If you don’t take proper care of your gums, your inaction may lead to gum disease. As we mentioned in our previous gum care post, gum disease occurs when bacteria and plaque buildup around the tooth, damaging the supporting soft tissue and bone. Swollen and bright red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth, and bad breath are tell-tale signs of gum disease. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Happy Monday and happy dance for handsome Odom! Celebrating his newly revealed smile! 😁💙Thanks for being a great patient!💥
Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and, if not properly treated, may end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. In extreme cases, the disease’s bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and increase your risk for heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and other complications.
Luckily, gum disease is preventable by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash and visiting your dentist regularly. Though it may feel like a chore, the upkeep is worth it to ensure a beautiful smile and healthy gums!
In addition to #flossing, another way to keep your gums in tip-top shape is with a #HealthyDiet. Do your best to avoid starchy and sugary foods like candy, which are common culprits of plaque. Instead, opt for a healthy, balanced meal plan that includes a range of colors and nutrients. Did you know eating crisp fruits and raw vegetables, such as apples and carrots, help clean plaque from teeth? You get a snack and a polish all in one!
Dental hygiene means more than just a pretty smile – it also means pretty gums! In honor of National Gum Care Month, we’ll be sharing information over the next few days on how to keep your gums healthy.
We’re kicking things off by highlighting the importance of #flossing. Flossing is central to healthy gums because it removes plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach, helping you avoid cavities and gum disease. Make sure to clean around your gums as well as between your teeth to remove all particles.
Celebrating lovely Lieu and her beautiful smile.😁💥 Thanks for being a great patient!
Happy dance💃💃 for beautiful Maya and her gorgeous smile! 😁 Thanks for being a great patient. Just a little FYI, treated her mom a "few" years back.❤🥰
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, an annual reminder for the nation to practice the daily habits that promote healthy teeth and gums. Over the course of the month, Hygienist Kim Zolezzi will cover the key habits to ensure optimal oral health. First up, brushing:
Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft toothbrush is one the most important steps you can take to diminish the accumulation of plaque and the potential for other oral problems, such as cavities, bad breath, gingivitis or periodontal disease. You should replace your toothbrush every three months and when you’re sick, as bristles get worn down and microbes grow on the bristles. Proper brushing is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and using a fluoride toothpaste helps with decreasing cavities and tooth sensitivity.
Here’s the 411 on receding gums: Healthy gums fit snugly around the visible part, or the “crown,” of the teeth. Gum recession occurs when the gums pull away or recede, exposing the roots below. Once the gum tissue has receded from the teeth, it can’t grow back. However, some treatments can help restore gum tissue around the teeth.
Visit the Medical News Today article linked below to learn about the various treatments for receding gums, including tips on how to slow and stop its progression:
MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM
Do receding gums grow back? Treatments and prevention
Handsome Ben, was thrilled to be out of braces and to share his great smile! 😁💙 Thanks for being a great patient.💥
Thank you for making our day with your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, Jeanne! We’re so happy to learn you and your kids have had such a pleasant experience at our office. And you’re right – we’ve been sanitizing, sanitizing, sanitizing! Patient and employee safety is our highest priority.
Simple things to live by, and if you don't ❤ your smile, come see us.😁
Happy dance 💃 for beautiful Anna and her dazzling smile😁, matches her personality. Thanks for being a great patient.❤
Happy, happy day for beautiful Olivia, and her amazing smile❤😁! Thanks for being a great patient.💥💫
It’s National Orthodontic Health Month! This October, we’re celebrating healthy smiles, the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the importance of consistent oral health. Orthodontic treatment, which most commonly includes braces and invisible aligners, moves teeth to improve their appearance, function and health.
Talk to your dentist today about the best orthodontic treatment for you.
Sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the month-long National Hygiene Month campaign aims to stress the fact that good oral health goes a long way in supporting one’s overall well-being.
