Over time, your smile accumulates all sorts of wear and tear. That’s perfectly normal – teeth age along with the rest of you. Still, you don’t have to bear this fact helplessly. The truth is that cosmetic dentistry helps you look younger. As such, your dental provider could “turn back the clock” and return some youth to your face. Let a local Kansas City dentist explain if you’d like to learn more. To that end, here’s how dental cosmetics de-age your appearance.

By Removing Stains

If you didn’t already know, tooth stains make you seem older. After all, deeply yellow enamel can look grizzled or worn out. This discoloration would then suggest your smile has weathered many years.

Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can correct your stains. This service uses bleaching gel to restore your enamel’s healthy white coloring. In fact, it typically leads to pearly whites that are brighter by six to eight shades. You’d then sport a new, young-looking smile.

By Hiding Chips & Cracks

Sadly, it doesn’t take much for teeth to crack. A simple fall or sports injury can lead to noticeable chips in your enamel. When that happens, the resulting damage could cause your smile to look old. Fractured chompers often appear mature compared to whole ones.

All that said, you could solve things with dental bonding. The latter relies on special resin to hide minor tooth chips and cracks. Shortly after treatment, it would restore some of your face’s youthful glow.

By Aligning Your Smile

As it turns out, people associate dental crowding with age. This issue often results from years of tooth movement and friction. Left alone, the latter forces cause a forward motion that pushes front teeth together.

Luckily, you can count on dental veneers to help. These porcelain layers can hide noticeable crowding from view. Consequently, your smile will seem aligned and vigorous.

By Contouring Your Gums

At times, a person’s aged smile stems from their gum tissue. Gums that suffer an infection will usually look lackluster. Plus, periodontal disease triggers gum recession – something that leads to abnormally large teeth.

Of course, you could try gum recontouring as a potential fix. This option uses a dental laser to balance the pink tissue around your teeth. In doing so, it’ll take years off your grin.

Because cosmetic dentistry helps you look younger, you don’t need to fear old age. Just let your dental provider de-age your face with a pretty smile.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars is a dentist based in Kansas City, MO, having earned his DDS from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He’s also an outstanding member of the American Dental Association and the Missouri Dental Association. Given this background, his specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental services. Dr. Byars currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (816)-781-8222.

The post 4 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Helps You Look Younger appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

One of the benefits of having a dentist that you can trust is that you can talk to someone about what’s happening with your oral health, allowing you to make sense of it better than you may be able to on your own. However, most of your time is spent outside the dentist’s office, meaning that it would serve you well to have a working understanding of some of the most common oral health problems.

With that in mind, here are some examples of the most common oral health problems, along with how you can prevent them.

Tooth Decay: Prevalence and Prevention

You may have thought that tooth decay was something that happened naturally when you don’t brush your teeth, but in actuality, it’s caused by a fairly common bacterial infection in the mouth. These bacteria form plaque deposits in the mouth, consuming sugars and secreting acids that erode enamel.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition in America among both children and adults. While removing the bacteria from the mouth entirely isn’t practical, you can control it by keeping up with regular dental hygiene.

Gum Disease is More Common Than You’d Think

It’s estimated that around 50% of adults have gum disease to some extent, and that proportion only gets higher the older that you get. While many people’s gum disease is relatively mild, involving only a little bit of bleeding or swelling, the condition only gets worse over time if nothing is done to treat it.

If the disease advances too far, its symptoms may become irreversible and can lead to a degeneration of the jaw. For that reason, you should be sure that you’re flossing thoroughly to remove any plaque buildup.

The Prominence of Complete Tooth Loss

Typically tooth loss is the result of long-standing oral health problems, and according to a WHO estimate, it affects around 7% of adults over 20 worldwide. Over the age of 60, that number rises to 23%.

While not necessarily the most common problem, the prevalence of people who have lost all of their teeth means that everyone could take some time to think about the possibility of losing their teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year, as they’ll be able to catch any catastrophic oral health problems before things get bad.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars is someone who loves being able to make his patients smile, which is why he constantly strives to improve his practice by making use of the latest developments in oral health. His mastery of his field and his clinical expertise allow him to offer remarkably comfortable dental care. Dr. Byars received his degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and goes above and beyond in pursuing continuing education each year.

If you have any questions about oral health problems, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.

The post What You Should Know About the Most Common Oral Health Problems appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

August is here, which means that if you’re a student you’re probably gearing up to be back in an exam mindset. However, there’s more than just your grades to think about. If you want to be able to feel your best and perform at school, you may want to think a little bit about acing your next dental exam as well.

