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What Is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

You might have heard of gum disease, but do you know what it actually is?

Gum disease or periodontal disease starts out as an infection that damages the soft tissue of your gums…

You might have heard of gum disease, but do you know what it actually is?

Gum disease or periodontal disease starts out as an infection that damages the soft tissue of your gums and if not treated, it can destroy the bone that supports teeth and it can result in you losing your teeth!

So what causes gum disease and how can you avoid it?

Plaque build up is how gum disease starts. If you don’t clean your teeth and remove the plaque adequately, then it can lead to gum disease.

Here are some other factors that can lead to gum disease:

  • If you are 65 or older

  • If you smoke or chew tobacco

  • Genetics

  • Stress

Bottom line is, it is imperative that you clean your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Even if you do brush and floss regularly, regular checkups with us will help to detect signs of infection in your gums.

Have you scheduled your appointment yet for this calendar year? Call us today!

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What are the benefits of Invisalign?

If you are thinking about Invisalign as a potential option for straightening your teeth, we'd have to say that this option comes with a lot of benefits.

If you are thinking about Invisalign as a potential option for straightening your teeth, we'd have to say that this option comes with a lot of benefits. For example, unlike conventional braces that come with food and drink restrictions, you can simply remove the Invisalign anytime you eat or drink.

Invisalign is also not as conspicuous as conventional braces and it might be a lot more comfortable option.

However, there are limitations in that Invisalign cannot straighten severely crooked teeth which will require additional dental work and conventional braces.

So which option is right for you? You definitely want to consult with us to discuss your needs and options and we'll choose something that works best for you, whether that is conventional braces or Invisalign :)

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Do I Need To Be On Time For My Appointment?

We have several appointments throughout the week and we need to make sure we get everyone in and out efficiently! If you are not, that can cause another person to not be seen on time, so as a courtesy to other patients, please do try to be on time!

Yes of course!

We have several appointments throughout the week and we need to make sure we get everyone in and out efficiently! If you are not, that can cause another person to not be seen on time, so as a courtesy to other patients, please do try to be on time!

Here are some tips that might help to help keep you on time for your appointment:

  • Put it in your calendar and set up alerts to remind you on the week of, the day before, etc.

  • Leave early

  • Account for traffic

  • Try to make it a goal to be here 15 minutes early…we might be able to see you earlier

  • If you are going to be late, please call us as soon as you can

Sometimes, there are things that are beyond your control and it will make you late…we totally understand that can happen and it’s ok! In those cases, communication will be key, so try to let us know as soon as you can that you will be late so we can plan accordingly.

I think anytime you have ANY kind of appointment, you should try to be on time as a courtesy to others. Being on time for your dental appointment should be treated no differently :)

So try to be on time and we can get you and everyone else in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible!

What do you think? Do you have a personal policy for making it to your appointments on time?

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How Do I Care For My Dentures?

If you have dentures, whether they are partial dentures that are removable or full dentures, they have to be kept clean, clear of stains, and looking nice and clean…just like real teeth!

If you have dentures, whether they are partial dentures that are removable or full dentures, they have to be kept clean, clear of stains and looking nice and clean…just like real teeth!

If they are removable, make sure to:

  • Remove and rinse dentures after eating

  • Handle them carefully so they don’t get damaged

  • Clean your mouth after removing dentures and remove any denture adhesive on your gums

  • Brush your dentures daily

  • Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth

  • See your dentist if the fit is loose and for regular dental check ups

If your dentures are not removable, then brush them like you would real teeth!

Hope this helps! If you have any questions or require additional guidance, make sure to see us for a consultation on your dentures.

Should you ever need dentures, we can help with that too :)

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Oh No, My Tooth Got Knocked Out!

There’s a number of reasons why your tooth can get knocked out.

Perhaps it happened while playing a sport.

Or you somehow got hit in the mouth and it dislodged your tooth.

There’s a number of reasons why your tooth can get knocked out.

Perhaps it happened while playing a sport.

Or you somehow got hit in the mouth and it dislodged your tooth.

Whatever the case may be, it is possible to save your tooth. In case this happens, here are a couple things you can do that can help increase your chances of saving the tooth:

  • Keep the tooth moist at all times

  • Try placing the tooth back in socket without touching the root

  • If it’s not possible to put it back in the socket, try placing it between your cheek and gums

  • Try to keep it in a container with milk

  • SEE A DENTIST RIGHT AWAY!

It doesn’t have to be with us…so whichever Dentist you can see right away, go there!

From there, we will do our best to save your tooth. While there are not guarantees, if you take those steps, we can increase the chances of saving your tooth!

