Cancer is a scary word and a diagnosis none of us want to hear. But if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, seeing your dentist in Buckhead before starting chemotherapy is a crucial step toward a successful treatment.

While chemotherapy helps treat cancer, it also causes several side effects to the rest of your body, including your mouth. In fact, some of the oral health problems associated with chemotherapy can actually cause a delay or stop in treatment. Clearly, when you’re dealing with something as serious as cancer, it’s never ideal to stop treatment. This is why I recommend visiting my dental office in Buckhead at least one month prior to beginning chemotherapy.

How Does Chemotherapy Affect Your Mouth?

Since chemotherapy kills cancer cells, it’s often the treatment of choice. However, it can also cause harm to normal cells in the body and mouth. Side effects in the mouth can be serious and can include pain; difficulty talking, eating, and swallowing; dry mouth; or burning and swelling of the tongue. You’re also more likely to get an infection in your gums or in the moist lining of your mouth. When undergoing cancer treatment, any infection can be extremely dangerous.

How Does Seeing a Dentist Help?

Your dentist in Buckhead is an important part of your cancer treatment and can help keep dangerous side effects away. Often times, the oral side effects from cancer treatment occur in unhealthy mouths, and while not all side effects can be avoided, the healthier your mouth is the more likely the side effects can be avoided and treatment can continue as planned. Ideally, it’s best to schedule an appointment at my Buckhead dental office one month before cancer treatment begins.

When you visit, my team and I will perform an in-depth exam, clean your teeth, and take care of any mouth problems we may find. We’ll also discuss the best way for you to care for your mouth at home to prevent side effects.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer please give my dental office in Buckhead a call as soon as you can. Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality care to allow for the most successful treatment possible.

Pregnancy is such a joyous time in life. Your family is growing, you’re going to be parents, and you’ve never been more excited. You always make sure to schedule and keep your doctor appointments for the care and health of both yourself and your baby. Are you scheduling and keeping your dental appointments as well?

Keeping up with your oral health at my Buckhead dental office during your pregnancy is not only beneficial for your health, it’s also beneficial for your baby. The American Academy of Periodontology encourages moms to see their dentist as early in pregnancy as possible. And I have to agree.

If you are experiencing vomiting with morning sickness, it is important that you brush your teeth more frequently to prevent stomach acid from damaging your tooth enamel. But that’s not all.

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, changes during pregnancy, especially hormonal changes, can exacerbate oral health issues. For example, almost half of all pregnancies are plagued by the dangers of pregnancy gingivitis. Concerns about this oral health issue are greatly lessened when monitored by your Buckhead dentist, and the gingivitis usually subsides shortly after giving birth. However, if visits to my Buckhead dental office are avoided, and treatment is not received when needed, pregnancy gingivitis can progress into a more serious problem and even a potentially scary situation for the baby.

If pregnancy gingivitis is left untreated and progresses into periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, it could lead to preterm labor and a low birth-weight baby– both serious pregnancy complications. In fact, mothers who have periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have preterm labor.

Regular dental care is important all the time, and even more so during pregnancy. Maintaining visits at my dental office in Buckhead is not only safe for expecting moms, it’s encouraged for the oral health of moms-to-be, the health of the baby, and a safe pregnancy.

You know that it’s important to brush at least twice a day. You know I always recommend that you floss at least once a day. And you know the importance of keeping up with your regularly scheduled visits at my dental office in Buckhead. But there are some everyday things that you may be doing that could cause damage to your smile, and you don’t even know it!

Your Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Yes, your toothbrush can be causing some undesired results if you don’t brush correctly or use the right type. If you brush hard or use vigorous, horizontal strokes, you can actually wear away your enamel. Using a brush with hard bristles can also cause damage. At my Buckhead dental office we traditionally recommend using soft bristles and brushing in small circles, instead.  Also, most toothpastes are abrasive and can be damaging to your enamel if used too often.  So if you are brushing multiple times daily, only use toothpaste for a few of those brushings.  If you use the brush as we show you at my Atlanta dental office, your teeth will feel and be just as clean.

Whitening

Teeth whitening is a safe way to get a brighter, whiter smile. The problem arises when the whitening is done too often. Excessive whitening can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even a smile that’s too white. Yes, it’s possible to have a too white smile! If you’re interested in professional whitening, the best place to start is right here at my dental office in Buckhead.

Using Teeth as Tools

We’ve all been there; we’ve all done it. That pesky bag of chips that won’t open. The stubborn packing tape that refuses to rip. Instead of reaching for the scissors for safe and easy opening, we pull the troublesome item to our mouths and use our teeth as convenient tools. Using your teeth as tools can lead to broken teeth, damaged restorations, and injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth.

Playing Without a Mouth Guard

If you play a contact sport – professionally, in high school, on an adult league, anytime, anywhere – you need to have a mouth guard. We prefer you use a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist in Buckhead as they are designed and created specifically for you and protect your smile better than “boil-and-bite” guards found at the store, and are more comfortable.

Chewing Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are hard. Hard enough to chip away the enamel on your teeth or even lead to a broken tooth if chewed. Also, using your teeth to crunch those floating chunks of ice in your lemonade could compromise restorations.

