It’s comforting to know that our Ooltewah TN family dentistry offers teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry services, but there are things that you can do to minimize the impact of stains and discoloration before this is needed to restore your pearly white smile. This month’s blog is dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about teeth whitening… Why do teeth stain? Teeth become yellow or gray for a variety of reasons that may be behavioral or simply the effects of erosion of the enamel over time allowing more of the color of the dentin to show through. How can I maintain the whiteness of my teeth? There are a few different things you can do to keep your natural smile looking it’s best. You’ve no doubt heard the expression “You are what you eat…” Turns out, this is true, at least when it comes to the coloration of…
Tuesday, 07 February 2023 14:15

Can You Get Rid of Gingivitis

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Almost half of the adults in the US have some type of gum disease. Fortunately, gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease, can be reversed by having proper oral hygiene. Schedule regular dental check-ups to eliminate plaque and tartar, which are the leading causes of gum disease. There is no overnight solution for healthy gums, but forming good habits will help to maintain oral health in the long run. What Does Gingivitis Look Like? Gingivitis causes redness of the gingiva, or the gum line that meets the base of your teeth. It typically causes inflammation, making gums appear puffy. Gingivitis also causes bleeding gums more often during brushing or flossing, with bad breath as a common symptom as well. Why Does Gingivitis Occur? To address gingivitis, it is important to recognize the root cause. Plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria, tends to thrive in the mouth as it…
Friday, 03 February 2023 15:56

The Chew on Gum

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According to a 2015 study, 100 million bacteria can be removed from the mouth after 10 minutes of chewing sugar free gum. There are more benefits to chewing gum than just minty fresh breath. It can help various other aspects while you chew: Oral Health Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help to clean teeth by rinsing off and neutralizing the acids left behind by plaque and bacteria. In addition to preserving tooth enamel, chewing sugar free gum stimulates saliva flow up to ten times the normal rate. Xylitol, the artificial sweetener found in sugar free gums, prevents the growth of oral bacteria and cavities. The ingredient prevents bacteria from adhering to the tooth, stopping cavities from forming. Cognitive Function Not only does chewing gum help to strengthen teeth, but it has also been linked to improving cognitive function. The action increases blood flow to the brain and elevates the…
Senior Chattanooga Dental Care Our seniors are precious and need special consideration to remain healthy. Dr. Tedford works to provide affordable senior dental services like dentures, implants, bridges, and more to the Ooltewah, Chattanooga, Collegedale, and Cleveland, TN communities. In fact, we have a dedicated page on this website to specifically address senior citizen dental care needs. Readers can learn more about minimizing root decay that can lead to age-related gum loss and tooth loss. Lost Bone mass can also harm the jaw and increase the need for dental implants. Wear and tear related to time also impacts how well dentures fit. Decades of exposure to coffee, wine, and sodas show erosion of the dental enamel. Dr. Tedford assists seniors with routine dental care and cleanings, implants, dentures, veneers, bridges, and teeth whitening. It’s important that our retirement years be spent comfortably, which includes retaining our ability to chew food…
Friday, 06 January 2023 15:56

9 Tips for Denture Care

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Below are some simple, general tips from our Ooltewah dentist to keep your dentures, either complete or partial dentures, in good shape.When you visit with Dr. Tedford, he will make recommendations on the best denture solutions for you.1. Take Your Dentures Out Daily.If possible, take your dentures out while you sleep. If this is not a good option for you, take them out for 6 to 8 hours a day during another time period. This will give your mouth tissues time to recover.2. Help Retain Your Dentures ShapePlace your dentures in warm water (or a denture cleanser solution), when they are not being worn, to help retain the denture's shape, remain pliable and keeps it from drying out. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, which could cause them to warp. 3. Clean Your Dentures DailyLike natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned daily to remove food particles, tartar and…
Wednesday, 21 December 2022 19:42

Keeping the Smiles of Chattanooga Healthy

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At Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah, TN, we understand the importance of preventive dentistry in keeping the smiles of Chattanooga bright. With our comprehensive services, we provide patients with the knowledge and care necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.Our commitment to your oral health includes regular examinations and professional cleanings as well as brushing and flossing guidance. By following our personalized plans, you can reduce your risk of gum disease, cavities, and enamel damage that can occur from a lifetime of wear. To ensure you keep your sparkling smile for years to come, contact us today to explore the world of preventive dentistry! Are these exams and x-rays truly necessary? Regular dental checkups are an important part of preventive dentistry and one of the best ways to protect your teeth. During these appointments, a qualified dentist like Dr. Tedford will carefully examine your mouth and use x-rays to assess…
Wednesday, 09 November 2022 17:18

Cosmetic Dentistry Near McDonald Tennessee

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Confidence is everything, and our cosmetic dentistry staff near McDonald Tennessee has the skills to get you feeling confident about your smile! We take special care to ensure your teeth are aligned properly and have multiple opportunities to help you achieve cleaner-looking bites all around. Some examples of options we provide include: Teeth Whitening Near McDonald Tennessee The appearance of your teeth is dependent on the color and reflectiveness from the surrounding tissue, as well as any dark stains gathered over time. Thinner enamel allows more dentin to show through, which can lead to darker-looking not-so-pearly whites! The tooth whitening we provide near McDonald Tennessee is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that decreases stains and discoloration on teeth. Many people opt for this service to ensure their smiles are always picture-perfect! Tooth Reshaping Near McDonald Tennessee Tooth reshaping, also called contouring, can fix minor cosmetic dental problems like slightly misshapen…
Tedford Family Dentistry is the dentist of East Brainerd that the community has come to know and trust with their family's dental care. Regardless of the age of the family member, we can assist in keeping their teeth in tip-top shape! Pediatric Dental Care Pediatric dental care is an essential part of a child's overall health and development. Primary teeth begin to erupt between six and twelve months of age and continue to erupt until around age three. This is a crucial time for children to receive proper dental care, learn healthy oral hygiene habits, and have any potential problems with their teeth or jaw development detected and treated early.  Early dental visits also allow parents to learn how to best care for their child's teeth, and how to avoid or address common issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and the effects of pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or baby bottling on…
Monday, 13 December 2021 13:35

5 New Year's Resolutions to Boost Dental Health

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“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” –Oprah Winfrey With the new year on the horizon, it’s time for us to start planning our resolutions. A new year also means a fresh start for each of us in many ways, and an opportunity to improve ourselves by whatever means we set our minds to. Interestingly enough, there are many new year’s resolution options that can actually help boost your dental health, and here are just a few to consider for the upcoming calendar year! 1– Floss More! Flossing is one of those things we all KNOW we should be doing at least once per day, but it’s pretty easy to blow it off, or skip it when we’re in a rush or tired and more than ready for bed. That said, resolving to floss your teeth more is a great way to improve…
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