The Different Ways Tongue Ties Can Affect Your Lifestyle

Tongue-tie is a condition that affects the frenulum, which is the tissue under the tongue that connects it to the floor of the mouth. It is also called ‘ankyloglossia.’ Most tongue ties are not noticeable to others. However, if left untreated, they can cause problems with feeding, speaking, and even proper breathing. Let’s take a look at the different ways a tongue-tie can affect a person’s life.

Sleep Apnea

If you have a short frenulum, you are at risk of sleep apnea, a disorder where a person is often awakened by obstructions to their airways. When a tongue tie is present, the tongue may not be able to calm itself down during the night and therefore block the path of the airway. If you tend to have a high frequency of obstruction or cannot breathe while you sleep, it is possible that the only thing that will help the situation is the tongue tie’s removal.

Breathing Through the Mouth

While some people claim to be able to breathe just fine when their tongue is tied, others struggle to even breathe through their mouth. The tongue will often press against the windpipe and block the airflow, making you have to open your mouth to breathe easier.

Speech Impairment

Tongue ties also make certain consonants like S, T, L, and more become difficult to pronounce. While some people are not bothered by the inability to speak properly due to their tongue-tie, others may feel embarrassed by the way they talk. You may wonder how you can be understood when you talk with a tongue-tie or may feel self-conscious.

Poor Range of Motion for Tongue

While some people with tongue ties cannot move their tongue as they would like, others cannot even stick their tongue out properly. The tongue-tie can cause the tongue to bend inwards, making it difficult to move it. For babies, a tongue-tie may also cause the tongue to curl, making it impossible to suckle properly, which can cause problems with breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Unmanageable Oral Health

When you don’t have a fully formed frenulum, you may have problems with your oral health. Poor mobility with your tongue can cause food to get stuck between the teeth. You may also experience bad breath and gum disease.

Problems with Swallowing

When a person has a tongue-tie, it can cause a number of issues with swallowing. Many people with tongue ties have difficulty swallowing food and experience gagging and choking. The tongue is supposed to come forward in order to swallow, but when a tongue tie is present, it cannot do so properly.

Conclusion

Many of these problems can be resolved through frenotomy, which is the cutting of the frenulum. However, it is essential to talk to a doctor before undergoing any procedure. Tongue ties can affect your overall development and quality of life, so it’s important to seek treatment before it gets too bad.

If you’re in need of a laser tongue-tie release, get checked for a frenectomy at Lexington Smile Studio. Our surgeons can help take care of your problem and improve your quality of life with a quick and painless procedure!

Is Laser Treatment Effective for Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious infection that can damage the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. See a dentist if you think you may have gum disease, as various treatment options are available.

Laser treatment for gum disease is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery that can often be completed in just one office visit. The dentist or periodontist uses a laser to target and destroy the bacteria and infected tissue causing gum disease. This can help to reduce inflammation, bleeding, and other symptoms associated with gum disease. In some cases, it may even be possible to avoid surgery altogether.

How to Spot the Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious dental health problem that many people ignore. It is caused by a build-up of tartar and plaque, which can form deep pockets around your teeth. These pockets can trap food particles and bacteria, creating an ideal environment for an infection.

Here are the main symptoms of gum disease to look out for:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath that never goes away
• Deep pockets between gums and teeth
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Bleeding gums

If you have any symptoms of gum disease, you should see a dentist regularly for checkups. Gum disease can be treated with lasers by a professional dentist.

How Laser Therapy Works Against Gum Disease

In gum disease laser treatment, the dentist uses laser technology to access and eliminate the infected gum tissue from around the root of your mouth. This process of root scaling starts by removing the tartar and plaque that could have built up around the root and below your gum line. 

Your dentist later smoothens out the root to remove any rough spots that might attract bacteria and cause further infections. The region between the root and the gum can regenerate later during recovery.

Benefits of Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Laser treatment for gum disease is becoming more popular among dentists as it is less invasive and quicker recovery than traditional surgery. Here’s why:

1. Laser gum disease treatment involves using a laser to remove and kill the bacteria that cause tooth infection. This procedure can help to reduce gum bleeding and improve overall oral health.
2. Gum laser treatment is a versatile and customizable procedure that can be tailored to each patient. This lets your dentist completely control the treatment, ensuring they can design a solution that meets your specific needs.
3. This treatment uses a laser to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. It is minimally invasive, meaning the patient has less pain and pressure. There is no need for anesthesia because the laser does not damage the surrounding tissue.
4. This treatment can help keep your teeth looking good while removing cavities.
5. This therapy uses a laser to remove infected tissue and bacteria from your gums. It also stimulates the growth of new tissue, which helps your gums heal quickly.

Conclusion

Laser treatment is an effective way to treat gum disease. It can help to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease and can also help to shrink the gum tissue. Laser treatment is a safe and effective way to treat gum disease and can help improve your gums’ overall health.

Established in 1991 by Dr. Fawn Rosenberg, Lexington Smile Studio sets the standards for exceptional care, where we provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Our dental services include cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontics, and laser dentistry. If you’re interested in laser gum surgery in Lexington, we’re here to help! Book an appointment today and get the smile of your dreams next!

