Jul 31, 2023 | Teeth Whitening
Teeth Over-Whitening

Teeth Whitening
Considering whitening your teeth? Can you over-whiten your teeth? Before you do, discuss the possible risks with your dentist – especially if you plan to whiten your teeth using an at-home bleaching system.
Teeth Whitening Risks
Risks associated with tooth whitening include tooth sensitivity and damage to the roots of teeth. Dentists may be able to predict if you will have problems with or sensitivities to the procedure. They also may be able to help you alleviate sensitivity by recommending certain procedures and toothpaste designed to treat sensitive teeth.Dentists can also check for signs of root damage caused by tooth whitening and treat the condition if detected in time.
Discoloration of Teeth
Why do teeth change color and become darker or more yellow? The internal portion of teeth normally darkens over time. In addition, personal habits – such as tobacco use or drinking coffee, tea, or wine – can cause staining. Certain medications also can discolor teeth. Teeth cleaning by your dental office can often remove any external stains – and it promotes good oral health. Be sure to visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination before you decide to whiten your teeth.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
You may find that professional cleaning is all it takes to give you a whiter, brighter smile. Generally, tooth whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients. As a rule of thumb, yellow-colored teeth respond well to whitening, while brownish-colored teeth don’t respond as well. Gray stains caused by smoking, taking tetracycline, or fluorosis (ingestion of too much fluoride) most likely will not be dramatically changed by tooth whitening. Likewise, tooth whitening may not enhance your smile if you’ve had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they will not match your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding on other teeth.
🌟 Ready for a brighter, more confident smile?
Discover the facts about teeth whitening and how to achieve stunning results while safeguarding your dental health. 🌟
Before you embark on your teeth-whitening journey, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity and even damage to your tooth roots. To ensure a safe and effective whitening process, have a candid conversation with your dentist, especially if you’re considering at-home bleaching.
🦷 Worried about tooth sensitivity?
Dentists can assess your risk and recommend procedures and toothpaste to minimize discomfort. Plus, they can spot signs of root damage caused by whitening and provide timely treatment if needed.
🎨 Why do teeth change color in the first place? Discover the common culprits, from natural aging to habits like smoking and consuming stain-prone beverages. Your dentist can often remove external stains during a professional cleaning, promoting both a brighter smile and excellent oral health.
Sweet Water Dentistry Teeth Whitening
💎 Sometimes, a professional cleaning might be all you need for that dazzling, white smile you crave. In fact, tooth whitening succeeds in around 90 percent of cases, especially for yellow-colored teeth. However, if your teeth are brownish or have stubborn gray stains from smoking or medication, tooth whitening may not be the ideal solution. In such cases, explore alternatives like porcelain veneers or dental bonding for a stunning, long-lasting smile transformation.
Your journey to a whiter, more radiant smile starts with informed choices. Consult your Sweet Water Dentistry, make the right decisions, and let your confidence shine! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to achieve your dream smile – take action today! 😁✨
Text us for an appointment! (251) 210-2773
Jul 31, 2023 | General Dentistry
Discover Relief From Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

Bruxism and its Effects
Bruxism is the excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw. Bruxism, often referred to as “gnashing,” is the act of involuntary teeth grinding, either while awake or asleep. Bruxism is a common problem: reports of prevalence range from 8–31% in the general population. Bruxism may cause minimal symptoms, and therefore people may not be aware of the condition.
Bruxism Symptoms
Several symptoms are commonly associated with bruxism, including hypersensitive teeth, aching jaw muscles, and headaches. Bruxism results primarily in tooth damage and jaw pain and may be caused by the psychological effects of everyday stress.
Culprits Behind Bruxism
The muscles of used for chewing are paired on either side and work together to move the mandible, which hinges and slides around its dual articulation with the skull at the temporomandibular joints. During wakefulness, the jaw is generally at rest and the teeth are not in contact, except while speaking, swallowing or chewing. It is estimated that the teeth are in contact for less than 20 minutes per day, mostly during chewing and swallowing. Normally during sleep, the voluntary muscles are inactive due to physiologic motor paralysis, and the jaw is usually open.
Unconscious Contraction
Some bruxism activity is rhythmic with bite force pulses of tenths of a second (like chewing), and some have longer bite force pulses of 1 to 30 seconds (clenching). Some individuals clench without significant lateral movements. Bruxism can also be regarded as a disorder of repetitive, unconscious contraction of muscles.
Unveiling the Link Between Teeth Grinding and Dental Health
Teeth grinding, scientifically known as bruxism, is a prevalent dental issue that affects many individuals, often without their knowledge. In this article, we will explore the nuances of teeth grinding, its causes, consequences, and how to protect your dental health from its potentially harmful effects.
Understanding Teeth Grinding:
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, frequently occurring during sleep. While stress is a common trigger, it can also stem from misaligned teeth or underlying dental problems. The persistent grinding motion can lead to various dental complications, including tooth wear, fractures, and even jaw discomfort.
The Surprising Connection: Teeth Grinding and Teeth Whitening:
Surprisingly, there is a connection between teeth grinding and teeth whitening. Individuals who undergo teeth whitening procedures may experience an increase in tooth sensitivity, a common side effect of the treatment. This heightened sensitivity can act as a potential trigger or aggravator of teeth grinding, especially in those already prone to the condition. Being aware of this connection is essential when considering teeth whitening or addressing teeth grinding concerns.
Protecting Your Dental Health:
If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth or have a history of bruxism, it is crucial to consult a dental professional. They can assess your oral health, discuss your teeth grinding habits, and recommend appropriate measures to protect your teeth.
Furthermore, your dentist may suggest customized solutions to mitigate teeth grinding’s adverse effects. These may include nightguards or mouthguards designed to prevent the grinding action during sleep. Such interventions not only protect your teeth but also alleviate jaw pain and discomfort associated with bruxism.
Sweet Water Dentistry’s Dental Care:
Are you concerned about teeth grinding and its impact on your dental health? Sweet Water Dentistry is your trusted partner in maintaining optimal oral health. Our team of experienced dental professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating teeth grinding, ensuring the longevity and beauty of your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your dental health from the effects of teeth grinding. Your journey to a healthier, happier smile starts with Sweet Water Dentistry’s comprehensive dental care services!
www.sweetwatersmile.com
Jul 31, 2023 | General Dentistry
Broken or Chipped Teeth

