Category Archives: Dentistry

At Bonness Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping our patients in Terre Haute understand how lifestyle choices, like vaping, can impact oral health. While e-cigarettes are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, research shows that they can still pose significant risks to your teeth and gums. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s in E-Cigarette Vapor?

E-cigarettes use a liquid known as e-juice that is heated to create vapor. However, this liquid often contains harmful ingredients:

• Nicotine: Highly addictive and a known contributor to gum disease.
• Propylene Glycol: A drying agent that can irritate your mouth and gums.
• Flavoring Chemicals: Though safe for ingestion, inhaling them may have unknown health effects.
• Heavy Metals: Tiny metal particles can be released during vaping, which can be toxic when inhaled.
• Carcinogens: Heating e-juice can produce harmful byproducts like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Because the vaping industry is largely unregulated, the contents of e-cigarettes may vary, and the full extent of their risks remains unclear.

How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health

Vaping can have serious consequences for your mouth:

• Oral Cell Damage: A UCLA study found that exposure to e-cigarette vapor for 24 hours killed 85% of oral cells in a controlled test. These cells are vital for protecting your mouth against bacteria and maintaining tissue health.
• Increased Risk of Gum Disease: A study by the University of Rochester concluded that e-cigarettes are as harmful to gums as traditional cigarettes. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, leading to inflammation and higher susceptibility to gum disease.
• Weakened Oral Defense: The cells in your mouth release antioxidants that combat harmful bacteria. Vaping reduces these cells’ effectiveness, making you more vulnerable to infections and oral diseases.

How to Protect Your Smile

If you’re concerned about the effects of vaping on your oral health, here are steps you can take:

• Avoid E-Cigarettes: The safest choice is to avoid vaping altogether, as its long-term health impacts are not fully understood.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help combat plaque buildup.
• Visit Our Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental checkups at Bonness Dentistry in Terre Haute. Our dentist will perform thorough cleanings and look for early signs of oral health problems.
• Quit Nicotine: Whether it’s through traditional smoking or vaping, nicotine use damages your oral and overall health. Seek support to quit if needed.

Your Terre Haute Dentist Is Here to Help

At Bonness Dentistry, we’re committed to protecting your oral health. If you vape or smoke, it’s crucial to stay proactive about your dental care. Contact our Terre Haute office today to schedule your next visit and take a step toward a healthier smile!

At Bonness Dentistry, we often talk to our patients in Terre Haute about plaque and its impact on their oral health. Plaque is one of the most common culprits behind dental issues, making it crucial to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Here’s everything you need to know about plaque and how to keep your smile healthy.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth. If you skip brushing for a few hours, you might notice a slimy or fuzzy texture on your teeth. This is plaque. While it’s impossible to completely prevent plaque from forming, regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can help manage it effectively.

How Plaque Affects Your Teeth and Gums

When left untreated, plaque can lead to serious oral health problems. Here’s how it impacts your smile:

• Tartar Formation: Plaque hardens over time to form tartar, or calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Tartar can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease.
• Tooth Decay: The bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode your enamel, leading to cavities.
• Gum Irritation: Plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding in your gums.
• Bad Breath: Plaque buildup can also contribute to persistent bad breath due to the bacteria it harbors.

At Bonness Dentistry, our team provides thorough dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Tips to Keep Plaque Under Control

Managing plaque begins with a consistent oral care routine. Here are some tips to protect your smile:

• Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth for at least two minutes, morning and night. Focus on brushing along the gum line, where plaque often accumulates.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, such as between your teeth.
• Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque formation.
• Visit Our Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental checkups and professional cleanings at Bonness Dentistry in Terre Haute to address any buildup and catch early signs of gum disease or cavities.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods, which contribute to plaque formation.

Protect Your Smile at Bonness Dentistry

Sticking to good oral hygiene habits can significantly reduce plaque buildup and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits to our Terre Haute office ensure your smile gets the professional care it needs.

Contact Bonness Dentistry today to schedule your next cleaning and let our expert team help you achieve a healthier, brighter smile!

Tooth decay can be a painful experience, leading to infected teeth that require extensive treatment. Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable with the right care. Understanding the causes of tooth decay can help you take proactive steps to protect your smile. At Bonness Dentistry, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain healthy teeth through education and prevention.

