Family Dentistry

Many Provo residents are afraid to go to the dentist. For some people with dental anxiety, it’s because they had a painful experience at the dentist when they were young. Others fear needles or a perceived lack of control. Another oft-cited reason men and women are scared of the dentist is the dreaded dental drill.

If you need dental treatment and are putting it off, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry has outstanding news: it may not require a dental drill!

Drill-less Dentistry

Drill-less dentistry is typically called air abrasion or microabrasion. Air abrasion can be used for all types of dental procedures such as removing tooth decay or preparing tooth surfaces for sealants, bonding, or a crown. An air abrasion instrument works like a little sandblaster. It propels a fine stream of particles at the area that would generally be drilled. After the stream of particles strikes and removes the decay, the materials are suctioned out of the mouth.

What Are the Advantages of Air Abrasion?

Compared with the conventional drilling method, the advantages of air abrasion include:

• Air abrasion creates no heat, pressure, or vibration.
• Air abrasion may reduce the need for anesthesia, particularly if the cavity is shallow.
• Air abrasion leaves more of the healthy tooth tissue behind.
• Air abrasion reduces the risk of fracturing and chipping of the tooth, which some dentists believe can affect the life span of the filling. (WebMD)

Laser Dentistry

Another technology that helps make a dental procedure faster and less painful is laser dentistry. Pinpoint-precise Diode lasers are typically easier on the patient and require shorter healing times.

Here are some of the ways dentists use lasers:

1. Tooth decay. Lasers are used to eliminate tooth decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for the filling.
2. Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
3. Biopsy. Lasers can remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer.
4. Lesion Removal. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.
5. Teeth Whitening. Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is ”activated” by laser energy, which speeds up the whitening process. (American Dental Association)

Sleep Dentistry

Still not convinced? If advanced technology and equipment don’t ease your mind, consider sleeping through your treatment. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer sedation dentistry for our most terrified patients.

Dental dilemmas don’t go away. They get worse. (And that’s the scariest thing of all.)

A compassionate, understanding dental team is just as critical as the latest dental technology. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we understand how debilitating dental anxiety can be. Let us help you through your treatment and get you on the path toward optimum oral health.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

385-375-3715

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Your teeth are invaluable assets, and their well-being is vital to your overall health and quality of life.

However, they are not invincible and are susceptible to various forms of damage. Understanding the factors that can compromise your teeth and knowing how to prevent them is essential for maintaining a healthy, radiant smile. Here are some of the ways in which teeth can be damaged and a few practical tips on how to protect your teeth from harm.

Common Causes of Dental Damage

• Tooth Decay: Dental cavities, often caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, are a leading cause of tooth damage. Bacteria produce acid that erodes the enamel, leading to cavities.
• Gum Disease: Neglecting gum health can result in gum disease, causing gum recession and ultimately exposing the roots of your teeth, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Clenching or grinding your teeth, especially at night, can cause significant wear and tear. This condition is often linked to stress.
• Acid Erosion: Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can weaken the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
• Physical Trauma: Accidents or sports injuries can cause chips, cracks, or even the loss of teeth.

Preventing Dental Damage

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Regular dental check-ups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah can catch issues early.

• Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your teeth from further damage.
• Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Reducing or quitting these habits can safeguard your oral health.
• Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah are essential for early detection and intervention. Your dentist can recommend appropriate treatments and preventive measures.

Taking Action for a Healthy Smile

Your teeth are not only essential for your physical health but also play a significant role in your self-esteem and overall well-being. The experts at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah are here to support you in safeguarding your teeth from damage and ensuring a radiant smile for years to come. Regular dental check-ups, combined with a commitment to good oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle, can go a long way in protecting your precious pearls.

Don’t wait until dental damage occurs; take proactive steps to protect your smile and invest in a lifetime of dental health.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Toothpaste plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene in our Orem area. There is no doubt that modern toothpaste provides important medical benefit and will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

But what happens when you run out of toothpaste unexpectedly?

Fret not! There are several alternative solutions readily available in your home that can effectively clean your teeth and freshen your breath in a pinch. While we are strong advocates for toothpaste here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we also believe it is important to maintain a regular daily habit of brushing your teeth. We also know you can’t always plan ahead or have your toiletry kit on hand.

With this rare circumstance in mind, let’s take a look at five toothpaste substitutes that you can use temporarily until you restock your toothpaste supply.

Plain Household Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile household product in Orem that can act as an excellent toothpaste substitute. Its mild abrasive properties help remove plaque and surface stains, while its alkaline nature neutralizes acids in the mouth. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into a small amount of baking soda, and brush your teeth as you would with regular toothpaste. However, use it sparingly as excessive use can erode tooth enamel.

A Quick Saltwater Rinse

Saltwater is a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria in your mouth and soothe gum inflammation. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. This method can be used as a temporary solution until you can purchase toothpaste at your local pharmacy in Orem, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t offer the same benefits as brushing.

A Few Drops of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used as a disinfectant by many in the Orem area, can also be used as a toothpaste alternative. It helps kill bacteria and reduces plaque buildup. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, and use the solution as a mouthwash, swishing it around your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Avoid swallowing the solution, and do not use concentrations higher than 3%, as it can cause oral irritation.

A Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil pulling has been shown to help with oral health and is popular with naturalists. Oil pulling is a technique that requires you to swish your mouth with coconut oil for 15 minutes or more. Not exactly the most convenient solution for our Orem friends. Oil pulling “promotes oral health by eliminating bacteria.” Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry doesn’t recommend this practice as a regular solution, and we often wonder whether coconut oil is actually more accessible than at least a little dab of toothpaste, but we wanted to include it for the record.

To use this method, take a tablespoon of organic coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all corners. Spit out the oil afterward and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This method can help reduce plaque, freshen breath, and maintain healthy gums. It isn’t the most convenient way to get the job done, and there are skeptics who question the ultimate value of coconut oil pulling, but it will do in a pinch.

Toothbrush Alone

In situations where you don’t have access to any of the above alternatives, using a toothbrush alone can still remove plaque and provide some level of oral cleanliness. Wet your toothbrush and brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes, focusing on each tooth and using gentle circular motions. While it doesn’t provide the same level of freshness as toothpaste, it’s better than skipping oral hygiene altogether.

While running out of toothpaste can leave you feeling unprepared, these alternative solutions can help maintain your oral health until you can restock your supply.

From baking soda to saltwater rinses, hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil pulling, and even using a toothbrush alone, there are options available for various situations.

However, it’s important to note that these alternatives are not meant to replace regular toothpaste in the long term. Remember to prioritize restocking your toothpaste and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine to ensure optimal dental health, and we’ll see you at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo Utah for your next checkup!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604