Name: Somos Dental
Address: Phoenix, United States
Telephone: 623-869-1091

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020

How to take care after a tooth extraction

Tooth extraction aftercare.

Healing properly after a tooth extraction depends on how well you stick to the routine given to you by your dentist. Maybe you got your wisdom teeth removed, maybe you got a tooth removed for a dental implant, or maybe you got several teeth extracted to start wearing braces. Now you’re asking yourself “How do I care for myself after a tooth extraction?”. Your dentist may have given you instructions on how to let your tooth wound scar over with minimal issues. However, you may still have some questions regarding the aftercare process. So, in this blog entry we will cover some frequently asked questions. The key to a successful recovery lies in taking care of clotting blood, keeping your mouth clean, and keeping the tooth socket food-free for the first few days after your extraction. Follow the next several tips to achieve a fast and healthy healing process.

Take care of the blood clot

The most important point to follow in the aftercare process is to preserve the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth used to be. Taking care of this blood clot can prevent any complications that can lead to serious setbacks such as infection and a dry socket. Taking care of the blood clot will also leave good tissue for a future dental implant.

Keep a soft diet after the procedure

Maintaining a soft food diet for the first week is common, especially after going through an extraction. If your dentist or orthodontist has asked you to keep a soft food diet, then this list will have foods that are acceptable. Procedures that require a soft food diet can include dental extractions, wisdom teeth extractions and other services offered at Somos Dental. This past Somos Dental post, can give you more information. Here is the list of soft foods:

Liquefied soups: A good way of staying hydrated after the dental procedure.
Broths: Like soups, broths are good to eat after a dental or orthodontic treatment. Broths are also a way to stay hydrated, which is important for proper recovery.
Ice cream: The cold helps with inflammation.
Puddings and jellies: These are low-sugar options to stay hydrated.

Keep good dental hygiene

A day after the extraction you can start brushing your teeth as usual. However, you will need to avoid the extraction area. Instead of brushing, rinsing with saline water will take care of the dental socket area’s health.

Do saline rinses

When the blood clot has formed, you will need to rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution. The saline solution will kill any bacteria that can complicate the aftercare process. You can make this solution yourself. Just add a pinch of salt to a cup of warm water (not too hot!). Rinse your mouth twice a day, this will help you recover correctly, which is necessary for any future dental implants.

These aftercare tips can be followed, after a tooth extraction or any other kind of dental treatment. If you notice any changes, have questions or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091.At Somos Dental we have a great team of professionals! You can contact us by any of the means listed on this page, or by visiting our locations. We are located in the following 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback.

March 3, 2020March 17, 2020

8 tips to eliminate bad breath

Bad breath is not only an uncomfortable hygiene condition, but bad breath can actually be an indication of a much more severe problem in relation to your health. It can mean that something is not quite right with your body. Bad breath is not only generated in your mouth but originates from your stomach and throat as well. “How to eliminate bad breath” is one of the most searched topics regarding dental health and it is also a topic that generates a lot of misinformation. That is why we are discussing 8 tips to eliminate bad breath quickly and easily.

Visit your dentist.

Although we do give you some tips to eliminate bad breath from home, visiting your dentist is always the best option. Your dentist can indicate the cause of your bad breath and can help eliminate the issue. At Somos dental, we have dentists in Mesa, Phoenix and other AZ locations. We have a dentist near you. Check out all our locations.

Do not damage your stomach.

Some say that their bad breath is just, because of their stomach. Yet, this is not always the case. A large part of bad breath that people think is caused by digestive problems, is actually due to poor diet, eating at inappropriate times and not staying hydrated. Although it is true that people suffering from gastritis, heartburn and reflux can also have trouble with bad breath. That is why you should try your best to eat at appropriate times, stay hydrated and seek the assessment of a doctor to see if bad breath is due to intestinal problems.

Drink water.

