We understand why some people gravitate toward oral piercings. It’s the sign of a rebel, as well as a fashionable way to be different. However, such fashion statements also pose serious dental risks. We’ll explain the potential dangers and risks of tongue piercing in Mukilteo. Find out why our family dentists don’t recommend them.

Why Tongue Piercing Is a Problem

In one study, 6% of people with a tongue piercing experienced some sort of dental problem. This may seem like a fairly low percentage, but the risk is still very real. Risks include bleeding, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Oral surgeons also warn that it can elevate risk of periodontal disease. In rare cases, the tongue and the floor of the mouth may become infected, requiring intravenous antibiotics.

Risk of Tooth Damage

A tongue barbell is solid metal. As you move your tongue around, it can ram against your teeth, causing them to chip. One study found that half of people with a tongue piercing exhibited tooth damage within four years. The damage was especially prevalent in the back teeth.

Our Advice Regarding Oral Piercings

Due to the risks we just described, we don’t recommend oral piercings of any kind. If you want to improve your oral appearance, our cosmetic dentists provide a number of aesthetic treatments. You can make a fashion statement in other ways that don’t put your oral health at risk.

For parents with teenagers with piercings, be sure they follow good oral hygiene especially in the days following the piercing.

We Treat Damage Caused by Oral Piercings

Do you have an existing piercing? Do you suspect it may be the cause of an infection or damaged tooth? Come by Mukilteo Dental Arts for one of our dentists to have a look. The risks of tongue piercings make them a no-no in our expert opinion. Contact us today with all your dental questions; we also specialize in endodontics.

Tongue Piercing & Oral Infection Treatments in Mukilteo

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on September 19, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Flossing is vital for long-term oral health; that’s a given. However, many people find flossing a burdensome task; hence 20% of Americans never floss. For those with braces, flossing is even more of a perceived hassle. We’ll explain how to floss with braces efficiently in Mukilteo. Yes, you may not feel like doing it, but you know it’s a daily necessity—as much as brushing.

Use the Right Floss

Before you begin, choose the right type of floss. We advise sticking with wax-coated floss. The unwaxed variety is more thread-like and prone to getting caught in the wiring. You can also use a floss threader; this is an easy-to-use tool that simplifies flossing around the braces. You may also elect to invest in a water flosser to make the process even easier.

Floss with Braces: An Easy Step-By-Step Process

Our oral surgeons provide an outline that simplifies the process of flossing for those who have traditional wire braces.

1. Rinse with mouth wash, or even water.
2. Brush normally; that is, for two minutes, being sure to clean the brackets.
3. Thread the floss behind the wire, being sure you have enough slack on both ends. Be careful not to push the floss against the wire.
4. Push the floss between your teeth and slide it up and down.
5. When you’re done, carefully pull the floss out, again being sure not to pull outward against the wire.

Braces Require Regular Checkups

See your family dentist if you or a child have braces of any kind. Our friendly endodontists work with adults and kids alike. Mukilteo Dental Arts stresses the importance of proper flossing with braces; don’t let inconvenience be an excuse. Contact us today!

Always Floss with Braces in Mukilteo; We Can Help

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on August 16, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Because both kids and adults are able to spend so much time pursuing outdoor activities during the summer, dentists see more patients for a chipped tooth. If this happens to you or someone in your family, here’s how to respond right away to minimize long-term damage. 

Take These Steps

Call your dentist and make an appointment to get in as soon as possible. Rinse your mouth with warm, not cold, water. Purchase dental cement in the drugstore section of your local grocery story and follow the directions to protect your tooth. If you were able to save the chip, place it in a small baggie and keep it moist by adding a few droplets of water in the bag or wrapping the fragment in wet gauze.

Steps the Dentist May Take

The procedure varies depending on the severity of the injury. If the damage is minor, the chipped tooth can simply be filed and polished. If damage to the enamel incurred, you’ll need a filling or crown. If one of the front teeth has been chipped, you may be referred to a cosmetic dentist for a porcelain veneer to mask the visible chipping. If the chip exposes the nerve an endodontist will need to be brought in to perform a root canal.

Even if the chip seems minor and is painless, have your dentist take a look. What starts as a minor chipped tooth can exacerbate and fracture further if precautionary steps aren’t taken.

Chipped a Tooth in Mill Creek?

Visit Dr. An at Mukilteo Dental Arts to schedule an appointment for chipped tooth repair or any other dental services your family may need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Dentistry Services for a Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth near Mill Creek

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on July 13, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

You might have heard of using a saltwater mouth rinse as a homemade remedy for treating a variety of maladies in the past, but does salt really have healing properties? Does it work better or differently than a normal mouthwash? Here’s what our family dentists have to say about it.

