Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Provo

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

 

ArticleID 7334

Save Your Breath

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

bad breath treatments Provo

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, talk to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health. 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

 

The 4 Stages of Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

four stages of gum disease Orem

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

 

ArticleID 8543

Implants Prevent Denture-Related Health Problems

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

tooth implants Provo

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Many of them choose dentures. But dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are a state-of-the-art alternative.

Problems With Dentures

Conventional dentures usually fit properly at first, but the mouth changes as you age. Normal wear and tear takes a toll. Eventually, the dentures will need to be relined or replaced.

In addition:

  • Ill-fitting dentures can aggravate gums and cause inflammation. Inflammation can result in additional health issues.
  • Dentures can change a person’s bite, which impacts the (jaw) joint. This, in turn, can lead to pain in the face, neck, and head.
  • Dentures trap food debris. This can result in gum disease.
  • Missing teeth eventually result in bone loss. When the jaw no longer has tooth roots, it shrinks and recedes.

With dental implants you can avoid these health issues.

Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw. The post gradually fuses with the bone to provide a solid base of support, much like a natural tooth root. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support dentures.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may be the best investment you ever make. We have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. People also come to us for our full range of general dentistry services. Call 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

 

ArticleID 8088

3 Vital Reasons to Floss Regularly

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

reasons to floss your teeth

Flossing your teeth is  one of those things you should do every single day in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Too many people skip flossing, though. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we’ll give you three very good reasons why you should make it part of your regular dental health regimen.

1. Helps Fight Cavities

Every time we eat, food debris is left in the mouth. It accumulates in between teeth without us always being aware. Flossing gets rid of it and helps reduce the amount of plaque buildup.

2. Helps prevent gum disease

Plaque buildup also increases the risk of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Flossing is a great way to clear it out.

3. Freshens your breath

All that gunk between your teeth can lead to bad breath, and no one wants that! Brushing alone isn’t enough: floss it away.

Flossing your teeth is essential to good dental health. So are regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo! People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for 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

 

ArticleID 8550

What are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

risks of dental implants Utah

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection. Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow healing. A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus problems. Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant failure. If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve damage. Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from American Fork and Lehi trust us with implants and also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call us 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

 

ArticleID 8296

Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?

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gentle dentist ProvoFor most of us, getting a cavity filled may not be the highlight of the day. But thanks to modern anesthesia, like what we use at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, it’s more an inconvenience than anything else.

Some people, though, are resistant to local anesthesia like lidocaine. That makes something that is usually simple, like filling a cavity, a real challenge: the tooth needs to be fixed, but the level of pain can go off the charts.

The patient may be filled with local anesthesia – but for them, it’s like it’s not even there. A slow response to lidocaine is fairly common, and a second injection usually takes care of it. But sometimes it just doesn’t work.

There has been research into this but no conclusive findings. Some theorize that the tissue in certain people doesn’t absorb anesthesia the way it does in most. Another possibility is that some of us have nerves in slightly different places than in most. But no one knows for sure.

All of this is cold comfort to anyone who who has trouble getting numb for dental work. If this sounds like you or someone close to you, please let us know at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo. We will find a solution. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Call 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

 

ArticleID 8085

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Orem Oral Dentistry

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we are sometimes asked about Xylitol. What is it, exactly? Is there really a sweetener that helps prevent cavities?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark, but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth. It is used in many products, including chewing gum.

Clinical studies have established that xylitol impedes the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who live with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while preserving against cavities.

Is xylitol gum as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing the dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

Of course, xylitol-sweetened products are no substitute for brushing and flossing. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start! 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

 

ArticleID 1368

A Missing Tooth Can Lead to Bone Loss

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

Utah County tooth implants

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo support teeth so lifelike, patients have been known to forget some of their teeth aren’t real. That’s now natural their look and function is.

Those simple facts are enough to make most people choose dental implants if they need to replace one or more of their teeth. Then they learn that in addition to those benefits, implants can actually preserve and promote healthy bone mass in their jaws.

Dental Implants and Bone Loss

An unfortunate consequence of losing teeth is that the bone surrounding the lost tooth begins to atrophy. This begins almost immediately, and is usually noticeable within a year or so. The person’s face takes on a shrunken or sagging appearance. The more teeth that are missing, the more pronounced it is.

This happens because of the missing tooth root. But because dental implants are physically attached to the jaw, they mimic the root. The natural biting and chewing motions stimulate the bone and encourage new tissue to grow around the implant.

One dental implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge, and even a full dental arch. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. Please give our office a call to 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

 

ArticleID 8540

Implant Dentures: Fixed Or Removable?

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

implant dentures Provo

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

Implant-supported dentures both provide numerous advantages over standard dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Furnishes up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Don’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

Bone Condition

Implants require a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jaw bone affects whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are game-changers, and we have placed them in patients in American Fork, Lehi, and elsewhere. To find out whether they are right for you, please call our office to 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

 

ArticleID 7788