If a doctor already diagnosed stomach or intestinal issues as the origin of your bad breath then, we recommend drinking water frequently to avoid dehydration. This will help with the acidity levels in your stomach that cause bad breath.

Eat properly.

This doesn’t mean you have to stop eating certain foods altogether but limiting some foods can help. We know that a busy routine may not always give you the time to eat properly. If this is the case, you can always try to have a healthy snack in order to avoid excessive buildup of acids that cause bad breath.

Use antacids

As previously mentioned, bad breath can sometimes originate in the stomach. Using antacids can help control heartburn and improve bad breath.

Avoid eating very acidic foods.

If you suffer from heartburn, and this is the cause of your bad breath, you should stop consuming acidic foods and drinks. Among these are the following:

Cold Tea
Soft Drinks (Sodas)
Coffee
Dressings and Vinaigrettes

Consume more fibers.

Bad breath can also be due to nutritional issues. Consuming more fiber can help remove excess calcium in tonsils and level out acidity that adds to bad breath.

Use baking soda

This is a good tip if your bad breath originates in your mouth. Baking soda helps eliminate bacteria that produce acids and sulfur, which causes bad smells. You should add a small spoonful of baking soda with half a glass of water and rinse your mouth.

These were some tips on how to eliminate bad breath. If you have any further questions visit us at Somos Dental, we have 4 different locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment at 623-869-1091.

February 18, 2020February 19, 2020

Tips for brushing teeth with braces

One of the first questions people ask once they get braces is: “How do I brush my teeth with braces?”

Usually, an orthodontist will give you detailed instructions, but you may still have some doubts about how to brush your teeth with braces.

Braces are a type of orthodontic intervention, that helps correct alignment and occlusion issues. Once someone undergoes this type of orthodontic procedure, the brushing process will become more difficult than usual. Although, the difficulties of cleaning your teeth with orthodontic appliances can be challenging at the beginning, the benefits of braces far outweigh those difficulties.

There are plenty of instruments and brushes on the market for people who have braces. Of course, you can always sufficiently clean your teeth with a traditional toothbrush, but many of the products and instruments available can help make cleaning a bit easier. These products tend to save you time and effort. The only downside is the additional expense. In this blog post we will discuss hygiene techniques, with various instruments, that will help you achieve proper cleaning of your teeth and braces.

Traditional toothbrush

To clean your braces properly your toothbrush must have a small head and soft bristles. It is important that your toothbrush meets these characteristics, because you must be able to reach all areas without damaging the dental braking mechanisms and/or your gums.

Interdental brush

Interdental brushes are specifically designed to reach difficult areas that most traditional toothbrushes cannot. These brushes come in different sizes, depending on the size of your braces or the size of your teeth. They can be carried with you for any occasion, where you may need to remove food scraps from between your teeth or braces.

Floss

One of best habits when you have braces is, flossing. If you’ve never used dental floss to clean your teeth, you may find it difficult at first. Follow this link to see the proper way to clean your teeth with dental floss.

Sonic toothbrush

This type of toothbrush is relatively new to the market. It is a toothbrush that vibrates at a speed of 40,000 times per minute. This is a very practical way to brush your teeth when you have braces.

Oral irrigator

An oral irrigator is also an excellent option for someone with braces. As previously mentioned, flossing with braces can be difficult, this is an alternative to that issue. The oral irrigator covers both the functions of the interdental brush and dental floss, because it cleans both the back and the front of your teeth.

These dental care tips and instruments can help significantly while wearing braces. At Somos Dental our experts can help you with your dental health care as well. Come visit us at any of our 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. You can also schedule an appointment by calling us at 623-869-1091. Don’t risk your health, call today!

February 7, 2020February 8, 2020

DIY teeth cleaning and teeth whitening in just a few minutes?

Be careful!

We all want one of those enviable, white smiles that popular actors and actresses from Hollywood seem to have. However, we know that teeth whitening treatments can be expensive. This is the main reason that a lot of people rely on sketchy DIY videos and teeth whitening tips that can seriously and permanently damage their teeth. Here are some examples of dangerous phrases/tips:

DIY teeth cleaning hacks
DIY Teeth whitening tips
Tartar removal without going to the dentist
Cheap DIY teeth whitening tips
Etc.