More Than Just Sugar

While sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay, it isn’t the only factor. Sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth to form acids, which can erode tooth enamel. However, other foods high in acid, such as citrus fruits, soda, and coffee, can also accelerate the decay process. To prevent damage to your teeth, it’s important to reduce your intake of sugary snacks and acidic beverages.

Our dentist in Terre Haute recommends avoiding the following:

• Sugary drinks and snacks
• Acidic foods and beverages (like soda, citrus, and vinegar-based dressings)
• Snacking between meals, as it gives your teeth little time to recover

Early Signs of Decay

Tooth decay doesn’t always present noticeable signs early on. By the time you experience discomfort or sensitivity, the decay may have already spread. Regular dental check-ups are crucial because they allow our team to detect issues before they become serious. At Bonness Dentistry, we help you stay on top of your oral health by providing thorough exams and preventive care.

Teeth with Fillings Still Need Care

Even if you have fillings, your teeth still need attention. Fillings don’t protect against future decay, and it’s possible to develop cavities around the edges of existing fillings. Make sure to practice diligent oral hygiene, especially around filled areas, and schedule regular check-ups to ensure your fillings are in good condition. If you experience any discomfort or notice a filling that needs attention, contact our office promptly.

Tooth Decay: Not Just for Kids

While tooth decay is often associated with children, people of all ages are at risk. Seniors, in particular, may be more vulnerable due to medications that can dry out the mouth and reduce saliva flow. Dry mouth can make it harder to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles, leading to an increased risk of decay. Whether you’re a child, adult, or senior, regular dental visits are essential for everyone.

Prevention Is Key

Tooth decay is common but preventable with the right care. By following a good oral hygiene routine, limiting sugary and acidic foods, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can protect your teeth from decay. Don’t wait for signs of trouble to schedule your appointment with our office today.

For tips on preventing tooth decay or to schedule a visit, contact Bonness Dentistry. We’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and bright!

Injuries to the mouth are painful, costly, and often avoidable. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries are a significant risk, whether you’re playing a high-contact sport or engaging in recreational activities. Wearing a mouthguard is a simple, effective way to protect your teeth and avoid long-term dental damage. At Bonness Dentistry, we can help you find the right mouthguard to safeguard your smile.

Why Should You Wear a Mouthguard?

Mouthguards provide critical protection for your teeth, gums, and soft tissues inside the mouth. They prevent injuries such as:

• Cracked or broken teeth: The impact from a fall or collision can easily damage your teeth, leading to expensive treatments like fillings or crowns.
• Knocked-out teeth: A severe impact could cause a tooth to be knocked out completely, which may require reimplantation or a replacement.
• Injury to soft tissues: The tongue, lips, and cheeks are vulnerable to cuts and bruising during sports. A mouthguard cushions these areas from injury.

Wearing a mouthguard reduces the risk of these injuries, keeping your smile intact and preventing unnecessary pain.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

While high-contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, and boxing have the highest risk for mouth injuries, every athlete should consider wearing a mouthguard. Even non-contact sports carry risks from falls or unexpected collisions. Here’s who can benefit from wearing a mouthguard:

• Football players
• Boxers and wrestlers
• Basketball and baseball players
• Gymnasts (for protection in case of a fall)
• Skaters and cyclists

Regardless of the sport, wearing a mouthguard is a smart choice to protect your mouth from injury.

Choosing the Right Mouthguard

At Bonness Dentistry, our dedicated team can help you choose the right mouthguard based on your needs. There are several options to consider:

• Store-bought mouthguards: These are pre-made and come in different sizes but may not offer the best fit or comfort.
• Custom-fitted mouthguards: These are designed specifically for your mouth, providing better protection and comfort. A custom mouthguard will fit perfectly and stay in place during physical activity.

If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, special mouthguards for braces are available to protect your mouth from irritation or injury during sports.

Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard

Preventing oral injuries is essential to maintaining good oral health. A mouthguard is a small investment that can save you from costly dental procedures and long recovery times. If you’re an athlete, make sure to include a mouthguard as part of your essential gear.

At Bonness Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you protect your teeth. Contact our office today to discuss your mouthguard options and schedule an appointment. Let us help you stay safe while enjoying the sports you love!

At Bonness Dentistry, we believe in promoting healthy habits that benefit both your overall well-being and your oral health. While dairy products are known for being rich in calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones, recent studies have shown that cheese, in particular, can help protect teeth from cavities. This might be good news for those who love cheese, but it’s important to know which types are the best for your teeth.