Whether you’re guilty of any of these habits or not, keeping your smile healthy and beautiful requires a mix of a healthy at-home routine, knowing what can cause damage to your teeth and avoiding these culprits, and maintaining visits with your Buckhead dentist. If you’re due for your checkup, or if you happen to have a dental emergency caused by these dental dangers, give my dental office a call. We’re here to keep you smiling!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and I’d like to make sure all of the patients at my Buckhead dental office recognize how serious oral cancer is, know the risk factors associated with oral cancer, and understand the steps you can take to help with early detection.

The American Dental Association estimates that 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Of the 42,000, only a few more than half are expected to survive longer than five years after diagnosis. While oral cancer is not particularly difficult to treat, the fatality rate is so high because the cancer is often caught too late. This is why a proactive approach to early detection is so important.

A self-exam performed every month at home can help catch oral cancer early, and can contribute to successful treatment. Once a month, grab a mirror and a bright light and check out your mouth for some of the common symptoms of oral cancer. Some things you should look for are red or white patches of tissue, a sore that doesn’t heal on its own, abnormal lumps or thickening of tissues, and difficulty swallowing.

In addition to your once a month self-exam, it’s very important that you keep your regularly scheduled appointments with your Buckhead dentist. While it’s common for oral cancer to not seem to have any symptoms early on, our team is trained to see and catch any suspicious areas. Again, an early diagnosis means that we can start treatment before the cancer gets too widespread and greatly improves your chances of survival.

As with almost any disease, there are a variety of risk factors that can increase your susceptibility to oral cancer. Tobacco use, in addition to heavy drinking, are the most common factors that contribute to oral cancer. Furthermore, the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) can also put someone at increase risk for oral cancer.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, if you’re at increased risk for oral cancer, or you are in need of a checkup, call my Buckhead dental office as soon as possible. I can’t stress enough the importance of early detection and early treatment. Don’t put your life in danger. Schedule an appointment today.

Whether it’s the cup of coffee every morning, or the red wine to relax at night, several things can contribute to a dull or dingy smile. And that’s the last thing you want on your wedding day! At my dental office in Buckhead, we can transform your smile to wedding-white with professional whitening.

Professional whitening can help make your smile dazzling for your big day. The best part? We can often whiten and brighten your smile in less time than over-the-counter whiteners. And while whitening your smile may seem simple and harmless, it’s best to consult your Buckhead dentist before you decide on the best solution for you.

Over-the-counter whitening kits may seem like the ideal solution to get your smile whiter. They’re often a cheaper option and you can whiten at home, in your car, or wherever you want. However, it’s important to know that whitening without a professional recommendation or supervision can lead to some unwanted side effects.

For example, in many over-the counter kits, the strips or mouth pieces can allow the bleaching solution to touch the gums or other tissue, which can cause irritation. Additionally, some products that you find at your local drugstore can lead to tooth pain if the formula is too strong. On the other end of the spectrum, the solution can be too mild to yield desired results.

An alternative is a professional teeth whitening at our Buckhead dental office. Whitening your smile with us is safer, as custom trays are used and protective measures are taken to avoid any gum irritation. A professional smile whitening also tends to last longer as opposed to an over-the-counter choice.

If you’re ready to whiten your smile this wedding season, give my office a call today! We’ll discuss your smile whitening goals and determine the best solution for you. If a professional whitening isn’t appropriate for your smile, don’t worry. We can still help you get the look you want by using porcelain veneers or tooth bonding. No matter what solution we decide on, you’re sure to get your smile wedding white!

While they are many things that do cause cavities and can increase your susceptibility to cavities, at the Buckhead dental office of Dr. Todd Davis, we want to debunk some of the commonly accepted myths about these pesky pockets of decay.

MYTH #1

Sugar is the Prime Cause of Cavities

Ok, this one isn’t a total myth. However, it’s important to know that it’s not the sugar itself that causes cavities, it’s actually the acid that’s produced by bacteria in your mouth when you eat carbohydrates like sugar. When the carbohydrates enter your mouth, the bacteria is triggered to make acid. This acid can then eat into your teeth and create little cavities.

MYTH #2

Kids Are More Likely to Get Cavities Than Adults

Cavities in kids used to be a lot more common than they are now. With the help of sealants and an increase in education on the importance of preventive care, the amount of cavities in kids has decreased dramatically. However, the number of cavities in older adults has actually increased. This is in part due to certain medications that cause dry mouth and reduce saliva production. Saliva is extremely important in fighting decay because it helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria.

MYTH #3

If You Have a Cavity, You’ll Know It

Most people think that you’ll know you have a cavity because it will hurt. Not necessarily. In fact, mild tooth decay doesn’t have any symptoms and the pain we associate with a cavity comes later, when the decay is more advanced and causes damage to the nerve.

This is one of the reasons keeping up with dental check ups from your Buckhead dentist is so important. If a cavity is caught early, there won’t be much, or any, pain associated with it. However, if a cavity continues to grow, it may lead to additional dental procedures like crowns or even root canals.

