Bad Breath Q & A

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Provo bad breath exam

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

 

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Teeth Whitening: Do It Right

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Provo dentist teeth whitening

As the years go by, our teeth naturally lose their luster. Dark colored foods and drinks speed up the process, but even people who avoid coffee, wine and cola are not immune to yellow or gray teeth. Want to brighten up your smile? Teeth whitening at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to look younger and more attractive.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Though some teeth whitening patients experience a little short-term sensitivity, most experience none at all.

There are several different methods for whitening teeth but each uses a solution containing peroxide to remove the stains that have accumulated in the microscopic cracks in your tooth enamel.

DIY Whitening Products
Over-the-counter whitening products like strips and toothpastes use a lower concentration of whitening agent than in-office methods. They rarely remove all of the stains on your enamel. You are always better off having teeth whitening performed by a professional. This will protect your existing restorations and ensure the best possible results.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are among our cosmetic dentistry services. 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

 

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Treat Your Smile To A Healthy Diet

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

experienced family dentist Provo

Proper nutrition can benefit you in a number of ways: increased energy, improved immunity, glowing skin, mental clarity, and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we ask: how often do you consider how your diet influences your oral health?

What you eat affects your risk of cavities, enamel health, and gum condition. Healthy foods provide an environment that can prevent inflammation and infection. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts are the best choices for oral health. Calcium-fortified beverages, milk, and other dairy products provide vitamins, minerals, and calcium that aids in keeping teeth, bones, and gums healthy. Eating crispy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, will help clean your teeth and gums.

A healthy diet contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, and the most important mineral for teeth is fluoride – especially for kids. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, both the primary and the permanent teeth come in, therefore adequate fluoride is critical.

Don’t forget that too much fluoride is harmful. We can guide you on the perfect dosage of fluoride for your child, taking into account whether your municipal water is fluoridated.

Even though adults’ teeth have already formed, fluoride aids in remineralizing weakened enamel to a degree. This powerful mineral is applied to teeth during comprehensive dental cleanings at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry and daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Bacteria that causes enamel-destroying plaque love a steady diet of sugar—from soda, candy, and even fruit juices. When enamel wears away, the teeth become vulnerable to cavities, damage, and staining.

Sugary foods that are especially detrimental are those that get trapped in the spaces between teeth and the small pits and cracks in the molars. Candies that are chewy or hard can lodge in these spaces and allow for the harmful sugar to have direct contact with enamel until brushing occurs. Sticky candy can also damage braces and retainers. More than one retainer has fallen prey to sticky caramel or hard taffy.

Be sure to brush after each meal and before bed. In addition, remember to floss or use a water irrigating method to dislodge food particles trapped in spaces. By eating well, brushing properly, flossing regularly, and avoiding foods that stick to your teeth, you can have a beautiful smile for life. (And, hopefully, the physical energy to complement that pleasing smile and the energy to enjoy both.)

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo offers a full range of dental services, including specialties like dental implants and porcelain veneers. Call to 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

 

ArticleID 7077

Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

oral health hazards Provo

Too often at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we treat cavities and damage caused by the following:

1. Sports Injuries

Many parents send their kids out on the playing field with a mouthguard but fail to safeguard themselves when they participate in activities that put teeth at risk. Talk to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry about custom sports mouthguards for every athlete in the family.

2. Ice Chomping

Many people love chewing ice, especially that irresistible pebble ice you can get in some fountain drinks. You may not even be aware that you chew on the ice when you have finished your beverage. Breaking this habit can protect your teeth from cracks, chips, and tooth sensitivity.

3. Oral Piercings

Are you someone who expresses your personality with piercings in and around the mouth? We strongly discourage this. In addition to the risk of cracking or chipping, infection and permanent nerve damage can develop.

4. Gummy or Sour Candy

Of course all candies are no friend to your enamel, but gummy candy packs a double punch because it is both sugary and clings firmly to teeth. Sour candy triggers even more acid production than sugary candy alone. If your sweet tooth is extremely persuasive, chew sugarless gum.

5. Eating Disorders

These complex disorders have a multitude of mental and physical ramifications and, for most affected people, cannot be simply wished away. If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, we hope you are receiving the appropriate professional treatment. Be advised, however, that there are some things you can do to obtain a measure of protection for your teeth while you work through the healing process.

