5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

Prevent Mouth Sores Champlin

When our patients at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grover get mouth sores, we advise them to think about what they’re eating and make some changes. It’s a quick solution to a short-term dental health problem, and it works. By following these tips, you can avoid discomfort and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

  • creamy soups
  • yogurt
  • hot cereal
  • mashed potatoes
  • puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. It’s kind of boring, but it’s just temporary. Overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods really sting when you have a mouth sore!

3. Keep it cool. Only eat meals served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can bypass the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

We hope  these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If your dental health issue doesn’t clear up in a week or so, call us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Your Smile Says Keep Trying!

gentle dentist Maple Grove

This blog post is for those who are discouraged because they haven’t been successful at making some changes that will benefit their dental health. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we encourage you to keep trying.

Keep Trying To Floss

Many people are observant about brushing and believe that it makes up for lack of flossing. This is a misconception. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris and plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. Failure to floss can lead to periodontal disease which can, in turn, lead to tooth loss. We encourage everyone to make it a habit to floss thoroughly every day.

Keep Trying to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Skipping dental checkups can have detrimental, and in some cases, irreversible consequences. Severe dental caries or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer are two potential hazards. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. Dental anxiety affects a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage it so you can undergo an exam and any required procedures.

Keep Trying to Quit Tobacco

Smoking is just as dangerous for your teeth and gums as it is for other parts of your body. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to stop the practice, it’s clear that you value your health and want to lower your risk for all the issues caused or exacerbated by smoking, chewing, or vaping.

Sometimes a little help can make all the difference to your dental health. Call Arbor Lakes Dental. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Call Them What You Will, Just Keep Them Healthy

Maple Grove Top Cosmetic dentist

Chompers. Pearly Whites. Dents. Gnashers. Grill. While you can switch up what you call them, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove remind you  to never switch up a well-engrained dental health routine.

Practicing proper oral hygiene daily with pay off throughout your life. You’ll prevent tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease, not to mention bad breath (something friends, family, and coworkers will also appreciate).

Speaking of pearly whites, following basic dental health advice will help keep your teeth looking their best as well. If you’re interested in a smile makeover, we can tell you about procedures such as invisible braces, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grover, we promote dental health techniques in all of our patients. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Suspect A Bite Problem?

malocclusion examination Maple Grove

The topic of this post is malocclusion – literally, bad bite. Some cases of malocclusion can be treated with clear braces, provided by Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove.

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics, coined the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases the misalignment is so slight that it causes no problems.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can affect the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite problems with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite problems.

Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!

If your jaw hurts or you see unusual wear to your teeth, it is important that you are examined by a professional. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove provides a wide range of dental services, from clear braces to family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Danger Zone! 5 Signs Of Gum Disease

dental payment plans ChamplinHere is some essential news for anyone who cares about their dental health: periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a main cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is linked to heart disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, this problem is easy to treat if it is discovered in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  4. Gums that are loosening from the teeth
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

We hope you are not experiencing any of these symptoms. If you are not removing plaque between your teeth, however, your gums are at risk. Brushing alone is not sufficient—make sure you floss daily.

Regular check-ups are another essential weapon in the fight against gum disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove we offer OralDNA, a fast and pain-free test for the early detection of gum disease. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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What Can Arbor Lakes Dental Do For You?

Hello, and welcome to the blog of Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. We work hard to maintain the dental health of each of our patients.

Teeth may seem like bone, but they are actually living structures. Inside that hard exterior is complex system of tissue. And the teeth themselves are anchored to your jaw by ligaments and a material called cementum.

Because there is so much more than meets the eye, we urge our patients to take good care of their teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, and by visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and a checkup. Our hygienists will remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar that has built up, and one of our dentists will give your teeth and gums a thorough inspection.

Why do we stress this? Because research has shown there is a connection between the health of your teeth and your overall physical health. In short, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide dental health through family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

Get Tested! Gum Disease in Maple Grove

One of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide treatment for gum disease.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. If you don’t, your chances of getting gum disease increase.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. Health experts say that tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair. A genetic test can confirm it, even if you aren’t showing any signs. Getting early intervention treatment may help. Arbor Lakes Dental provides OralDNA testing for gum disease.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and heart medications. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs at all of gum disease, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove know. We provide effective gum disease treatment. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

Dental Confidence Or Caution?

Whether you go willingly  for your check-up, or are hesitant about getting dental work done, Arbor Lakes Dental Care in Maple Grove wants to see you every six months to make sure you’re maintaining good dental health.

The modern view is that there is a connection between poor dental health and underlying, systemic conditions. To put it another way, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

Oral bacteria and inflammation may be associated with a host of health issues, from heart disease and endocarditis, to premature birth and low birth weights. Oral bacteria can spread from the mouth into the blood and cause serious, even life-threatening infection of the heart valves.

We aren’t trying to frighten anyone, but obviously these are serious issues. They’re also good reasons to brush and floss daily (twice a day is better), and see us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove every six months for a cleaning and checkup. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

Captivate Audiences Once Again

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Hello Maple Grove! Remember when being a toothless five-year-old captivated friends and family? When a lisp was considered cute and endearing? Doesn’t really work for adults. Toothless smiles are awkward and lisps can make you self-conscious. Cosmetic dentistry from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove can help to change that.

Your days of enticing delighted looks and commanding a conversation may not be gone forever—even if you have gaps in your smile. It is time to find out what can be done to fill in those gaps and restore what you reveled in as a child—your sensational smile and a healthy self-image.

If you are missing teeth, have unattractive gaps or are just not satisfied with your smile’s current condition, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental looks forward to offering you the answers to all your important smile makeover, dental restorations, and cosmetic dentistry questions.

A simple consultation with Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove will bring not only clarity but hope that possibilities for cosmetic dentistry are well within your reach. We also provide family dentistry. Make an appointment today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

Watch Out For Hidden Sugar

Family Dentist Maple Grove

Every health-conscious parent knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities for kids. (It’s not good for adult teeth, either.) Because of its threat to dental health, low nutritional value, and high-calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove reminds you, there is also sugar lurking in so-called ‘healthy’ snacks.

The following snacks may have more sugar than you think:

yogurt covered raisins
fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
rice cakes
many brands of yogurt including the hand-held type
juice drinks
flavored milk
barbecue sauce
fruit smoothies
cereal bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for lifelong dental health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks, scrutinize labels. Sugar content varies among brands.

Sugar is not the only thing to watch out for. If your child’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we believe that teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and that your dental health is of utmost importance. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369