Hopefully this doesn’t happen to you, but in case it does, you’ll know what you can do before you see us in an emergency situation!

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How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth

It can be difficult to get kids regularly. Ideally, you wanted to get them started at a young age to reinforce good habits so they keep doing it as they grow older.

In the event that that your kids are not brushing regularly, here are a few tips that could help :

It can be difficult to get kids regularly. Ideally, you wanted to get them started at a young age to reinforce good habits so they keep doing it as they grow older.

In the event that that your kids are not brushing regularly, here are a few tips that could help :

  • Set an example! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, then they will be enthusiastic as well!

  • Do it together! Schedule a time where you brush your teeth with your kids. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so try scheduling as many days as possible to brush with them and schedule a few days where they have to do it on their own!

  • Play their favorite song and encourage them to keep brushing until about 2 minutes into the song, which could line up with a specific musical moment. They’ll have good music while they brush and they’ll brush for the right amount of time

  • Keep it fun! Always find ways to keep it as fun as possible!

  • Ask for suggestions! Ask your friends and ask your dentist if they have any great tips or ideas!

What do you think? Do you have any other strategies we haven’t listed above! Let us know!

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Is It Important To Have Regular Dentist Visits?

Short answer is…yes of course!

Having good dental health is great for your overall health. By seeing us on a regular basis, we will make sure that your dental health is on the right track!

Here’s what regular dental visits to our office will do for you:

  • We will help you to prevent tooth decay with regular cleaning

  • Visiting us CAN prevent bad breath – regular brushing, flossing, AND seeing us dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath

  • We will help to remove stains on your teeth caused by food, drinks, and tobacco

  • We will help to prevent gum disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss

  • We can help you to strengthen your teeth so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for the rest of your life!

  • We’ll give you more self-confidence. Why? Because of your great smile! :D

Give us a call, schedule an appointment and we’ll get your started on the right track!

Or at least, we’ll make sure you stay on it! ;)

What do you think? Have you been visiting your us or your regular dentist once ever 6 months? Do you need help keeping your dental health on track?

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Simple Tips To Keep Your Teeth White

We all would like a nice and bright smile! Your Smile sometimes isn’t as white as it can be because of stains in your teeth. So here are some simple tips to help keep your teeth nice and white!

1.) This may seem obvious, but brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Everything starts here :)

2.) Limit foods that cause stains on your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, red wine and other colorful foods. If you do enjoy these foods, make sure to brush after eating them

3.) If you drink coffee or tea that can cause stains on your teeth, consider using a straw

4.) Use a whitening toothpaste because they can help. Ask us for recommendations ;)

5.) Try home whitening solutions and products. Make sure to ask us for recommendations

6.) Consider professional whitening and you can ask us if it is best for you

7.) This may also seem obvious, but do see us twice a year as we look to whiten your teeth when you come in for a cleaning appointment

What do you think? What do you do to try to maintain your healthy white smile? :D

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What Should I Do Between Dental Visits?

We post a lot of memes about brushing a lot before coming to see us for a visit?

Is it because you haven’t been brushing regularly?

Well obviously, you should!

Brushing regularly is something you should commit it in between your dental visits.

This gives you the best chance for having good dental health, a clean smile and the best experience possible when going to the Dentist :)

So to be clear, here is what you SHOULD do in between dental visits:

  • Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day

  • Use toothpaste that contains fluoride

  • Avoid foods with lots of sugar and avoid tobacco

  • Brush your tongue to reduce plaque-causing bacteria and keep your breath fresh

  • Schedule your next Dental visit 6 months after your last visit

So try to do all of the suggested routines above! It might be difficult at first, but if you commit to it regularly, then it will become a habit and a lot easier to stay consistent!

What do you in between dental visits? Is there anything you can improve based on what you are currently doing?

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Should I Get Braces?

When you think of braces, you’re probably thinking it’s mostly for kids or teenagers or perhaps you had braces when you were that age.

Can Adults get braces? Absolutely and it’s actually starting to become more common!

So, if you are an Adult and your teeth are a little bit crooked or even a little crowded, should you get braces?

Sure!

Braces can definitely fix the issue of visibly crooked or crowded teeth.

What if you are having difficulty flossing between and brushing around crooked teeth?

Then you should definitely get braces because not brushing or flossing effectively can cause a lot of issues.

What if you are frequently biting your tongue or cutting your tongue on your teeth?

Braces can fix this as well.

What if you are having difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words due to your tongue’s position under your teeth?

Then it would definitely be worth considering!

Is your jawline feeling fatigue or stress when chewing?