Those titles may seem appealing and attractive especially to those who want fast results or to people who just don’t want to go to the dentist to get the proper teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and tartar removal services. However, these DIY teeth cleaning and teeth whitening tips are usually offered by individuals who don’t have any kind of dental training. Generally, these are people who just want to write clickbait material to get money, while putting millions of people’s dental health in serious danger.

The main reason these kinds of videos, articles and posts are popular, comes down to the fact that they promise to offer the same results that you would get from professional teeth cleaning, tartar removal, or teeth whitening service. They try to make you believe that by using cheap ingredients that everyone has at their homes is the same as being in the exam chair. Some common ingredients for DIY teeth whitening procedures are:

Apple vinegar
Charcoal
Lemon juice
Baking soda
Diluted bleach

**Dangers of going through DIY teeth cleaning procedures**

Even though some of these ingredients don’t seem harmful at all, they can cause serious and even permanent damage to your dental health such as:

Slowly eroding your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the substance that covers your teeth and gives them their shiny white finish. The continuous (or even just a few times) exposure to these ingredients as prescribed in the average DIY teeth cleaning guide, can permanently damage your tooth enamel.

You can severely damage your gums. Since some, or even the mixture of these ingredients can result in a high-acid solution there is a good chance of gum swelling, damage to the gums, and even infection.

Increased risk of tooth sensitivity. The use of these substances can also irritate and damages your whole mouth, tooth sensitivity can start to become a problem.

Everyone should know the dangers of these so-called popular teeth cleaning, tartar removal, and teeth whitening DIY guides and tips. Don’t be fooled! And if you are looking for teeth whitening, tartar removal and teeth cleaning services, look no further than Somos Dental. We have a team of professionals with plenty of expertise. Contact us through any of the means listed on this page, or also by visiting our locations. We are located in the following 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback. Schedule an appointment right away by calling us at 623-869-1091.

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020

Phoenix Dentist: 15 Reasons to Visit Somos Dental.

If you are considering getting a dental treatment and you normally go all the way to Mexico to get what you believe is going to be a cheaper treatment, you now have a better option! At Somos Dental we are known for our high-quality services and affordable prices. You can get the treatment you need in a prestigious dental clinic that has been recognized as one of the best in Arizona for many years. At Somos Dental we care about every single one of our patients, we don’t see them as merely another number. And just in case you’re not convinced here are 15 reasons to visit Somos Dental.

Convenience, we have many different locations; all of which offer the same quality services: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. It is very convenient to have a Dentist near you.
First dental consult is free, we offer a free dental consult to all first time visitors, that way you can decide what’s the best option for your specific case and you also get an idea of approximate price for your treatment without any extra costs.
Free X-Rays. We do not charge for any X-Rays you need; they are part of the treatment.
Dentist in Phoenix. You get your entire treatment in the same dental office at any of our 4 locations, so there’s no bouncing around from office to office.
Professional dentists with continued education. All our dentists take their continued education seriously. They are up to date with the newest techniques and materials in the industry.
Affordable prices. At Somos Dental we have affordable treatments while assuring high-end quality in all our procedures.
Cash discounts. We accept different forms of payment and if you pay in cash, we can offer you an additional discount to our already low prices.
We listen to our patients. Some dental offices may not take a patient’s general information and dental history into consideration. Nor do they assess a patient’s perspective and needs. Once we make an initial assessment of all aspects, then we begin to discuss available treatments and options. At Somos Dental we listen to the most important part; you.
Only the best materials and procedures. At Somos Dental we only use the best materials for our patients’ treatments. We continue to upgrade our tools and utensils in order to keep them up to date with the newest trends in the field. We have qualified providers and technicians who custom make every single piece that will use in your mouth.
Clean and safe treatments. All of our equipment is properly sterilized, and the equipment we use for sterilization is constantly checked by an independent laboratory to ensure the cleanest experience available in a dental office.
We work with insurance. At Somos Dental we work with many major insurance companies, so that you only have to worry about recuperating.
Convenient business days and hours. At Somos Dental we are open at convenient hours from Monday to Saturday, so that you can schedule an appointment that works with your availability.
Friendly Staff. Each of our staff members loves their job, they will treat you like family!