If you’re due for a checkup, call our Buckhead dental office today. Dr. Todd Davis will perform an in-depth exam and we’ll work together to stop any problems before they really have a chance to cause bigger issues.

In honor of Valentine’s Day’s feelings of love, roses, and kisses, the Buckhead dental office of Dr. Todd Davis thinks it’s important to cover the pros and cons of kissing. Before you partake in any lip to lip action, take a moment to read up on how kissing is bad – and good – for your oral health.

Taking kissing advice from your dentist in Buckhead can seem a bit odd. But we are the experts in all things related to your mouth, so there’s really nobody better!

Everybody kisses. It’s natural and it’s good for showing your love and devotion to your partner. However, there are a few dangers that you should be aware of before smooching. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), one kiss can share more than 500 types of disease-causing germs and viruses including cold sores, Mononucleosis (Mono, or the kissing disease), and even gum disease. And as we all know, kissing can also lead to sharing of a cold or the flu.

But don’t ban kissing just yet. There are actually upsides to locking lips with a loved one. Kissing can benefit your oral health by increasing saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria, and can also protect teeth from decay by neutralizing acids. Additionally, kissing can enhance your mood and strengthen your relationship. So smooch on! Just be careful of any possible oral health dangers.

The best advice from our Buckhead dental office is to make sure to keep up with your professional cleanings and checkups to limit the chance of sharing dangerous germs or even gum disease with a loved one. If you’re due for a checkup, or if you want to get kissable, fresh breath for all those romantic moments, call Dr. Todd Davis to set up an appointment today!

Unless you are a six year old getting ready to tuck your tooth under the pillow for the tooth fairy, no one likes missing teeth. But sometimes things happen to cause us to lose teeth – sports injury, car accidents, slippery weather conditions, even roughhousing with the kids can cause you to get a tooth  knocked out accidentally. Then, of course, there is decay, stress, and gum disease.

 Whatever the cause, Dr. Todd Davis has a great solution. Although he does offer dental crowns, bridges and dentures, the best way to replace teeth is with dental implants. Dental implants permanently replace teeth for a strong and beautiful smile that functions and looks as normally as if nothing had ever happened.

 The Benefits of Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants really has more benefits than we could possibly list here. Not only do patients look great, their mouths function the way nature intended. Even better, and much more personal, are the emotional and social benefits.

 Dental implants:

●   Look more natural for a younger appearance

●   Won’t come loose and cause embarrassment during eating or speaking

●   Are permanent and do not require adhesives to stay in or need to be removed for cleaning

●   Allow patients to eat any food they like

●   Prevent bone loss and eliminate aging facial collapse

 If you need lots of teeth replaced, talk to us about the possibility of implant-supported dentures. These dentures snap right onto your implant posts and stay secure and comfortable all day.

 For more information about how Buckhead implant dentist, Dr. Todd Davis, can improve your smile – and your life – with dental implants, please give us a call. We’d love to help you smile with comfort and confidence!

Stress. We all experience it, some of us more than others. It can result from a high pressure job, hard times in life, or when there’s just too much to do. And while a little stress is to be expected, too much stress can cause serious health problems throughout your body, including your mouth. All of us at Dr. Todd Davis’ dental office in Buckahed want to talk a little bit about the ways stress can put your mouth in danger.

Bruxism – Stress can often lead to bruxism, also known as a tooth grinding. When you grind your teeth at night, sometimes without even realizing it, it can lead to tooth damage and can even cause TMJ problems (jaw joint).

Dry Mouth – Dry mouth results when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva and can cause tooth decay and increase the risk of gum disease. Dry mouth can often result from conditions caused by stress or as a side effect of prescriptions used to treat stress or depression.

Canker Sores – Canker sores can sometimes be brought on by stress and, while they are harmless, they can be quite painful.

Gum Disease – Since long-term stress affects the immune system, it’s especially concerning for your Buckhead dentist. When your immune system is affected by stress, the risk of periodontal disease is greatly increased.

While we know it’s nearly impossible to avoid all stress, we do want to encourage our patients to understand how it affects your oral and overall health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed, please call Dr. Todd Davis to schedule an appointment. We’ll work together to find the best solution for you and get your mouth healthy.

The beginning of a new year is when we say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new, make resolutions, and get a fresh start. Maybe you’re resolving to work out more, spend more time with your family, or finally get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. While we can’t help you with all of your resolutions, the Atlanta dental office of Dr. Todd Davis would love to help you get that superstar smile.

Nobody should hide their smile from world. Especially when there are ways to straighten, whiten, and perfect it. Through cosmetic dentistry, we’re able to transform your smile from something you hide to something you’re proud of.

To us, cosmetic dentistry isn’t only about focusing on making smiles beautiful (though that is really important!), we also place importance on making people happy, more confident, and proud. Whether through the use of porcelain veneers to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, with a professional whitening to brighten your smile, or a complete smile makeover, our Altanta cosmetic dentistry options are sure to get you smiling.

If you’re ready for the New Year and for your new smile, give Dr. Davis a call to schedule your appointment today. We’ll discuss your desires and the best cosmetic dentistry options for you. There’s never been a better time to start fresh!