Then you should absolutely see us for a consultation to see if braces is right for you!

What do you think? Have you ever had braces and if so, what has your experience been like? Let us know!

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Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

While normal toothbrushes, along with dental floss, are really effective in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, electric toothbrushes can also be really effective in accomplishing the same task.

In fact, studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can decrease more plaque and gingivitis than normal toothbrushes.

There are also added benefits in using an electric toothbrushes, especially for individuals with limited hand and arm mobility due to carpel tunnel, arthritis or other disabilities.

And if your electric toothbrush has a built in timer, it may encourage you to brush long enough to sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

Does this mean you should ditch your normal toothbrush for an electric toothbrush?

It depends…

Keep in mind that electric toothbrushes cost SIGNIFICANTLY more than normal toothbrushes.

They are also not as easy to pack when you’re traveling.

You might also find that you don’t enjoy the vibrating sensation caused by electric tooth brushes .

So while the studies show that electric toothbrushes can be better at decreasing plaque and gingivitis compared to normal toothbrush, it won’t be significantly better to a point that you MUST replace your normal toothbrushes with electric ones.

If you don’t mind the cost and the vibrating sensation, then it might be a good investment for you!

But if not…regular toothbrushes work just fine :)

What do you think? Do you use electric toothbrushes? Are you thinking about getting an electric toothbrush soon?

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A Friendly Reminder While on Vacation…

When you are on Vacation, remember to continue good brushing and flossing habits!

It seems very obvious, but we feel that there is a need to offer you this reminder because:

  • People tend to skip out on things they normally do for their health like working out or brushing your teeth and flossing

  • If you are on Vacation, you might be more likely to drink and forget to brush and floss if you are…”having fun'“ ;)

  • You might also eat a little more unhealthy, which is ok in moderation like when you go on Vacation, but it makes brushing and flossing that much more important

  • It’s very possible to forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, so don’t be afraid to ask the hotel if they can bring those to your room (don’t forget that travel sizes of these items can be purchased on local stores as well)

At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your time on Vacation and relax and don’t stress out about too many things.

While neglecting good oral hygiene might be ok for 1-2 days if you do this regularly, you don’t want to do this if you are on a 1-2 week Vacation!

All that being said, bon voyage!

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How To Avoid Cavities

First, let’s talk about what a cavity is: A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth due to tooth decay

Cavities form when there is enough plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth caused by contact with sugars and starches from the foods that we eat. The resulting acid that is produced causes tooth decay and eat away the enamel of your teeth.

Yes, a cavity can cause pain, so that could be warning sign that you have cavities.

If you are experiencing pain in your teeth, you want to consult a Dentist as soon as possible due to the possible presence of cavities. If you do have cavities and they are left untreated, it can lead to even more serious oral health problems.

So how can you avoid getting cavities?

Based on the definition above, try to avoid eating sweets as much as possible (once in a while is OK).

Also try to limit starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, cereal, rice, pasta, etc.

But also, make sure to brush your teeth at least two times a day AND floss between your teeth at least once a day.

See your Dentist every 6 months.

That’s all there is to it!

If you do that, then you increase your chances of avoiding cavities for a nice healthy smile for years to come :D

What do you think? Have you ever had cavities before? What are you doing to help prevent cavities from forming in your teeth?

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Do I Need To See A Dentist If I Don’t Have Any Problems?

Do you want the short answer?

Yes, yes and…yes!

The long answer is, you need to see your Dentist regularly because there may be problems that you are not aware of. Just by visiting a Dentist, we can keep your smile looking great and healthy for the long term.

Also, notice how we take x-rays during every visit.

This is how we will be able to see any underlying problems you may not be aware of. It also gives a chance to see what we may also might not be able to detect at a glance.

So, whether you think you don’t have any problems or you do, come see us regularly.

As we mentioned before, make an appointment to see us twice a week for teeth cleaning. This way, we’ll keep your teeth looking nice and shiny and we’ll be able to detect any underlying problems you might not know of.

Have you ever skipped seeing the Dentist for a long period of time just because you don’t have any problems?

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Why Are X-rays Needed?

When you go to the Dentist Office, every single time you sit down at the chair, you are given an X-ray.

Have you wondered why this is necessary every single time?

It is necessary because Dentists use X-rays because it helps them to check tooth and gum health. If you are dealing with gum disease, is is even more necessary to use an X-ray.

X-rays are very effective! But what about their safety?

If you visit the Dentist twice a year and you get an X-ray both times, then it is very safe to do so. X-rays also release much less radiation and have come a long way in terms of safety compared to the past.