How Does Cheese Help Prevent Cavities?

One of the main ways cheese benefits your oral health is by stimulating saliva production in the mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids, washing away sugars, and clearing bacteria from your teeth. This helps protect your teeth from the harmful effects of food and drink, which can contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorous, two key minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel. A study also found that certain compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel, further shielding it from the damaging effects of acid in the mouth.

Are All Cheeses Created Equal?

Not all cheese is the same when it comes to benefiting your teeth. To get the most protection, opt for natural cheeses rather than processed varieties. Processed cheeses like American cheese, cheese dips, and pre-packaged cheese products often contain added sugars and preservatives, which can actually harm your teeth. These cheeses are lower in actual cheese content and may even contribute to enamel erosion over time, increasing the risk of cavities and decay.

Which Types of Cheese Are Best for Teeth?

There are many types of real, natural cheese that can help protect your teeth. If you enjoy aged cheeses, varieties like Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are excellent choices. These cheeses contain a high concentration of calcium and are also less likely to stick to your teeth. For those who prefer softer cheeses, Mozzarella, Brie, and Camembert are all good options. Even more adventurous options like Gorgonzola and Roquefort offer tooth-protecting benefits, though they may not be suitable for everyone’s palate.

What About Low-Fat Cheese?

If you’re following a low-fat diet, the good news is that the fat content of cheese doesn’t affect its ability to protect your teeth. Low-fat and non-fat cheeses still contain the same tooth-strengthening minerals, including calcium and phosphorous, as their full-fat counterparts. So, you can enjoy the benefits of cheese without worrying about the fat content.

Healthy Snacking for Better Oral Health

Cheese can be a great alternative to sugary snacks that contribute to tooth decay. Consider offering your child a piece of cheese as a snack or a treat after meals to help promote healthy teeth. For more ideas on healthy eating and how to care for your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Terre Haute. At Bonness Dentistry, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

At Bonness Dentistry, we know life can get busy, and sometimes brushing your teeth isn’t possible. Whether you’re traveling, at work, or just caught without a toothbrush, maintaining good oral hygiene is still important. As your go-to dentist in Terre Haute, we’re here to provide helpful solutions for those times when you can’t brush. Here are five simple ways to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh, even when you’re on the go.

1. Drink Water

Water is your best friend when brushing isn’t an option. Drinking water helps rinse away sugars, acids, and food particles lingering on your teeth. Many public water systems contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. Plus, water encourages saliva production, which helps protect your teeth naturally. Make a habit of sipping water throughout the day to support your oral health.

2. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you can’t brush, pop a piece of sugar-free gum into your mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) approves specific gum brands that promote oral health. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and strengthen enamel. Look for the ADA seal on gum packages to ensure it’s a tooth-friendly option.

3. Carry Dental Floss

Flossing is a powerful tool when you don’t have access to a toothbrush. Keep a small roll of dental floss in your bag or pocket. It’s perfect for removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth, preventing decay and gum problems. While flossing doesn’t replace brushing, it’s a valuable alternative when you’re in a pinch. The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day to promote healthy gums.

4. Use a Disposable Toothbrush

If you know you’ll be out for an extended period—whether at work or on an overnight trip—consider bringing along a disposable toothbrush. These brushes often come pre-loaded with toothpaste, making them convenient for on-the-go cleaning. Toss one in your bag for a quick, effective way to refresh your smile when a traditional toothbrush isn’t available.

5. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods

When brushing isn’t possible, be mindful of what you eat and drink. Sugary and acidic foods contribute to tooth decay by weakening enamel. Soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks are especially harmful, as they leave sugars and acids on your teeth. If you can’t brush, opt for healthier snacks and beverages that won’t promote decay.

Stay Consistent with Your Routine

Maintaining good oral hygiene is all about consistency. While brushing twice a day is ideal, sometimes life gets in the way. By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of those missed brushing sessions and keep your smile healthy.

At Bonness Dentistry, we’re here to support your oral health journey, whether you’re at home or on the go. If you’re looking for personalized advice or need to schedule a checkup, reach out to your trusted dentist in Terre Haute today.

Contact Bonness Dentistry to keep your smile looking and feeling its best!

At Bonness Dentistry, we understand that bad breath, or halitosis, can be both embarrassing and frustrating. While certain foods like garlic, onions, and cabbage can cause temporary bad breath, chronic halitosis often requires more than just dietary changes. If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath, there are steps you can take to manage it effectively. As your trusted dentist in Terre Haute, we are here to offer tips and solutions for fresher breath and healthier oral care.

