Dental Health

Floss Pick Facts For Provo

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Categories: Dental Health

fast teeth whitening Orem

Dental patients who live in the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi area want to keep their mouths as healthy and clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience, and that’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of old-fashioned dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are inexpensive and can be used more discreetly than floss.

While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss in effectiveness.

The American Dental Association has only approved dental floss for cleaning in between teeth. One issue is that floss picks can’t curve and form the angles needed for superior cleaning.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to communicate with your Provo, Utah dentist and see what their opinion is. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient, but still try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We have been serving the Orem area since 1967 from our Provo practice.

Our caring staff would love to answer any questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns, as well as questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

Call 801-374-0070 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

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

The following website was used as source material for this blog: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners, accessed on August 1, 2014

4 Reason To Look For The ADA Seal In Orem

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Categories: Dental Health

Lehi cosmetic dental and adult braces

When you go to your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi drugstore or supermarket looking for toothpaste, mouthwash, teeth whitener, or another oral care product, be sure that the product you choose carries the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Today in our Provo dental blog, we are going to look at 4 ways the ADA seal can help you make good oral care choices for you and your family.

1. Products with the seal have to be safe and effective, so you won’t waste your money on something that won’t work, or worse, can harm you.

2. The American Dental Association (or ADA) only places their seal on a product after serious scientific testing. This usually means that manufacturers have to meet higher standards than those required by law.

3. When you purchase products with the ADA seal, it’s practically like shopping with your Provo dentist or dental hygienist right by your side! Who wouldn’t want that extra knowledge and information?

4. The ADA Seal is not an endorsement of one particular product or another, but rather is a verification of the claims made by said product, claims on which savvy consumers can rely.

Hi, I am Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We also serve the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi areas. We take pride in caring for our patients and, like the ADA, want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Many of our patients wonder if a smile makeover is right for them. If you’d like to know, schedule an appointment and we’ll take a look! Even just one procedure such as porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, or teeth whitening can significantly improve your smile.

Our practice offers:

Sedation dentistry
Invisalign
Mini implants
Dental crowns

Contact us at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment.

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

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ada-seal-products/, accessed on June 5, 2013

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

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Categories: Dental Health

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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/

Relax. Your Teeth Will Thank You.

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Categories: Dental Health

Lehi cosmetic dental and tooth implants

Most Provo adults have been warned about the physical effects of stress. Our doctors remind us to protect ourselves from the dangers of unmanaged stress by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

We know that we shouldn’t try to relieve stress with overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or compulsive spending. (Even though many of us are guilty!)

Stress that is not sensibly managed can affect the heart, nervous system, immune system, and digestive system. It can also affect – you guessed it – your teeth.

The obvious risks to oral health are teeth grinding, jaw clenching, smoking, and the overconsumption of sugary foods. But did you know that stress can increase plaque production, trigger canker sores, and increase the risk of periodontal disease? Another problem is that when people are under excessive stress, they often neglect basic oral hygiene.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today. We offer a broad scope of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services including sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, and dental crowns.

It’s unfortunate, but for some Provo residents, dental visits cause major anxiety. What if the thought of visiting a dentist sends your blood pressure through the roof? Talk to us about sedation dentistry.

Relax. We can help you get the dental treatment you need.

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

What Is Oil Pulling?

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Categories: Dental Health

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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

5 Cavity Basics For Orem

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Categories: Dental Health

Orem Cosmetic Dentist

Some of the most popular dental topics discussed in Utah County and Provo relate to cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. However, the desire to avoid cavities is still the main reason American Fork and Lehi residents visit their dentists, so today the Provo dental blog is going to highlight the 5 things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Poor dental hygiene

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Utah County, American Fork, or Lehi dentist today for an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among children, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Avoiding cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right and avoid snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Provo area, give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry a call.

We have been treating dental patients in and around Orem since 1967. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as gum contouring and smile makeovers.

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

Is It Growing In Your Mouth?

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Categories: Dental Health

Orem Invisalign

Believe it or not, plaque can rear its ugly head in any Provo mouth – even yours – no matter how meticulous you try to be. If you have deep grooves, watch out. If you have a receding gum line, watch out. If you are a candy-loving Provo resident with the proverbial sweet tooth, watch out.

