Family Dentistry

Water flossers have been around for more than fifty years, and there have been at least that many studies on their effectiveness. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we’re using this space to present what is known about water flossers, and whether they’re better than ordinary string floss in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.

Dental Floss

First of all, the main benefit of standard dental floss – string floss – is that it passes easily between the teeth to remove food debris and plaque. It is easy to use, inexpensive, readily available, and a very efficient way of removing plaque.

On the down side, some people find it hard to reach certain areas of the mouth, like way in back. It can cause minor bleeding, and gum sensitivity. People with agility issues may find it hard to use.

Water Flossing

Water flossers use pulsing water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. A special machine directs a jet spray that can be very effective. They too are easy to use, and in addition to cleaning your teeth can also massage the gums.

They’re great for people with braces and other dental work. The stream of pulsing water makes it easy to get those areas that are harder to reach with string floss. They are also an excellent solution for people with issues like arthritis.

On the other hand, water flossers can be expensive. You need to find a place to store them when not in use. And they require electricity.

The Bottom Line

It isn’t necessarily an either/or situation. The best dental health routine at home may well be to floss, brush, and water floss – not necessarily in that order. The sequence in which these are done comes down to your personal preference. To put it another way: whatever works!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we think the most important thing, by far, is that you establish a dental health routine that you practice every day. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for regular checkups. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us 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 you suddenly have to juggling a lot of issues, some are bound to get dropped. Perhaps you are going through an intense family situation or have become the caregiver for an ailing parent. Perhaps you took on a second job or started night school to earn an advanced degree. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT understands that life can be hectic!

Not every stressor is negative. A new baby, marriage, career, or move can be exciting but overwhelming. It’s okay – and sometimes helpful – to drop some of the balls. You can probably let another parent take over room mother duties for a few weeks, forego a haircut, or skip poker night until things calm down.

However, when it comes to oral health, it should always remain a priority. Sometimes you feel too exhausted to brush or floss, or to attend check-ups and cleanings. Our team wants to remind you the possible consequences of neglecting your smile.

1. Tooth decay
2. Gum disease
3. Tooth and gum pain
4. Bad breath
5. Infection
6. Tooth loss

Your plate is already full – you don’t want to add poor oral health and the associated expense and inconvenience required to treat advanced dilemmas. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we offer general and cosmetic dentistry to patients from American Fork and Lehi and are ready to help you safeguard your dental health. Contact us 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

Anyone with chronic bad breath understands the embarrassment and frustration associated with this condition. As unpleasant as it is, rest assured we can help at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT.

There are several possible causes for bad breath, some that you may overlook:

1. Poor oral hygiene
2. Digestive problems
3. Systemic infection
4. Bacteria on dentures
5. Gum disease
6. Food particles on tonsils
7. Dry mouth

If your bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene, you’re in luck – this is one of the easiest types to treat. Make sure you brush for a full three minutes before you climb into bed. Don’t forget to floss!

People who have no idea how long they brush can set a timer – there is probably one on your smartphone. In addition to cleaning tooth surfaces, scrub your tongue! Then take the time to floss around each tooth to wash away the plaque between your teeth and keep your gums healthy.

You can also brush after each meal to prevent food debris from sitting on their teeth. In addition to freshening your breath, brushing after each meal will improve your dental health.

Treating bad breath starts with a visit to Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT. Be sure to mention it! People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for our comprehensive general dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah
84604

 

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we address the unpleasant topic of halitosis, also known as bad breath.

While poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis, many elements can contribute to it, or even make it worse. One of these is the lack of saliva, or xerostomia.

Saliva and Oral Health

One of the functions of saliva is moistening the teeth and gums and removing odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel stability.

Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby shielding the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against cavities and infections.

Most of us have a dry mouth now and then, like when we’re anxious or under stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can result in additional oral and physical health problems.

If you are coping with either condition, be sure to tell us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We’ve helped patients throughout American Fork and Lehi discover the source and guide them on treatment. Our services include general 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

 

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It’s a progressive condition, and is easily treatable in its earliest stages. From Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, here are the four main stages of gum disease.

Gingivitis

The main symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that cause discomfort while brushing and flossing. You may notice bad breath on occasion. Gingivitis is often caused by the buildup of bacteria on teeth and the gum line.

Early Stage Periodontal Disease

This means an infection has spread beneath your gums, allowing harmful bacteria to begin harming the bone holding your teeth in place. An aggressive treatment plan can prevent it from getting worse.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

Moderate periodontal disease involves more advanced care. Surgery can reshape your gums and close pockets between the gums and teeth to reduce plaque buildup. This may sound intimidating, but the prognosis can be good.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Flap surgery is common for this stage and involves cleaning the actual roots of your teeth by scrubbing behind your gums. Weakened bone can be smoothed or shaped to avoid bacteria from collecting.

Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, can prevent gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi rely on our care, and also  come to us for general 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