My Family Dental Blog http://myfamilydentalblog.com We Believe Dentistry and the Cost Should Be Painless Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 Are You Happy With Your Smile? http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/16/are-you-happy-with-your-smile/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/16/are-you-happy-with-your-smile/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:01 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=1023

Cosmetic dentistry features a wide variety of solutions to meet all of your dental needs.  Veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or composite veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored, translucent porcelain or composite resin, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their color, shape and overall appearance. Placement of dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile and appearance.  Porcelain veneers can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using good oral hygiene and avoid using them to crack or chew hard objects like ice.  Porcelain veneers create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance. Unlike other cosmetic dental bonding materials, porcelain is a smooth, impervious ceramic and therefore will not pick up permanent stain from cigarette smoking or from dark or richly colored liquids or spices.

Porcelain veneers are conservative. Only a small amount of tooth structure is removed, if any during the procedure.  If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please give My Family Dental a call and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation and answer any questions or concerns regarding your oral health! 480-649-4000.

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A new study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has produced the strongest evidence yet that fluoride in drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults, even those who had not received fluoridated drinking water as children.  For years the accepted understanding was that that fluoridated drinking water only benefited children who consumed it from birth.  However, science has now proven that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay in adults, even if they start drinking it after childhood.   The results, published online in the Journal of Dental Research, show that adults who spent more than 75 percent of their lifetime living in fluoridated communities had significantly less tooth decay (up to 30 percent less) when compared to adults who had lived less that 25 percent of their lifetime in such communities.

If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please give My Family Dental a call and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation and answer any questions or concerns regarding your oral health! 480-649-4000.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/09/fluoride-in-the-water/feed/ 0 Sensitive Teeth? http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/02/1006/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/02/1006/#comments Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:59:59 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=1006 Ever get that uncomfortable tingling feeling when you drink or eat something hot or cold?  According to the Journal of American Dental Associations you are not alone.  In fact the study reveals that one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth.  Sensitivity often occurs when enamel on the outside of the tooth, or the tissue between the tooth and gum called cementum, wears away, exposing small tubes that connect nerves inside the tooth to triggers outside of the tooth.  The study found that adults between 18 and 44 were 3.5 times more likely than older adults to have sensitive teeth and women were 1.8 times more likely than men to have the condition as well.

How do you correct that feeling?  You need to examine your diet and assess the amount of acidic foods you consume.  My Family Dental suggests drinking water immediately after having acidic food or drink, such as fruit, orange juice, wine or coffee, and avoiding brushing for 10 or 15 minutes so your teeth can settle.

If a diet correction and drinking more water after acidic meals doesn’t cure your situation, we suggest trying over-the-counter toothpastes for sensitive teeth.  If that doesn’t help, please give My Family Dental (insert HTML link) a call and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation and answer any questions or concerns regarding your oral health! 480-649-4000.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/04/02/1006/feed/ 0 New Technology to Improve Cavity Detection! http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/03/26/new-technology-to-improve-cavity-detection/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/03/26/new-technology-to-improve-cavity-detection/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:52:09 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=999 Cavities are something we all deal with in life.  Traditionally, dentists use an instrument they call the “explorer” to find cavities. That’s the instrument they poke around with in your mouth during a checkup. When it “sticks” in a tooth, they look closer to see if they find decay.  It can be painful.  Today, dentists are now utilizing a safer and higher tech approach that reduces patient a

nxiety:  the diode laser.  The laser serves several helpful purposes including detection and removal of cavities as well as identifying pockets of bacteria inside the tooth.  These devices will produce a digital readout of the level of bacteria allowing our dentists to watch your tooth, compare the levels at the next visit, or suggest that the cavity be removed and the tooth filled.

As you can see there are safer and high tech options in place to help identify cavities and make your dental experience a much more soothing and calmer experience.   If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please give My Family Dental a call and we will be more than happy to schedule a consultation and answer any questions or concerns regarding your oral health! 480-649-4000.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2013/03/26/new-technology-to-improve-cavity-detection/feed/ 0 Top Ten Health Reasons to Remove your Wisdom Teeth http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/10/29/top-ten-health-reasons-to-remove-your-wisdom-teeth/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/10/29/top-ten-health-reasons-to-remove-your-wisdom-teeth/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:50:37 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=984 Do Wisdom Teeth Make You Smarter?

It would be great if that were the case, but it isn’t so. Wisdom teeth are third molars and they developed the name because they usually erupt during the teenage years. In years past, the time in a teen’s life was considered a passage into adulthood and so the teeth got stuck with the “wisdom teeth” label.  Below are the top 10 reasons to have your wisdom teeth removed.

10. Because there is limited space for wisdom teeth to erupt and because the surrounding gums are difficult to keep clean, infection and inflammation are common even when there are no apparent symptoms. Research shows that once inflammation takes hold, it is almost impossible to eliminate and may spread to other teeth.

9. Research suggests that oral inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may contribute to preterm or low birth weight infants.

8. Even when wisdom teeth erupt through the gum tissues, they rarely provide any meaningful function and are always difficult to keep clean.

7. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth develop associated cysts and/or tumors. Removal of such lesions may require extensive procedures to repair and restore jaw function and appearance.

6. With age, the chance for complications related to the removal of wisdom teeth increases.

5. Gum disease and inflammation associated with wisdom teeth may lead to receding gum tissues, deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss.

4. Wisdom teeth may contribute to the crowding of nearby teeth.

3. Even wisdom teeth that seem to be problem free (asymptomatic) remain a breeding ground for oral infection and inflammation. Research supports the concept that such inflammation may enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development and/or progression of a variety of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

2. Once it has been determined that a wisdom tooth will not successfully erupt into your mouth and be maintained in a healthy state, early removal of wisdom teeth is associated with faster and easier recovery.

