Dental Health

Avoid Sports Injuries: Protect Those Teeth!

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Categories: Dental Health

sports dentistry Provo

It is estimated that over 5 million teeth are knocked out yearly and a significant portion of these dental traumas occur on the playing field or court. Each dislodged tooth requires several trips to the dentist and hundreds of dollars in restoration expenses. Not to mention pain!

I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry and I want to raise awareness of the importance of athletic mouth protection. I advise my patients to think of mouthguards as an important part of their protective gear. Most parents require their children to wear helmets when biking and shinguards while playing soccer. I encourage parents to emphasize the importance of mouth protection from your child’s very first 5 year-old T-ball game. And we all need to practice what we preach.

You are probably aware of the main types of mouthguards: ready-to-wear, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. The stock mouth protectors are pre-formed but are definitely not one-size-fits all and probably provide the least amount of protection. (Though they are better than nothing.)

You can find boil and bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores. They are to be softened in water and then formed to the mouth (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Some dentists offer custom sports mouthguards that provide the highest level of protection and comfort. Mouth protectors that are comfortable are more likely to be worn by kids who complain about wearing a mouthguard. Ask your dentist about custom mouthguards.

Mouth protection is extremely essential for patients with braces or fixed bridge work. Some orthodontists recommend mouth protectors for lower teeth as well.

If you or your child has a sports-related dental emergency, call my Provo office immediately at 801-374-0070. I will do everything in my power to save the tooth but every second counts. Make sure you save all pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile

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Categories: Dental Health

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Provo

Hi, I’m Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. If you are one of my existing patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.

My caring team and I love taking care of our highly regarded Provo, Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi patients.

Today’s article is for smiles that are overdue for a cleaning and exam.

During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply. We are dedicated to preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you are due for a cleaning, call us today at 801-374-0070 to schedule.

After your teeth have been cleaned, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of cavities, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.

Some Provo people mistakenly believe that they can skip dental visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental issues advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It is far less costly to prevent dental problems than to treat them after they have become severe.

If you perform regular auto maintenance, you understand the wisdom of prevention. Don’t you value your smile far more than your car? Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today to schedule preventative maintenance for your irreplaceable smile.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Beating Horrible Halitosis

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Provo lowest price teeth bleaching

“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Chris Hammond with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. In business since 1967. My specialty is cosmetic dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we perform family dentistry and dental implants regularly. As a favor to Provo, Utah I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about bad breath and give your neighbors some places to start in improving or removing the offending odor.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food your neighbors are eating can affect the air they’re releasing. Onions, garlic and coffee are likely to show up on the breath no matter how much time is logged brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause salivation issues which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth or even postnasal drip can cause an odor.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis. Bacteria balance in the mouth is ever changing.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums and sides of mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

This last one is for you:

Again, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond. Located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200 Provo, Utah. We offer mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign just to name a few of our extraordinary dental services.

Aesthetic & General Dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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Categories: Dental Health

Provo tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it right?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better benefit your oral health and protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush – you might be surprised at how swiftly you finish. The process should take at least take two to three minutes. It can also be beneficial to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By altering your system, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s challenging to remove the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily increase and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people impair their enamel or gums because they brush too forcefully with a hard brush. Drs. Hammond advises patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is repulsive to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air – even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and permit it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for children. Not true. Your enamel is consistently under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, UT
84604

 

How Oral Inflammation Affects Your Health

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Categories: Dental Health

inflamed gums Provo

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can affect the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the detrimental material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will occur.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside of the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related issues. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP level and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will occur, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is essential to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with the critical knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist promptly if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you notice any other changes.

Call 801-374-0070 today! Talk to us about these services:

Cosmetic dentistry
Dental implants
Sedation dentistry
Laser dentistry

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

Don’t Let Poor Oral Health Take You Out Of The Game

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Utah County cosmetic dental and tooth implants

It’s hard to win a gold medal if you have a toothache. A recent study cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explored how poor oral health affects athletic performance at the elite level.

“More than 40% of athletes were bothered by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance.”1

The dental troubles experienced by Olympians and professional athletes are not any different than those found in the general population: tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal disease, and inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth. It’s vital to note that these troubles are largely preventable.

Athletes are also at risk for mouth injuries suffered while competing or training.  Tooth trauma can prevent injured athletes from competing in the short term and cause ongoing complications down the road.

Whether you are an Olympic runner or a busy working mom who seems to be running all the time, dental health affects your overall health and quality of life. Don’t let your performance suffer because of poor oral health.

