Family Dentistry

Here’s a question, followed by commentary, from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo: Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

While it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. We recommend using traditional string floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. A straight piece of floss just doesn’t make sense because it can’t wrap around a tooth as well as traditional floss. By wrapping floss completely around a tooth, you clean it more thoroughly and efficiently.

Here is a refresher course on appropriate flossing:

• Cut a section of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
• Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
• Hold the floss securely against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s important to scrape up and out of the pocket.
• Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean piece for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new piece.
• Some people find it smoother to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you decide on, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
• If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding generally stops within a week or two.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we want all our patients to enjoy clean teeth and good dental health. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry, including clear braces from Invisalign. Call for 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

 

Most people know that vitamin D is important for healthy teeth and bones, but many of us fail to get adequate amounts. This article from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem is a friendly reminder to our patients – especially expectant mothers – about the importance of vitamin D.

Here is a sampling of vitamin D findings from around the web:

• Several recent reports demonstrate a significant association between periodontal health and the intake of vitamin D.
• Researchers who took a second look at a series of clinical trials conducted on 2,000 children in several countries between the 1920s and 1980s determined vitamin D — which we often garner from sunlight — was associated with around a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of tooth decay.
• Inadequate vitamin D levels in pregnant women may be associated with dental caries in their children during the first year of life.
• The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but it is hard to quantify how much vitamin D you get from time in the sun and the risk of skin cancer may outweigh the benefits. Food first, says Baylor College of Medicine dietitian Keli Hawthorne. “Supplements can fill in the gaps but it is always better to try to meet your nutritional needs with foods that contain fiber, phytonutrients, and so much more.”

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health and a beautiful smile. Our wide range of services include dental implants and porcelain veneers. Call for your next checkup 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

 

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we concentrate on critical behaviors that impact dental health. Brushing and flossing are two essential habits, but there are many more things we can do to maintain a healthy smile.

Diet Do’s

• Do eat a nutritious diet with a variety of foods. This is necessary for overall physical health and a strong immune system.
• Do consume calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to neutralize acids that are harmful to enamel.

Diet Don’ts

• Don’t eat sugary foods. Sugar leads to the production of detrimental cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
• Don’t snack throughout the day. This accelerates plaque production and subjects the teeth to continual contact with acids.
• Don’t chew on ice. (It really can chip teeth.)
• Don’t drink energy drinks. They have many substances that are detrimental to teeth.

Other Important Tips

• Don’t use your teeth as tools. It is smarter to cut that knotted shoelace than to gnaw at it to try to untangle it.
• Don’t get piercings in or around your mouth.
• Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.
• If you have children, talk to Dr. Hammond about water fluoridation. If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your little ones fluoride supplements.
• Don’t use a medium or hard bristle toothbrush. It can damage gums.
• If you have an eating disorder – seek professional help immediately. Bulimia and anorexia are extremely damaging to teeth. (Not to mention the toll they take on the heart and other organs.)

We encourage all of our patients to maintain a lifestyle that supports dental health as well as overall physical health. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we offer family and cosmetic dentistry, and specialties like dental implants. 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

 

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo focuses on three dental-related myths.

All Sugar Is Equally Bad For Teeth
We all know that sugar increases our risk of tooth decay, but some types are worse than others. Sugar-based foods that sit on the teeth are more dangerous than those that are swallowed immediately. Sipping a soda or sucking on a mint can be worse than eating a candy bar all at once.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Baby Teeth Because They Will Fall Out Anyway
Healthy primary teeth serve several important purposes. They allow the child to eat and speak properly. They retain proper spacing of teeth. A healthy smile instills confidence and self-esteem. Healthy baby teeth eliminate the pain of decay which disrupts normal daily activity.

Pulling A Tooth Is Just As Good As A Root Canal
We will let the American Associate of Endodontists explain this one:
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option. Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we provide accurate answers to all of your dental questions. Our services include cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants and porcelain veneers. Schedule an appointment with 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

 

This article from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo answers some common questions about toothpaste.

Why does toothpaste seem gritty?

The abrasive nature of toothpaste is to assist in removing dental plaque and food from the surface of the teeth. Vigorous brushing becomes unnecessary for dental patients when the abrasives in the toothpaste can snag the mouth’s lingering bits of food and polish the enamel at the same time.

What’s with the strong minty flavors?

Minty flavorants are used to encourage continued use of the paste and to freshen breath. However, powerful toothpaste alone is not designed to cure halitosis (bad breath) for people affected. While unflavored toothpastes exist, the world has also seen such flavors as peanut butter, iced tea, and ginger. To treat halitosis it is best to prohibit periodontal disease and to also brush bacteria from far back on the tongue. Removing the source is critical and more effective than covering it up with minty flavorings.

