Pediatric dentist Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., M.S. tells when, and how, to start using toothpaste with young children.
Friday, February 28, 2014
When to Start Using Toothpaste
Pediatric dentist Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., M.S. tells when, and how, to start using toothpaste with young children.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Pediatric dentist Douglas B. Keck, D.M.D., explains the important role of caring for baby teeth.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Benefits of Sugarless Gum
Saliva is your body's natural defense against cavities. Because sugarless gum stimulates saliva production without providing "food" for the acid-producing bacteria in your mouth, it is an easy way to prevent tooth decay. Find out more about how sugarless gum and other simple preventative measures can help you maintain good oral health.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Be Sure To Ask These Questions Before Getting Veneers
You are contemplating veneers. Great! The smile of your dreams is
only a few short weeks away. You have already researched local dentists
and have scheduled a consultation with a local dentist to gain more
information and begin the process of your smile transformation.
Although veneers have become a common cosmetic procedure, it is important to ask the right questions and have all your concerns addressed before the process begins. Remember, that there is no such thing as a dumb or bad question. If you are unsure of something, be sure to ask. Unfortunately, some questions seem to slip from people's memory when they meet their dentist for a consultation. Below are a few key points to ask before committing to your smile makeover.
1.) Ask to see previous work carried out by your dentist, allowing you to vividly see the type of work performed by the dentist. When viewing these images, you should be able to see the complexity of each case, paying particular attention to how each smile is unique and beautiful. If you notice that many of the ending results are exactly the same, you may want to ask the dentist how he or she can make your smile unique to you.
2.) Ask about any hidden costs. Does the quote definitely cover everything? Sometimes dentists may decide to charge you for additional work, giving you unexpected costs. Asking beforehand ensures that you know exactly what you are expected to pay before beginning the process. Also ask if there are any incentives for paying in-full, early, or different payment plan options.
3.) Ask if the work is guaranteed. If so, for how long? Get it in writing. If a veneer breaks in the guaranteed time, are you given a replacement veneer for free? Ask also if you get a discount on replacements after the guarantee is up- get that in writing too.
4.) Tell the dentist about any known dental issues; including, sensitivity, grinding, clenching, etc. These issues may affect whether you should get veneers, since teeth grinders are typically not good candidates for veneers since they are at higher risk for damaging them.
5.) If you have any issues like cavities or gum problems, the dentist should 100% fix these before fitting new veneers as this will only mask the problem. Since these underlying problems are not fixed, you may have more costs and pain in the long run.
6.) If you don't like needles or have dental anxiety, ask what other kinds of sedation are offered.
7.) Ask how long you need to wait between the temporary and final veneers.
These are just a few of the many questions that you should consider before going through with the veneers process. Remember you should be comfortable that you are choosing the right dentist for your needs. No question is a bad question when getting a smile make-over. Be sure that they are answered and that you are completely aware of what to expect before, during, and after the process.
Although veneers have become a common cosmetic procedure, it is important to ask the right questions and have all your concerns addressed before the process begins. Remember, that there is no such thing as a dumb or bad question. If you are unsure of something, be sure to ask. Unfortunately, some questions seem to slip from people's memory when they meet their dentist for a consultation. Below are a few key points to ask before committing to your smile makeover.
1.) Ask to see previous work carried out by your dentist, allowing you to vividly see the type of work performed by the dentist. When viewing these images, you should be able to see the complexity of each case, paying particular attention to how each smile is unique and beautiful. If you notice that many of the ending results are exactly the same, you may want to ask the dentist how he or she can make your smile unique to you.
2.) Ask about any hidden costs. Does the quote definitely cover everything? Sometimes dentists may decide to charge you for additional work, giving you unexpected costs. Asking beforehand ensures that you know exactly what you are expected to pay before beginning the process. Also ask if there are any incentives for paying in-full, early, or different payment plan options.
3.) Ask if the work is guaranteed. If so, for how long? Get it in writing. If a veneer breaks in the guaranteed time, are you given a replacement veneer for free? Ask also if you get a discount on replacements after the guarantee is up- get that in writing too.
4.) Tell the dentist about any known dental issues; including, sensitivity, grinding, clenching, etc. These issues may affect whether you should get veneers, since teeth grinders are typically not good candidates for veneers since they are at higher risk for damaging them.
5.) If you have any issues like cavities or gum problems, the dentist should 100% fix these before fitting new veneers as this will only mask the problem. Since these underlying problems are not fixed, you may have more costs and pain in the long run.
6.) If you don't like needles or have dental anxiety, ask what other kinds of sedation are offered.
7.) Ask how long you need to wait between the temporary and final veneers.
These are just a few of the many questions that you should consider before going through with the veneers process. Remember you should be comfortable that you are choosing the right dentist for your needs. No question is a bad question when getting a smile make-over. Be sure that they are answered and that you are completely aware of what to expect before, during, and after the process.