How it Works

Salt doesn’t kill bacteria directly. Instead, it increases the pH balance inside your mouth. This results in a more alkaline environment, making it harder for bacteria to survive. Germs tend to thrive in an acidic environment.

What it’s Used For 

Swishing saltwater in your mouth relieves a number of complaints. It’s good for:

• Reducing sore throat
• Reducing soreness or infection after oral surgery
• Removing food particles lodged in your teeth
• Freshening your breath. This is a good alternative if you’re sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwash
• Temporarily relieving canker sore pain. Mix the salt and water with baking soda to form a paste to specifically target the region.
• Relieving soreness associated with braces. Our endodontists usually recommend this to patients after installing traditional metal-wire braces.

Saltwater Mouth Rinse Directions

Just add half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Swish the contents in your mouth for 10 to 15 seconds and spit out. Unless specified by your dentist, we don’t recommend rinsing with saltwater more than four times a week. Too much sodium exposure can harm tooth enamel.

Promote a Bacteria-Free Mouth

Contact us at  Mukilteo Dental Arts to schedule an appointment. The accumulation of bad bacteria in your mouth can cause serious harm to your teeth and gums. While we recommend a saltwater mouth rinse as a natural remedy, it’s not a cure-all solution.

Saltwater Mouth Rinse: Family Dentistry for Mill Creek Residents

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on May 13, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do your gums bleed when you brush? Because our mouths are full of bacteria (both good and bad), it’s important to know what can happen when bad bacteria comes in contact with blood in your mouth. The bad bacteria can affect your well-being beyond your oral health. It’s called jailbreak bacteria, because it escapes your mouth and relocates to other areas of your body.

What Is Jailbreak Bacteria, Exactly?

When this bad bacteria “jailbreaks” from the mouth and enters the blood stream it uses the blood system as an escape route. It travels to internal organs and can cause blood clots.

It Can Even Be Deadly

This ‘bad’ bacteria is known as streptococcus bacteria; it causes periodontal disease. When it enters the bloodstream it binds together with a protein in the blood, eventually creating a clot-inducing clump. This also leads to inflamed blood vessels, that in turn block blood flow to the heart and brain. Sounds deadly, right?

So…What Can We Do to Prevent it?

The first line of defense is what you’ve been hearing from your family dentist for years–brush and floss well and regularly.   Endodontists  and family dentists recommend frequent exams as well. These preventive measures will keep you from having to undergo costlier oral surgeries down the road.  

Prevent Life-Threatening Diseases

Who would’ve thought bleeding gums could lead to life threatening blood clots? Apparently, the separate components of the body are more interconnected to one another than we know. Poor oral health means greater likelihood of disease elsewhere. Contact us today at Mukilteo Dental Arts if you’ve noticed bleeding gums in Edmonds. We also offer cosmetic dentistry.

Offering Jailbreak Bacteria Prevention for Edmonds Residents

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on April 12, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

One good tooth deserves another, and another, and another. It’s understandable that making and keeping a dental appointment sometimes ends up at the bottom of one’s to-do list. But did you know that missing an appointment or postponing an appointment can lead to further procrastination, which can lead to more and more tooth trouble?

Omit or Commit?

According to a study published in Science Direct patients miss or cancel appointments for varied reasons.  According to this research, one out of every four respondents has missed an appointment, and 40% have canceled at least once.

Fret or Forget?

Chewing on the study results a bit more, we discover that the top reason for missing an appointment is plain old forgetfulness. Last-minute scheduling conflicts came next. It was also discovered that those who missed an appointment were far more likely to have canceled on at least one other occasion.

Cancel Culture

The cancellation of a dental appointment for oral surgery might lead to serious consequences if rescheduling is not done at the same time. One trick to keep you on track is to schedule dual appointments with other family members. With family dentistry, you’ll probably be more likely to keep those appointments, because more people are involved if you have to cancel or reschedule. Of course, adding the event to your mobile device calendar helps.

Spring for Your Dental Appointment Now!

There is no time like the present to get back on track with dental health.  At Mukilteo Dental Arts you will find exceptional quality, affordable rates, and compassionate and committed staff. For a basic checkup, cleaning, or even a cosmetic procedure, contact us today to schedule!

