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Wondering about the latest in dentistry? We're working very hard to
make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable and gentle. To that
end,
we investigate all the latest technologies and techniques. Read on
to learn more about some of the latest discoveries in dentistry!
Did you know? |
According to a study by
the Gallup 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. |
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.
From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
Oftentimes the dental profession is labeled 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 or 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 teeth 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 dental 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
preferences available to you.
“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. |
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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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