Sealants

March 19, 2010

Sealants are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities from starting in the bumpy, irregular chewing surfaces.  The sealants are usually placed by the dentist when the 6 year molars come in and again when the 12 year molars come in.  Some patients need sealants at other stages of their life due to [...]

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Mouthguards and Sports Dentistry

March 4, 2010

Many sports-related mouth injuries can be easily prevented with the proper design of mouth and tooth protection through mouthguards.  Mouthguards are required for all youth league and high school football, hockey  lacrosse players and wrestlers with braces.  Mouthguards need to be properly fitted just like a helmet.  A properly fitted mouthguard will not prevent you from [...]

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Kissing keeps your mouth healthy

February 17, 2010

While kissing, salivary flow increases.  Saliva contains antibacterial properties.  More saliva means less bacteria, less tooth decay, less gum disease, and better breath.  More kissing…better breath…more kissing…

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Sensitive Teeth

January 15, 2010

A new product called Sensitive Pro-Relief can be applied to your teeth at your hygiene appointment in 5 minutes.  It tastes like toothpaste and provides instant relief.  The desensitizing paste contains calcium carbonate and arginine, an amino acid naturally found in saliva.  Mention this blog and receive a free application of the desensitizing paste!

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Oral cancer screening

January 8, 2010

We provide oral cancer screenings at no charge as part of every exam we do  at our office.  Oral cancer is more common than cervical cancer which women get checked for once a year.  Earlier diagnosis is the most important factor in improving survival rates.  Tobacco use and excessive long- term alcohol intake heighten risk.  [...]

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Snoring

January 5, 2010

Snoring is a sign of airway narrowing.  Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 90 million Americans.  Of habitually loud snorers, 16% will have OSA.  People with OSA are 10 times more likely to die in a car accident.  Oral appliances can be used to reposition the lower jaw and eliminate upper airway obstruction.  Oral appliances are [...]

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It’s Not Just A Cleaning

December 4, 2009

Prevention should serve as a lifestyle pattern for total health, not the least of which is dental health.  Prevention in dentistry leads to improved long-term oral health and reduced dental costs.  It encourages a bright smile, fresh breath, and an overall good feeling of personal security.  Prevention is your insurance policy toward a healthier, pain-free [...]

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Pick or Scale Your Own Teeth

November 25, 2009

Home-scaling devices are available in drug stores but they can easily injure teeth and gums.  Gouging root surfaces, chipping enamel, or pushing calculus under the gumline resulting in an abscess are all negative outcomes of home-scalers.  Toothbrushes, floss, interdental brushes, proxabrushes, wooden toothpicks, and soft plastic floss picks can all be used safely and effectively at home.  Root [...]

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Women Dentists

November 20, 2009

Many patients tell me that they specifically looked for a female dentist when they moved to Grand Junction.  They feel that women dentists listen more carefully and take more time to communicate during procedures.  Statistics show that female dentists are more likely to spend more time communicating with patients.  I feel the importance of establishing rapport and [...]

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Broken Teeth

November 17, 2009

Many middle-aged people experience broken teeth.  Sometimes, this is due to large fillings placed in their youth acting as wedges  over time, and consequently fracturing the tooth.   Even teeth without fillings can fracture due to increased brittleness of aging teeth.   There is a reduction in the damage tolerance of teeth over time.  Clenching or grinding, chewing ice or [...]

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