The plaque process goes something like this:
Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, always will. Bacteria will try to colonize on the smooth surfaces of your teeth. At first, it will be soft enough to be removed with a fingernail. After 48 hours, it will start to harden. Give it 10 days and it will be that substance most difficult to remove, tartar. (See picture.) This bacteria will feed on sugars and produce acid that will eat away the tissues of the tooth and lead to cavities. Cavities will originate on the surface and spread on and through the tooth. The best way to deal with plaque is to have a consistent removal process, i.e. regular daily brushing and flossing after eating and even sleeping.

A fabulous smile with fabulous teeth isn’t always the reality for Orem, Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi folks. We encourage anyone in the Orem area who is unhappy with their smile to consider the benefits of a smile makeover.

Cosmetic dentistry can be a significant investment but the truth of just how much it will cost for veneers, braces, teeth whitening, and even dental implants may surprise you. At our Provo cosmetic dentistry office you can expect to learn about sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and any number of other dental services.

Dr. Hammond have been serving the Provo area since 1967. Call 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation.

 

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

Utah County: Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

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Categories: Dental Health

Utah County: Is Your Low-Carb Diet Giving You Dragon Breath?

Many residents in the Utah County, American Fork, and Lehi area mistakenly believe that all bad breath is linked to insufficient brushing. The truth is that there is a myriad of causes of halitosis. Your Provo dentist can help you identify the cause of your problem and discuss how to cure bad breath.

What you eat may have something to do with it. Because foods begin to be digested the second they enter your mouth, and because they are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, you probably will be able to smell strong foods like onions and garlic long after you’ve eaten them.

Therefore, using a mouthwash from your local Provo drugstore will only mask the smell. Constantly sucking on breath mints is also not a good idea. This may bring additional oral problems – especially if the mints have sugar. If you want real relief, you may need to avoid the strong foods altogether.

Also, many dieters in and around Orem find that their diet regimen is making it harder to keep their mouth fresh and clean. Low-carb and no-carb diets promote fat burning, but the side effect of bad breath can be caused by the chemicals released during this process. Increasing water intake can help alleviate this.

Lastly, flossing regularly is often the key to truly fresh breath. Many American Fork folks don’t realize how much food can be stuck between their teeth, and this food can cause halitosis if it isn’t removed. More importantly, the food particles turn into plaque which causes cavities and gum disease.

We’re Dr. Hammond of Provo. Our practice provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to residents in the Orem area. We want our patients to have the best oral health possible, and that includes fresh breath. We also want them to love their smiles, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers:

sedation dentistry
Invisalign
mini implants
dental crowns

Call today for your appointment!


The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/low-carb-diets-can-cause-bad-breath, accessed on August 12, 2013

Diet Changes For Healthier Teeth In Provo

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Diet Changes For Healthier Teeth From Your Provo Dentist

Hello, We are Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Today’s blog topic is ‘How Your Diet Affects Your Smile.’

We’re sure you brush and floss regularly and hopefully visit your Provo cosmetic dental practice for cleanings, but did you know that making small changes to your diet can improve your oral health?

Most Provo residents are aware that sugar found in candy, cookies, and sodas can harm your teeth, but some Provo people don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. A handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and gum disease. Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we continue to see tooth damage caused by sodas and sports drinks. If you choose to drink them, sip them through a straw. By limiting the contact of these drinks on your teeth, you will help preserve your enamel.

Another way Provo folks can improve their oral health is to get 800mg of calcium a day for men and 1,000mg for women under 50. Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.

Diet alone will not prevent cavities and gum disease for Provo folks, however; a few changes in eating habits can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we are accepting new Provo general and cosmetic dental patients in the 84604 zip code area. We encourage you to call 801-374-0070 today to schedule an exam and cleaning.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers a full menu of general and specialty dental services including Cosmetic Dentistry and Family Dentistry. For more information, call today to schedule an appointment or visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

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

Raise Your Dental IQ In Utah County

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Raise Your Dental IQ With Orem Family Dentistry

There are many simple things that the average Utah County area resident can do to raise their Dental IQ and improve their oral health. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. Dental problems occur for Provo patients when the balance of bacteria becomes unhealthy. This is where brushing and flushing might come into play. Another precaution you can take to guard against the wrong kind of bacteria is to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

Make sure to wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as Orem dental implants and crowns.

We’re Dr. Hammond and we are passionate about helping our patients have healthy mouths and beautiful smiles. If you would like to know more about a custom smile makeover in the Provo area, give us a call at 801-374-0070 and a member of our caring staff will answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Call today!

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