Smile Makeover

Smiling with confidence makes you feel great. A beautiful smile is also an important social and professional asset. Yet there are many people who avoid showing their teeth in public or in photographs because they don't like what they see. If that describes you, then why not start the process of getting the smile of your dreams?

A smile makeover goes beyond simply responding to dental problems as they arise. It's a comprehensive smile-rejuvenation plan that's uniquely suited to your own facial features and aesthetic preferences. The results can be quite dramatic — both in terms of how you will look and how you will feel. These are the major steps involved:

Take a look. The makeover process is all about giving you the smile of your dreams. So take a good look at your smile and note what you like and don't like about it. Some questions you can ask yourself are:

• Are your teeth as white as you'd like them to be?
• Are any teeth chipped, cracked or worn?
• Does your smile have a gummy appearance?
• Do your teeth seem too large or small?
• Do you like the alignment and spacing of your teeth
• Are you self-conscious about crookedness or gaps?

Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder… and that's you! Some people want their smile to look “perfect” — and to them, that means completely straight, uniformly white teeth. Others like a slightly more natural look, and are not displeased by slight gaps or shade variations. There are lots of decisions to make, but don't worry — dentists are skilled at helping you sort it all out!

Share your thoughts. Communication is an extremely important part of the smile makeover process. At the first makeover consultation, it helps if you describe what you would like to change in as much detail as possible. Bring along pictures of smiles you like, or of how your own smile used to look. Dr. Clark will have some thoughts to share with you as well because he is trained to look at smiles in terms of facial balance. In other words, he will look not only at how the elements of a smile (teeth, lips, and gums) relate to each other but also how they blend in with the face as a whole.

Make a plan. An important part of planning a smile makeover is a comprehensive dental exam. Cosmetic dentistry offers an amazing array of lifelike tooth restorations and treatments; but first, any conditions in your mouth that may jeopardize a good result must be taken care of. If your teeth are discolored, for example, the reason must be determined. You may have an underlying dental disease that needs to be treated before whitening your teeth; otherwise, the whitening may not last. Likewise, if you often drink red wine or other beverages that stain, you might do better with porcelain veneers than bleaching treatments.

Try it out. A smile makeover is an investment that is meant to last. That's why many of the procedures performed are irreversible. So if you are contemplating some changes, it's a great idea to try them out before you fully commit to them. There are many ways to preview the results: computer imaging, 3-D models, and even placing temporary restorations on your teeth so you can see what the final results will look and feel like in your own mouth. This also allows a fine-tuning of the makeover plan.

A “trial smile” is a great way to eliminate unknowns in the makeover process. But when it's all done, there's still one thing you may not be prepared for: how great it feels to flash your new smile to the world!

Call us today to set up your smile makeover consultation!

Creating Good Hygiene Habits at Home

As humans, we like having a clean mouth. Long ago people would chew tree twigs to spread the fibers, which acted like bristles to clean their teeth. 

In fact, the ancient Greeks used pumice, talc, alabaster, coral powder, or iron rust as toothpaste. Thankfully today, we have many more effective choices that yield fantastic results and fresh mouths.

Here are some simple guidelines you can implement in your home:

1. Start oral hygiene habits early. It's never too early to make brushing and flossing a part of their morning and nightly routines. 
2. Set a good example. Brushing with your children can allow them to see proper techniques, and allow you to know if they are "cutting corners". 
3. Turn toothbrushing into a game. Having charts and fun incentives to encourage proper brushing and flossing can increase children's desires. 
4. Tell a story. There are really fun dental apps that you can download that have stories or songs set to the optimal brushing time. This helps them learn the proper length of a brushing session.
5. Choose the right tools. Letting your children be part of the oral hygiene process makes a huge difference in their willingness to brush and floss. Make a big deal out of their ability to choose their new toothbrush and toothpaste.
6. Flossers are a great way to help children learn how to floss themselves. Flossing is a critical step in preventing cavities.