As Hygienist Kim Zolezzi shares, flossing is another important step to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. You should floss once each day for optimal health, as flossing reduces and removes the plaque between the teeth and promotes an overall healthier mouth. Flossing also prevents gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease where the gums are swollen and bleed easily. Healthy gums don't bleed when you brush or floss. When flossing, be sure to wrap the floss in a "C" shape to remove the bacteria in between the tooth and the line angle of the tooth. If you find flossing to be difficult, your hygienist can help you with the proper technique.
Happy Halloween to our patients and their families.🎃 Just a reminder stay away from sticky, chewy, hard candy. Be safe!! This is what we might look like on Monday if you eat sticky, chewy, hard candy. 🤣❤🎃
Hey hey happy day for handsome Milko!💙😁 Never too late to get an amazing smile. Thanks, for always being a positive patient.💥
Hope everyone stayed pink 💗 strong💪 for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Perhaps the best part of Halloween is the treats. 😋 As delicious goodies begin filling your home, we offer these tips for enjoying Halloween candy without overindulging:
• Try not to buy your most favorite candy: While there’s no telling what your kids will bring back if your neighborhood is participating in COVID-safe trick-or-treating, you can control some temptation by limiting the candy you just know you’ll overeat.
• Store candy out of sight: You’ll be less likely to reach for it when you’re craving something sweet.
• Stock up on healthy food: Have healthy sweets on hand to snack on in place of candy. You can even try fresh fruit.
• Participate in a candy buy-back: Trade in your uneaten candy for dollars! The candy will be sent to American troops and you’ll be free of temptation.
• Brush your teeth: Halloween only comes once a year, after all. When you’re done enjoying the candy in moderation, remember to brush, floss and use mouthwash.
Of the four million Americans with braces, about 25% of them are adults. You read that right – adults wear braces, too! If you think you could benefit from orthodontia, no matter your age, contact your dentist to develop a plan that leads to a beautiful, improved smile.
Happy dance💃, happy perfect smile 😁 for beautiful Victoria. Thanks for being an awesome patient. ❤💥
Celebrating gorgeous Gabriela and her amazing smile.😁💥 Thanks for being a super patient.❤
Happy dance🕺 for handsome Alex and his great smile😁. Thanks for being a great patient and always making us laugh.
😂💙
Who's got milk? 🤣
❤ our patients.
Happy Election Day, smile 😁 and do your part!🇺🇸
Congratulations beautiful Alex, on your amazing smile 🥰😁! Thanks for being a great patient.🔥💥
It’s November, which means it’s Mouth Cancer Action Month. This month, we’re drawing attention to mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer or oral cavity cancer), a disease that develops in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue and gums. Sadly, mouth cancer causes more deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or melanomas, according to the Mouth Cancer Foundation. That’s why it’s important to monitor your mouth for warning signs, like mouth pain, loose teeth, lumps or sores that don’t heal. Visit your dentist immediately if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Our offices remain open during the current stay-at-home advisory. Dental clinics are included under the umbrella of essential medical care.
When it comes to our current protocols, we want to reassure you that we’re constantly monitoring the latest updates and recommendations from the CDC, ADA and our state and local governments to ensure we’re providing patients with a safe and comfortable dental visit. Your safety is our top priority, which is why our office continues to implement the following protocols:
• Pre-screenings before entering our clinic
• Reinforced infection control
• Ongoing staff training
• PPE for all staff
• Masks required for dental staff and patients
We take the responsibility of supporting your dental needs and protecting our patients, staff and community very seriously. We look forward to seeing you – and your mask – soon!
Did you know you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of 2020? Every year you receive a maximum amount from your dental insurance company, and in most cases the unused portion is lost when the new insurance year starts. These are benefits you’ve already paid for!
Your dental care is important to us, and we want to make sure you get the care you need without overpaying for it. If you’ve been postponing dental treatment or are overdue for a routine exam and cleaning, now is a great time to come in. Give our office a call and we’ll get you scheduled before your benefits run out!
