Dentist, Dr. Ivan Salmons DDS and his dental treatment team are pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to their patients from Sioux City IA and the surrounding communities. Our dental services include: adult, children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, orthodontic, preventive and restorative dentistry.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are ñ and how to keep them that way. 1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body - making it durable and damage-resistant. 2. Your bite is powerful! Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time ñ but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. The remainder of the article details the following:
Teeth can last for hundreds of years
Strong as they are, teeth can't heal on their own
Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help
Dr. Salmons is pleased to offer Invisalign™ invisible aligners, a state-of-the-art solution that permits you to achieve straight teeth in as little as 9 - 15 months! These aligners can correct overcrowding, widely spaced teeth, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Invisalign uses sophisticated 3-D computer-imaging technology to formulate your complete treatment plan from the present position of your teeth to your final, amazing smile. Clear thermoplastic aligners comparable to teeth-whitening trays are tailored to precisely fit your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks. You only need to appear in the office for assessment every four to eight weeks. Total treatment time is determined by your personal needs and goals. Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 454-7214 SiouxCityDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation-including sparkling water-has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form). So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth? According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth-and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth. Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water-and Protecting Your Teeth
Sparkling water is far better for your teeth than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too-it’s the best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities).
Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.
Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to your risk of developing cavities. So remember-sparkling or not-plain water is always the best choice.
Many patients who wear dentures hate dealing with them. Even the ones that are custom-fitted can slide or fall out, and they can get food trapped underneath. They also don’t help maintain healthy bone in your jaw. But we have a fantastic solution! Mini implants are used to securely hold your dentures in place. A number of implants are placed into your jaw, and the dentures snap onto them. No more slipping and falling out, and no more icky adhesives!
Mini implants can also be used to replace individual missing teeth. The restoration that is placed onto the implant is made of the best materials and custom shaded to match the rest of your teeth. Because it looks like it’s coming up through the gums, it is indistinguishable from your regular teeth! Mini implants can be placed immediately, all in one visit, so there’s no waiting for months to fill the gap. Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 454-7214 SiouxCityDentist.com
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water.
Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash.
Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry.
Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile.
Digital X-rays generate views of your teeth that can’t be achieved with traditional film systems. With a digital sensor placed in your mouth, Dr. Salmons can collect the images and display them immediately on a monitor. Without jeopardizing any of the original content, images can be magnified, expanded, rotated, or color-coded. With digital files, current images can be laid over earlier images to emphasize deviations in your dental health. With digital X-rays, the lag time that stemmed from film being developed has been eliminated, which means a shorter office visit for you. In addition, this cutting-edge technology shrinks your exposure to radiation by 75% as compared to conventional non-digital X-rays. Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 454-7214 SiouxCityDentist.com
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 239-5900 SiouxCityDentist.com
Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful... Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:
Brush 2-3 times every day with a flouride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
Floss once a day
Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
Limit consumption of sugary foodsand beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
Eliminate or at least limit use of alchol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes
We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjuction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care. And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dnetal Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older. Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check. If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment! Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 454-7214 SiouxCityDentist.com
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Yolanda Eddis
Healthy eating is essential for your overall health. Choosing foods and beverages that provide the right amount of energy and nutrients goes a long way toward maintaining not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer numerous nutrition resources, such as sample recipes, menus and educational tools that will guide you in picking out the right foods and drinks to consume. By knowing how to eat healthy, you can improve your physical and oral health, prevent disease and promote healthy growth and development for children and adolescents. What Is a Nutritious Diet? Eating a nutritious diet has many benefits. A well-balanced diet should include foods from the basic food groups and subgroups along with the right oils. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals are a staple of healthy diets, but it's also important to avoid eating too many or too few nutrients. In an effort to assist consumers to learn how to eat healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed the MyPlate website. MyPlate illustrates the five food groups, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy, and provides several examples of each. Oils that come from different plants and fish are also recommended although they don't constitute a food group of their own. The selection of foods from these groups can be fresh, canned, frozen or dried. The site also recommends different ways to balance your caloric intake by increasing nutrients and decreasing the consumption of sugar and sodium in meals and snacks. To read the entire article visitColgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are ñ and how to keep them that way.