Dr. Clark Serenades His Patients

If you've been with Dr. Clark for any amount of time, you know he loves to hum, whistle, or sing a great melody. 

Enjoy this little serenade, "In My Deep Purple Shirt, I can fix Them When They Hurt". 

If you haven't scheduled your semi-annual cleaning, please do so. Prevention is always better than the cure. 

 

Aside from personal customer referrals, customer online reviews are one of the best ways you can help your friends and neighbors find us in their Google searches. 

Would you please take a moment to scan this QR code and leave us a great review?  We love that you are part of our family and want to help your friends and loved ones find experienced, professional dental services. 

You are the reason we do what we do, and why we love it!

Leave us a great review today: https://bit.ly/laserdennist

March 2022 Newsletter

Hello to all of our wonderful patients. In case you missed our March Newsletter, we are posting it here for your convenience. 

We have a new financing option that might allow you to get the dental work done that you want to this year. We'd love to give your more information about this flexible finance plan. 

We love patient referrals. We have a New Patient Special running right now and would you to share this information with your friends and family. 

10 Possible Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

 

Here are 10 possible reasons why your teeth might be giving you pain, and when to see a doctor.

1. Exposure to extreme heat or cold

Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed nerves in your teeth. When you eat or drink something with an extremely low or high temperature, you may feel a sudden, sharp flash of pain.

2. Gum recession

Gums are the layer of pink tissue that cover bone and surround the root of the tooth to help protect the nerve endings of your teeth. As you age, gum tissue often begins to wear , causing gum recession.

This recession leaves the roots of your teeth exposed, as well as leaving you more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth infections. If your teeth are suddenly more sensitive than they used to be, gum recession could be the culprit.

3. Enamel (dentin) erosion

It’s estimated that at least 12 percentTrusted Source of people have some form of “dentin hypersensitivity” that causes them discomfort when they eat. This kind of sensitivity can be caused by eating a highly acidic diet, brushing your teeth too hard, and other factors.

As a result, the enamel that coats and protects your teeth begins to wear away and is not replaced. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pain that sends shivers up your spine when you bite into certain foods.

4. Tooth decay (cavity)

Tooth decay, also referred to as a cavity, might be the reason why your teeth have suddenly started bothering you. Tooth decay can linger on the sides or tops of your tooth enamel without being noticed for some time.

Once the decay begins to progress toward an infection, you may startexperiencing pain in your tooth.

5. Gum infection

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects more than 47 percent of adults over the age of 30Trusted Source. Gum disease is called gingivitis in its early stages, and some people don’t even know that they have it. Sensitive teeth and gums can be a sign of escalating gum disease. 

6. Cracked tooth or crown

You may not be surprised to learn that a cracked tooth or crown can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. But there are cases when you may have a tooth cracked ever so slightly, so that it causes pain but is nearly impossible to see.

7. Sinus infection

One symptom of a sinus infection is pain in your teeth and in your jaw. As your sinuses become inflamed and filled with pressure from the infection, they can compress the nerve endings of your teeth.

8. Grinding or clenching jaws

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaws can lead to chronic tooth sensitivity, as you wear away at the enamel on your teeth.

While many people clench or grind their teeth from time to time, high-stress circumstances or poor sleep can lead to you increasing this habit without you realizing it, resulting in tooth pain that seems mysterious.

9. Dental procedures

Recent fillings or tooth work involving drilling can temporarily make the nerve endings of your teeth more sensitive. Sensitivity from a tooth filling procedure may last up to two weeks.

10. Teeth bleaching products

Using whitening strips, bleaching gels, or having an in-office teeth-whitening procedure can put you at a higher riskTrusted Source of tooth sensitivity. Pain in your teeth that’s caused by teeth bleaching is often temporary and will usually subside if you stop using whitening products.

When to see a doctor

If your teeth have become sensitive when they never were before, make an appointment with your dentist. They may be able to recommend a simple treatment, such as a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.