Immediate Attention: A Broken Tooth Demands Care
Do you have a broken tooth or teeth? If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, see your dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tooth could be damaged further or become infected, possibly causing you to end up losing the tooth.
Self-Care Measures: Easing Discomfort
In the meantime, try the following self-care measures. If the tooth is painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Rinse your mouth with salt water. If the break has caused a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to keep it from cutting the inside of your lip or cheek.
Preventing Additional Harm: Temporary Solutions
If you must eat, eat soft foods and avoid biting down on the broken tooth. Treatment for a broken or chipped tooth will depend on how severely it is damaged. If only a small piece of enamel broke off, the repair can usually be done simply in one office visit. A badly damaged or broken tooth may require a more lengthy and costly procedure.
Dental Intervention: Professional Repair
Here are some ways your dentist may repair your broken or chipped tooth. If you have a cracked or broken tooth please call our office at Sweetwater Dentistry in Fairhope, AL as soon as possible, 251-550-7770, or you can visit our website at www.sweetwatersmile.com and request your appointment!
Jul 31, 2023 | General Dentistry
Best Bridge Dentist in Fairhope

Dental bridges are essentially restorative appliances designed to take the place of a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. They simply serve to fill the space that lies between existing teeth when disease or dental injury has caused the absence of a natural tooth. Missing teeth need to be replaced in order to maintain proper oral health and also to protect overall physical health. When teeth are missing, the entire bite, smile, and chewing function can be impacted. Not only that, issues with the neighboring teeth that remain can develop. Bridges can provide much-needed strength to teeth that have been damaged, and they can also work to make the appearance, shape and color of teeth much more appealing. Bridges are used frequently to address issues related to missing teeth and are cemented permanently to the patient’s mouth. This is in contrast to dentures which are removable.
The professionals at Sweet Water Dentistry are skilled at providing patients with high-quality dental bridges and Dr. Greer makes certain that your procedure will be essentially pain-free. Once he has numbed the area, the teeth that sit next to the gap in your mouth will be prepared to receive the bridge. A scan will be performed so that there is no need to take conventional-style impressions. Then, a bridge will be fabricated and you will come back to have the bridge set permanently in your mouth.
Successful bridge placement requires healthy gum tissue. Therefore, it is important for patients to follow proper oral hygiene regimens, floss, and brush twice daily and stick to a schedule of regular office visits. If missing teeth have been hampering your smile and self-esteem, you are among those in the Fairhope, AL area who may greatly benefit from having a dental bridge placed. Dr. Phillip Greer of Sweet Water Dentistry stands ready to provide you with an informational consultation to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution.
Jul 31, 2023 | General Dentistry
Bridge Dentist in Alabama

Dental Bridge and Procedures
Dental bridges are essentially restorative appliances designed to take the place of a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. They simply serve to fill the space that lies between existing teeth when disease or dental injury has caused the absence of a natural tooth. Here at Sweet Water Dentistry, we are skilled at providing our patients with high-quality dental bridges. Dr. Greer makes sure that each procedure will be essentially pain-free. Missing teeth need to be replaced in order to maintain proper oral health and also to protect overall physical health. When teeth are missing, the entire bite, smile, and chewing function can be impacted. Not only that, issues with the neighboring teeth that remain can develop. Bridges can provide much-needed strength to teeth that have been damaged, and they can also work to make the appearance, shape and color of teeth much more appealing. Bridges are used frequently to address issues related to missing teeth and are cemented permanently to the patient’s mouth. This is in contrast to dentures which are removable.
Once he has numbed the area, the teeth that sit next to the gap in your mouth will be prepared to receive the bridge. A scan will be performed so that there is no need to take conventional-style impressions. Then, a bridge will be fabricated on-site and set permanently in your mouth. Successful bridge placement requires healthy gum tissue. Therefore, it is important for patients to follow proper oral hygiene regimens, floss, and brush twice daily and stick to a schedule of regular office visits. If missing teeth have been hampering your smile and self-esteem, you are among those in the Fairhope, AL area who may greatly benefit from having a dental bridge placed. Dr. Phillip Greer of Sweet Water Dentistry stands ready to provide you with an informational consultation to determine if a dental bridge is the right solution. Call us today at 251-550-7770 to schedule your appointment!
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