What is Fluoride’s place in a toothpaste?

Fluoride occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources. It is championed by health-conscious men and women for preventing tooth decay and controlling gingivitis. Fluoride-containing compounds are present in many toothpastes to add another vital dimension to the oral hygiene regimen for preventing decay.

How are toothpaste and flossing related?

Flossing regularly in conjunction with toothbrushing assists in prevent bacterial growth, tooth decay, and plaque build-up by simply removing chunks of food or substances that could break down the tooth.

Finally, what about the relationship between toothpaste and mouthwash?

The use of mouthwash cannot replace regular brushing and flossing. Mouthwash (or fluoride rinse) simply adds yet another effective layer of defense against bacterial growth in the mouth.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we pride ourselves on excellence in dentistry. Services include family dentistry, and specialties like dental implants and porcelain veneers. 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

 

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo takes on an unpleasant topic: bad breath.

Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to meet with your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry, and a possible embarrassment for many people. Regular dental checkups can help alleviate your concern over bad breath.

Factors in Bad Breath

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many behaviors and health conditions can cause or exacerbate halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent effect on your breath.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the number of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Other factors to think about include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, your dental health is always our top priority. That includes eliminating bad breath! Services include a full range of family dentistry services. 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

 

Some parents believe that their child’s primary teeth are less important than their permanent teeth. The thinking goes like this: “They’re going to fall out, right? We’ll get serious about oral hygiene when their big teeth come in.” This is completely wrong, and at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we take the dental health of children very seriously.

Your child’s primary teeth, or baby teeth, are just as vital to their health, speech development, and morale as their permanent teeth.

The twenty primary teeth set the stage for a beautiful smile. Taking care of them is important.

When Brushing Is A Battle

A child’s resistance is understandable. A parent takes a pokey bristly thing, smears some minty paste on it, puts it in their mouth and scrubs their teeth with it. No wonder it doesn’t appeal to some toddlers. Sometimes parents want to give up the struggle until their child is older.

We urge you to keep trying. Here are some tips for toothbrushing tantrums.

Go Easy On The Toothpaste

If the toothpaste is the problem, brush with a smaller amount or even without it at first. The goal is to remove food particles that will lead to plaque and bacteria, eventually causing decay. Toothpaste is not necessary for removing food particles. Fluoride is important, however.

Let Your Child Pick Their Toothbrush

Take your youngster to the store for a new, soft-bristled toothbrush. Maybe buy two, so he or she has some control in picking which one to use each time. Let your child do the brushing first, then check and brush the areas that might have been missed.

Make Brushing Family Fun

Brush together as a family. Let your son or daughter know that everyone needs to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. Make it fun.

Baby Steps At First

To develop the habit, keep the time short and slowly extend the sessions. Brush heads are hard with bristles that poke. Toothpaste may seem “hot” to some babies. Teaching your child that brushing is non-negotiable is the critical first step. After it has become part of the routine, add time by singing songs or brushing your teeth at the same time. Some Utah parents have had success with setting a timer.

Remember The Reinforcement

Compliment your child on their marvelous effort in taking care of themselves. Be sure to maintain a positive attitude. Let your child know that you love their pleasing smile and want it to always be shiny white. Positive reinforcement and establishing a routine are vital parts of childhood dental brushing. We want children to be enthusiastic about a habit that will affect their health throughout their life.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we love seeing our littlest patients. Services include family 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

 

For anyone who feels pain when sipping morning coffee or cringes each time you brush or floss, it may be a case of sensitive teeth. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is here for you.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which causes the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort (who are we kidding—it’s pain).

Here in our Provo office, we can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

We usually recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that lessens tooth pain after several applications. There are plenty of them on the market. However, some patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, our team takes good care of you. Services include family and cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers. Schedule an appointment with 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

 

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offers some answers to frequent questions about bad breath.

Q. My wife says my breath is terrible, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?
A. Bacteria can multiply and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can explore other possible causes of your halitosis.

Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?
A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and exudes a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can bring about gross breath. Antihistamines can lessen post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth wet, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.

Q. What health conditions can result in bad breath?
A. As discussed before, any condition that lessens saliva production can cause halitosis. It is also a persistent side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.

Q. Why did my breath become appalling when I went on a strict low-carb diet?
A. Ketones were most likely the culprit. Ketones are produced when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like you weren’t cheating!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, the dental health of each of our patients is always our top concern. Our services include dental implants and clear braces from Invisalign. 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