You might have heard of using a saltwater mouth rinse as a homemade remedy for treating a variety of maladies in the past, but does salt really have healing properties? Does it work better or differently than a normal mouthwash? Here’s what our family dentists have to say about it.

How it Works

Salt doesn’t kill bacteria directly. Instead, it increases the pH balance inside your mouth. This results in a more alkaline environment, making it harder for bacteria to survive. Germs tend to thrive in an acidic environment.

What it’s Used For 

Swishing saltwater in your mouth relieves a number of complaints. It’s good for:

• Reducing sore throat
• Reducing soreness or infection after oral surgery
• Removing food particles lodged in your teeth
• Freshening your breath. This is a good alternative if you’re sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwash
• Temporarily relieving canker sore pain. Mix the salt and water with baking soda to form a paste to specifically target the region.
• Relieving soreness associated with braces. Our endodontists usually recommend this to patients after installing traditional metal-wire braces.

Saltwater Mouth Rinse Directions

Just add half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Swish the contents in your mouth for 10 to 15 seconds and spit out. Unless specified by your dentist, we don’t recommend rinsing with saltwater more than four times a week. Too much sodium exposure can harm tooth enamel.

Promote a Bacteria-Free Mouth

Contact us at  Mukilteo Dental Arts to schedule an appointment. The accumulation of bad bacteria in your mouth can cause serious harm to your teeth and gums. While we recommend a saltwater mouth rinse as a natural remedy, it’s not a cure-all solution.

Saltwater Mouth Rinse: Family Dentistry for Mill Creek Residents

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on May 13, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do your gums bleed when you brush? Because our mouths are full of bacteria (both good and bad), it’s important to know what can happen when bad bacteria comes in contact with blood in your mouth. The bad bacteria can affect your well-being beyond your oral health. It’s called jailbreak bacteria, because it escapes your mouth and relocates to other areas of your body.

What Is Jailbreak Bacteria, Exactly?

When this bad bacteria “jailbreaks” from the mouth and enters the blood stream it uses the blood system as an escape route. It travels to internal organs and can cause blood clots.

It Can Even Be Deadly

This ‘bad’ bacteria is known as streptococcus bacteria; it causes periodontal disease. When it enters the bloodstream it binds together with a protein in the blood, eventually creating a clot-inducing clump. This also leads to inflamed blood vessels, that in turn block blood flow to the heart and brain. Sounds deadly, right?

So…What Can We Do to Prevent it?

The first line of defense is what you’ve been hearing from your family dentist for years–brush and floss well and regularly.   Endodontists  and family dentists recommend frequent exams as well. These preventive measures will keep you from having to undergo costlier oral surgeries down the road.  

Prevent Life-Threatening Diseases

Who would’ve thought bleeding gums could lead to life threatening blood clots? Apparently, the separate components of the body are more interconnected to one another than we know. Poor oral health means greater likelihood of disease elsewhere. Contact us today at Mukilteo Dental Arts if you’ve noticed bleeding gums in Edmonds. We also offer cosmetic dentistry.

Offering Jailbreak Bacteria Prevention for Edmonds Residents

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on April 12, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

One good tooth deserves another, and another, and another. It’s understandable that making and keeping a dental appointment sometimes ends up at the bottom of one’s to-do list. But did you know that missing an appointment or postponing an appointment can lead to further procrastination, which can lead to more and more tooth trouble?

Omit or Commit?

According to a study published in Science Direct patients miss or cancel appointments for varied reasons.  According to this research, one out of every four respondents has missed an appointment, and 40% have canceled at least once.

Fret or Forget?

Chewing on the study results a bit more, we discover that the top reason for missing an appointment is plain old forgetfulness. Last-minute scheduling conflicts came next. It was also discovered that those who missed an appointment were far more likely to have canceled on at least one other occasion.