Thankfully, doing that should be much easier than doing well on the SATs. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that your next dental exam goes as well as possible.

Eat More Tooth-Healthy Foods

If you have some control over what you bring to school for lunch, either because you pack yours or you buy it at school, you may want to avoid some foods that could cause problems for your teeth. Instead of PB&J, which is packed with sugar, you may go for another type of sandwich. You may also want to try drinking milk, which is readily available in most cafeterias. The calcium in milk strengthens the teeth, especially if it’s been fortified with vitamin D.

Focus On Your Dental Hygiene

Even if your life is a lot busier now that school is over, you should still try and find time to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Most people find it easiest to do this just after waking up and before going to bed, but if you often find yourself waking up late and rushing out of the house you may want to come up with a more convenient routine.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter when you brush, so whatever works for you is perfectly fine. The important thing is consistency.

Make Use of your Oral Appliance

Often, dentists will supply you with an oral appliance to help improve your long-term oral health. A retainer is a good example—after braces, wearing one each night can keep your teeth from moving out of place.

That said, if you’re waking up early and going to bed late (which can be tempting when school rolls around) you may start to neglect your oral appliance. If you want your next dental exam to go as well as possible, you should be sure to use all the tools that your dentist gives you to their fullest extent.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars is a dentist who prides himself on being able to offer exceptional and complete dental care, making good use of the latest techniques and technology in oral medicine. Dr. Byars received his degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. In the interest of continuing his education, he is a member of the Greater Kansas City Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association, and SPEAR Education.

If you have any questions about a dental exam, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (816) 781-8222.

The post It’s Finally Back to School: Here’s How to Ace Your Next Dental Exam appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

A frequent concern that many individuals face is the presence of a gap between their front teeth, a condition referred to as diastema. This gap can sometimes impact one’s self-assurance and overall self-esteem. The good news is that cosmetic dentists offer a range of treatments to address this issue, which encompass dental bonding, veneers, and orthodontic interventions. These treatments are not only safe and effective but also yield enduring results. Read on as we will explore how a cosmetic dentist can determine the optimal solution for you.

6 Causes of a Diastema?

A diastema refers to a noticeable gap, typically exceeding 0.5 millimeters, that can develop between any two adjacent teeth. While it’s a common occurrence among children, there is no guarantee that it will naturally close over time. Multiple factors can contribute to the formation of this gap, including:

• Tooth loss – Particularly, the loss of primary (baby) teeth can create a gap between the two front teeth.
• Untreated gum disease – This gum infection can result in a gap between teeth due to gum recession, tooth shifting, or tooth loss.
• Incorrect swallowing reflex – An incorrect swallowing reflex can exert pressure on the front teeth, gradually causing them to separate and create a gap.
• Labial frenum – The tissue extending from the upper lip to the gums above the upper front teeth, known as the labial frenum, can lead to an enlarged gap between the two front teeth.
• Poor oral habits – These encompass smoking and the habit of biting into hard objects.
• Tooth size – The size of the teeth relative to the jaw, which includes missing or undersized teeth, can also contribute to the development of a diastema.

How Are Diastemas Treated?

Detecting a diastema is usually straightforward and can be accomplished during a routine dental examination. Treatment isn’t always necessary, particularly when it results from natural factors such as jawbone size or the loss of baby teeth. While a diastema may not always demand treatment, leaving it unaddressed can elevate the risk of plaque accumulation, enamel erosion, and even gum disease.

The treatment options for diastemas encompass the use of braces, veneers, or dental bonding. The selection of the most suitable treatment is contingent upon the unique circumstances of each patient. While Invisalign stands as a widely employed orthodontic solution, veneers and dental bonding are equally effective alternatives to address diastemas.

In cases where the diastema arises from missing teeth, more intricate solutions such as dental bridges, dentures, or implants may be warranted. For situations linked to gum disease, periodontal therapy is the recommended approach. In instances where an oversized labial frenum is the underlying issue, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

About the Practice

Dr. Michael C. Byars, a highly skilled dentist, takes immense pride in utilizing his expertise to instill confidence in his patients’ smiles. Dr. Byars leads a seasoned team of dentists and specialists who are deeply committed to delivering individualized care and identifying the most suitable solutions for each patient’s specific requirements. In addition to regular checkups and responsive emergency dental care, their services encompass treatments for closing gaps between teeth, such as braces, dental bonding, and veneers, as well as more advanced procedures like bridges and implants. To schedule an appointment or to explore their services, reach Dr. Byars’ office at (816) 781-8222 or visit his website.