Celebrating handsome Emmanuel and his amazing smile. 🤩😁 Thanks for being a great patient.😷💥
While there aren’t any proven ways to prevent mouth cancer, here’s what you can do to reduce your risk and keep your mouth and body healthy:
• Refrain from using tobacco: Tobacco use is considered the main cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50% of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness, including mouth cancer.
• Drink alcohol in moderation: Chronic excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer. In fact, drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times.
• Limit sun exposure: Protect the skin on your lips by staying in the shade, wearing a hat that shades your whole face and applying a lip product with SPF.
Happy dance💃💃 for beautiful Katie and her spectacular smile.😁 Thanks for being an awesome patient.🥰🤩💥
November marks TMJ Awareness Month, a national movement to help understand this excruciating ailment that affects millions of Americans, especially women between the ages of 20 and 40. If you endure throbbing tension headaches, unexplained soreness in your neck and shoulders, or discomfort from normal activities like chewing or speaking, you may be experiencing the painful effects of TMJ disorder.
If you’re dealing with some or all of these symptoms and haven’t found a permanent solution, call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained dentists. Let us help you relieve your pain and improve your quality of life!
But what is TMJ disorder, exactly? It’s a painful condition caused by inflammation of the jaw joint. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where your jaw connects to your skull. It functions as a sliding hinge to keep the movement of your jaw nice and smooth while avoiding collision with the bones in your skull. TMJ disorders (TMD) can occur if the joint cartilage is inflamed, erodes or becomes misaligned due to injury or overuse.
Here are some things you can try at home to prevent and relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder:
• Avoid overworking the jaw joint by limiting hard foods and chewing gum.
• Gently massage the muscles to release tension.
• Implement stress-reducing techniques like a daily exercise routine.
• If you’re in front of a computer all day, maintain good posture by taking short breaks to rest your arms and loosen up your back and neck muscles.
We'd like to wish everybody a happy, safe 😷 and healthy Thanksgiving 🦃. We are thankful for our patients and their families❤
If you've been living with TMJ issues for some time, you may not even realize how you’re modifying your life because of your symptoms. Perhaps you’re neglecting a healthy diet because it’s difficult to chew, or you’re limiting your social life because of persistent headaches. Problems with the TMJ can lead to troublesome oral health issues like worn teeth, decayed teeth or serious joint damage.
Treating TMD early can prevent these risks from becoming serious. If you’re experiencing any TMJ disorder symptoms, give our office a call to discuss setting up a consultation.
Happy dance💃 for beautiful Ashley and her amazing smile. ❤😁 Thanks for being a great patient.💥
It’s easy to let visions of sugarplums tempt you during the holidays, so we’re offering tips to keep up your dental hygiene as you enjoy delicious seasonal treats.
Our first tip: Go easy on the candy canes and other hard candies. They’re full of sugar and known to cause broken or chipped teeth. Watch out for sticky treats like dried fruits, too – they stay on teeth longer and may cause cavities. Whenever possible, think like a reindeer and choose healthy snacks like apples and carrots in between larger celebratory meals.
Happy day for handsome Zach, bracefree at last.🤩😁 Thanks for being a great patient, you make our job easy.💥
Celebrating beautiful Diana and her dazzling smile. ❤😁 Thanks for being a great patient! 🤩
The CDC recently shared that there hasn’t been a single documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting. Given the strict safety protocols dental clinics are following around the country, the American Dental Association is sharing reminders that dental care should continue amid a resurgence of COVID-19 in our communities.
As you know, dental health care is essential health care. We’re passionate about providing our patients with affordable, quality dental care, and are fully committed to staying open to serve you. Alongside the ADA, we firmly believe we can and must continue to safely deliver dental care.