What If It’s Too Late?

If you have oral health issues due to one of these, or for any other reason, there are still ways to heal your smile. Virtually all tooth damage can be treated with advanced dentistry. We pride ourselves on providing answers to the dental issues caused by common smile wreckers.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, an a wide range of other 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

 

ArticleID 7481

Are Dental Implants Too Expensive?

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Categories: Dental Implants

implant dentures Provo

One of the persistent misconceptions about dental implants is that they are too expensive. Perhaps you have considered implants but think the price is too steep. Let’s talk about the cost of dental implants, one of our specialties at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Look At The Big Picture

A permanent dental implant is not cheap; it is a significant treatment. But you need to look at the whole picture when comparing dental implants to alternative tooth replacements.

Dentures Aren’t A Once-and-Done Solution

There are many styles of conventional dentures and a broad range of price points. While the upfront cost of dentures may be less, they need regular relines and occasional replacement.

A Dental Bridge May Not Last As Long

Dental bridges aren’t designed to last as long as dental implant procedures. They typically last from 7 to 10 years with proper care. An issue with dental bridges is that it is often difficult to clean under and around them. Because of this, some dental bridge patients develop tooth decay in adjacent teeth. Restoring decayed teeth can be a collateral expense if the patient doesn’t adequately clean the teeth and gums around the bridge.

Implants Are A Long-Term Solution

Implants last much longer. Though manufacturers won’t promise that the implant will last indefinitely, with daily oral hygiene and twice-yearly dental visits, they can be a lasting solution. We have patients whose implants are doing fine even though they have been in place beyond the estimated life span. We invite you to schedule an implant consultation. We can discuss your oral condition and how long you can expect dental implants to last.

It’s important to understand that the crown may not last as long as the abutment and post beneath it. A crown is manufactured to last from 10 to 15 years.

Can You Put A Price On Beautiful Teeth That Function Like Your Natural Teeth?

Dental implants provide near-natural function and look identical to natural teeth. Implants don’t have the drawbacks of dentures. They don’t come loose, restrict taste, or irritate gums.

Can You Put A Price On Your Face?

Implants guard against bone loss that changes the shape of the face, causing the cheeks and chin area to sink. Bone loss can make you look far older than your years.

Implants Are A Worthwhile Investment

The implant patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry believe dental implants are a beneficial investment because they have such a profound effect on quality of life. We also offer porcelain veneers, and many other services. 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

 

ArticleID 8084

How To Get The Whitest Teeth

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening Provo

Some people’s teeth are whiter than others, but it’s safe to say that most of us want our teeth to be pearly white! If you are one of those people, then teeth whitening at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo can help you achieve that dazzling smile you deserve.

Don’t Forget to Brush
The first tip seems like a no-brainer, but many people still forget this practice. We are talking about daily tooth brushing. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean and prevent dental caries. Often our teeth become discolored or stained because of what we consume (drinks, food, etc.) but when we brush our teeth, it decreases the damage.

After brushing teeth, another tip is using a fluoride rinse to finish the cleaning job. Fluoride helps get into the cracks where bacteria can be hiding away. When the bacteria is killed, it prohibits it from spreading and discoloring your teeth. When you are shopping for a fluoride rinse, check the labels. Some ordinary mouthwashes don’t contain fluoride.

Sometimes the discoloration is too extreme to be reversed by home remedies. That’s why we offer other powerful procedures to lighten your smile. We provide in-office teeth whitening and take home teeth bleaching kits. Each of these protocols provide an effective solution to teeth whitening.

Professional teeth whitening from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo leaves you with a dazzling white smile. Other services include porcelain veneers and clear braces from Invisalign. 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

 

ArticleID 7220

Dr. Hammond Knows When A Simple Problem Can Become Serious

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

canker sore treatment Orem

In this blog post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we are going to discuss those small irritations in the mouth that have the potential to become big problems.

Injuries, sores, or inflammation in the mouth can be very uncomfortable. These non-specific irritations, called stomatitis, have many different causes.

They may be caused by cold sores, gum disease, teeth grinding, or biting the inside of your mouth. They may also be triggered by broken teeth or braces.

In fact, any inflammation of the membranes in the mouth can be classified as stomatitis. Stomatitis can influence a person’s ability to speak, eat, and even to fall asleep at night.