The post Can a Gap Between My Two Front Teeth Be Treated? appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

Halloween is almost here! As your child heads out the door for a night of trick-or-treating, don’t let the spooky holiday come back to haunt your little one’s dental health. Indulging in sugary treats for even a few days can damage their teeth. They don’t have to skip the festivities to protect their oral health. Here are 6 tips to keep their mouth healthy.

1. Avoid Sticky and Chewy Candy

Not all candy is equal in the eyes of dentists. Sticky and chewy candy can get stuck between teeth and in the crevasses of the molars. The longer it sits on their teeth, the more likely it will erode their enamel. Once enamel is gone, it won’t grow back.

2. Avoid Hard Candies

Lollipops, jawbreakers, and other hard candy can lead to a dental emergency. Crunching hard treats can chip or break a tooth. They can also bathe your child’s teeth in cavity-causing residue because they must hold it in their mouth for several minutes to allow it to dissolve.

3. Choose Dark Chocolate

Pediatric dentists prefer dark chocolate over other candy because it rinses from teeth more easily. It is less likely to linger in the mouth, unlike sticky candy, so it isn’t as damaging when eaten in moderation.

4. Eat Candy at Mealtime

“No dessert before dinner” is a common rule in many households, but it’s best to eat candy with a meal. Eating increases saliva production, which cleanses the mouth to reduce sugary residue.

5. Commit to Brushing and Flossing

Your little one will probably be tired after an evening of trick-or-treating, but don’t let them head to bed without brushing and flossing. Bacteria growth can increase at night because their mouth is dark and moist. Good oral hygiene will keep their mouth clean to reduce harmful oral bacteria.

6. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy for your child to suffer dehydration when walking around the neighborhood. Be sure your little one is drinking plenty of water to keep them hydrated and their mouth moist.

Limit your child to a couple of pieces of candy on Halloween and put their stash away for later. They can still enjoy the spooky season without harming their dental health.

About Dr. Michael C. Byars

Dr. Byars earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and has completed additional training in advanced restorative care. He is a lifelong learner and committed to providing the most up-to-date services. Dr. Byars is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (816) 336-2439.

The post Tips for Avoiding Oral Health Problems During Halloween appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

You can’t put a price on the benefits of an attractive smile. However, if beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, how do you know if your pearly whites are pleasing to others? Flawless teeth are attributed to youth, success, and confidence. Here are 6 traits associated with a gorgeous smile 

1. Tooth Color

Not everyone has white teeth naturally. They come in many shades and tones. Not to mention, various factors affect their color, like your oral hygiene habits, diet, and lifestyle. Brown and yellow teeth are perceived as unhealthy and dirty. 

Your cosmetic dentist can reveal a bright smile with teeth whitening. Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter from your home. Your dentist can give you everything you need to achieve in-office results without leaving your sofa. 

2. Gum Display

Your gums also contribute to the appearance of your smile. Too much gum tissue can make your teeth look short or stubby. An uneven gum line can also cause your teeth to look disproportionate. 

Gum recontouring can treat a gummy smile by removing excess tissue. It can also create symmetry to make your teeth look proportionate.

3. Spacing

Gapped, crooked, or overlapping teeth affect both the health and aesthetics of your smile. Braces or clear aligners can move your teeth into position to create a straight smile. You’ll also improve your oral health and bite relationship.

4. Dental Midline

Your dental midline should be between your two central incisors. If your front teeth aren’t aligned with your midline, it can make your facial appearance unbalanced. 

Porcelain veneers can fix the issue while also resolving many other imperfections, like discoloration, chips, and gaps.

5. Cant

Cant is the tilt of your teeth. They should be positioned straight up and down. If your teeth tilt forward or backward, it can affect aesthetics and your bite. Your cosmetic dentist will create a personalized plan to fix your cant, like braces.

6. Gum Color

Healthy gums are bright pink. If your gums are red or swollen, you may have gum disease. The infection can lead to tooth loss and increase your risk of various health problems, like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Gum disease therapy will treat the infection to support a healthy mouth and body. Your gums will be pink and healthy for a dazzling smile.

You can look and feel your best by investing in cosmetic dentistry. You’ll enhance your professional image and ensure your smile is sending the right message.

About Dr. Michael C. Byars

Dr. Byars achieved his dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has completed advanced training in restorative dentistry, dental implants, and much more. He strives to provide the most up-to-date services to create healthy, pleasing smiles. Request an appointment through our website or call (816) 336-2439.

