Dental Info

Being faced with prospect of living out your years with dentures can be quite daunting, not to mention stressful and emotional. There are so many unknowns swirling around in your brain. How much do they cost? How do I take care of them? Are there different kinds of dentures out there? Will I ever get used to them? And will I ever be able to eat corn-on-the-cob again? This article will help you make some informed decisions while providing you with peace of mind. So, read on and relax! You’re not the first, nor will you be the last, to lose your teeth. How much will my dentures cost? There are so many variables that I hesitate to even begin to quote a price. Like anything else relating to your health, cost will depend on your individual circumstances, your health provider and what type of treatment you get. In this case, if you have natural teeth that can be saved, you will most likely be getting partial dentures. If most of your teeth are gone or need to be extracted, you will probab...

The absolute best time to bleach your teeth is before your dentist takes a final impression and picks a shade for your crown(s). This will allow him to pick a better shade for your crown. Sometimes patients wait until after their crown is finished to bleach their teeth, but this only works if the crown is noticeably lighter than a patients teeth prior to whitening. Although I sometimes do go along with this idea and choose a slightly lighter shade for a crown, it is clearly does not allow for the most predictable outcome. Given the degree of difficulty involved with making a "natural" looking anterior crown restoration, clearly a good result is more achievable if the patient bleaches their teeth and then waits at least two weeks after before their dentists picks a shade to send to the lab. After a crown is placed adjacent to freshly bleached teeth, I recommend my patient has a new custom whitening tray fabricated so they may perform "touch ups" down the road, wh...

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Lexington in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Brewer wants you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health, so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Brewer Family Dental . The Big Five Sugar Substitutes The benefits of natural and artificial sugar-free sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, Lexington residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. All of the following substances are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bacteria cannot f...

We at Gordon Dental Associates understand that dental insurance can be a tricky thing to navigate. Evaluating dental plans and considering deductibles, benefits, which treatments are covered, and the mountain of other information insurance companies provide can be a headache in and of itself. Dr. Gordon wants every St. Augustine resident to have the power to control their own health, so here’s a simplified guide to the basics of dental health insurance. As always, if you have a question, don’t be afraid to give us a call! Dental Insurance Dental insurance is an excellent investment that helps St. Augustine residents ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. However, in order to get the best value from your dental insurance, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear at Gordon Dental Associates. What is dental insurance? Having dental insurance means that an insurance provider will pay for a percentage of the dental care that you ...

Every Charlotte parent remembers seeing their baby’s first teeth emerge, watching the rest pop up, and finally cheering as their child loses their first baby tooth, all in the blink of an eye! In fact, baby teeth come and go so quickly that some people are led believe they don’t have an impact on a child’s dental health later in life. Dr. Berglass wants you to know that that couldn’t be further from the truth! At Central Avenue Dental , we are committed to giving our community access to reliable information on dental care, so here are the facts about why baby teeth matter. Feel free to give us a call with any questions. A Guide to Baby Teeth Baby teeth, also known as deciduous, primary, milk, or lacteal teeth, are a set of 20 teeth that will be in your child’s mouth for most of their childhood. Although baby teeth usually emerge at around 6 months, they begin forming in the womb as early as 16 weeks. By age 3, all Charlotte children should have all 20 of their baby teeth. By age 13...

Have you ever heard someone say, “It was worse than a root canal?” Most of us in Columbus are used to hearing root canals compared to some genuinely unpleasant circumstances, but Dr. Barry & Dr. Love would like set the record straight and talk about how root canals can do some serious dental good. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have, so please feel free to give Lifetime Dental Health a call . Root Canals Save Teeth Here it comes, the question on everyone’s mind – why on Earth would you want a root canal?! There is one thing all dentists in Columbus and beyond will agree on – saving your natural teeth is always the best option. There are many ways that Dr. Barry & Dr. Love can replace missing or damaged teeth , but nothing is as good as the real thing. If you have a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp, a root canal, or endodontic treatment, can get rid of infection and save it. Thus, root canals are preferable to extraction. Here are some more advan...

The World Health Organization defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Sadly, in our fast-paced culture, many of us settle for less-than-healthy or even truly sick conditions every day. We allow ourselves to be tired, achy, stressed and in pain more often than not. Why? Because it’s hard to prioritize our long-term health in a world of so many immediate needs competing for our attention. But long-term health is actually the most important need of all. Without our health, we won’t truly be able to enjoy life or contribute to a greater good. Dr. David Case offers a few points on how to seek wellness and prevent oral health problems before they even start. Starting Upstream It’s easier to stop pollution from entering a stream in the first place than to try cleaning up the mess afterwards. By starting upstream and taking your preventative health seriously, you will see immediate benefits and avoi...