Immediate treatment. You won’t need to wait for days or even weeks to get your treatment scheduled. At Somos Dental we offer immediate service so you can get back to your daily routine faster.
Complete mouth care. We offer complete mouth health care, so you can get all your treatments in one place.

These were 15 great reasons to visit us. At Somos Dental we are dental health care experts that will provide you with the best care. Come visit any of our 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback or schedule an appointment by calling us at 623-869-1091. We look forward to seeing you!

January 25, 2020January 27, 2020

Need a Deep Dental Cleaning? Know the Symptoms

If your dentist ordered X-rays and has discovered that you have been losing gum tissue, he or she may suggest that you get a deep dental cleaning procedure. This procedure is important, mainly so that you don’t lose any further gum tissue and so that you can prevent any possible diseases that can end in tooth losses.

A deep dental cleaning is a treatment that consists of cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots. Just as in regular cleaning, the dentist will clean the teeth, the gum lines and the sides of the teeth. The main difference is that in a deep dental cleaning they continue to remove tartar buildup down to the root of the teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that dentists offer a deep dental cleaning service when an X-ray shows bone loss and also when a complete dental health assessment shows a 4-millimeter gum socket between the gum and the tooth.

When a deep dental cleaning is necessary: symptoms

Sometimes people who suffer from gum diseases, do not have the slightest idea that they may need a deep dental cleaning service. These are some symptoms to look for especially since gum diseases can be painless so you may not know you have one:

Bad breath
Loose teeth
Pus coming out of the gums
Swollen gums, bleeding gums, or gums that are not close to the teeth

If you have any of the symptoms listed and you have started to notice that something is not right regarding your dental health, then you should contact a dentist so they can make a professional assessment. At Somos Dental we can make a professional assessment, so you know what the appropriate treatment for your specific case is.

When-a-deep-dental-cleaning-is-necessary-symptoms

Diagnosing dental health problems

At a dental office, your dentist will use an instrument called a probe. A probe is used to measure the distance between your teeth and your gums. When there is a considerable amount of space between teeth and gums then that is called a socket. A socket is a space in which there is more than 5mm of distance between teeth and gums that is where bacteria can form. If this is the case your dentist will recommend you get a deep dental cleaning procedure, so that you can protect your bones and prevent any tooth loss.

The decision to provide a deep cleaning is part of a dental health professional’s knowledge. But, without a doubt, a deep cleaning should only be considered when it is the best option for the specific case. At Somos Dental we have a team of dental health professionals who have had experience in orthodontic treatments and the entire deep cleaning process. You can contact us through the means listed on this page or by visiting us at any of our 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 623-869-1091.

January 17, 2020January 21, 2020

What should you eat after a tooth extraction? – Soft Food Diet

Somos Dental tooth extraction - soft food diet

Once an important treatment with your dentist or an orthodontist is performed, they may recommend maintaining a soft food diet for some time. So, you may be asking the following questions depending on your particular case:

• What can I eat after my wisdom teeth are removed?

• What can I eat after putting on braces?

• What can I eat after a dental implant?

• What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

This post will go over what you can eat after an important dental procedure. This includes dental extractions, wisdom tooth extractions and other services offered at Somos Dental.

The first few days after your procedure are critical, which is why following the diet you are given is so important. Your dentist or orthodontist will determine and provide you with the care you need. It is also a great idea to make sure you have a family member, your partner or a close friend to support you with things like transportation and the essentials hours before and after the procedure (especially if it involves the use of anesthesia).