The post The Traits of a Beautiful Smile appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

If you’ve lost a tooth that’s hidden from plain view, you might wonder if you really need to replace it. After all, if no one is going to see it, why does it matter? While it’s true that the aesthetic concern is not pressing, there are crucial oral health reasons to consider dental implants.

So, what’s the big deal about missing teeth? Continue reading to learn why a hidden molar still needs a little dental implant TLC.

1. Missing Teeth Cause Alignment Issues

Even a missing tooth at the back of your mouth can affect the alignment of your surrounding teeth over time. Adjacent teeth may gradually shift into the empty space, causing misalignment and potential bite issues. This can cause many symptoms including tooth sensitivity and jaw pain.

2. Dental Implants Maintain Bite Function

Every tooth plays a role in the proper functioning of your bite. When a back tooth is missing, the stress from chewing is placed on adjacent teeth. Left untreated, this can potentially lead to more stress on the enamel of these pearly whites and additional wear and tear.

Dental implants can restore the function of your bite, relieving the pressure on these other teeth.

3. Dental implants Help Maintain Your Jawbone

All teeth play an essential part in supporting jawbone density. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone may start to resorb, which can weaken the overall structure of the jaw. Not only can this change the look of your face over time, but it can also lead to more tooth loss.

4. Your Oral Health Is Connected with the Rest of Your Body

Oral health is interconnected. Neglecting a missing back tooth may set off a chain reaction of issues. This could affect neighboring teeth, gum health, and even make you sick. For example, research from Harvard Medical School shows that patients with missing teeth are more likely to contract gum disease. This same research suggests that this oral issue is linked with diabetes and heart disease.

The decision to replace a missing tooth goes beyond aesthetics—it’s important for maintaining your health. Whether seen or unseen, every tooth is important to preserve the balance of your mouth. If you’ve been missing a molar, it’s not too late to request a dental implant consultation with your dentist. A new smile and an increased quality of life await you.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars is a talented and professional dentist with a passion for giving his patients a smile they can be proud of. After graduating from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he decided to hone his skills by giving back to the community via the “Miles of Smiles” program that helped underserved children get dental care. He then opened his private practice. Call (575) 521-8720 to schedule a dental implant consultation, or visit the website to learn more.

The post Unseen Teeth Need Love Too: Why You Should Replace Molars with Dental Implants appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

Cosmetic dentistry is a great way to make your smile more attractive and restore the function of your bite. Beyond these benefits, more and more people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to help in other aspects of their lives. A study performed for the American Association for the Advancement of Science showed that employers were more likely to interview or hire smiling applicants!

If you want to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry could help you get ahead in your career, continue reading.

1. Getting the Interview with Cosmetic Dentistry

As mentioned above, a study performed on two sets of employers found a distinct correlation between smiling on your applications and landing an interview. Over 300 working professionals were interviewed and the researchers had them look at several fake LinkedIn profiles, asking which applicants they would invite for interviews.

While the difference was small, most of the professionals preferred the profiles with smiling faces—especially when they were given less time to think about it. They cited that they would rather have someone excited to be there than someone who looked bored or overly serious.

2. Cosmetic Dentistry Boosts Confidence

Another aspect of professionalism that cosmetic dentistry can help is confidence. According to another study performed by Bupa, an international healthcare company, nearly 42% of the 2000 people they interviewed disliked their smiles. Most people said they either don’t smile for photos or cover their mouths in some way.

Cosmetic dentistry can restore confidence as you regain your bright grin. Many people say that they associate a genuine smile with friendliness, confidence, and trustworthiness. This alone can help you move further in your career.

3. Cosmetic Dentistry Improves Your Appearance

It should go without saying that first impressions are very important, especially in the business world. The first time you meet with a potential client or employer, they will take note of certain aspects of you, whether consciously or unconsciously. With a winning smile, you will be far more likely to impress as many people associate bad hygiene with laziness or being untrustworthy.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments have become easier, cheaper, and more aesthetically pleasing as time has gone on. If you’re a professional trying to advance your career, cosmetic dentistry can help you by removing stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignments. Not only will you look better, but you’ll feel better mentally and physically. There’s no reason to delay! Call your dentist and ask for a consultation today.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars is a brilliant and skilled dentist who enjoys getting to know his patients as he guides their smile makeovers. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Since then he has expanded his skills with an advanced residency program focused on restorative treatments. Today, he continues to learn more through professional organizations. Call (816) 781-8222 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Michael C. Byars, DDS, or visit the website to explore other services.