What Causes Chronic Bad Breath?

Long-term bad breath often stems from bacteria buildup in the mouth. These bacteria are typically found on the back of the tongue and thrive in dry environments. Fortunately, with the right habits, you can reduce or even eliminate chronic bad breath.

7 Ways to Combat Bad Breath

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
   Brushing and flossing regularly are essential for preventing bad breath. Brush your teeth after meals when possible and at least twice a day. Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner daily to remove food particles between teeth that can break down and cause odors.
2. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
   Bacteria causing bad breath often reside on the back of the tongue. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean your tongue each time you brush. Start as far back as you can comfortably manage, and over time, this will get easier.
3. Stay Hydrated
   A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth hydrated and reduces bacterial growth that contributes to bad breath.
4. Avoid Common Breath Triggers
   Certain foods and substances—like onions, garlic, cabbage, coffee, and tobacco—are known to cause bad breath. Limiting these can significantly improve your breath throughout the day.
5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
   Chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva production, keeping your mouth moist and helping wash away bacteria. This simple habit can prevent bad breath from developing between meals.
6. Eat Breath-Friendly Foods
   A diet that includes crunchy fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and foods high in vitamins C and D promotes good oral health. These foods increase saliva flow and help prevent bacterial buildup, keeping your breath fresher for longer.
7. See Your Dentist Regularly
   Routine dental checkups at Bonness Dentistry are essential for maintaining oral health. If you’ve tried these tips but still experience bad breath, schedule an appointment with us. We can identify any underlying issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or infections, that may need treatment.

Get Professional Help for Bad Breath

At Bonness Dentistry, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile. If persistent bad breath is interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to visit our office. As a leading dentist in Terre Haute, we offer comprehensive care to address the root causes of halitosis and restore your fresh breath.

Contact Bonness Dentistry today to schedule your appointment and keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy!

At Bonness Dentistry, we want to help you protect your smile from hidden threats—like the beverages you consume daily. If soft drinks are a regular part of your routine, they could be causing serious damage to your teeth. Research has shown that carbonated soft drinks are one of the leading dietary contributors to tooth decay. Not only do they impact your oral health, but they are also linked to conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Before you grab your next drink, here are a few things you should know about soft drinks and their effects on your teeth.

The Sugar and Acid Combo
Most soft drinks are packed with sugar, and when that sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, it creates an acid that attacks your teeth for about 20 minutes after each sip. Every time you take a drink, you reset that time frame, meaning if you’re sipping throughout the day, your teeth are under attack for hours.

Even sugar-free soft drinks aren’t safe. These beverages contain acids that can weaken your tooth enamel over time. Colas and citrus-flavored drinks, in particular, have high acid levels that erode your enamel, leading to tooth decay and even tooth loss if not addressed early.

How to Protect Your Teeth from Soft Drinks
Ideally, cutting soft drinks out of your diet would be best for your teeth and your overall health. However, we understand that habits are hard to break. Here are some tips to reduce the risks soft drinks pose to your teeth:

• Drink in moderation: The more sugar and acid you consume, the greater the damage to your teeth.
• Try sparkling water: If you love the fizz, sparkling water is a much safer option as it doesn’t contain harmful sugars or acids.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can reduce your cravings for soft drinks.
• Don’t sip for too long: The more time you spend drinking, the longer sugars and acids are in contact with your teeth.
• Use a straw: A straw helps minimize the exposure of sugars and acids to your teeth.
• Rinse with water afterward: This can help wash away harmful sugars and acids.
• Wait before brushing: After drinking, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow your saliva to neutralize the acids.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth.

Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful not only to your teeth but also to your overall health. Being mindful of how often you drink them and reducing your consumption can go a long way in preserving your smile.

If you need more tips on protecting your teeth or would like to schedule a cleaning, contact Bonness Dentistry, your trusted Dentist in Terre Haute, today! We’re here to help you maintain a bright, healthy smile.

At Bonness Dentistry, we believe that establishing healthy oral habits early is key to a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy gums. Even though children will eventually lose their baby teeth, neglecting proper dental care can lead to painful tooth decay and other oral health issues. That’s why preventive care is critical for keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy. Here are six essential tips to help prevent tooth decay in children, and ensure a lifetime of great dental health.

