Did you know?
According to a study by the Gallop Organization
and Consumer Reports, dentists are among the top five most trusted
professionals.
What do powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried
flowers, mice and lizard livers have in common? They have all
been ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder. Yum.
Attention Chocolate Lovers…Many dentists
agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky
foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth
longer and develop more decay.
According to a study at the University of
Connecticut, too much toothpaste early in life is responsible
for more than 70% of fluorosis cases (staining or mottling of
tooth enamel that develops when children swallow fluoridated
toothpaste). Although this problem is only cosmetic, it is recommended
children under six only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
and be reminded to spit it out after brushing. |
Wondering about the latest in dentistry?
We're working very hard to make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable,
and gentle. Find out what we're doing for you:
Something to Smile About
Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care.
Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also
known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your
overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35
years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth
loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable,
people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease
is triggered by preventable factors like plaque buildup, tobacco use,
certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like
systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy,
or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically
susceptible to gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which
forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the
irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins that break down the natural
fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria
and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or
tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing.
Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss,
gum recession, and tooth loss.
 Symptoms
and signs include:
- Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
- Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bite changes
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms,
please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle
against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile:
gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.
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From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile
With Cosmetic Dentistry
Oftentimes the dental profession is considered strictly for more intense
cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist
who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform
cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings.
Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and
healthy smile.
Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still
might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea, or wine will take a toll
on your teeth, causing them to look dull and
stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored
smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through
whitening.
Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance
and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped, or unevenly spaced teeth
are easily enhanced by procedures like bonding or veneers. Severely damaged
teeth can be repaired with crowns, while bridges and implants are natural-looking
options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give
you a more beautiful smile but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s
functionality.
If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level
up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile enhancing
options available to you.
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Bridging the Gaps and Wearing a Crown:
Total Oral Health Renovation
 Face
it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for
granted, or abuse them. Between physical activities like sports,
and chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken,
cracked, and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring
proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay,
and ultimately, tooth loss.
When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing
power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force
may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces
and changes in your smile.
So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties? By simple dental procedures.
Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of crowns
and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the
complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability,
and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape
and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to
metal, or all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between
two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by a missing tooth.
The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing
your damaged smile.
The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with
your oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard
workers, and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already
done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore
your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it.
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