The post Smile to Succeed: Getting Cosmetic Dentistry for Professional Purposes appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

You’re probably used to filling your family’s stockings with candy canes and other sugary treats. However, if you’re worried about your loved ones’ teeth and gums, then you may want to think about getting them gifts that are better for dental health. Fortunately, your dentist has a few suggestions that may be worth considering. Below are 4 examples of smile-friendly stocking stuffers.

1. New Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes need to be replaced periodically, so the holidays can be a great opportunity to give your family members some new ones. It’s worth taking the time to explore your options so that you can pick the perfect toothbrush. If you have any young children, they’ll likely be excited to get a toothbrush that has one of their favorite characters on it. Meanwhile, older children and adults may appreciate an electric toothbrush that makes it easier to thoroughly clean their teeth.

2. Flavored Toothpaste and Dental Floss

Flavored dental products can go a long way toward making brushing and flossing much more enjoyable. Some toothpastes come in watermelon, cinnamon, strawberry, and a variety of other flavors. There are also different types of flavored floss as well. Take the time to find the flavors that your family members will love the most. (Of course, regardless of flavor, you should only buy toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Approval.)

3. Sugar-Free Treats

If your loved ones are looking forward to finding something sweet to snack on when they dig into their stockings, you may want to look for treats that won’t put their teeth and gums at risk. Try looking for sugar-free gum that has been sweetened with xylitol. Not only will chewing on the gum boost saliva production (which helps keep the mouth clean), but the xylitol can fight the bacteria responsible for causing tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Dental Hygiene Kits

You can help your loved ones take better care of their smiles by giving them dental hygiene kits that provide them with all kinds of useful tools for protecting their teeth. A good dental hygiene kit will include a small toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste and mouthwash, a small mirror that can be used to check for food particles, and lip balm.

Do you need a few more gift ideas to fill out your family’s stockings? Talk to your dentist to see what they suggest. The right gifts can help encourage your loved ones to pursue healthier dental habits in the coming year.

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars studied dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is one of the few general dentists in the Kansas City area with residency training in performing complex restorative procedures. His practice welcomes children as well as adults. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Byars before or after the holidays, visit his website or call (816) 781-8222.

The post 4 Smile-Friendly Gifts to Put In Your Family’s Stockings appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.

Good oral hygiene isn’t only about how you use your toothbrush. It’s also about where you store it. It may seem insignificant, but something as simple as toothbrush storage can be a factor in your oral health. If you want to learn how to properly store your toothbrush to ensure clean smiles and a healthy mouth, continue reading.

1. Airflow Is Key

Allow your toothbrush to air dry between uses. Shake excess water from the brush and store it upright in a toothbrush holder with open slots to promote airflow. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria that thrive in a damp environment.

2. Keep Brushes Separated

Avoid storing multiple toothbrushes in the same holder, especially if they touch each other. Cross-contamination can occur, and it’s best to provide each brush with its own space to air out.

3. Keep It Away from the Toilet

Select a storage spot that is away from the toilet. Every time it’s flushed, airborne particles can contaminate your toothbrush. Find a spot at least three to four feet away from the bowl so your toothbrush stays bacteria-free.

4. Find Sunlight Exposure

If possible, consider placing your toothbrush in an area where it can receive some natural sun. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties and can help keep your toothbrush fresh.

5. Clean the Holder

It’s not just the toothbrush that gets dirty! Regularly clean your toothbrush holder to prevent the accumulation of germs. Dish soap and warm water are best for a good clean. Be sure to scrub it for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

Bonus: Storage on the Go

When on the go, opt for travel containers that provide ventilation. Ensure your toothbrush is dry before placing it in the container to prevent moisture accumulation. Let it dry completely before placing it back into your toiletry bag or other traveling container.

By incorporating these toothbrush storage tips into your cleaning routine, you can ensure that your toothbrush remains clean and fresh. Remember, a reliable toothbrush contributes to effective oral hygiene and supports your overall dental health. Don’t underestimate the power of effective storage solutions!

About the Author

Dr. Michael C. Byars believes that good dentistry begins with excellent patient care and using up-to-date dental technology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and continues to focus his practice on restorative care through extensive, modern training. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Byars takes every opportunity to broaden his skills and help his patients. Call (816) 781-8222 to schedule an appointment at Michael C. Byars, DDS, or visit the website to dive into the other services they provide.

The post Keeping It Clean: Smart Toothbrush Storage Tips for a Healthy Mouth appeared first on Byars Dental Blog.