Teaching Children to Floss in the Provo, Utah Area

Teaching Children to Floss in the Provo, Utah area with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

In the vibrant area of Provo, Utah, parents often seek ways to instill good dental habits in their children from a young age.

One crucial aspect of oral hygiene that can sometimes be overlooked is flossing.

While brushing is widely understood, teaching children to floss effectively is equally important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we understand the significance of early dental education. Here’s why and how we encourage parents to teach their children to floss…

Why Teach Children to Floss:

Prevention of Decay: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, preventing the formation of cavities and decay. By teaching children to floss regularly, parents can help them maintain healthy smiles for years to come.

Gum Health: Flossing isn’t just about keeping teeth clean; it’s also essential for gum health. Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease by removing bacteria and debris that can lead to inflammation and infection.

Establishing Lifelong Habits: Teaching children to floss at a young age establishes good oral hygiene habits that they can carry into adulthood. By starting early, parents set their children up for a lifetime of healthy smiles and fewer dental problems.

How to Teach Children to Floss:

Lead by Example: Children often learn best by watching and imitating their parents. Parents can demonstrate proper flossing techniques and make it a part of their daily oral hygiene routine.

Make it Fun: Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be made into a fun and interactive activity. Parents can use colorful flossers or flavored floss to make the experience more enjoyable for children.

Supervise and Assist: Until children develop the dexterity to floss independently, parents should supervise and assist them with flossing. This ensures that they use the correct technique and effectively reach all areas of their mouths.

Offer Positive Reinforcement: Praise and encourage children for their efforts in flossing. Positive reinforcement reinforces good behavior and motivates children to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Be Patient and Persistent: Like any skill, learning to floss takes time and practice. Parents should be patient with their children and emphasize the importance of flossing as part of their daily routine.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we believe in the power of early dental education and the importance of teaching children to floss. Our team is dedicated to providing parents in the Provo, Utah area with the guidance and support they need to instill good oral hygiene habits in their children from a young age.

By teaching children to floss effectively, parents can help them achieve and maintain sparkling smiles for life.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

385-375-3715

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Why Do You Need A Local Provo Dentist?

dental implants provoOur practice, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, offers family dentistry, general dentistry and many cosmetic dental services. If you have a family and are looking for a family dentist, give us a call at 801-374-0070.

If you live in the Provo area, it is wise to choose a local dentist for your family dentist. It will be easier and more convenient for every member of your family to come in for regular examinations and cleanings. Most busy Provo parents don’t need the added inconvenience of a long commute to a dental appointment. And what if you experience a dental emergency? A neighborhood dentist who knows your family is best equipped to handle unexpected dental needs.

In addition to basic preventative dental health services such as fluoride treatments, routine x-rays and oral hygiene, we offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. You can reach Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.

Provo parents with infants and toddlers often seek information about thumb-sucking, the health of ‘baby teeth,’ x-ray safety, and fluoride supplements. Parents with older children are often concerned about sealants, tooth protection for sports, tooth straightening, and dental financing.

We look forward to answering all of your questions. You can learn more about Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


Losing Your Adult Teeth In Provo, Utah?

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It was one thing to lose that set of baby teeth but, unfortunately, these don’t grow back. (And you don’t look adorable with a gap-toothed smile.) If you feel like you are losing your adult teeth to staining, decay, chipping or brittle aging then it’s time to visit with Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Since 1967, Dr. Hammond has built a practice teeming with experience, filled with kindness, flowing with a gentle touch, and carrying all the wisdom of wise, capable professionals.

When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to save your natural teeth. If this is not possible, we can look at other ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh and smile in selfies.

Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. It “bridges” a gap between teeth. There is a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used with success for generations of dental patients who have lost teeth for various reasons.

Dental Implant
A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth PLUS an artificial root (usually biocompatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant offers beauty, strength, natural function and protection from bone recession that often occurs at the site of a missing tooth.

Dentures
Most Provo residents have heard of dentures: a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the patient. These are custom made and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created for chewing and speaking. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.

Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth, but are not happy with them, these might be your answer. Stunning porcelain veneers offer an affordable approach to cosmetic adjustments – uneven color, size or shape. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They beautify unsightly, but structually sound teeth.

Don’t worry about losing your grip on the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. We have experience and training in many services to meet your dental needs including mini implants, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign.

Schedule your initial consultation at 801-374-0070 to visit us at 3575 N 100 E in Provo, Utah. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the Lehi, Utah County, and American Fork areas.

Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, the cost of dental procedures and a schedule for completing the dental plan created specifically for you. Come with questions and leave with answers.


The Gift Of Oral Health In Orem

The Gift Of Oral Health In Orem

Many dental patients in the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi areas may wonder why, with all the advances in dental medicine, we still send you home with a complimentary toothbrush and roll of floss. It’s true, they do seem a little old-fashioned in our high-tech world, but don’t let their simple design fool you. These tools are the best bet to prevent tooth decay, plaque build-up, and gum disease for Provo dental patients!

When done properly and consistently, brushing and flossing are an essential part of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing, which should be done at least twice a day, can be done effectively with any type of toothbrush. There is no need to pay a bundle for a fancy electric toothbrush from your Orem WalMart, just brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes making sure to reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is important for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi drugstores, so find one you like.

We’re Dr. Hammond, an experienced Provo dentist, and I want to help you enjoy your dental visits and adore your smile.

Our caring staff loves sending our Orem and American Fork area patients away with a new toothbrush and floss, but we also find it rewarding to see our patients gain renewed confidence with a smile makeover.