1. Make Dental Care Fun Teaching your child about the importance of daily brushing and flossing can be a fun experience. Turning oral care into a game or rewarding your child for their efforts can make brushing and flossing something they look forward to each day.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups Routine visits to our Terre Haute office are vital for your child’s dental health. Starting from the moment their first tooth appears, your child should visit a dentist twice a year. These checkups ensure that their teeth stay clean and healthy, while allowing us to catch any issues early before they develop into bigger problems.

3. Include Healthy, Fibrous Foods in Their Diet Incorporating crisp, water-rich fruits and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, and carrots into your child’s diet can help promote oral health. These foods naturally help cleanse the mouth by stimulating saliva production, which reduces the buildup of bacteria and food particles on the teeth.

4. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks While it’s tempting to let your child indulge in sugary treats, these can contribute significantly to tooth decay. Sugary snacks, soda, and juice should be consumed in moderation. Encourage healthier alternatives like water and fresh fruits, which are less likely to harm your child’s teeth.

5. Promote Drinking Water One of the easiest ways to protect your child’s teeth is by encouraging them to drink water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles, bacteria, and acids, all of which contribute to tooth decay. Make sure your child drinks water, especially after meals or snacks, to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

6. Consider Dental Sealants Ask us about dental sealants, a great preventive option for children. Sealants act as a protective barrier, covering the grooves of your child’s teeth and preventing bacteria from settling in and causing decay.

Tooth decay can start small but may lead to larger problems if left untreated. By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, you can help safeguard your child’s smile. Establishing good habits early on will make a significant difference in their oral health.

Call Bonness Dentistry today to schedule your child’s next appointment with our Dentist in Terre Haute, and let us help protect their smile for years to come!

Periodontal disease (gum disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share more than just being common health issues, they are both systemic inflammatory disorders. This connection stems from the way each disease triggers the immune system to attack its own tissues. Left unchecked, these conditions can lead to significant complications like joint pain, tooth loss, and more. Understanding the relationship between periodontal disease and RA is crucial for maintaining both oral and overall health. At Bonness Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Terre Haute, we are committed to helping you protect your health by offering the best care for both gum disease and RA-related dental challenges.

The Inflammatory Link Between RA and Gum Disease

Studies have demonstrated a strong link between RA and gum disease, largely due to the role of inflammation in both conditions. Inflammation is the immune system’s natural defense against infection, but in the case of RA, it misfires, triggering unnecessary inflammation that harms the joints even when no infection is present.

Research published in the journal PLoS Pathogens found that a bacteria commonly linked to gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can worsen RA by increasing the severity of symptoms and causing the disease to progress more quickly. This shows the importance of maintaining good oral health, especially for individuals with RA, as periodontal disease can exacerbate their condition.

Challenges for RA Patients in Dental Care

People with RA may face unique challenges in maintaining their oral hygiene. Stiffness and pain in the hands or jaws can make brushing and flossing difficult, which may lead to an increased risk of developing gum disease. This is why it’s essential for RA patients to prioritize their oral care and work closely with their healthcare providers, including both a physician and dentist.

A team-based approach to care can help manage both conditions effectively. Regular dental checkups at Bonness Dentistry, your dentist in Terre Haute, can help detect early signs of gum disease and prevent it from worsening. Research has shown that successful treatment of periodontal disease can improve RA symptoms, reducing pain and inflammation.

Tips for Easier Dental Care with RA

Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can be difficult for RA patients, but there are practical steps that can make it easier. Consider the following tips:

• Toothbrush Grip: Modify your toothbrush with a tennis ball or bicycle grip to make it easier to hold.
• Flossing: Try different types of floss, such as floss picks or water flossers, to find what works best for you.
• Toothpaste: Use toothpaste in a pump bottle instead of a traditional tube, which can be hard to squeeze with stiff hands.

By taking these small steps, RA patients can better manage their dental care and reduce their risk of gum disease.

Importance of Regular Dental Visits

If you have both RA and gum disease, it’s critical to schedule regular dental exams to monitor your oral health. Even if you don’t have gum disease, RA patients should get an annual periodontal evaluation to catch any issues early. Your dentist in Terre Haute can work with your medical team to provide personalized care that fits your needs and helps you manage both conditions more effectively.

If you have any concerns or questions about how periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis affect your dental health, contact Bonness Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support your oral health and overall well-being.