Dental Health

“Soft, Medium, or Buzz Lightyear?”

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Family Dentistry Utah County At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Hammond are often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush in Utah County can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local Utah County grocery store or Walmart lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you choose?

One key factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having cosmetic dental work or oral surgery in Utah County, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When buying a toothbrush for a child in Utah County, make sure the brush feels comfortable in their hand. If the size and angle feels awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized tooth brush. Some kids can manage an adult size brush better than a short, narrow child size brush. If you are unsure, ask your Utah County family dentistry professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some Utah County folks like the feeling of vibrating bristles or a mini-squirt gun blasting away at the plaque. Utah County people with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our friendly and professional dental hygienists instruct our Utah County pediatric clients and adult patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at our general dentistry practice, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Schedule a thorough dental cleaning today by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. An outstanding feature of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is expertise and a patient-oriented team. We offer porcelain veneers and a full spectrum of restorative dental procedures.

Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Sealants Prevent Cavities For Provo Kids

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry Provo Your child’s first dental exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry should occur when the first teeth are in, usually between six months and one year of age. During your child’s first family dentistry check up at our Provo office, we will tell you about sealants, a clear layer of plastic applied to the grooved surfaces of the teeth.

Sealants protect the teeth and prevent cavities by filling in the crevasses where food particles can get caught. They are especially effective in the back teeth where most cavities are found.

The application process takes only one short visit at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The teeth are cleaned, dried, and then liquid sealant is applied to teeth and hardened: it’s quick and painless. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans. For Provo parents who pay out-of-pocket, sealants are still cost-effective considering the cavities and future visits that can be avoided. Some Provo dental insurance plans have age limitations for sealants. Check your policy if you are unsure of the qualifications. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommends having sealants applied as early as possible.

If properly cared for, Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry sealants can last for many years, protecting your child during the most cavity-prone ages.

Diligent oral hygiene and refraining from biting into hard objects will help the sealants last longer. Dr. Hammond will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair if necessary.

Sealants, brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and twice-yearly Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental visits are essential for pediatric dental health. For more information about sealants or the variety of cosmetic dental services we provide, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
Serving Provo since 1996
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com 

“Brush Up On Your Cavity Basics, Orem”

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem

Residents of Orem use the word ‘cavity’ often when discussing dental health practices. Along with teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, cavities are a hot topic.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we think it’s great that people are so conscious of their teeth, and we feel that having a greater understanding of exactly what a cavity is will help them take better care of their pearly whites.

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. Different factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Insufficient tooth brushing and flossing

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 Orem family dentist today for an appointment.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Orem area, give Dr. Hammond a call. We have been treating cosmetic and family dentistry patients in and around Orem since 1967. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Provo Pediatric Dentistry

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry Provo Your Provo child’s dental health is essential to overall health and vitality. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our Provo family dentistry team loves working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life. Why? The health of your Provo child’s teeth and gums can affect their speech development, eating habits and self-esteem.

Provo family dental care is critical, and that is why we recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can discuss Provo dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques and orthodontics.

Provo children’s dentists also counsel parents about thumb-sucking, pacifier use and other habits that affect your child’s pediatric dental health. We can also help you keep your child’s teeth protected during sporting activities. Call us immediately at 801-374-0070 if your child has a dental emergency or tooth injury.

Our caring staff will make your child feel comfortable during their Provo dental visit.

In additional to offering experienced Provo family dentistry, we are also a full-service cosmetic dentistry practice. We offer advice and care on porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, tooth bonding, and restorative dentistry.

We hope to be your Provo children’s dentist consultant.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
801-374-0070

Orem Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem

Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond. Welcome to our Orem dental blog! We find that many of our patients in the Orem area get a couple of general dentistry terms mixed up. Today, I would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Orem dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Orem family dentistry patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Orem area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment today.

Our friendly and professional staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

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

Orem Dental News: Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem

Visiting Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry near Orem for regular general dentistry check-ups and cleanings every six months can seem inconvenient and unnecessary at times, but you may benefit in ways you never imagined.

A recent study showed that people who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who skipped appointments.

While the study could simply confirm that those Orem people who dutifully schedule regular dental services and cleanings also practice healthy habits like exercising and eating right, there is additional evidence of a relationship between oral health and heart health.