ADA.ORG
ADA says dental care should continue during resurgence phase of pandemic
In our second installment of dental hygiene tips for the holidays, we advise letting nutcrackers do their job! Don’t use your teeth to crack nutshells. Shells’ hard surfaces can lead to tooth and gum damage, sometimes causing teeth to crack. The force can even strain your jaw and cause joint damage. It’s best to use a tool to get to those protein-packed snacks.
Happy dance💃 for beautiful MaryEllen and her marvelous smile. 😁 Thanks for being a great and positive patient. 🥰😷
Celebrating beautiful Olga and her sparkling smile.😁❤ Thanks for being a great patient, and for traveling from TX to finish treatment with us.✈🥰
Happy dance💃 for beautiful Skylar and her spectacular smile.😁🤩 Thanks for being a great patient! ❤💥
Happy day for handsome Manny, 😁 showing off his awesome smile. Thanks for being a great patient, and for traveling from CA for your appointments.🥰✈🎶
With all the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy to fall out of your regular routines. Make sure you continue your healthy habits between treats, feasts and festivities. This not only means brushing your teeth twice per day, but also drinking plenty of water, exercising frequently, getting fresh air and taking time for yourself.
Bracey, Dr. Aspito, Tina, Katie and Chelsea are all going above and beyond to keep everyone safe. Wear a mask - properly, wash your hands, social distance.❤😷💪
We wanted to make you aware of our holiday schedule. Our office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
Happy holidays to all our patients and their families! We hope your celebrations are full of happiness, quality time and good health. ☃️❄️
Celebrating beautiful Marita and her magnificent smile.❤😁 It's been pleasure having you as patient. Keep smiling.💥
Celebrating Mihail and his magnificent smile.😁💥 Thanks for being a great patient. Keep smiling!💙
Merry Christmas to our wonderful patients, their families and our colleagues. You are all very "dear"🦌 to us. Stay safe and healthy.😷❤🎄
"Bracey" just hanging with her boss, he's got a busy night ahead.🎄❤🎅😷
Even Frosty is making sure everyone stays safe and healthy. ❤ our patients and their families.😷🥕
Celebrating beautiful Olivia and her spectacular smile🤩😁! Thanks for being a great patient! ❤👍
Happy New Year! We hope you have some dental resolutions on your list. 😁 The best way to start 2021 on the right tooth (ahem, the right foot) is to schedule your next cleaning. Regular check-ups keep your smile healthy and alert your dentist to concerns that may require more treatment.
Happy dance 💃 for beautiful Vea and her amazing smile. 😁🤩 Thanks for being a great patient! ❤
Happy New Year from The Girls at River Trail Orthodontics. If a great smile is in your plans for 2021, come visit, we've got the best!😁
From our family to yours, we’re wishing you a bright and smiley New Year! 🎉 If you made resolutions for 2021, consider adding “smile more” to your list. Smiling boosts your mood, reduces stress and shows off your beautiful, pearly whites. 😁
Celebrating handsome Kevin and his spectacular smile.😁🤩 Thanks for being a great patient. 👏💙
Regular dental appointments are an important part of taking care of your overall health. While it can be tempting to put off your checkup until things feel more “normal” again, we advise against it. Routine appointments give us an opportunity to check for a number of health conditions and catch them early. Some conditions, like tooth decay, can be more difficult, painful and expensive to treat if left undetected.
Your health and safety is, and has always been, our top priority. Please know, our office is taking every precaution to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your visit.
Happy dance 💃 and happy day for beautiful Halley and her amazing smile!🥰 Thanks for being a great patient.😁😷
Celebrating beautiful Olivia and her spectacular smile🤩😁! Thanks for being a great patient! ❤👍
Happy New Year! We hope you have some dental resolutions on your list. 😁 The best way to start 2021 on the right tooth (ahem, the right foot) is to schedule your next cleaning. Regular check-ups keep your smile healthy and alert your dentist to concerns that may require more treatment.
Celebrating our awesome Chelsea, first vaccine for her...completed. No issues, the rest of us to follow soon.😷👍💪
Celebrating handsome Louis and his amazing smile.🤩 Thanks for being a super patient. 😁😷 Keep smiling.