So when you sit down at the Dental Office, you’ll know why you’re getting an X-ray and why it is necessary.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! We are here to help :)

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Is It Ok To Use Mouthwash Instead of Brushing or Flossing?

First thing we have to establish here is that mouthwash is not necessary for our oral health. Which means, you CANNOT substitute mouthwash for brushing and flossing.

Without a doubt, brushing and flossing is necessary for your oral health and cannot be skipped because they make direct contact with the surfaces of your teeth and the friction and motion it makes helps to remove bacteria, food debris and plaque. mouthwash, in comparison, doesn’t do anything that brushing and flossing already does really well.

That being said, you can incorporate mouthwash into your brushing and flossing routine because mouthwash can kill bacteria in your mouth, strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.

What else can mouthwash help you with?

Having a nice, clean, fresh breath of course!

But again, mouthwash should never be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing!

So go ahead and incorporate mouthwash into your routine!

What are your favorite brands to use? :)

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How Often Should I Get a Dental Checkup

You might be wondering how often you should make an appointment to come see us. While Dental heath can vary from person to person, you should try to visit us once or twice a year.

Yes, you should still come see us once or twice a year even if you have excellent oral health. Most of the time, it’s just to get your teeth professionally cleaned and to help you maintain your excellent oral health.

Of course, you should also come see us if you:

  • Experience pain or soreness for an extended period of time

  • One of your fillings falls out

  • If you break your dentures

  • If your teeth become overly sensitive

You’re going to want to trust your intuition, but anytime you are experiencing problems, please do not hesitate to call us, at least to ask questions.

Otherwise, do make an appointment to come see us once or twice a year so you can get your teeth checked and cleaned!

Have you already made an appointment with us this year? ;)

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What can cause Toothache?

Does your teeth hurt?

What are the primary causes of toothache and should you be concerned?

If the pain is sharp and sudden or dull and constant, then you must not ignore this situation.

A toothache can be caused by a nerve in the root of the tooth or surrounding tooth becomes irritated. This irritation may be caused by:

  • Infection

  • Decay

  • Injury

  • Tooth loss

If you have an infection or decay, there is bacteria crowing inside mouth and you may want to see us for a consultation. If the pain is caused by injury or tooth loss, then you want to see us right away as well in order to prevent any further damage to your remaining teeth and gums.

If your teeth or simply being sensitive, you will still want to consult with us to know the exact cause of this sensitivity. It might be possible that Gum disease was worn your teeth down and exposed the roots, so you’ll wan us to take look.

What do you think? Hopefully your teeth are currently not in pain and this can serve as a good reminder as far as what to do if you ever experience a toothache in the future!

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What Do I Do If I lose My Filling?

If you had Cavities, there is a good chance you have a filling in order to replace the decayed portion of the tooth that has been damaged by the Cavities. Now, it is possible for the filling to either come loose or fall out after some time.

If your filling falls out, see us as soon as possible. If you don’t, you have run into tooth decay which can occur in the space and can lead to further problems.

In terms of cost, check with your dental insurance plan to see if the cost is covered, but the replacement fillings should cost the same as the original fillings.

What can you do to maintain your fillings so they don’t fall out?

  • Brush your teeth twice a day regularly

  • Floss your teeth once a day

  • See your your Dentist (us) regularly for checkups

  • Avoid grinding your teeth. If you do this in your sleep, you could try using a mouth guard

  • Avoid chewing hard objects like hard candy or nuts or simply be careful

  • See us if your filling area becomes sensitive to heat, cold or you experience any pain

Fillings can last a long time, but it is possible for them to fall out. If it does happen…you know what to do :)

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How Do You Know When You Need Braces?

When people get braces, is it only because they want to fix crooked teeth and to have a great aesthetic smile? You’ll be surprised to know that is not the only reason and kids are not the only ones who get braces.

When people get braces, is it only because they want to fix crooked teeth and to have a great aesthetic smile? You’ll be surprised to know that is not the only reason and kids are not the only ones who get braces.

So how do you know when you need braces?

You might need braces if you have the following signs:

  • Teeth are crooked or crowded

  • Stress or fatigue from chewing food

  • Teeth that don’t close over each other when they are at rest

  • Difficulty flossing between crooked and crowded teeth

  • Issues pronouncing certain words due to the tongue’s position

  • Frequently biting your tongue or cutting your tongue on your teeth

If you have any of these signs or issues, then you may want to consider getting braces. If you are considering it, then definitely come into our office for a consultation or simply inquire about it :)

Have you ever had braces? Do you feel like it was worth it?

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