Dental Info

Most dentists I know, feel like they know their stuff. They know what causes cavities and gum disease and how to perform the procedures needed to help their patients. What some lack is how to effectively communicate their knowledge in a way that will be well received by their patients. Often its not what they say it is how they say it that can limit their effectiveness. Telling patients they should crown a tooth, or they should come in more often for cleanings or do a better job with their home care should not be expressed in a way that will make their patient feel defensive or resentful. A perfect example is the hygiene "nazi" who admonishes their patients to do a better job and has an angry tone when telling their patient this. A better way of communicating the same thing would be letting the patient know how "concerned" we are and helping them understand why it is so important for them to do better ( and how expensive to fix problems will be avoided if they can...

More and more patients are coming in and asking about their insurance network changes. Usually, their employer has made a change of carrier. Probably lured by a lower introductory rate insurers are enticing employers to switch. This "poaching" of employers seems ongoing and is seen in other industries as well ( Phone carriers, cable companies, etc). Sometimes my patients explain that it was their choice and they had opted for a less expensive plan. The problem for us is our office on participates in only a couple of plans (Delta premier, and Cigna PPOand otherwise my practice is primarily fee for service) and when my patients employers make their switch it effects their reimbursement from their insurance for their visits to my office.  I am sure my dental practice is not alone in experiencing this phenomenon, since most dental practices are selective about which plans they accept. One of my colleagues, who works in a group practice that does take most insurances and she r...

Halloween is every dentist’s worst nightmare. The sheer volume of sticky, chewy, sweet treats consumed is a recipe for tooth decay and cavities. We’re not saying you shouldn’t have ANY candy, but you should know when enough is enough. If you have any extra or leftover Halloween candy, you can bring it in to our office at Wagner Dental for our Candy Buy Back on November 1st and we’ll give you a dollar for every pound donated. And most importantly, you can feel good about bringing joy to someone who deserves it. All candy collected will be donated to Operation Gratitude, and sent to our honorable service men and women overseas. Every year, Operation Gratitude sends 250,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene products, handmade items, and personal letters of appreciation to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, U.S. Service Members overseas, and Wounded Heroes and their caregivers. “Our mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of our First Re...

It’s common to see people wearing mouth guards in Gwinn for protection while playing all kinds of sports, such as football, basketball, and boxing – but did you know that lots of folks wear mouth guards at night for their dental health? People who grind their teeth (bruxism) and people with sleep apnea can get relief from their symptoms simply by wearing a specially-designed mouth guard at night. Dr. Gwen Buck has helped many Gwinn residents improve their quality of life with night guards. Our team at Northern Trails Dental Care invites you to come visit us today and find out more. Night Guards for Bruxism Bruxism, or teeth grinding , is a very common condition. Everyone grinds their teeth at some point, but some Gwinn folks do it so much (especially during the night) that it causes severe damage to their teeth, headaches, jaw aches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) issues and more. The problem is that most bruxism sufferers don’t know that they are actually clenching and gri...

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Salt Lake City, and as dental care professionals, we feel it is our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be. While you have probably heard of the human papilloma virus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Brickey & Dr. Provine about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to give Natural Smiles Dentistry a call . What is HPV? Human papilloma virus refers to a family of nearly 200 strains that infect the epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis (through the urethral opening), and the anus. HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact (oral and genital) and it is one of the most common viruses in the country. Ac...

We all know someone who asks for extra ice just so they can chew on it. And we’ve probably all heard that chewing ice is not healthy for your teeth. So what’s the truth? Is it best to put a stop to ice chewing? Absolutely, and for more reasons than most people are aware of. Dr. Fili wants all Dubuque residents to know why chewing ice is a bad habit, so please read on for the facts! Why should I stop chewing ice? Ice is hard. So hard, in fact, that pitting it against your teeth regularly will most certainly result in damage to your enamel. If you have pagophagia (the fancy name for ice cravings), it’s likely that Dr. Fili will need to perform enamel restoration treatments, which are pricey and can be quite uncomfortable. However, that is not the most pressing reason to be aware of an ice chewing habit. Recent research indicates that pagophagia may actually be a sign of anemia (a lack of iron in the blood), which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Scientists...

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Seattle in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Gollofon 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 contact  our Seattle dental office. 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, Seattle 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 bacter...