We continue to monitor the latest updates and recommendations from the CDC, American Dental Association and our state and local governments to ensure our protocols support you having a safe and comfortable dental visit. We’ve put the following safety features in place to protect our patients, doctors, staff and community:
• Pre-screenings before entering our clinic
• Reinforced infection control
• Ongoing staff training
• PPE for all staff
• Masks required for dental staff and patients
The good news is that these protocols are working! The CDC recently reported that there hasn’t been a single documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting anywhere in the country. We look forward to safely seeing you – and your mask – in our office soon!
Join us in wishing Tina a very Happy Birthday, a great co worker, friend, and a great person in general. Enjoy your day. ❤ u.😁😷
Celebrating handsome Kevin and his spectacular smile.😁🤩 Thanks for being a great patient. 👏💙
Happy dance 💃 for cute Kami, celebrating her beautiful smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient.💞
If you’re thinking of skipping your New Year dental checkup, we advise you to reconsider. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to make sure you’re engaging in routine dental wellness to maintain your overall health, including coming in for regular dental cleanings and check-ups at least twice per year. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should make your next check-up and cleaning appointment (if you haven’t already!):
Celebrating our awesome Katie, and her first vaccine.👍❤ No issues. 💪😷😁
Celebrating Matt and his handsome smile😁👍, thanks for being a great patient!💙 Keep smiling!
Celebrating our awesome Chelsea, first vaccine for her...completed. No issues, the rest of us to follow soon.😷👍💪
Happiest birthday wishes to our beautiful Chelsea, brings sunshine 🌞🌞 to our office everday! Enjoy this snowy day, oops you're working!❤😉
Celebrating beautiful Frances and her amazing smile.❤😁 Thanks for being a great patient.😷👍
Just because we’re wearing masks doesn’t mean your smile isn’t important. Keeping up your oral hygiene is still essential even if fewer people are seeing your mouth nowadays. 😷 Remember to brush twice per day, and floss and use mouthwash daily. Think of it as preparation for a dazzling smile when it’s safe to socialize mask-free.
Happy day for handsome Letterio and his amazing smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient. ❤ We need a family pic, thrilled we were able to treat all 5 of the children in this amazing family!❤💥💫
Happy dance 💃 for cute Kami, celebrating her beautiful smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient.💞
Happy dance 💃 for cute Carley and her amazing smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient.🥰
Celebrating our awesome Tina, 1st vaccine, done, no issues.🥰💪👍😷
Happiest birthday wishes to our beautiful Chelsea, brings sunshine 🌞🌞 to our office everday! Enjoy this snowy day, oops you're working!❤😉
Celebrating beautiful Frances and her amazing smile.❤😁 Thanks for being a great patient.😷👍
Just because we’re wearing masks doesn’t mean your smile isn’t important. Keeping up your oral hygiene is still essential even if fewer people are seeing your mouth nowadays. 😷 Remember to brush twice per day, and floss and use mouthwash daily. Think of it as preparation for a dazzling smile when it’s safe to socialize mask-free.
Happy dance 💃 for cute Carley and her amazing smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient.🥰
Celebrating our awesome Tina, 1st vaccine, done, no issues.🥰💪👍😷
Happiest birthday wishes to our beautiful Chelsea, brings sunshine 🌞🌞 to our office everday! Enjoy this snowy day, oops you're working!❤😉
Celebrating beautiful Frances and her amazing smile.❤😁 Thanks for being a great patient.😷👍
Just because we’re wearing masks doesn’t mean your smile isn’t important. Keeping up your oral hygiene is still essential even if fewer people are seeing your mouth nowadays. 😷 Remember to brush twice per day, and floss and use mouthwash daily. Think of it as preparation for a dazzling smile when it’s safe to socialize mask-free.