Cancel Culture

The cancellation of a dental appointment for oral surgery might lead to serious consequences if rescheduling is not done at the same time. One trick to keep you on track is to schedule dual appointments with other family members. With family dentistry, you’ll probably be more likely to keep those appointments, because more people are involved if you have to cancel or reschedule. Of course, adding the event to your mobile device calendar helps.

Spring for Your Dental Appointment Now!

There is no time like the present to get back on track with dental health.  At Mukilteo Dental Arts you will find exceptional quality, affordable rates, and compassionate and committed staff. For a basic checkup, cleaning, or even a cosmetic procedure, contact us today to schedule!

Make and Keep Dental Appointment near Edmonds

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on March 10, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Oral surgeons urge caution when eating with missing teeth in Lynnwood. The problem goes far beyond getting food stuck in your teeth, or not being able to eat your favorite foods. It’s important for all-around good health to get these gaps filled in with dental implants or dentures. You might be surprised at the seriousness of improper chewing!

Feel the Pressure

Your teeth exert between 200 and 250 pounds of bite force. Dentures are better than nothing, but provide just 50 pounds of bite force.

When you eat with missing teeth, your jaw and gums have to work harder. This causes soreness and is likely to lead to more serious issues. Weakened bones, infected gums, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are potential problems.

Tummy Trouble

Eating with missing teeth means you’re more likely to swallow food before it’s broken down adequately. You also secrete less saliva, which contains essential digestive enzymes. Your digestive tract must work harder, and your body isn’t able to extract as many nutrients. And now the food remains in the colon for a longer period of time, which causes gas, bloating, and lethargy.

What to Do If You’re Eating with Missing Teeth

If you’re missing a few teeth here and there, it’s tempting to put off making a dental appointment. But taking care of the problem sooner rather than later is always best. Consult a family dentist to determine if you qualify for dental implants. Contact Mukilteo Dental Arts and schedule an exam today. We provide a full spectrum of dental services ranging from general dentistry to endodontics. Eating with missing teeth has long-term health implications; please see a dentist and avoid further damage. Come see us for a free consultation today!

Eating with Missing Teeth in Lynnwood: Consultation for Dental Implants

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on February 8, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Not all types of sugars are bad for your teeth. With the holiday season in full swring, consider using teeth-safe sugars. These make great alternative ingredients for that homemade pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce. They also receive the nod of approval from your family dentist.

Not All Sugars Destroy Your Teeth

There are lots of different types of sugars. At least two of these are safe for teeth. Unfortunately, the sugar found in 95% of foods are of the varieties that cause tooth decay. A study published in the Washington Post in 2015 analyzed 28 natural sugars and seven artificial sweeteners. The study showed that the most common types of sugar, table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and brown sugar, all cause tooth decay. Oral surgeons warn against any processed foods which are high in these sugars.

What about natural sugars, such as those found in honey, milk, and maple syrup? According to the study, these sugars can also harm your teeth.

So Which Sugars Are Okay?

The two good sugars which the study deemed to be healthy for teeth are xylitol and erythritol. Xylitol is made from birch trees and corn cobs. Not only is it safe, it’s actually healthy since it promotes enamel remineralization. Erythritol is also safe because bacteria in the mouth cannot metabolize it. Erythritol sweeteners bake in a way nearly identical to sugar. This sweetener shouldn’t be eaten in large amounts since it has no nutritional value.

Consider Baking with Teeth-Safe Sugars in Everett

Typically, people consume more sweets than usual during the holidays. Make an appointment with Mukilteo Dental Arts for a checkup or schedule a whitening procedure with our cosmetic dentists. This year, make it one of your goals to use healthier teeth-safe sugar varieties. Contact us today.

Teeth-Safe Sugars for Cavity Prevention in Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on December 9, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Parents of teens know just how conscious their children are of their appearance. We’re often asked if teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry is suitable for teens in Everett. The answer is yes; with the right treatment, teens, and everyone, can enjoy a whiter smile in a relatively short time. Teeth whitening can be both safe and satisfying.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening for Teens

At Mukilteo Dental Arts teeth whitening is a common procedure for teens. We often do this right before the start of school or before a school dance. However, we encourage parents to educate their children. Be sure they know that white teeth do not equal healthy teeth.