These are some foods that can be consumed:

Liquefied soups (or without solid elements)

Soups are a good option to eat after a tooth extraction or any dental intervention. Whether it’s chicken broth (without solids) or squash, soups generally do not contain elements that can enter or irritate the affected areas. Soups should be served warm or even cold because if they are hot, they can irritate the areas of your mouth that are healing.

Broths

Like soups, broths are also good to have after your dental or orthodontic treatment. Broths are also a great way to stay hydrated, which is important for proper recovery.

Ice creams

Ice creams are also one of the foods that can be eaten after undergoing a tooth extraction or any dental/orthodontic treatment. Ice creams cold nature can help against inflammation and can also contribute to hydration. Although, keep in mind that some ice creams are high in sugars and fats, so try to consume water-based ice creams and keep track of your calorie intake.

Purees

Mashed potatoes, pumpkin, and other mashed foods are perfect after a tooth extraction or any dental or orthodontic treatment. Just avoid using sauces, gravies, or too many condiments (such as pepper) that can irritate any areas that are healing.

Puddings and jellies

Puddings and jellies are other great options that can keep you hydrated as well. The low amount of sugars they contain (if properly chosen) are a plus, along with being flavorful.

All of these are perfect foods, that can be consumed after a tooth extraction (or any kind of dental treatment!). If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals that have plenty of experience and that can take care of all your dental needs. You can contact us through the means listed on this page, or also by visiting our locations. We are located in the four following locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment today!

January 10, 2020January 10, 2020

New Year’s resolution: visit the dentist now!

A new year is a new beginning for many people, there are endless possibilities! You can basically start from scratch. Among the most common resolutions we find losing weight, traveling more, getting a new job, spending more time with the family … But not many of us keep in mind that we also need to take care of our smile and dental health overall. That is why in this post we will talk about a series of New Year’s resolutions that revolve around our valuable dental care.

Maintain proper habits.

A big problem not only for New Year’s resolutions, but for any activity we want to start, is to maintain the habit over time. We know that many people stop going to the gym a few weeks after the beginning of the year or abandon most resolutions quickly, so consistency is important. Brush your teeth at least three times a day; Once after each meal. If you don’t always eat at home then try to take toothpaste and a toothbrush with you. You should also floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.

Visit your dentist.

We know that many times due to fear or personal finances, you may not visit a dental office often, this unfortunately can lead to poor dental health and even higher expenses. That is why visiting a dentist for preventive care and dental cleaning twice a year is so vital to maintain your dental health. At Somos Dental we have many routine services for preventive purposes.

Eat a balanced diet.

A balanced diet can certainly complement your New Year’s resolution if you plan on losing weight. This does not mean that you need to completely deprive yourself of certain foods. However, you should try to moderate the consumption of the following foods, substances, and beverages if you want to achieve proper dental care and a white smile!

Alcoholic beverages
Coffee
Popcorn
Citric fruits
Dressings
Pop sodas
Tobacco
Among others

Avoid behaviors that can injure your teeth.

If you notice that you bite pen caps when you study or work, or that you clench the jaw when faced with stressful situations, keep in mind these behaviors may result in damage and fractures of your teeth. Look for situations that damage your teeth and be aware of them. Do your best to find alternative ways to cope with stress or damaging habits.

So, make sure you take all these points into consideration when you set your New Year’s resolutions to maintain proper dental health. These tips will help prevent many oral diseases. If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals with a long history of great dental care! You can contact us by any of the methods listed on our website, or by visiting any of our locations. We are located in the four following areas: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, Camelback and Laveen. Schedule an appointment today!

December 27, 2019December 27, 2019

Dental care tips

All dentists know that the only way to keep teeth and mouths healthy, is by following the correct guidelines of oral hygiene and by avoiding behaviors that are harmful to your teeth. Carrying out an adequate brushing and flossing routine is important, but there may be some other guidelines that have not been considered, which can affect your oral health.