Teeth Whitening Myths That Will Make You Frown

Most patients prefer to have whiter-looking teeth, and there are a few ways to achieve this. They can either visit a dentist and get the procedure done there or buy a DIY teeth whitening kit and get it done at home by themselves.

However, it can be difficult to determine what information to believe regarding dental procedures. With so much information within our grasp, it’s challenging to know what is accurate and what isn’t. That’s why we’ll help you make an informed choice for your oral health with facts about your dental care to maintain optimal health. Avoid believing the following myths that make your mouth frown instead of smile.

Myth: Activated Charcoal Can Whiten Teeth

Activated charcoal is a kind of treated carbon that is extremely porous. This makes it ideal for adsorbing (or binding to) certain substances. This is why the solution is often used to treat accidental poisoning in emergencies, as it makes the person vomit out the toxin.

Despite its efficacy, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that using charcoal powder to whiten teeth is effective. It may cause more harm than good. Charcoal powder is abrasive and can wear away at tooth enamel, exposing the yellow-colored dentin underneath. Over time, this can lead to yellowing of the teeth rather than whitening.

Still don’t believe us? Ask your dentist.

Myth: Coconut Oil Is Just as Effective as Traditional Whitening Methods

Oil pulling is a popular teeth whitening method that involves swishing around oil in the mouth before spitting it out. This ancient practice dates back hundreds of years and is popular in India and other parts of Asia.

But while steeped in cultural history, there are sadly no concrete scientific studies to support the claim that oil pulling with coconut oil is effective. Evidence suggests that it may cause nausea and other side effects. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this trend.

Myth: Strawberries Can Result in Pearlier Whites

Without the right information, people use DIY methods to whiten their teeth, like lemon juice or a compound of crushed strawberries and baking soda. But experts like your dentist will say that professional teeth whitening options are more effective; you should avoid using homemade remedies like this next one.

Acidic fruits and harsh substances, like baking soda, lemons, or strawberries, can damage tooth enamel. If you don’t want to risk needing more dental work in the future, it’s best to eat these fruits as part of a healthy snack instead.

Myth: Whitening Teeth Products Do Just Fine

Whitening toothpaste and gum may not give you the dramatic results you want due to the low concentration of bleaching ingredients. These products are often more affordable and easy to find but don’t expect them to give you a major smile makeover. 

Plus, they are a one-size-fits-all market solution instead of a unique, tailored approach to your oral cavity’s biome. Remember, each person’s mouth, teeth, and impacts are different due to diet and oral hygiene. The best teeth whitening is done by a professional dentist who knows your medical history.

Fix Your Smile at Lexington Smile Studio

Stop bearing with lackluster methods and myths that don’t create the desired results or even damage your teeth further. Get teeth whitening done by a dentist in Lexington Smile Studio! We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, and periodontics, so your perfectly white smile remains healthy from day one. Book your appointment through our website!

What You Need to Know When Recovering from Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to treat a number of different gum diseases. The laser gum procedure involves using a laser to remove diseased tissue from the gums and promote healing. Laser gum surgery is often used to treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases. While the surgery is minimally invasive, you still need to recover from it. And to ensure a speedy recovery here’s what you need to know.

Maintain a Liquid or Soft Diet

For the first few days after laser gum surgery, it is important to stick to a liquid or soft diet. Sticking to a liquid or soft diet will help to prevent any further irritation of the gums. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods will also help to avoid any further damage to the gums.

After the first few days post-surgery, you can slowly start to introduce solid foods back into your diet. However, it is important to avoid any foods that are hard or crunchy. These can cause further irritation to the gums and delay the healing process. 

It is also important to avoid using straws, smoking, and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery. These activities can all cause irritation and delay healing.

Avoid Brushing or Flossing Over the Treated Area

If you’ve recently had laser gum surgery, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums to ensure a successful recovery. One of the most important things you can do is to avoid brushing or flossing over the treated area.

Brushing your teeth too soon after laser gum surgery can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. It can also cause the surgical site to become infected. Flossing can also irritate your gums and cause bleeding. 

It’s important to wait until your gums have healed before you start brushing and flossing again. You should wait at least a week before you start brushing your teeth. If your gums are still sore, you can try using a softer toothbrush. 

Once your gums have completely healed, you can start brushing and flossing again. Be sure to brush gently and avoid irritating your gums. 

Keep Your Head Slightly Elevated

If you have recently had laser gum surgery, your doctor will have likely told you to keep your head slightly elevated for the first few days. This is to help reduce swelling and promote proper healing. Here are a few tips on how to best keep your head elevated during your recovery:

1. Use a few pillows when sleeping. When you are lying down, gravity will pull your head down and increase swelling. Placing a pillow under your head will help keep it elevated and reduce swelling.
2. Sit up straight. When sitting, be sure to keep your head up and back straight. This will help reduce pressure on your incisions and promote proper healing.
3. Use ice. Applying ice to your face can help reduce swelling. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel so that it doesn’t directly touch your skin.

Final Thoughts

Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive, effective way to treat gum disease. The procedure is quick and typically requires only one or two visits to the dentist. Recovery is usually quick and painless, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few days. But still, it’s important to heed your dentist’s advice to ensure a full recovery.

Get laser gum surgery in Lexington at Lexington Smile Studio. We provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Our dental services include cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontics, and laser dentistry. Book an appointment now!