Jon Frankel, DDS is a general and cosmetic dentist in Toledo, Ohio. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry and enjoys creating new, beautiful, unique smiles. To learn more about Dr. Frankel, veneers, or other options available at Frankel Dentistry, please visit his website at http://www.jonfrankeldentistry.com and be sure to "like" him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jonfrankeldentistry
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Girls' Sports Injuries of the Mouth
The rise of girls participating in sports such as basketball, volleyball or soccer, has led to an increase in sport related injuries including injuries to the mouth. Find out how mouth guards can help to protect your beautiful smile and prevent mouth injuries such as broken teeth, injury to the lips, tongue or jaw.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Best Way to Treat Gingivitis
Periodontal disease is a term that is used to describe a range of
conditions that are caused due to bacterial infections. These diseases
can lead to destruction of the tissue and bone that holds teeth in
place. Gingivitis is the basic kind of periodontal disease.
Causes of Gingivitis
It is typically a result of bad oral hygiene, which in turn leads to plaque buildup. There are certain other factors that can also lead to gingivitis, such as aging, smoking and diabetes. In some cases, it can also be a result of genetic factors.
Pregnancy, stress, certain medication and substance abuse can also cause this condition. Dental plaque contains bacteria that cause irritation in the gums. If left untreated or unattended, this results in infection. The natural immune system tries to fight against the infection and that is when the gums get inflamed. Typically, this disease does not cause the person any discomfort or pain.
The Symptoms
This is exactly why it is so easy for a person to overlook the condition. Since there is no pain or discomfort, you do not realize that the condition exists and you do not get it treated on time. The basic symptoms of gingivitis are swollen gums that tend to bleed easily when you eat something hard or even when you brush or floss your teeth. In cases where the infection has set in very strongly, the gums might also start separating very slowly. If this condition is left untreated, it will eventually spread to the base and the roots of teeth. The plaque that lines the gums and that has now spread to the roots of the teeth starts getting infected. This leads to bleeding which is caused by a bacterial infection.
Regular Check-ups
It is important to get a regular dental check-up even if there is no specific complaint or condition that you are suffering from. These are preventive check-ups. It gives the dentist a chance to see if there is any plaque buildup. He/she will then ensure that it is cleaned out, which will arrest the spread of the infection in the mouth. In effect, it is prevention of gingivitis. The dentist will also prescribe certain antibiotic mouthwashes that have to be used on a regular basis. You will also be asked to come in for a check-up after a few months. In most cases, it is possible to prevent it by regular brushing and flossing after a meal. If illness is the cause of your gingivitis, you will have to see the dentist to get it treated in time.
Causes of Gingivitis
It is typically a result of bad oral hygiene, which in turn leads to plaque buildup. There are certain other factors that can also lead to gingivitis, such as aging, smoking and diabetes. In some cases, it can also be a result of genetic factors.
Pregnancy, stress, certain medication and substance abuse can also cause this condition. Dental plaque contains bacteria that cause irritation in the gums. If left untreated or unattended, this results in infection. The natural immune system tries to fight against the infection and that is when the gums get inflamed. Typically, this disease does not cause the person any discomfort or pain.
The Symptoms
This is exactly why it is so easy for a person to overlook the condition. Since there is no pain or discomfort, you do not realize that the condition exists and you do not get it treated on time. The basic symptoms of gingivitis are swollen gums that tend to bleed easily when you eat something hard or even when you brush or floss your teeth. In cases where the infection has set in very strongly, the gums might also start separating very slowly. If this condition is left untreated, it will eventually spread to the base and the roots of teeth. The plaque that lines the gums and that has now spread to the roots of the teeth starts getting infected. This leads to bleeding which is caused by a bacterial infection.
Regular Check-ups
It is important to get a regular dental check-up even if there is no specific complaint or condition that you are suffering from. These are preventive check-ups. It gives the dentist a chance to see if there is any plaque buildup. He/she will then ensure that it is cleaned out, which will arrest the spread of the infection in the mouth. In effect, it is prevention of gingivitis. The dentist will also prescribe certain antibiotic mouthwashes that have to be used on a regular basis. You will also be asked to come in for a check-up after a few months. In most cases, it is possible to prevent it by regular brushing and flossing after a meal. If illness is the cause of your gingivitis, you will have to see the dentist to get it treated in time.
Midtown Dental has the best dentists who will be able to treat gingivitis. It is best to get your teeth checked by them every 6 months. Also, check out their new page on The Best Way to Deal with Gingivitis.
Monday, February 10, 2014
How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?
Because people are keeping their teeth longer than ever, it's more important than ever for seniors to practice good oral hygiene and schedule dental check-ups. Learn what you—and your dentist—can do to ensure you keep your smile for a lifetime.
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