Your dentist will also be able to tell if you need a corrective procedure, such as a filling or a tooth extraction, to relieve your pain.

Some symptoms should never be ignored. See your dentist right away, or contact another health professional, if you experience the following:

• toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours
• throbbing or sharp, aching pain that doesn’t subside
• migraine or thunderclap headache that extends to your teeth
• fever that seems to coincide with your toothache

Takeaway

There are myriad reasons why you might feel a sudden pain in your teeth. Most of them are connected to the natural erosion of your gums or tooth enamel.

If you’ve developed hypersensitive teeth seemingly overnight, you should speak with your dentist. While it’s not usually considered a dental emergency, teeth that are causing you pain should be examined by a dentist to rule out some of the more serious causes.

Photo Source: https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/resources/teeth-sensitivity-causes/ 

Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly#takeaway

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

The American Dental Association has a great Fact or Fiction quiz to educate you about tooth sensitivity issues. This little quiz takes just a few minutes but might help you understand a little bit more about this pesky condition that plagues so many. 

To take this quiz click here. 

If you are one of the millions of other people that suffer from tooth sensitivity we can help. Call to schedule your appointment today and Dr. Clark will let you know which solutions will help you find the relief you desire. 

Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated?

 

Tooth sensitivity is more common than you think. The American Dental Association offers some suggestions to treat this painful condition: 

Tooth sensitivity can be treated. See your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and may suggest one of several treatments. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend that you try a desensitizing toothpaste for use at home. These toothpastes contain compounds that help prevent the irritants from stimulating the nerve inside the tooth. Several uses usually are required before the sensitivity is reduced. Some higher-acid mouthrinses also may increase tooth sensitivity, and your dentist may recommend switching to another brand.

 In-office treatments also are available. For example, fluoride gel treatments strengthen the tooth enamel and help reduce sensations that irritate the root. Other treatments, such as fillings, crowns, inlays, bonding, fluoride varnishes or desensitizing agents, can be used to repair areas of the tooth that are damaged or to cover areas that are exposed by gum recession. In some cases, when the gum has pulled away from the tooth, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure called a “gingival graft” or “gum graft” to replace the tissue that has receded. If your sensitivity is severe or does not respond to other treatments, your dentist may suggest root canal treatment.

Please don't suffer needlessly with sensitivity pain. We can help! Call us today!

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

 

The American Dental Association gives the following tips on how to prevent tooth sensitivity:

Good oral hygiene is your best defense against most oral health problems, including tooth sensitivity. Poor daily dental hygiene allows bacteria to collect around and between the teeth. If these bacteria (plaque) are  not removed, they can harden into calculus (tartar), which can build up and cause your gums to recede around the teeth. This is called “gingival” or “gum” disease or “recession.” Gum recession exposes the

roots of your teeth, which, in turn, leaves your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity. Other situations that may increase your risk of gum recession include tobacco use, oral piercings (which can irritate the gums), use of some medications or even changes in female hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

Brushing your teeth harshly, using too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush also may cause your gums to recede, exposing the tooth’s root. The American Dental Association recommends you follow a good oral hygiene routine.

·         Brush your teeth gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

·        Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth and can irritate your gums.

·        Clean between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner daily. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline.

·         Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

We are only a phone call away. If it has been too long since you've been able to eat or drink hot or cold items without pain let us help you find a solution today. 

PC: https://www.healthline.com/health/all-my-teeth-hurt-suddenly

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

 In an article by the ADA, American Dental Association they describe tooth sensitivity in the following way: 

Tooth sensitivity can have a number of causes. Some of the more common culprits are caries (tooth decay), cracked or fractured teeth, trauma, tooth grinding or clenching, worn fillings or tooth enamel, and gingivae (gums) that have pulled away from the tooth roots as a result of gum disease or vigorous brushing. In healthy teeth, enamel protects the crowns, the part of the tooth that you see above the gumline. The roots of healthy teeth are coated with a thin protective layer called “cementum.”

