teeth, it will help you to heal.

Calcium and Gum Disease

In many cases, a calcium deficiency can be linked to gum disease. In several studies, people who had enough calcium in their diets had healthier gums than people who were not getting enough calcium. Gum disease can lead to other health issues beside just oral ones.

Sources of Calcium

Dairy is possibly the best-known source of calcium. Milk, cheese, and low-sugar yogurt are all great sources. Leafy green vegetables are another great way to add calcium to your diet. Supplements can help as well.

If you have oral troubles because of a lack of calcium, you need to make an appointment to see us right away. A calcium deficiency can lead to tooth loss and other problems. We would like to help you to turn things around and to get back on the right track.

For more information about calcium, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.