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.
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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.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal
disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up,
tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable
measures like systematic 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 breaking 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 resolved 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 simply just abuse them. Between
physical activities like sports or 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 and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known
as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill
the gaps left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth
is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your
once 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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