Under the enamel and the cementum is a more porous layer of tooth called “dentin.” The dentin layer contains microscopic tubules or canals that connect with the pulp of the tooth. The pulp is in the center of the tooth and contains the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. When irritants such as foods or liquids come into contact with the exposed dentinal tubules, or when excessive pressure is applied against a cracked tooth, a pain response can be triggered.

This month we will be sharing different information and ideas on how to combat this all-too-common condition. If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity please call us as soon as possible. Relief is available!

Children's Brushing Chart

          February is National Children's Dental Health Month

This is a fun brushing chart you can print out and use with your family throughout the month of February. Set up a fun reward at the end of the month for all of their diligence and hard work.

Printable Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

Oral Healthcare is Not Puzzling!

 

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Take a few minutes to sit down with your children to fill in the blanks of this crossword puzzle. Joining together to create a fun memory will also provide a great teaching moment for your kids. 

Oral healthcare habits are critical to their present and future health. Teaching good habits now will help them take ownership over their own health. 

Printable Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

This month the American Dental Association focuses on the importance of keeping America's children hydrated with Nature's Drink - water!

All of us can do better with our hydration habits. Helping children learn this important habit will allow them to reap health benefits for decades to come. Hydration is key to health. Set some fun goals and help your family stay hydrated, even and sometimes especially during the winter months. 

Printable Sources: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

 

Hello 2021 - January's eNewsletter from Dr. Clark & Team

Just in case you missed our newsletter in the email, we've posted it here for your review. Believe it or not, 2021 is underway and admittedly, it has been a rough start. But that doesn't have to foreshadow the end. 

We hope that as you begin your new year you will find the confidence to make the changes you need to make, and also give yourself the grace during the change and growth seasons in your life.

We look forward to seeing you this year during your semi-annual dental cleanings. Remember these appointments are critical for your self-care. Your mouth is a window into your overall health and when you ignore the warning signs your mouth gives you it always ends poorly. 

One Day at a Time - One Good Choice at a Time

We thought this was a great blog post with overall tips to improve your dental health.

How to Improve Your Overall Dental Health

Based on that new research, here are a few dental health tips you might not have heard before:

1. Get a new angle on things. When brushing your teeth, the position of the bristles matters. The head should be at a 45-degree angle near the gum line, and again when you go to clean the inside surfaces of your teeth.
2. Give your tongue some attention. Plaque and bacteria can gather on, around, and under your tongue too. Clean the surface of your tongue daily, either with your toothbrush or with a tongue cleaner. This will also help prevent bad breath!
3. Seal off trouble. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the back teeth that can help prevent decay and cavities (caries). Sealants are an especially good idea for kids, who often have trouble reaching their back teeth while brushing.
4. Suit up those teeth. Sports are good for our bodies, but they also provide opportunities for bangs, bumps, and crashes. In fact, most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards to safeguard teeth, especially for rougher sports. So it’s not a bad idea to have one yourself, for any sort of recreational activities. This is true even if it’s not a team sport – skateboarding, rock climbing, or even just hitting a ball against a wall can all present a threat to your teeth.
5. Make fluoride earn its keep. You should already be using a toothpaste with fluoride. But you might not be receiving its benefits if you rinse with mouthwash right after you brush. Mouthwash can rinse away fluoride before it has a chance to work, so wait 15 minutes or let the fluoride get to work on your enamel.
6. Chew your way to better dental health. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating or drinking can help protect your teeth and gums, especially after eating sugary foods. Better yet, finish your meal with a cube of cheese. This can help reduce the effect of acids from food on your teeth.
7. Get more sun. Specifically, get more Vitamin D – which you can get from supplements or exposure to the sun. Both Vitamin D and calcium help keep teeth and gums strong.
8. Practice the basics. Even if you follow these healthy tips, they will do little if you are not already practicing the basics, brushing, and flossing twice daily. You also want to avoid bad habits that can cause damage to your teeth over time.
9. See a dentist when everything is fine. Most people don’t bother with a dentist appointment until something goes wrong: A tooth falls out, a sudden pain makes it hard to chew, or an injury causes a chip or crack. But most problems can be prevented if their underlying cause is found early. A regular check-up more than pays for itself by preventing costly dental procedures down the road.

