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.
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.
As #pregnancy alters hormones, the body responds to oral bacteria differently. Some pregnant women report having sore teeth and gums, which may be a result of increased blood flow or gingivitis. You can reduce oral discomfort during pregnancy by taking the following precautions:
• Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t irritate your sore teeth or gums.
• Avoid foods that trigger discomfort, including hard foods, hot foods and very cold foods.
• See your dentist to make sure your soreness isn’t stemming from periodontal disease.
Thanks to advancements in modern technology, x-ray devices are much safer than they used to be. Dental x-rays are generally considered to be safe during #pregnancy, but your dentist will likely take steps to safeguard you and your baby. This may include using extra protection to shield your abdomen and thyroid from radiation.
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
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.
In a contributed article for The New York Times, Dr. Tammy Chen, a prosthodontist and the owner of Central Park Dental Aesthetics in Midtown Manhattan, recounted how she has seen an uptick in the number of patients with cracked teeth since early June. As Dr. Chen shares, one obvious answer is stress. From COVID-induced nightmares to “doomsurfing” to “coronaphobia,” it’s no secret that pandemic-related anxiety is affecting our collective mental health. That stress, in turn, leads to clenching and grinding, which can damage the teeth.
Click open the article linked below to learn why more patients are fracturing their teeth and how to prevent this from happening. If you haven’t already done so, make an appointment with your dentist to stay up on your six-month screening and cleaning schedule.
NYTIMES.COM
A Dentist Sees More Cracked Teeth. What’s Going On?
Thank you for your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, Stacy! We’re so happy you had a quick and pain-free experience. 😊
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! 👻🕸🍬 Before you dive into that bowl of tricks or treats, here are some things to consider:
• Stay away from sticky, chewy candy because it will get stuck between your teeth and cause cavities. The best candy choice for your teeth is dark chocolate.
• Studies show the more candy a person eats, the more money they spend on dental services. Make sure you enjoy your sweets in moderation. 🦷🍭
• Sugar fuels dental plaque, which, if left untreated, can lead to cavities, gum disease, tooth decay and more. Don’t forget to brush after enjoying your treats to maintain your spook-tacular smile. 😁
Hygienist Kim Zolezzi here. As we’ve covered over the past few weeks, understanding proper brushing and flossing techniques and eating a well-balanced diet can help you maintain proper dental hygiene. I’d like to close out this National Hygiene Month series by stressing the importance of visiting your hygienist on a regular basis to remove tartar build-up and detect any potential dental problems before they worsen. Scheduling regular and proactive appointments can help you save money by avoiding costly dental treatments in the long run.
If you haven’t scheduled your next cleaning, give us a call to find a date that works best for you. We look forward to seeing you – and your mask – at our office soon!
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.
You may be surprised to learn that your diet directly impacts your oral health. Hygienist Kim Zolezzi regularly explains to her patients how eating healthy encourages strong teeth and gums, and recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as a diet low in refined sugar.
You may also be surprised to learn that your mouth may show the first signs of a systemic or underlying issue, such as diabetes, heart disease or a blood disorder, so ensuring your diet is filled with nutrients is of the utmost importance. For your health and safety, we routinely screen for oral cancer, sleep apnea, acid reflux and eating disorders during your regular dental hygiene visit.
Today we’re spotlighting Dr. Anna Lucy Harvey, who enjoys working with children and strives to make dentistry a positive experience for them. She earned a doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and then underwent specialty training in pediatric dentistry at one of the nation’s top five children’s hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Colorado. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
In her free time, Dr. Harvey enjoys road biking by the lake, drawing and trying new restaurants with her family. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Dr. Harvey, you can give our office a call to set up a consultation for your little one!
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!
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.
Thanks for the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, Bella! We’re so happy to hear your girls enjoy visiting our office. Learning the benefits of regular check-ups at a young age is so important for a lifelong healthy mouth.
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’re wishing a healthy and happy Thanksgiving to all our patients and their families! While things may not have gone how you expected this year, we know you still have a lot to be thankful for – including loved ones, laughter and your beautiful smile. We’re so thankful for you! #GobbleGobble 🦃🍂🧡
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.
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.
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.
Did you know that if you don’t use your dental insurance benefits this year, you lose them? That’s right – it’s all about timing! Most dental insurance plans run on the calendar year, meaning unused portions are typically lost when the new insurance year starts in January.
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!
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.
We wanted to make you aware of our holiday schedule. Our office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 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. ☃️❄️
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.
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. 😁
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.
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!
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!):
New year, new smile! Now is the time to address the aspects of your smile you’d like to improve. Whether you want to brighten your teeth, fix a chip or crack, or get rid of that pesky toothache, we’re here to help you. You know what to do – give us a call to schedule an appointment and get closer to your dream smile.
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.