Living in a land of antibacterial gels, soaps, plastics, and even fabrics, it might surprise you to hear that tons of bacteria live in your mouth every day, and they aren’t all bad! In fact, some play an important role in keeping up your overall health. Some oral bacteria, however, can cause serious problems and must be fought with good oral hygiene . Dr. Colleran from Michael Colleran, DDS in San Luis Obispo helps you understand the role bacteria play in your health and wellness. What are Bacteria? Bacteria are very small organisms made of just one single cell. That’s compared to over 37 trillion cells in the human body! Bacteria have their own DNA and they need sources of energy (food) just like you do. Nearly 700 different kinds of bacteria can live in your mouth! But most people only have 34-72 kinds at any given time. What Do Bacteria Do? Of all the bacteria in your mouth, some are good, some are bad, and some are simply neutral. The good bacteria, called probiotics, help aid...

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive? There are a ton of specialized toothpastes, mouthwashes, and toothbrushes available to Seattle residents suffering from sensitive teeth. It is a very common problem that lots of products claim they can solve, but have you ever wondered why it exists? Today, we at A.J. Gollofon, DDS would like to explain what causes tooth sensitivity and how these products work. Dr. Gollofon wants everyone in Seattle to enjoy a pain-free mouth, so feel free to give us a call with any questions or to setup a consultation. What Causes Sensitive Teeth? Do you find yourself ordering beverages without ice, drinking room temperature water, and waiting a long time for your coffee or tea to cool down? If you do, it’s probably because you have sensitive teeth. Enamel, which covers of the crown of your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body; tooth roots have a similar substance called cementum. However, beneath those layers is a softer, more porous layer called dentin. W...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fluoridation of drinking water is ranked among the ten greatest public health achievements of 20 th century America. However, a quick search of the internet tells us that fluoride is actually toxic if ingested in large enough quantities. So which is it? Do the health benefits outweigh the negatives of fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water? We at Natural Smiles Dentistry know that Salt Lake City folks care a great deal about their health, so we’ve put this article together to examine the facts and help you come to your own decision. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to give us a call ! Why Use Fluoride in the First Place? In order to understand the controversy, we must first understand what led to putting fluoride in toothpaste and water. Even today, dental caries (tooth decay) is considered the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults. With that in mind, it’s...

You may think being exhausted simply comes with the territory of being a parent (and it does), but there may also be a serious medical condition causing your child to wake up often throughout the night – sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is most commonly found in adults, but can also, in rare cases affect children. Dr. Paini , dentist at Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry in Denver cares about treating your little ones. Read below to learn more about how dentists can diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea & Its Effects Sleep apnea occurs when breathing becomes shallow or pauses completely while you’re asleep. It can be caused by your tongue or tonsils being too large and blocking your airway, the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat, or by your brain not sending the proper signals to keep breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea causes a lot of problems for children, the most obvious being restless sleep. Other problems can include failure to thrive, slower developmental mile...

Oral hygiene is the foundation of good dental health. Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep your Dubuque smile healthy and clean. Consider this your personal tutorial on the art of dental hygiene, instructed by Dr. James Fili and the expert hygienists at Dubuque Periodontics. If you have any questions or would like to test your skills in person, feel free to give us a call ! Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash Before we get to talking technique, we need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Pick whatever floss is most comfortable for you and any toothpaste that you like, provided it has fluoride. Mouthwash is not required, but some Dubuque folks really like the extra oral health boost you get from a good swish and gargle. How do you pick a good toothbrush? Here are the basics: Always go with soft bristles. Medium or hard bristles can damage enamel. Choose a brush that fi...

First things first, put your worries away! We are not about to tell you that your coffee drinking days are over. We know that each shot of caffeine is crucial and we cherish our coffee, too! Here at Wagner Dental, we want to educate you on what causes coffee stains and what you can do to fight them. It’s no secret how Las Vegas residents feel about their coffee, and we’re not about to get in the way of that love. However, we will help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful with tips that won’t drastically affect your lifestyle. Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Rich Cannon, Dr. Tom Lawler, & Dr. Richard Nelson and the rest of us at Wagner Dental are your oral health allies! So let’s start off with the basics. What makes coffee stain your teeth? Coffee is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to stained teeth in Las Vegas, and the discoloration can be so bad it mimics cigarette stains. So what’s the secret? What can you do to keep your teeth shiny, but still get y...