We’d love to answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry such as tooth whitening, veneers, dental implants, or any other dental health topic.

Give us a call today at 801-374-0070!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070


5 Smile Makeover Questions For Provo Smiles

How Much Does A Smile Makeover Cost In Provo

If you are considering a multi-procedure smile makeover or extensive restorative dental work, here are four considerations:

All At Once Or Over Time?
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our Provo smile makeover patients can often receive several (or all) procedures in one visit. It all depends on the specific procedures necessary to achieve your perfect smile. Dr. Hammond develop a unique treatment plan for each patient after an extensive consultation and examination.

Oral Sedation?
Many Utah County and American Fork cosmetic dental patients benefit from sedation dentistry. Conscious sedation is especially helpful for procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant placement.

Cost?
We know that cosmetic dentistry is a substantial investment for most Orem dental patients. Some procedures are covered by dental plans, so if you have dental insurance, be sure to find out exactly what is covered. Many Provo residents use flex spending accounts for dental work and reap the tax advantages. Call us at 801-374-0070 to discuss dental financing options in Provo.

Healing Time?
With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are often minimal. However, some treatments such as bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, root canals, and dental implants often require a short healing period. Consider how the timing of your dental visits and the necessary healing periods will affect your job and family responsibilities.

Aesthetic Results?
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our patients experience terrific results when doing smile transformations in phases; however, porcelain restorations are best fabricated in the same “batch” for the most precise color matching.

Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070 to schedule a no-pressure cosmetic dental consultation.


Fun Floss Facts For Utah County Smiles

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It’s clear that for the majority of Utah County, Orem, and Lehi residents, the most important aspect of flossing is simply that you do it every single day. However, many dental patients find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of dental floss found in Provo area drugstores.

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is usually made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less expensive, more common and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, it is thought to more easily pull in between teeth. This type of floss is sometimes referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses, and this is where most dental patients would benefit from finding the size that fits. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the shape of a wide, flat ribbon. Many Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi residents find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances put in by your Orem area orthodontist, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to discuss flossing with your orthodontist because you don’t want to break this valuable habit just because you’re having your teeth straightened!

A good person to ask about floss advice is your dental hygienist. Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

I am Dr. Hammond. Our practice, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, has been serving the Provo area since 1967. Our top services include:

Sedation dentistry
Invisalign
Mini implants
Dental crowns
Porcelain veneers

Call us today at 801-374-0070 for your appointment! You can also visit us on the web at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


The following blog post was used as source material for this blog:
“The Different Types of Dental Floss”, Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/dental-floss_b_1643933.html, accessed on September 17, 2013


Use Five Fingers For Quick And Healthy Flossing In Provo, Utah

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Here are five flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, on the web at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Thumbkin: Thumb to Chest Reminder
Thumb to chest can remind me that this isn’t for my friends. Brushing the goobers off so I don’t gross them out; rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath as I speak – THAT is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. I want healthy gums, therefore I floss.

Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association suggests you start with about 18 inches. About 6 lengths of your pointer finger should suffice.

Tall Man: Wrap the Middle Fingers
This is a team effort. With the middle fingers wound up in the floss, the thumb and forefinger can grip and guide the floss into place. After curving the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and using up and down motions to wipe away plaque, then “unspool” the floss for a new section for the next tooth’s edges.

Ring Man: The Smell Test
Many a long-term relationship has been cut short due to not-so-fresh breath. Smell floss before going between teeth. Smell it after. Bad smell? Brushing is not cleaning away that bacteria well enough. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be adjusted. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those spots at the base of your teeth bacteria free.

Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the commitment now. Every time you look at your pinky, remember that you pinky promised to keep those gums free from disease. Flossing isn’t so much about removing food as it is about removing dental plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.

I am Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We encourage you to take care of your oral health needs for a happier, healthier life.

Use those fingers to dial our number for a consultation: 801-374-0070 or meet us online at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

Whether you need a bi-annual cleaning or cosmetic dentistry, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry assists in a variety ways with your dental needs.

Mini implants
Porcelain veneers
Sedation dentistry
Dental crowns
Invisalign

One of our specialties is cosmetic dentistry. If you need family dentistry or dental implants, then we are your best friends. Our staff members are trained to be courteous, responsible, respectful, and focused.

Currently accepting patients from all over: Orem, Lehi, Utah County, as well as American Fork.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/


What Is Oil Pulling?

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Today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental post looks at oil pulling – an alternative practice that has been generating a lot of buzz around Provo. Oil pulling has been a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is the practice of swishing oil in the mouth for twenty minutes to benefit the teeth, gums and overall health and well-being. The oils most commonly used are coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.

Proponents claim that it detoxifies the mouth, cleans plaque, reduces inflammation, cures bad breath, whitens teeth, kills infection, and boosts the immune system. Some advocates even claim that it “cures” cavities and periodontal disease.

What does the American Dental Association say about oil pulling? Here is an excerpt from a May 2014 article:

“To date, scientific studies have not provided the necessary clinical evidence to demonstrate that oil pulling reduces the incidence of dental caries, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being. Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities. The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, using ADA-Accepted products. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.”1

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry cautions patients not to replace brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings/exams with oil pulling.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide top-quality dental care for every member of your family. We serve all of your preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental needs including sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, dental crowns, and porcelain veneers. Our comfortable, state-of-the-art office is located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

1“The Practice of Oil Pulling,” American Dental Association, May 14, 2014, http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/the-practice-of-oil-pulling, accessed on June 19, 2014