When it comes to ridiculous beliefs on dental hygiene and treatment, we’ve heard just about everything. However, the most dangerous ones usually aren’t quite so over the top. Unfortunately, a number of dental myths are floating all over Portland, so Dr. David Case is here to put an end to the misinformation. Don’t feel bad if you have believed one or more of these at some point, you’re not the only one, but do make sure to give us a call at Family Dental Health if you have any questions or concerns . If your gums are bleeding, don’t brush them The idea behind this false claim is that bleeding gums  need to be allowed time to heal before they should be brushed, when in fact, gums bleed because they haven’t been brushed enough! This is because bacteria has built up around and beneath the gum line, irritating the gums. Sensitive teeth is a sign of cavities Tooth sensitivity varies among Portland residents. Some people have particularly sensitive teeth, and others simply have reces...

We all remember losing our teeth as children and being delighted to find money from the tooth fairy under our pillow, but it’s just not as fun as an adult. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have an average of 25 permanent teeth remaining, which is three shy of a full set (minus wisdom teeth). Dr. Barry & Dr. Love want everyone in Columbus to know that replacing a missing tooth is important to your dental health. Read on for more information and please give Lifetime Dental Health a call with any questions or concerns. Missing Teeth and Dental Health When people lose teeth in movies it’s usually from something high-impact and exciting, like getting kicked in the face. However, the leading cause of tooth loss is actually gum disease. If you are a Columbus adult who has lost a tooth in the back of your mouth, you might be inclined to ignore it if it doesn’t affect your smile. Unfortunately, missing teeth ...

One of the most common and destructive myths about dental hygiene is that it’s normal for gums to bleed. Dr. Colleran would like everyone in San Luis Obispo to know that this is not the case! Imagine if we weren’t talking about gums- should any part of your body start to bleed whenever you touch it? The truth about bleeding gums is they are a sign of infection and/or irritation and can lead to serious problems that go way beyond your mouth if left untreated. Please read this article and educate yourself on how to keep your family’s teeth and gums safe. Gums Are Not Supposed to Bleed No matter what you may have heard, gums are never supposed to bleed. If your gums are bleeding during brushing or flossing, it is likely because you have a mild form of gum disease, known as gingivitis. It may also be because you are brushing too hard or flossing too deep into the gum tissue. Whatever the reason, bleeding gums is a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dental hygiene routine ...

When you’re suddenly struck with a toothache, floating ideas of home remedies may quickly come to mind. Whether you heard it from your great aunt or saw it on Pinterest, at-home treatments are everywhere. Denver dentist, Dr. Paini can explain more about how to care for a toothache and when to come in for a visit. Common causes of toothaches are infections, cavities , damaged enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed root – all good reasons to get yourself to the dentist! Home remedies for a toothache may work for immediate relief, but they’re not likely to last long, and they may not be completely safe. If you like using household ingredients for personal care, you may go looking into your own pantry for something to relieve the pain, but do your research. And before things get too out of hand, call your dentist to prevent worse pain or problems. What Are Common Home Remedies for a Toothache? Best-case scenario, you can relieve some pain with a simple ingredient or treatment. Be caut...

You did it! You got the consultation, booked the appointment, and you actually showed up on the big day. You saw the dentist and now all of that effort has left you hungry! The question is: what can you eat after having dental work done? For some of us, it’s nostalgic to remember having a frozen treat after the dentist as kids, or attempting to say such bouncy words as “baby” with a numb jaw. However—depending on how extensive your dental work is—you will need to be cautious of what you consume in the days following major dental work. And milkshakes will only get you so far in recovery, anyway. Many foods can be troublesome after dental surgery or extensive dental work. Ask Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Rich Cannon, Dr. Tom Lawler, & Dr. Richard Nelson for their recommendations about specific foods and for how long you should avoid them. Wagner Dental in Las Vegas can be an especially helpful resource for patients navigating what to eat after dental restoration services ....

Every Plantation 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. Rizvi wants you to know that that couldn’t be further from the truth! At My Dentist for Life , 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 Plantation children should have all 20 of their baby teeth. By age 13, ...

There are lots of ways to deal with missing or damaged teeth. You’ve probably heard one of us at Central Avenue Dental talking about implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns, but have you ever wondered what they are and how they work? Dr. Berglass knows that folks in Charlotte like to be informed, so think of this as your personal guide to things that might end up in your mouth. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures, Oh My! At some point in time, most of us will lose at least one adult tooth. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, but it could also be an accident, a sports injury, or a cavity on steroids. Some people are even born without the ability to develop one or more adult teeth! Either way, the point is that most Charlotte residents will one day face a decision: how do I replace my lost or damaged tooth? There are many ways to fill a gap in your bite: Crowns Crowns themselves do not replace entire teeth,...

