There are three ways that you can optimize your oral health:

1. Brushing & Flossing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss.

Your teeth are just like any other part of your body; they get dirty and need to be cleaned. Throughout a day of eating and drinking food particles get stuck to our teeth, tongue, and gums and need to be removed.

In addition, brushing your teeth helps remove and reduce the buildup of plaque on them and helps keep them healthy and white.

Brushing cannot always reach in-between teeth and so flossing is essential, especially for gum health. A large amount of bacteria and plaque can also build up on your tongue. Brushing your tongue either with your tooth brush or a tongue scraper will help remove this and also reduce the occurrence of bad breath.

2. Modify Your Diet
Avoid foods that cause tooth decay.

It is a misconception that only foods high in sugar or snacks like candy cause cavities. The reality is the typical sugars in these are not the main component in cavity formation. The culprit tends to actually be sticky carbohydrates such as those found in things like potato chips and sometimes grains.

Because these are “sticky” they do not readily come off your teeth and remain in your mouth if not removed. By avoiding these foods, reducing their consumption, or more importantly brushing after eating you can reduce the likelihood that these will cause cavities and poor oral hygiene.

3. Be Aware
Be conscious of your mouth.

Some people think that persistent bad breath, bleeding gums during brushing, or tooth aches are normal occurrences. They are not abnormal, meaning they are common, but they are signs that something is wrong in your mouth.

In general, your gums should not bleed during brushing. The reason this happens can range from having an improper sized tooth brush to having a gum disease.

Persistent bad breath is also a sign that something is wrong. If you find yourself constantly trying to mask your bad breath than you may have an oral health concern that needs to be addressed.

Finally, tooth aches are similar to all other aches and pains we get; they are signs that something is injured or wrong. By being aware that these things are symptoms of greater problems you can then take the next step to remedy them; see your dentist.

A dentist is professionally trained to handle oral hygiene related issues. They can suggest or prescribe methods for treating numerous oral health related ailments and are considered the leading experts on the subject. Regular visits to a dentist for checkups and/or cleanings are highly suggested as they will keep you and your dentist on top of your oral hygiene, likely preventing the development of serious oral health issues.

1) Phoenix diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. Our number is 602-955-8600.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Arizona folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

We help many Phoenix area  dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.HarrisDental.com

Why? Prevention, prevention, prevention! Sadly, Arizona dentists find advanced tooth decay in very young children.

High-risk children should be seen as early as possible. Following are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice continually during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other health problems

To talk to us about family dentistry, call 602-955-8600. Dentist Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris at Harris Dental can advise you on your next steps for your pediatric dentistry. We also pamper busy Phoenix parents who come to Harris Dental for general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are between the ages of 20 and 80, we would love to provide you with the most advanced dental care in Phoenix.

Harris Dental
4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix , Arizona 85018

http://www.HarrisDental.com

602-955-8600

Our most popular procedure is porcelain veneers, and many of our patient may not know that we offer dental implants.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

• Gum detachment
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Jaw bone recession and erosion
• Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Phoenix dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional, whether you live in Glendale, Scottsdale or Mesa.

The experienced dentists at Harris Dental are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation in Phoenix by calling 602-955-8600 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Phoenix area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Harris Dental: 602-955-8600

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Harris Dental, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a Phoenix dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

We are Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris DDS of Harris Dental. We have been practicing dentistry since 1979. During that time we have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Harris Dental in Phoenix has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. We can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at 602-955-8600.

Call Harris Dental immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

The AAP now advises parents to take their toddler to a Arizona dentist before their first birthday, or about six months after their first tooth appears.

Why? Prevention, prevention, prevention! Sadly, Arizona dentists find advanced tooth decay in very young children.

High-risk children should be seen as early as possible. Following are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice continually during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other health problems

To talk to us about pediatric dentistry, call 602-955-8600. Children love Dentist Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris at Harris Dental. We also pamper busy Phoenix and Queen Creek parents who come to Harris Dental for general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are between the ages of 20 and 80, we would love to provide you with the most advanced dental care in the Phoenix area.

Harris Dental
4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ
20261 E. Ocotillo Road, Suite 120, Queen Creek, AZ
http://www.HarrisDental.com
602-955-8600

Following are some of the most common dental specialties found in the Phoenix & Queen Creek areas:

Endodontists
Endodontists specialize in root canal therapy and other procedures involving the root and surrounding parts of the tooth.

Periodontists
Periodontists treat the conditions affecting gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. If you have gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a periodontist in Phoenix.

Prosthodontists
Repairing damaged teeth and replacing lost teeth is called ‘restorative dentistry’. Prosthodontists have advanced training in procedures involving crowns, dental implants, bridges, veneers, inlays, and partial or complete dentures.

Pediatric Dentists
Infants, young children and teenagers have different dental needs than adults. Pediatric Dentists undergo additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases affecting the youngest population in Phoenix.

Oral Surgeons
Oral Surgeons perform surgical procedures involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. These include dental implants, surgery to repair damage due to injury, tumor surgery, and cleft lip and palate reconstruction.

If you are interested in learning more about these specialties, or have a concern regarding your oral health, please visit us at Harris Dental. You will find us at 4444 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ in Phoenix Arizona 85018. We are also located in Queen Creek at 20261 E. Ocotillo Road, Suite 120, Queen Creek, AZ 85242.  Please give us a call at 602-955-8600.

-Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris, DDS

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Harris Dental, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our Arizona patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call 602-955-8600 right away to make an appointment. Drs. Joseph, Brian, Eric & Scott Harris take tooth pain seriously.

At Harris Dental in Phoenix and Queen Creek, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients.

We Absolutely Love What We Do and You’ll Feel It Every Time You Visit!

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Harris Dental in Phoenix and Queen Creek, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 602-955-8600. We are located at 4444 N. 32nd Street, in Phoenix; or 20261 E. Ocotillo Rd, St. 120 in Queen Creek. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients. See http://www.HarrisDental.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Arizona dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Harris Dental offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. Joseph, Brian, Eric and Scott Harris at Harris Dental can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 602-955-8600 to schedule a consultation.