Teens have a notorious tendency to binge on sugary snacks. This can lead to cavities and expensive oral surgeries down the road. We don’t recommend policing everything they eat because they are learning to make their own decisions. Still, it’s important for them to learn the principles of moderation and common sense regarding sugary foods.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening

Teenagers tend to follow the crowd when it comes to the latest trends. When a friend or classmate shows up to school flaunting a freshly whitened smile, it’s likely your child will soon be coming to you asking for a teeth whitening kit. As these types of at-home whitening products become more available, it’s important to understand the risks and possible side effects of applying teeth whitening products to a developing smile.

Visit Us for All Your Dental Procedures near Everett

After a checkup from our family dentists, we will be more than happy to visit with you about all our cosmetic dental procedures. We strongly recommend our in-office laser teeth whitening treatments for teenagers who want a brighter smile. These professional treatments allow for a quick and easy whitening process that is proven to be safe without room for user-error. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Adults and Teens near Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on November 12, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A new DIY teeth whitening method is trending among younger folks. Some people are using activated charcoal as a way of producing pearly whites. Is this method safe? Find out what our cosmetic dentists have to say about activated charcoal as a teeth whitener in Mukilteo.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal isn’t a whole lot different from the charcoal used to fire up your grill. Charcoal, however, is porous, which allows it to absorb and trap certain chemicals. Charcoal in this form has various medicinal uses, such as lowering cholesterol and treating intestinal gas.

Charcoal as a Teeth Whitener

To use this type of charcoal to whiten teeth, you apply it directly on the teeth where it binds with the surface. When you remove the charcoal, some of the plaque and other teeth-staining particles come off with it. Charcoal is effective for removing minor stains and grittiness on the teeth. But it doesn’t create the level of whiteness you can achieve from professional bleaching.

Activated charcoal is available in tablet form, which you can grind into a fine powder. Mixed with water the powder creates a sticky paste that you apply over your teeth for about three minutes. Most people use a toothbrush to apply the charcoal paste. However, some also dab the paste to the teeth using a cotton swab.

Is This Method Safe?

Activated charcoal is harmless when ingested. It’s a whole other matter, however, when applied to the teeth. Charcoal is abrasive, which can damage enamel. Our family dentists specifically recommend against using charcoal if you have any existing cuts or abrasions on your gums or elsewhere inside your mouth.

We’ll Whiten Your Teeth Safely in Mukilteo

Call Mukilteo Dental Arts to have your teeth whitened professionally. Meet our oral surgeons to learn about the methods we use for achieving milky-white molars. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Activated Charcoal: Not Recommended for Pearly Whites in Mukilteo

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on October 13, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Eating doesn’t always make your teeth dirtier. In fact, some foods actually make them cleaner. In family dental circles, we refer to these edibles as detergent foods. We’ll list some of these foods for you to add to your daily diet in Mill Creek.

Eat More of These Detergent Foods

Here’s a short list to consider:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Pears
• Popcorn (minus the salt, cheese, butter, and other flavoring)
• Cheese (and other unsweetened dairy products)
• Unsweetened dark chocolate

As you can see, most of the foods on the list are of the firm and crunchy type. They act like bristles that scrub your teeth while you’re chewing. We also listed dairy because it contains bone-strengthening calcium. In addition, dairy neutralizes acidic buildup that occurs in the mouth after eating sugar, grains, and processed foods.

As for dark chocolate, cocoa contains an antioxidant known as tannin, which gives the chocolate its dark pigment. Tannin also provides a coating that prevents bacteria from clinging to the teeth. Dark Chocolate, however, is also a teeth stainer. Our cosmetic dentists recommend no more than one serving a day.