Source: https://happytoothnc.com/dental-health/

Timing is Everything!

 

If You Indulge, Do It During Mealtime

Don’t worry, we don’t expect you or your child to never eat sweets or starches. There is a better time to eat them than at snack time, however, and that is during meals! That’s because it’s not just important what you eat, but when you eat. At mealtime, there is an increased amount of saliva in the mouth that can help wash away those starches or sugary treats, counteract acid-producing bacteria and remineralize teeth.

Watch Out For Added Sugars

Almost all foods have some type of sugar in them. Naturally occurring sugars–like those found in milk and vegetables–are less worrisome, since these choices are healthy overall. What you want to keep an eye out for when choosing snacks are added sugars.

According to the American Dental Association, added sugar consumption should be limited to less than 10 percent of total energy intake, ideally less than five percent. To put things in perspective, one can of soda is equivalent to three times the daily recommended sugar intake of a child!

Choose Beverages Wisely

On that note, we’d like to advise parents to choose their children’s beverages wisely. Soda and juice may be your child’s preferred drinks, but milk and water are much healthier choices. Good sources of calcium, like milk, aid in building strong teeth and bones and water helps to wash away food particles that may be clinging to teeth, thus protecting against decay.

Source: https://hanoverdentistry.com/2016/08/23/snacking-tips-to-keep-your-childs-smile-health/#:~:text=Stay%20away%20from%20starchy%2C%20sticky,%2C%20nuts%2C%20yogurt%20and%20cheese.

Photo Source: https://www.drjennifercohen.com/calm-happy-mealtime-solution/

Tooth Snack Guide

 

School is almost back in session. Whether that means online or in person, new schedules will need to be put in place. Preparing snacks ahead of time will save you a lot of questions and time. Put all snacks in one place in the refrigerator or have a designated basket in the cupboard so your kids know where to look when it is snack time. 

Healthy snacks will keep your child's blood sugar levels even and give them the best advantage to staying up on their assignments. 

We look forward to seeing you at your semi-annual cleaning appointment!

Source: https://fidkids.com/tooth-friendly-snack-guide/

Jaw Pain is Not Normal

Make an appointment if your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up. See a dentist also if you have an uneven bite.

Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/j/jaw-pain

Dry Mouth Dangers

Dry mouth—also called xerostomia—results from an inadequate flow of saliva. It is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics and many others.

Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Saliva washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth, offering first-line protection against microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. In some cases, dry mouth can be an indicator of Sjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, the tear-secreting and salivary glands as well as other organs.

Without saliva, extensive tooth decay can also occur. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. For safe, effective relief of dry mouth symptoms, look for a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dry-mouth

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

LANAP gum treatment also has many benefits, including:

• LANAP is a no cut, no sew, no fear procedure.
• Overall health upswing – Patients often tell us their overall wellness improves as the massive inflammation around their teeth is snuffed out, and their mouth returns to health.
• Less discomfort – LANAP treatment is more comfortable than traditional gum procedures, both during and after your treatment.
• Faster treatment time – your LANAP treatment requires fewer visits and less chair time.
• Quicker recovery – LANAP is minimally invasive, leading to much quicker recovery than traditional cut and sew gum surgery.
• Better long-term results – LANAP does not involve loss of gum tissue or removal of bone tissue as is experienced in the cut and sew technique.
• Safe for those who are medically compromised – LANAP therapy is safe for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
• Bad breath resolution: Dr Clark jokes that, “Bad breath is better than no breath at all!” Bad breath is resolved because the gums no longer are infected, bleeding or harboring accumulations of food debris and bacteria under the gums. Bad breath is toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Imagine breathing toxic gas into your lungs constantly. It is killing you slowly as time goes by!