Dental Health

Modern Dentistry With No Oxen Hooves In Provo

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Provo

Hi, our names are Dr. Hammond and here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have been providing excellent general dentistry care for the people of the Provo area since 1996.

One of the most crucial elements of good oral health is daily tooth brushing with an effective toothpaste. There is a wide variety of toothpastes available. I recommend you use one with fluoride and make sure it has the ADA seal. This ensures that the toothpaste has been tested, claims are being met, and the ingredients are correct.

Just because a toothpaste claims to have a ‘teeth whitening‘ agent doesn’t mean it has fluoride.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. Fluoride was added in 1914. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The taste most likely was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Provo toothpaste users have no excuse for not brushing their teeth daily with the toothpaste we have available today. If you do your part, we at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can provide cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, family dentistry, and sedation dentistry.

The experienced staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry want to help make all Provo area smiles whiter and brighter. Contact us today so we can answer any questions you may have about Provo tooth whitening, invisible braces, or cosmetic dentistry.

Healthy Teeth and Your Orem Diet

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Orem residents. As your cosmetic dentist, it’s our job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy. Everyone in the Orem knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Orem family dentistry practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

A Orem diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Orem foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Orem area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Orem area, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. We would love to hear from you. If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because of dental fear, ask us about sedation dentistry.

-Dr. Chris Hammond

Toothbrush Wars in Orem

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

General Dentistry Orem

It may surprise you to know that some Orem people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better? Most Orem cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.

Today in the Orem family dentistry blog we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you decide which kind is right for you or your child.

Cost and convenience should be considered. Some Orem people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores in the  Orem area carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and you don’t have to remember batteries).

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is important. Some Orem residents say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your Orem cosmetic dentist.

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most area dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for parents. Also, all dentists in Orem and the surrounding areas will remind you to look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy.

Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

We’re Drs. Hammond and we want to thank you for visiting our Orem dental blog.

If you are looking for dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around Orem, give us a call at 801-374-0070.

The Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Guide To Dry Mouth

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Categories: Dental Health

The Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Guide To Dry Mouth

Many folks in our Utah County community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to severe health problems.

Utah County people should not take their saliva for granted. Your saliva plays a very important role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to perform this task your body may not be getting important nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Utah County dental services patients don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps counteract those acids in our mouths.

We are Drs. Hammond and we, along with our staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, have been treating xerostomia since 1996. We recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, the caffeine can contribute to dry mouth. We also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your Utah County physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth.

Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older: 801-374-0070.

Looking for a gentle family dentistry professional who focuses on preventative dentistry or a skilled cosmetic dentist adept at smile design? We invite you to come visit our practice at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200, Provo, UT. Our team of dental professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry make sure you have a pleasant experience whether you visit us for a cleaning and exam or complete cosmetic dental makeover.

Our dental menu includes teeth whitening, dental crowns and bridges, veneers, clear braces, inlays/onlays, cosmetic dental bonding, and sedation dentistry.

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth.

Drs. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
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Saliva And Provo’s Dental Health

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Categories: Dental Health

Saliva And Provo

Hi. We’re Drs. Hammond. Welcome to our Provo general dentistry blog. Today we’ll be looking at the complexity and importance of your saliva. Though most people in Provo or the surrounding areas may think it’s gross, saliva is essential to dental health as well as digestion.

Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a key factor in the development of cavities and other forms of tooth decay.

The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.

Now that Provo residents know how important saliva is to dental health, we’re sure you can see why ample salivary flow should concern you. For most of our Provo patients, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an ailment that should be dealt with quickly before oral health complications occur.

If you are in the Provo area and are looking for quality dental services and care, please contact our office today at 801-374-0070. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Provo since 1996.

Our friendly and professional staff would be happy to talk to you about cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and the other services we provide to our valued patients.

Drs. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo Utah
 801-374-0070
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The Dangers of Oral Piercing

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Categories: Dental Health

The Dangers of Oral Piercing If you live in the Provo area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Provo cosmetic dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offers many tooth restoration options such as dental crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Drs. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation.

Excellence In Family Dentistry At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Excellence In Family Dentistry At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Welcome to the Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry family dentistry blog. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we are proud of our legacy of dental excellence. If you are interviewing family dentists in the Provo area, we invite you to visit us.

Our dental service menu includes general, cosmetic, and orthodontic services for every member of the family.

We create a pleasant dental experience for our youngest patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We want to make sure they look forward to visits and never develop dental anxiety.

If you have toddlers and young children, we can guide you in pediatric oral care, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

If you have older children and teens, in addition to general dentistry, we provide invisible braces, dental implants, and bad breath treatment.

Hundreds of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients have dramatically improved their smile with the marvels of cosmetic dentistry.

Smile makeover techniques and materials are better than ever and some procedures can be completed in just one visit!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we treat you like family. To schedule an exam and cleaning, call us at 801-374-0070.

Does My Utah County Dentist Care About My Diet?

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Categories: Dental Health

General Dentistry Utah County When people in the Utah County area think of diet and oral health, they probably think about the damage sweet drinks can cause to teeth. While it’s true that these sugars cause increased acidity in the mouth and lead to tooth decay, soda and sugary-fruit drinks are only part of the issue.

The typical American diet tends to be high in calories and low in nutrition, even here in Utah County.

If your body is lacking in certain nutrients, the tissues in the mouth may have trouble resisting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently unveiled the MyPlate graphic to illustrate a healthy diet. Half of our meals should be composed of fruits and vegetables and the rest should be equally divided between lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

While this is an excellent resource, dietary needs change throughout life, so it’s a good idea to call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 and schedule a check-up to see if your diet is affecting your teeth.

When you eat a balanced diet and feel your best, you’ll want to look your best, so be sure to ask our skilled and caring staff about the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures such as complete smile makeovers and same day restorations.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our menu of services includes crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays, onlays, dental implants, tooth colored fillings, sealants, teeth whitening, and invisible braces. We also specialize in sedation dentistry for our Utah County patients who experience dental anxiety. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Chris A. Hammond, DMD
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
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Tooth Brushing Basics For Healthy Smiles In Provo

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Categories: Dental Health

Provo Teeth Bleaching Why should everyone in Provo brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also. Brushing and flossing can also be the first step towards bad breath treatment.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
  2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth.
  3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early. The best way to do this is with regular visits to your Provo family dentistry specialist.

Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Provo.

Top Reasons To Visit Your Provo Cosmetic Dentist

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Categories: Dental Health

Visit Your Provo Dentist Top Ten Reasons To Visit Your Provo Cosmetic Dentist:

  1. Check Up; it’s time, and this is the best way to avoid dental problems.
  2. Clean Up; our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile. Our office also offers bad breath treatment to help give you fresh breath that will match your new smile.
  3. Brush Up; if it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in to learn about the new options we have for dental care.
  4. Avoid pain; if you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now. We specialize in relieving dental pain. We also offer sedation dentistry.
  5. Fillings; we can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you avoid more painful problems down the road, and helps ease some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Avoid gum disease; we can assess the health of your gums and suggest treatments or practices that are available to help you improve the health of your gums.
  7. Ready for a whiter smile? We can help. We have tooth whitening options available that will brighten your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth replacement; If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology. Ask us about our dental implant options.
  9. Cosmetic dentistry is something everyone is considering to make improvements to their smile. We can help you assess the options and learn more about the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than when you know you have a bright and beautifully healthy smile.

We’re Drs. Hammond, and we are dentists in the Provo, Utah community. If you are ready for professional cosmetic and family dentistry, please give our office a call.

You can reach us at 801-374-0070, or visit us on our website at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

We are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. http://www.aacd.com