When to Eat Detergent Foods

Timing is important. We recommend eating these foods last with every meal. This is especially the case if you don’t have access to a toothbrush.

These selections also make great midday snacks or additions to a child’s school lunch. Consider adding string cheese, apple slices, and a bite-size dark chocolate bar in your kid’s lunch pail.

Healthy Teeth Start at the Lunch Table

Healthy dental hygiene is a three-step process: Eating healthfully, brushing daily and visiting the dentist. People neglect the third step all too often. Please stop by Mukilteo Dental Arts for a checkup from our oral surgeons. At home, make a habit of eating at least one serving of detergent food with every meal. Contact us today for an appointment.

Detergent Foods for Children and Adults in Mill Creek

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on September 11, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Seeing a family dentist usually starts with a periodontal exam to assess your teeth and gum health. This involves a dentist poking and prodding your gums while reading off some numbers to the dental assistant. Many patients later ask what those numbers in a periodontal exam mean.

Numbers in a Periodontal Exam Explained

The numbers the dentist or hygienist reads aloud indicate the state of health of the bone and gums around each tooth. Each tooth has six areas the examiner measures and assigns a number. The numbers range from zero to seven, and sometimes higher. Essentially, the numbers refer to the size of a gum pocket, or the gap between the gum tissue and the tooth. A higher number indicates a larger gap. Large gum pockets are bad because they leave the tooth surface vulnerable to tartar buildup.

The Numbers at a glance

0 to 3

Ideally, you want to hear numbers three or below. This means there are no significant gum pockets that require immediate attention.

4 to 5

This indicates a slightly larger gum pocket. This can be due to gum inflammation. It may also be due to early signs of periodontal disease or bone loss around a tooth. A deep cleaning may be required.

6 and above

Hopefully, you don’t ever hear any numbers six or above. This is a sign of advanced periodontal disease. Some form of oral surgery may be required to save your tooth.

The Importance of a Regular Periodontal Exam

We can’t overstress the importance of a regular periodontal exam. Contact Mukilteo Dental Arts to schedule your next checkup. We have the wonderful team of general dentists and endodontists. We’ll take care of you if a periodontal exam yields high numbers that require further treatment. Contact us today!

Schedule Your Periodontal Exam Near Edmonds

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on August 11, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

At some point, your children may ask if they can get their teeth bleached. Kids are especially conscious of their appearance by the time they reach adolescence. Is cosmetic dentistry for children suitable, though? This is a question we dentists get asked all the time in Lynnwood.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children; Is It Alright?

Here’s our take; while we do perform some level of cosmetic dentistry on kids, we always make sure both parents and the child understand the nature of the procedure.

Teeth whitening is the most common form of cosmetic dentistry and is also fairly harmless for minors. We usually use a lower amount of bleaching solution to reduce chances of gum irritation. Teeth bleaching for children can be beneficial since it often boosts their self-confidence.

However, kids may get the impression that because their teeth are pearly white they’re in a healthy state. It’s important you your children realize that basic oral hygiene is still as relevant as ever.

How About Veneers?

We may recommend veneers if your child’s tooth has been chipped or damaged in an accident. Originally, veneers weren’t recommended for minors since the installation required filing away a bit of the enamel. However, the process is more commonplace nowadays thanks to improved technology.

Keep in mind, though, that veneers are just an aesthetic covering. The application should be supplemented by further treatment if there are clear signs of damage to the tooth, the root, or surrounding gums.

Once again, inform your child that the presence of a veneer does not mean the tooth is all of a sudden in tip-top shape. The same care is required for that tooth as it is for the rest of your child’s teeth.

We Promote Healthy Teeth for Your Kids in Lynnwood

Take your children to Mukilteo Dental Arts for an exam. Yes, we do cosmetic dentistry for children, but that is secondary to normal oral hygiene and any prevailing issues that have been treated by an oral surgeon. Contact us today for a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children, Teens, and Adults in Lynnwood

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on July 12, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business