Let’s be honest. If you are like most Plantation folks, you’ve probably put off going to the dentist at one time or another. Some of us have even avoided seeing a dentist for years at a time. In fact, one in three Americans avoid going to the dentist regularly. After a while, that time spent away from Dr. Rizvi’s chair adds up, and so does the cost of dental work. You start to feel and even see that your teeth are not in good shape. Plaque and tartar buildup, toothaches, sensitivity to hot and cold, bleeding gums, deep, dark stains, perhaps even loose, clearly decaying teeth. Either way, by the time you get to this point you are probably wondering – is it too late to see the dentist? Here’s what Dr. Rizvi has to say when it comes to oral health: It is never too late to seek dental care! No matter how old you are, what condition your teeth are in, or how long you’ve been avoiding a trip to your local Plantation dentist, there is something we can do to help. Even if you are missing...

It’s no secret that residents of Gwinn love sports! The folks around here work hard and play just as hard, whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or the numerous other high-impact sports that can cause harm to your family’s mouths. In fact, at least 13% of all oral injuries happen during sports activities. Dr. Buck wants you to know how to keep your teeth out of harm’s way and still enjoy a good game, so please read on and learn how to win big with a safe, healthy smile. It’s About More than Mouthguards We know what you’re thinking, mouthguards are the key to staying safe on the field, right? Yes, they are a big part of it, but it takes more than just a mouthguard to keep your kids from getting a chipped tooth while scoring a touchdown. Sports safety for oral health means getting the right mouthguard and wearing it the right way. After all, the best defense is a good offense! Do I Need a Mouthguard? If you or a member of your family is considering a mouth protector to defe...

Continuing Education usually refers to a limited number of courses that dentists take. Often states laws require that a dentist have so much continuing education for each licensing  period. Many dentists take continuing education, at least in part because it is mandated by their states licensing laws.  Continual Education ( a term I may have just made up) implies that learning is a life long commitment. School doesn't just take place in the  classroom. Now, with the advent of streaming videos and study clubs,  we can watch teaching videos whenever we wish. Also, watching other great clinicians at work is inspiring, as well as informative, and subscription teaching video sites abound. Participating in study clubs seems to make me more interested in dentistry since it forces me to recognize there is still much to learn and there is always something new on the horizon that should be learned about  and possibly incorporated into my dental practice. Changing ...

US News and World Report must have a love affair with Dentistry since th ey have  rated our profession #1 again!   I must admit I always find it a little surprising that they think so highly of our calling, but I do love being a dentist. Its challenging, financially rewarding, and even after over 35 years, I still  I enjoy going into work each day. That being said, when I have conversations  with other experienced dentists, they often express worry and some degree of pessimism.  " Are you busy?" they ask worriedly or  "Fee for service dentistry is on it way out!"..."The rents are way too high"....."I am thinking about giving up my office and joining a group practice"..."It's not what it used to be"..."the golden years of dentistry are over". Griping by members of any profession is actually normal and I have heard negative information about dentistry from other dentists since I started in 1980. It seems that people li...

In a great tale of opposites, lemon juice can be both acidic and basic, or alkaline. Read on to find out why people are talking about this, and what it means for your oral and overall health. What is pH and why does it matter? Drinking lemon juice (usually diluted in a glass of water or added to a cup of tea) is a beloved health tonic among fans of natural medicine. Potential benefits include lower cholesterol, lower inflammation in the body, and increased metabolism and energy. Lemon also contains high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C that boost your immune system. On a scale from 0-14, a pH of 7 is neutral (pure water) while numbers below 7 are acidic (unhealthy), and above 7 are basic or alkaline (healthy). Believers in holistic health blame many ailments on the body’s pH being too low or too acidic. Increasing your body’s pH is called “alkalizing.” Lemon juice in its natural state is acidic with a pH of about 2, but once metabolized it actually becomes alkaline with a pH w...

You’ve been hearing it for years – “make sure to visit Dr. Barry & Dr. Love twice a year for your regular cleanings.” Just in case you’ve ever wondered why regular dental cleanings are so important, we at Lifetime Dental Health would like to take this opportunity to let Columbus residents in on some information you don’t often hear. Let this article serve as your personal guide to the benefits of getting your teeth cleaned. If you have any questions or find that you are suddenly inspired to visit Dr. Barry or Dr. Love for a cleaning, feel free to give us a call ! Why You Should Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned Unfortunately, some folks in Columbus believe that visiting the dentist is unnecessary if you brush and floss regularly. That just isn’t the case. In addition to keeping your teeth clean and healthy, regular visits to our expert hygienists at Lifetime Dental Health ensure that we can have a good look at your pearly whites and make sure nothing is wrong. If you ...