Blog
Braces-Friendly Eating Tips: Dietary Guidelines for Orthodontic Patients
January 22, 2011
When you abide by the rules of what to eat and what not to eat when wearing braces, you're doing yourself a favor. Your orthodontist gives you dietary guidelines for a reason. When you are wearing braces, it is important to avoid certain foods that can damage the orthodontic appliances, brackets, and wires, which may cause delays in treatment. The key rule is: nothing hard, sticky or chewy! Here's a handy red-yellow-green light list of do's and don'ts when it comes to snacking while wearing braces. Read More
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease & What Can I Do About It?
January 17, 2011
You may have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, if you answer yes to one or more of the following questions. Read More
Fluoride: Too Much of a Good Thing?
January 10, 2011
A recent news article announced plans by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to lower the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water for the first time in nearly 50 years, based on a fresh review of the science. This plan echoes the recommendation that your neighborhood First Choice Dental team has been sharing with patients for years. First Choice Dental and the American Dental Association continue to advocate the use of fluorides as a proven method to prevent tooth decay. Read More
Does flossing really make a difference?
January 1, 2011
Sure does! Looking for a New Year's Resolution to add to your list that's super simple and will improve your overall health? Make 2011 the year you commit to flossing your teeth every day! Your dental hygienist speaks the truth. Flossing makes a big difference. Daily flossing helps to prevent gum disease. Flossing also removes plaque, prevents cavities and benefits your overall oral health by removing the bacteria that gets between teeth and can cause infection in your mouth and body. Some adults floss daily, but most don't. Read More
Can the health of my smile affect my overall health?
December 10, 2010
Absolutely! Your mouth is a window to your body's health and your family dental center can do a whole lot more than simply keep your teeth clean. Oral health and overall health are more connected than you might realize. Sometimes the first sign of disease shows up in your mouth. In other cases, infections in your mouth, such as gum disease, can cause problems in other areas of your body. Research shows and experts agree that there is an association between periodontal disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses. Read More
How can I make my smile look better with help from a cosmetic dentist?
December 7, 2010
Cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile, make you look younger and help alleviate something that's getting the way of a more confident, more joyful you. The right cosmetic dentist with the proper training in this dental specialty can help explore ways you can achieve your goals for a new and improved smile. Read More
Is Invisalign right for me?
December 4, 2010
InvisalignTM is the ""clear alternative"" to braces, and patients have become more and more interested in this option for improving the look of your smile over traditional braces. Your orthodontist can assess whether or not you're a candidate for Invisalign. Our orthodontic patients at First Choice Dental love the way Invisalign works. Instead of traditional wire and bracket braces, we use a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. This option has become popular among adults and teens. Since the aligners are clear, they're nearly invisible, which many people prefer. You can take them out for easy brushing and flossing, or for a special occasion. Read More
What causes periodontal disease?
December 1, 2010
When it comes to the initial cause of periodontal disease, plaque is the culprit. This thin, colorless, sticky film contains bacteria and constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria use sugars and starches to produce an acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth and can cause gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can be broken down and a cavity begins. Continued acid attacks break down the enamel, cause cavities and eventually penetrate the tooth's structure, causing periodontal disease. Protect your teeth from acid attacks by brushing and flossing to remove plaque, reducing the amount of sugar and starches you eat, using fluorides, asking your dentist about plastic sealants that can be applied to teeth, and by regular cleanings by a dental hygienist. There are several stages to gum disease. You're far better off and able to combat gum disease with help from your dentist if you catch it early on. This is one of the many reasons why dental checkups every six months is so important. During these routine visits, your dentist can check on gum health, as well as a number of other preventative checks to maintain your oral health. Read More