Most cases seen in a dental office could have been prevented if the patient had followed a proper oral hygiene method. So, if you seek to maintain good dental health, the following tips will be very useful to know. These tips will help you practice a preventive hygiene process that will fight against chronic deterioration of the teeth and gums which can lead to many serious consequences.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. We know that when you are in a rush you do not always have time to brush your teeth, and many times we leave this activity by the wayside. However, brushing your teeth upon waking and before bed is the minimum that is necessary for preventive care.

2. Clean your mouth, cheeks, and tongue. Many people forget that their mouths should be cleaned completely, this includes cheeks and tongue. It is not necessary to buy additional tools, but just by gently brushing on the insides of your cheeks in a circular motion and by gently brushing the tongue you can achieve better oral care.

3. Floss. Flossing removes plaque and food debris that a traditional toothbrush cannot always reach; this process should be done once a day and the mouth should be rinsed once the process is finished. The National Institute on Aging offers the following guide for flossing.

How to floss

4. Eat a balanced diet. This does not mean that you need to completely deprive yourself of certain foods. However, you should moderate the consumption of the following foods, substances, and beverages if you want to attain appropriate dental care and a whiter smile as well.

Alcoholic beverages
Coffee
Popcorn
Citric fruits
Dressings
Pop/ Soda
Tobacco

5. Avoid behaviors that can injure your teeth. If you have noticed that you bite pen caps when you study or work, or that you clench your jaw when faced with stressful situations, these behaviors may result in damage and fractures to your teeth. Be aware of situations that damage your teeth and try finding alternative ways to cope.

These five tips once implemented can maintain proper dental health and will help prevent a large number of oral diseases. If you notice any changes or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091. At Somos Dental we have a team of professionals with a long history of providing great dental care. You can contact us through any of the methods listed on this page, or by visiting our locations. We are located in the four following areas: Downtown Phx, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback. Schedule an appointment today!

November 21, 2019January 23, 2020

When do you need deep teeth cleaning?

You may wonder whether or not you need to undergo a deep cleaning procedure. Maybe you’ve noticed that something might be wrong with your dental health, or maybe your dentist offered or suggested a deep cleaning after an exam. Either way, you may have some questions or doubts about deep cleanings. Deep cleaning is actually a great investment in yourself and it can help your dental health. Taking care of your body so you feel good both physically and mentally is always very important.

What is a deep dental cleaning?

Dental deep cleaning is a treatment that consists of the cleaning between the gums and teeth down to the roots. Just as in a regular cleaning, the dentist will clean the tooth, gum line and sides of the teeth. The main difference is that in a deep cleaning they continue to remove tartar buildup down to the root of the tooth.

When is a deep dental cleaning needed?

There are some cases in which your dental health professional may use their judgement and knowledge to determine when you may need a deep cleaning. However, talking from a more technical perspective, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends that dentists offer a deep cleaning service when an X-ray shows bone loss and also when a complete dental health assessment shows a 4-millimeter gum socket between the gum and the tooth.

Is it ok to look for a second opinion?

Some people may want to get a second opinion after they are recommended a deep cleaning procedure. Getting a second opinion is a great idea! If you’ve been told that you need to have a deep clean you can definitely come to Somos Dental. We will provide you with a top-professional second opinion, so that you know if this is the most appropriate treatment for your condition. We can also offer the service ourselves with the best standards in the dental health field and even at a better rate.

The decision of when to provide a deep cleaning is usually determined by the dental health professional’s knowledge and really, should only be recommended when it is the best option for the patient. At Somos Dental we have a team of dental health professionals who have experience in orthodontic treatments and the entire process of a deep clean. So, feel free to contact us by any of the means listed on this page, or by visiting us at our locations. At Somos Dental we are committed to your dental health care! We are located in the following areas: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa, and Camelback. Give us a call today at 623-869-1091.

623-869-1091

Request a FREE Appointment

Author: SomosDental