1. The number one reason for removing your wisdom teeth – peace of mind.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/10/29/top-ten-health-reasons-to-remove-your-wisdom-teeth/feed/ 0 Foods that can Whiten your Teeth! Part 2 http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/12/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-2/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/12/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-2/#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:01:17 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=149 In our previous blog I discussed some at-home remedies that can help whiten your teeth. As promised here are some more remedies.

Another type of acidic food you can use is lemons.  This can be done in 2 ways, first mix a couple drops of lemon juice with a pinch of table salt. Then, rub this mixture as well over the dark stains in your teeth. Since the acidic properties in these items can cause enamel sensitivity, be sure to do these remedies about once a week.

Raw vegetables are another great way to get rid of stains because biting into the abrasive texture rubs against your teeth acting as a tooth brush. Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach have a certain mineral make up that act as a film cover over your teeth making them easier to resist stains. Keep in mind that when using these whitening tricks at home try and avoid foods that are natural known strainers and routinely follow these procedures.

Although there are certain foods that will keep your teeth healthy, it is still important to see your dentist regularly.  If you are in need of a dentist, please visit our website to find your closest My Family Dental.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/12/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-2/feed/ 0 Foods that can Whiten your Teeth! Part 1 http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/04/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-1-2/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/04/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-1-2/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:56:17 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=141 Did you know there are foods that can actually help whiten your teeth?  Fruits and vegetables are not only nutritious for you but also help clean your teeth as well. If professional whitening is not in your budget, there are home remedies you can use to help get that pearly white smile.

Next time you eat an orange, save those peels and make sure to leave all stringy stuff hanging on there, those are most effective. Take the peel and rub it back and forth against your teeth. Make sure to completely rub over all surface areas of your smile.

Another common remedy is using strawberries. The best way is to crush up some strawberries, mix them with a little baking soda and rub this mixture all over your teeth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before brushing your teeth.  The acidic mixture is what helps rid the teeth of dark stains.

For more at home tricks, check back for the second part of this blog. If you would like professional whitening or a general teeth cleaning, My Family Dental can provide you with excellent service that is above and beyond. Please visit our website!

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/09/04/foods-that-can-whiten-your-teeth-part-1-2/feed/ 0 Can good looking teeth help you get a dream job? http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/08/27/can-good-looking-teeth-help-you-get-a-dream-job/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/08/27/can-good-looking-teeth-help-you-get-a-dream-job/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:46:48 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=963 Appearance is important. This may seem to be an obvious statement but did you know that research has shown that people with a good smile and nice teeth get better jobs, are more successful in getting contracts and business.

Cosmetic dentistry need not cost the earth. For example, teeth bleaching is the least intrusive, most effective and long lasting cosmetic treatment available. It is also probably the cheapest too! It probably costs a lot less than a year’s worth of cosmetics, hairdresser, clothes or even shoes and doesn’t need to be replaced or redone unless, of course you are a heavy smoker or live on black coffee. Bleaching improves the body colour of the  teeth, rather than bleaching stains.

Black ( silver/mercury amalgam) fillings can be replaced with tooth colored fillings. We have not used amalgam fillings for almost 20 years now. Cosmetic dentistry not only improves your appearance and job prospects but often has an amazing effect on self-esteem, confidence and self-respect.

It is also possible to cover up discoloured or misshapen teeth with fillings, veneers or crowns.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2012/08/27/can-good-looking-teeth-help-you-get-a-dream-job/feed/ 0 Dentures Care and Tips http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2011/12/28/dentures-care-and-tips/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2011/12/28/dentures-care-and-tips/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:41:22 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=954 If you have missing or damaged teeth, you likely have dentures to replace for missing teeth. Dentures are removable and do take a while to get use to them however with today’s modernized technology dentures are looking more natural than ever however with that said hygiene is important in keeping them in tip top shape. If taken care of properly dentures should last between five to seven years before they need to be replaced and visiting your dentist regular is important to ensure the condition and fit of your dentures. Signs of irritation, or gum disease could potentially occur which is why its best to see your dentist so it can be treated immediately. We have accumulated a list of helpful tips of how to help your dentures last longer and fit better; read the article below to uncover those healthy tips!

Dentures Care and Tips

As you can see dentures are a great option for filling in those missing gaps and have many advantages when it comes to your oral health.  If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please give My Family Dental a call and we will be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding your oral health! 480-649-4000.

]]> http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2011/12/28/dentures-care-and-tips/feed/ 0 Bone Fractures Can Be Predicted By Dental X-Rays http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2011/12/27/bone-fractures-can-be-predicted-by-dental-x-rays/ http://myfamilydentalblog.com/2011/12/27/bone-fractures-can-be-predicted-by-dental-x-rays/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:40:34 +0000 admin http://myfamilydentalblog.com/?p=946

A new study reveals that it is now possible to use dental x-ray to predict who is at risk of bone fractures. The study shows that the older the patient was the stronger the link between sparse bone structure in the jaw and fractures in other parts of the body. With today’s advance technology dental x rays can now contain a significant amount of information on a patients bone structure  and by analyzing these images, dentists can identify people who are at greater risk of fractures long before the first fracture occurs. To learn more about this new research study and what it means for the future of dental hygiene read the article below.

Bone Fractures Can Be Predicted By Dental X-Rays

This new research will allow dentist to give patients further insight into their patients overall health and help those in the early stages of bone fractures. Remember your families health is our top priority and scheduling regular dental check up is the best means of prevention. If you have any questions about dental health care or need to schedule an appointment, please give My Family Dental a call! 480-649-4000.

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