❤ our patients and their families, have a lovely Valentine's Day.
We love our patients, take a flower for your Valentine. ❤🌹
SMILE BY US!! Some hometown pride, congrats Niki, so proud of all your accomplishments. Beautiful inside and out. Best of luck to you always.❤😁🥰
Happy dance💃 on this freezing day 🌬 for beautiful Sarah and her spectacular smile. 😁 That smile will melt the cold. Thanks for being a great patient. 🥰
Happy dance 💃 for cute Carley and her amazing smile.😁 Thanks for being a great patient.🥰
Celebrating everyone's 2nd shot, no issues, staying safe and strong. ❤❤❤💪💪💪
Happy dance for beautiful Evlin and her amazing smile. 😁❤ Keep smiling you're our best advertising. Thanks for being a great patient. 🌞
Snow?❄ Cold?🌬 who cares, celebrating handsome TJ 😁 and his spectacular smile. Thanks for being a great patient! 👍💙
❤ our patients and their families, have a lovely Valentine's Day.
We love our patients, take a flower for your Valentine. ❤🌹
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Lina and her lovely smile😁. Thanks for being a great patient. 🥰
Celebrating beautiful Brandy ❤ and her amazing smile. 😁 An absolute pleasure to have as a patient. Enjoy.💟
Celebrating everyone's 2nd shot, no issues, staying safe and strong. ❤❤❤💪💪💪
Happy dance for beautiful Evlin and her amazing smile. 😁❤ Keep smiling you're our best advertising. Thanks for being a great patient. 🌞
Snow?❄ Cold?🌬 who cares, celebrating handsome TJ 😁 and his spectacular smile. Thanks for being a great patient! 👍💙
Happy Share a Smile Day! We've been told we make great ones😁! Feel free to share yours.🥰
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Lina and her lovely smile😁. Thanks for being a great patient. 🥰
Celebrating beautiful Brandy ❤ and her amazing smile. 😁 An absolute pleasure to have as a patient. Enjoy.💟
Celebrating everyone's 2nd shot, no issues, staying safe and strong. ❤❤❤💪💪💪
Happy dance for beautiful Evlin and her amazing smile. 😁❤ Keep smiling you're our best advertising. Thanks for being a great patient. 🌞
Celebrating handsome Fabian 💙 and his fantastic smile. 😁 Thanks for being a great patient. 💥
When a patient is over the moon happy about her "winning smile"😁, and treats us to these delicious cakes.😋🥰
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Mikayla and her amazing smile😁. Was our pleasure being part of your journey to a perfect smile👍.
Celebrating handsome Fabian 💙 and his fantastic smile. 😁 Thanks for being a great patient. 💥
Happy Share a Smile Day! We've been told we make great ones😁! Feel free to share yours.🥰
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Lina and her lovely smile😁. Thanks for being a great patient. 🥰
Celebrating handsome Calvin and his spectacular smile.😁 Thanks for being an awesome patient.💥👍
Celebrating beautiful Donnalee and her spectacular smile😁🥰. Thanks for being a great patient. 👍💥
When a patient is over the moon happy about her "winning smile"😁, and treats us to these delicious cakes.😋🥰
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Mikayla and her amazing smile😁. Was our pleasure being part of your journey to a perfect smile👍.
Celebrating handsome Fabian 💙 and his fantastic smile. 😁 Thanks for being a great patient. 💥
Happy day for handsome Eddie and his great smile.😁💙 Thanks for being a great patient.👍💥
Celebrating handsome Calvin and his spectacular smile.😁 Thanks for being an awesome patient.💥👍
Celebrating beautiful Donnalee and her spectacular smile😁🥰. Thanks for being a great patient. 👍💥
When a patient is over the moon happy about her "winning smile"😁, and treats us to these delicious cakes.😋🥰
Happy dance 💃 day for beautiful Mikayla and her amazing smile😁. Was our pleasure being part of your journey to a perfect smile👍.