Bite. Crack. Ouch! A cracked or broken tooth is a real problem. Unlike other bones in your body, a tooth will not heal itself and you need to take care of it immediately. Depending on how bad the damage is and where it is located, your dentist will likely recommend an inlay or onlay, or a crown . All versions of the same idea, these restorative dentistry treatments are custom-made covers to protect your tooth and restore it to its full, healthy, functioning condition. Another reason you may need an inlay, onlay, or a crown is due to extensive tooth decay that is breaking down your tooth that requires more than a simple filling to fix. Here’s how your options compare: Fillings : only fill a small, center portion of the biting surface of your tooth and is not a treatment for extensive damage Inlays : fill a larger portion of the biting surface than a filling contained within the cusp Onlays : fill and cover the biting surface of your tooth including up and over the rounded ridges...

If you are a parent, you probably know how difficult it is to get Lexington children to brush and floss regularly. On top of that, young children often lack the necessary motor skills to properly care for their teeth. At Brewer Family Dental, we want your whole family to have excellent dental health[LINK], so here’s some information on how Dr. Brewer can help protect your kids from tooth decay. If you have any questions or would like schedule a consultation, please give us a call. Kids and Cavities In the back teeth, there are numerous nooks and crannies that toothbrushes can’t quite get to. Referred to as pits and fissures, these areas on the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars are particularly susceptible to tooth decay in children between the ages of 6 and 14. Food can easily get stuck in the tiny grooves and remain for long periods of time, which, combined with bacteria, creates the perfect environment for tooth decay and cavities. How Dental Sealants Can Help Dental ...

Your Gwinn dentist, Dr. Buck at Northern Trails Dental Care knows that no two patients are alike. Everyone deserves a personalized approach to oral health – but what is something no patient (or even human) can live without? Air—or more specifically, oxygen. The Power of Ozone in Dentistry Oxygen is essential for your cellular health and does good for your body overall. For that reason, it can be harnessed to improve your dental experience. Some dental offices use oxygen therapy to create a calm environment during preventative visits, and also to treat acute dental issues. Oxygen therapy delivers 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen. When three atoms of oxygen bind together, they form ozone, the same matter that protects and nourishes our environment. Oxygen can be applied as ozone gas, ozonated water, or ozonated olive oil. This completely painless treatment works with your body’s natural functions to achieve a multitude of benefits. Though research is still building, increased exposu...

Most night guards are placed over the maxillary teeth, so a new lower crown will not interfere with the fit of an upper night guard. It may require a slight bite adjustment afterwards though. new upper crowns do affect the fit of a maxillary night guard.I usually ask my patients to bring their night guards to the appointment where I am fitting their new crown. I use GC fit checker to relieve the internal aspect of their night guard that is coming into contact with their crown. The night guard should fit "passively" around their new crown and definitely not contact it. Hard acrylic can cause problems if it is teetering on a crown when a patient bites down with hard pressure so a the internal around a new crown should be relieve slightly. Invisalign style retainers are another matter, since they are thin and can not be relieved easily. To do so would risk perforating the retainer. To avoid possibly ruining my patients retainer, I usually try to send it in the bag with my fina...

I’m a huge proponent of getting your nutrients from your food instead of using supplements. This recipe captures the freshness of summertime on your plate and is perfect for boosting your nitric oxide levels. Also, it contains some bonus L-citrulline and L-arginine too! Beet and Watermelon Salad Servings 2 people Ingredients Salad 4 cups Arugula 1 Beet large, steamed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces* 2 cups Watermelon chopped, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 tbsp Dill fresh, chopped 1/3 cup Walnuts toasted, chopped* Dressing 2 tbsp Avocado Oil 1/2 Orange juiced 1 dash Sea Salt Himalayan or Celtic Toppings 2 oz Goat Cheese Instructions Place arugula in a medium sized salad bowl. Add beets, watermelon, dill, and walnuts. In a separate small bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice and salt. Pour on salad and toss to combine. Top with pieces of goat cheese. Recip...

What was named “Molecule of the Year” in 1992? And in 1998, the topic that awarded three pharmacologists the Nobel Prize for furthering our understanding of how it impacts cardiovascular health? Nitric oxide. It rarely captures the spotlight, but it should. If you’re interested in reducing inflammation or improving your digestion, sleep quality, immunity, memory, and behavior, then you need to know about nitric oxide, and how your oral health determines whether your body can produce enough of it. Think that good oral health is all about sterilizing the mouth? Wrong. Without a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, your body will not be able to produce enough nitric oxide. As a dentist, the most common culprits I see interfering with the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production: antibacterial mouthwash, mouth breathing, and even essential oils. What Is Nitric Oxide’s Role in the Body? Nitric oxide is most known for its role in heart health for being a potent vasodilator and ...