Make and Keep Dental Appointment near Edmonds

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on March 10, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Oral surgeons urge caution when eating with missing teeth in Lynnwood. The problem goes far beyond getting food stuck in your teeth, or not being able to eat your favorite foods. It’s important for all-around good health to get these gaps filled in with dental implants or dentures. You might be surprised at the seriousness of improper chewing!

Feel the Pressure

Your teeth exert between 200 and 250 pounds of bite force. Dentures are better than nothing, but provide just 50 pounds of bite force.

When you eat with missing teeth, your jaw and gums have to work harder. This causes soreness and is likely to lead to more serious issues. Weakened bones, infected gums, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are potential problems.

Tummy Trouble

Eating with missing teeth means you’re more likely to swallow food before it’s broken down adequately. You also secrete less saliva, which contains essential digestive enzymes. Your digestive tract must work harder, and your body isn’t able to extract as many nutrients. And now the food remains in the colon for a longer period of time, which causes gas, bloating, and lethargy.

What to Do If You’re Eating with Missing Teeth

If you’re missing a few teeth here and there, it’s tempting to put off making a dental appointment. But taking care of the problem sooner rather than later is always best. Consult a family dentist to determine if you qualify for dental implants. Contact Mukilteo Dental Arts and schedule an exam today. We provide a full spectrum of dental services ranging from general dentistry to endodontics. Eating with missing teeth has long-term health implications; please see a dentist and avoid further damage. Come see us for a free consultation today!

Eating with Missing Teeth in Lynnwood: Consultation for Dental Implants

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on February 8, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Not all types of sugars are bad for your teeth. With the holiday season in full swring, consider using teeth-safe sugars. These make great alternative ingredients for that homemade pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce. They also receive the nod of approval from your family dentist.

Not All Sugars Destroy Your Teeth

There are lots of different types of sugars. At least two of these are safe for teeth. Unfortunately, the sugar found in 95% of foods are of the varieties that cause tooth decay. A study published in the Washington Post in 2015 analyzed 28 natural sugars and seven artificial sweeteners. The study showed that the most common types of sugar, table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and brown sugar, all cause tooth decay. Oral surgeons warn against any processed foods which are high in these sugars.

What about natural sugars, such as those found in honey, milk, and maple syrup? According to the study, these sugars can also harm your teeth.

So Which Sugars Are Okay?

The two good sugars which the study deemed to be healthy for teeth are xylitol and erythritol. Xylitol is made from birch trees and corn cobs. Not only is it safe, it’s actually healthy since it promotes enamel remineralization. Erythritol is also safe because bacteria in the mouth cannot metabolize it. Erythritol sweeteners bake in a way nearly identical to sugar. This sweetener shouldn’t be eaten in large amounts since it has no nutritional value.

Consider Baking with Teeth-Safe Sugars in Everett

Typically, people consume more sweets than usual during the holidays. Make an appointment with Mukilteo Dental Arts for a checkup or schedule a whitening procedure with our cosmetic dentists. This year, make it one of your goals to use healthier teeth-safe sugar varieties. Contact us today.

Teeth-Safe Sugars for Cavity Prevention in Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on December 9, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Parents of teens know just how conscious their children are of their appearance. We’re often asked if teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry is suitable for teens in Everett. The answer is yes; with the right treatment, teens, and everyone, can enjoy a whiter smile in a relatively short time. Teeth whitening can be both safe and satisfying.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening for Teens

At Mukilteo Dental Arts teeth whitening is a common procedure for teens. We often do this right before the start of school or before a school dance. However, we encourage parents to educate their children. Be sure they know that white teeth do not equal healthy teeth.

Teens have a notorious tendency to binge on sugary snacks. This can lead to cavities and expensive oral surgeries down the road. We don’t recommend policing everything they eat because they are learning to make their own decisions. Still, it’s important for them to learn the principles of moderation and common sense regarding sugary foods.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening

Teenagers tend to follow the crowd when it comes to the latest trends. When a friend or classmate shows up to school flaunting a freshly whitened smile, it’s likely your child will soon be coming to you asking for a teeth whitening kit. As these types of at-home whitening products become more available, it’s important to understand the risks and possible side effects of applying teeth whitening products to a developing smile.

Visit Us for All Your Dental Procedures near Everett

After a checkup from our family dentists, we will be more than happy to visit with you about all our cosmetic dental procedures. We strongly recommend our in-office laser teeth whitening treatments for teenagers who want a brighter smile. These professional treatments allow for a quick and easy whitening process that is proven to be safe without room for user-error. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Adults and Teens near Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on November 12, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business