Dental Health

Even if you don’t see any signs that your child will need braces, you should have them undergo a complete exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. That way, we can see exactly how tooth development is progressing.

When should a child be examined?

We recommend bringing kids in by the age of seven.

If my child has a gaps between their baby teeth, should I be worried?

Young children have gaps temporarily as their baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. It doesn’t necessarily mean your son or daughter will have gaps in their permanent teeth. However, it’s important to have them examined before the age of seven.

If my child has a gap between the two front permanent teeth, do they need braces?

A gap between the two front permanent teeth is a very common issue. It can be caused by pacifier use or thumbsucking as an infant. If teeth are unusually small, it may create gaps between them as the jaw develops. In adults, gum disease or missing teeth can result in gaps.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our family dentistry ensures good dental health in our patients. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for regular checkups, and for dental implants and other services. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we recommend you have one every six months. If you have a higher risk for oral diseases, we recommend every four months.

Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems

Most people are in a medium-to-low risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, don’t brush and floss twice a day, or experience medical conditions that affect your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category.

Dentists analyze many factors to determine the status of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. The philosophy ‘”Ignore it and it will go away,” does not apply to a dental health problem!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we believe that a healthy mouth is a happy one. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for family and cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Call our office to schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Baby teeth are imporant. Your child needs them to eat and to speak, of course, but they play an important role in the permanent teeth that come in as your youngster grows up. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, our job includes helping kids’ baby teeth stay healthy.

When pre-teens lose their baby teeth too long before their permanent teeth are ready to come in, it can influence tooth spacing. We may recommend an artificial space maintainer to keep the remaining baby teeth in place. This ensures that there will be adequate space for the permanent teeth to come in.

When Is It ‘Too Early’ Or ‘Too Late’ For Baby Teeth To Fall Out?

Most youngsters begin losing their baby teeth around age 6. If your child’s baby teeth starting falling out before they are 4 1/2, let us know so we can perform an exam.

If your child hasn’t lost a tooth by 7 or 8 years old, it may also indicate a problem. Hopefully, you are already maintaining a twice-yearly dental visit schedule for your child. If not, we recommend that you start. Your child’s current and future health is at risk.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we have a welcoming office with family-friendly dentistry for kids. We also create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Patients from American Fork, and Lehi come to us for all their dental needs. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

To maintain good dental health, your teeth need a lot of good ol’-fashioned TLC. But even when we do our best, bacteria can sneak in and cause tooth decay. At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we would be happy to help with your dental issues.

Few of us go through life without getting a cavity. They’re the common cold of dental health!

Cavities are caused when bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque. Plaque clings to your teeth, and the acid in it starts to dissolve the enamel. The result is a hole in your tooth.

You can go a long way toward preventing cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. That removes that filmy plaque to promote healthy teeth and gums.

It’s also wise to see us at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression. This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is for anyone who has an oral piercing or is considering one.

Our brief summary? Bad idea. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious issues with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. Oral piercings can bring about tooth damage and decay, gum disease, bone recession, compromised immune system function and even death, though that is rare.

In general, any oral piercing opens you up to an range of potential infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs, and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can lead to unnatural chewing patterns that may, in turn, lead to swallowing problems. Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracks, chips, or other damage. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Damage compromises their durability and shortens their lifespan.

Complications with some piercings develop by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we encourage patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry. If you plan to keep yours, be sure to have regular check-ups. Our services include family and restorative dentistry. Call for an appointment today.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Most parents know that candy is damaging for teeth. The sugar in candy creates the acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay. That’s something we remind parents of frequently, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Because sugar is bad for teeth (and overall physical health), many moms and dads choose what appear to be healthier snacks. Unfortunately, many are nearly as bad for teeth as candy is.

These snacks include:

Dried fruit

Nutrition-wise, a dried apricot is a far better option than a candy bar. The problem is that dried fruits stick to teeth, which poses the same  risk as candy.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Sports drinks are popular with kids, especially as they get involved in sports. When you buy them be sure to inspect the labels. Some have as much sugar as soda.

Soy, Almond, or Rice Milk

Parents whose child can’t tolerate lactose turn to non-dairy milk substitutes. Most brands come in both a sweetened and non-sweetened version. Sweetened types contain a substantial amount of sugar.

Granola Bars

Some brands of granola bars a loaded with sugar. Once again, read the labels before you buy them!

Yogurt

Kids need calcium, and yogurt is a great source. Many brands have a high sugar content. Some parents keep the fridge stocked with hand-held yogurt packets. Kids who eat these throughout the day are subjecting their teeth to a continual stream of sugar.

Sweetened Applesauce

Some manufacturers pack this healthy snack with sugar. Look for a brand without added sugar.

Tooth decay is a serious problem, and the more you read labels and minimize sugar consumption in your kids, the better off they’ll be. (You, too!) At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604