Common problems like inflammation with gum disease are linked to hardening of the arteries and other tissue inflammations which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Former American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco, MD, (who did not participate in the study mentioned previously) said:

‘Something as simple as having good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, and having regular cleanings – may be good for your heart and brain health.’

While the study found that patients who schedule cleanings yearly reap the most health benefits, Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommends coming in for check-ups and cleanings every six months to catch potential problems early, saving Orem family dentistry patients time and money. Regular dental cleanings also brighten and whiten teeth, making your smile look its best.

To schedule a deep cleaning with our friendly and professional dental hygienist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, call 801-374-0070 today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
 801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

 

Protecting Your Provo Athlete’s Teeth

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Family Dentistry Provo Do you have a son or daughter that plays Provo youth sports? Soccer, baseball, football, basketball and gymnastics can be very dangerous to your child’s teeth. Football is a violent contact sport, yet there is a relatively low rate of tooth injuries that occur in football as compared to other contact sports. Why? Football players are required to wear a mouth guard and a helmet.

Inexpensive athletic dental mouth guards are worth their weight in gold!

If your child participates in a contact sport in Provo and does not currently wear a tooth protection device, you may want to purchase an appropriately-sized mouth guard. They are available at most Provo area athletic supply stores.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we care about your child’s health and safety. To discuss your child’s dental condition or to learn more about sports-related tooth injury prevention, call us at 801-374-0070. We have been keeping Provo smiles healthy since 1996. Our child-friendly staff pampers our youngest Provo family dentistry patients. Let us show you why we are not an ordinary Provo dental practice.

Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Tooth Tips For Traveling

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Utah County

If you live in the Utah County area and are planning to take a vacation or business trip soon, I recommend you coordinate your dental care with your travel schedule. It’s always a good idea to have a checkup at your Utah County general dentistry practice prior to leaving on long vacations, especially if your trip is taking you to developing areas without good dental care options. This quick checkup will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

More importantly, if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, discuss it with your Utah County dentist. A large number of dental procedures are actually surgical procedures. This means that your body will need more time to heal than you may realize.

Also, if you’re leaving the Utah County area by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure of the airplane may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. In addition, make sure you are aware of any necessary follow-up appointments with your Utah County area dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

We’re Dr. Hammond and we want Utah County residents to be informed about their dental care. Our practice offers:

  • cosmetic dentistry
  • sedation dentistry
  • porcelain veneers
  • Invisalign clear braces
  • general dentistry

If you are looking for general dental care or quality cosmetic dentistry in the Utah County area, please call us today and let our friendly and professional staff take care of you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

Energy Drink Warning For Orem

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem Hello. We’re Dr. Hammond.

Welcome to our Orem general dentistry blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. We are seeing more and more Orem teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Orem family dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Orem convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that Orem teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

We need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 801-374-0070. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

Is Malocclusion Causing Your Headache?

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Categories: Dental Health, Invisalign Invisible Braces

Invisible Braces Fix Malocclusion In Provo Are you a Provo adult who suffers with chronic headaches? Have you tried Imitrex, diet adjustments, and chiropractic treatment? Perhaps the cause is not stress-induced tension, spine alignment or eyestrain. Maybe the culprit is right under your nose.

Bite misalignment or malocclusion is a common Provo problem that often goes undetected. Nature intended the front teeth to fit slightly forward from the lower teeth. With a perfect bite, the molars fit together like precision gears.

Malocclusion can cause headaches, tooth loosening, tooth fracture, and in extreme cases, difficulty chewing, speaking or breathing.

Provo invisible braces are an effective solution for most bite problems. Braces not only move teeth, they can also correct the position and function of the joints, muscles and bones in the jaw. In cases of extreme malocclusion, jaw surgery in Provo may be necessary.

Not all Provo area family dentists treat bite problems. At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry we are able to examine your bite and let you know if you will need a specialist. For an affordable Provo dentistry consultation, call us at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers technologically-advanced dentistry in a friendly environment. We offer smile whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings and dental implants. To learn more about our dental philosophy and available procedures, see /about.htm.

Dr. Hammond are proud members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.