If it has been a while since you have had a dental exam, we invite you to schedule a check-up and cleaning by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 in Provo, Utah. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including dental implants and porcelain veneers. You can read more about our services at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/patient-services/.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070

1Ashley, Di Iorio, Cole, Tanday, Needleman, “Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 11, 2014, http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/11/11/bjsports-2014-093617.full?g=w_bjsm_open_tab, accessed on December 19, 2014

The Hammond Guide To Preventing Gum Disease

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gum disease Provo

Hearing that you have periodontal disease or “gum disease” can be upsetting. Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender gums
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Loose adult teeth
Sensitive teeth

Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to prevent gum disease for the future, Dr. Hammond have answers.

Steps for Healing or Preventing Gum Disease
Brush at least two times a day – morning and night
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
Avoid between-meal snacking
Avoid tobacco products

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease
Scaling
Root planing
Antibiotics
Surgery

Dr. Hammond knows that gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and consistent, thorough oral hygiene is important for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Dr. Hammond is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Orem patients’ dental needs including cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants.

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

Small Dental Annoyance Or Serious Problem?

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Categories: Dental Health

mouth sores Utah County

Today in the Provo dental blog we are going to talk about stomatitis. Stomatitis is dental-speak for something very common: non-specific irritations found in the mouth. Stomatitis is ordinarily caused by cold sores, gum disease, or even from biting the inside of the mouth (ouch!). Any time the membranes in the mouth become inflamed, they are referred to as stomatitis.

Most Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi dental patients have probably suffered from stomatitis and don’t think it’s a big deal. The good news is that these patients are usually right because the majority of these irritations clear up on their own in less than two weeks. While they might affect your ability to speak or eat or fall asleep, they are typically just a temporary inconvenience.

However, there are cases where a bacterial or a viral infection can occur in these areas of inflammation.

Because of this possibility, your Orem area dentist should be aware of these issues. Even if you are fortunate and there is no infection present, your dentist can always help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis.

Hi, we are Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We provide the highest quality preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry for our Provo area patients. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, Invisalign, or  smile makeovers, give us a call at 801-374-0070. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures used in smile makeovers include teeth whitening, gum contouring, veneers, bonding, and dental implants.

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

The following online article was used as source material for this blog: “Stomatitis”, WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/stomatitis-causes-treatment, accessed on September 5, 2015

Why Sports Drinks Put Teeth At Risk

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Provo Dental Financing

Many health-conscious individuals in the Orem area exercise regularly, and many turn to sports drinks for hydration.

While it’s true that they help keep electrolyte levels in the body (and pose fewer health risks than energy drinks), their acidity can erode tooth enamel. And when tooth enamel erodes, those pearly whites are more susceptible to staining, discoloration, and decay.

Nobody wants stained teeth, so next time you’re at the gym, try substituting water for sports drinks.

If you have already experienced staining and tooth discoloration and would like to know more about porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry a call at 801-374-0070.

We are an outstanding Provo, Utah dental practice that offers:

sedation dentistry
Invisalign
mini implants

Dr. Chris Hammond has been providing trusted dental care since 1967. The caring staff here can answer any questions you have about critical preventative oral care and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, gum contouring, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings and cosmetic dental smile makeovers.

 

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E
Provo, UT
84604

 

Why Do Provo Dentists Like Potatoes?

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Provo teeth bleaching best price

The reason dentists like potatoes is because they are so “filling,” ba-dum ching!

Lame joke, I know. But seriously, the wiser our patients in Lehi and Utah County are about what they eat, the easier it will be to care for their dear old teeth.

https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/

It doesn’t have to be potatoes, but the mouth does request that we take a good look at what can be damaging and upsetting it.

The Sugar Problem
Sugars get converted by bacteria in the mouth to acids. It is the acids that begin to attack the enamel on the teeth and get the decay process started for Lehi people of all ages. Fruits have high water content which can dilute the effects of the sugars they contain and get the saliva flowing so they aren’t really no-nos. It’s the chocolate bars, hard candies, cookies, cakes and pies.

Acidic Food Coupling
Oranges, tomatoes, lemons and the like should be eaten as part of a meal to minimize the acidic effects. Utah County folks are wise to eat a variety of healthy foods such as cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.

Timing of Meals
The more often you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be tempered by choosing healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat the more likely you are to not only eat unhealthy foods, but to skip oral hygiene altogether.

I hope this blog helps with keeping you on the path to a healthy mouth and gives you something to think about if you’re interested in oral health or a smile makeover in Orem or Provo, Utah.

I’m Dr. Hammond DDS at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. If cosmetic dentistry, including the cost of veneers, the cost of implants, teeth whitening and the like interest you, call 801-374-0070 to set up a consultation. We can discuss anything from cosmetic dentistry to dental implants. Our caring staff is ready to make you comfortable.

We can offer our friends from Utah County mini implants or porcelain veneers if they want it. We can schedule patients from Lehi for sedation dentistry or dental crowns right here in our office. Provo customers are always welcome to check into Invisalign. Don’t hesitate to make the call.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
http://www.sedationdentistsprovo.com/