Fortunately, most of these irritations clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. However, there is a possibility that a viral or bacterial infection can occur. It’s important to let us know about these sores if they don’t clear up after several weeks. Even if there are no complications, we can help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, services include family dentistry, and specialties like dental implants and clear braces. 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

 

ArticleID 5204

Better and Better: The Future of Implants

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Dental Implants

 

Dentists are always reminding their patients to brush and floss their teeth. It’s the best way to ensure healthy teeth and gums. But we know that in spite of everyone’s best efforts, some of our patients are going to lose a tooth. When that happens, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo recommends dental implants.

Humans have experimented with replacing lost teeth for thousands of years. Archaeologists tell us that the first known instance of an implanted tooth comes from the remains of an Egyptian king, whose upper jaw had a copper peg in it. They think it was hammered into place, but that’s an image we do not want to dwell on.

Other ancient cultures experimented with carved bamboo, pieces of stone and steel, and even sea shells. Rest assured, dental implants since then have come a long, long way. Today dental implants are a titanium post that is surgically placed in the patient’s jaw. One implant can support a single artificial tooth. Multiple implants can support a set of dentures.

Dental prognosticators say that implants are going to get even better, and that improvements aren’t that far down the road. We can expect faster healing and even lower failure rates, which are already pretty low.

At present, the most common cause of failure in dental implants is oral microbial infection. New generations of dental implants are expected to feature a reservoir that slowly releases anti-microbial medicine that prevents the growth of bacteria.

To find out whether dental implants are right for you, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Other services include clear braces from Invisalign. 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

 

Let Your Kids Fight The Evil Cavity-Causing Sorceress

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

children

A smartphone or tablet could be another vital tool to help kids create effective dental hygiene habits. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we want to tell you about a game called Toothsavers, an app that focuses on dental health.

In the exciting Toothsavers game (designed for ages 3 – 6), children try to save characters from an evil sorceress who inflicts cavities and other oral ailments on residents of her kingdom. Players use their fingers to ‘clean’ the characters’ teeth in the game.

The game is designed to encourage pre-teens to brush correctly for two minutes twice a day, and to create awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Toothsavers was created by the American Dental Association and Ad Council in partnership with 35 other organizations.

“Mobile technology plays a major role in influencing young people’s behavior and is a great fit for this campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We’re thrilled to release our first mobile game, which represents our ongoing efforts to use technology to promote health, education and well-being. We look forward to using this app to help kids maintain healthy oral health habits, and have fun while doing it!”

The game allows young children to time and log their toothbrushing. It also has alerts to remind them when it’s time to brush. As part of the game, users watch engaging two-minute instructional videos while they brush their teeth (in the real world). A new character is unlocked each day a player watches a video while brushing morning and night. Best of all, the app is free! It can be downloaded at the App Store or Google Play.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo gives a thumbs-up to anything that encourages kids to develop good dental hygiene habits. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and more. Make an appointment for you or your kids 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 6689

What’s The Difference Between An Inlay And An Onlay?

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Categories: Aesthetic dentistry, Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

tooth colored fillings Provo

If you have tooth sensitivity or pain in your back teeth when you chew, the surfaces may be damaged. One possible remedy is the use of an inlay or onlay made of metal, composite resin, or porcelain, one of the cosmetic dentistry options available from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem.

Inlays are very strong and shaped to precisely fit a hole in a damaged tooth. The choice of an inlay or onlay depends on how much decay and tooth loss has occurred.

An inlay resembles a filling and fills a small part of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps on the top of the tooth. In other words, an inlay fills a hole without changing the shape of the tooth, while an onlay builds up the tooth surface to restore its original dimension.

The procedure begins with a thorough evaluation, oral x-ray, and an impression. The damaged area will be removed and then the inlay or onlay will be formed to precisely fit your tooth and bite. While it is being made, your tooth will have a temporary restoration piece to cover and guard the vulnerable area.

Finally, the inlay or onlay will be placed and permanently bonded to the tooth. Since the procedure requires removal of damaged tooth material, restoration fabrication at the lab, and the placement on the tooth, it will take a few appointments to complete the process.

Inlays and onlays guard the tooth from further degeneration, provide natural function, and are durable and inconspicuous.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem provides many cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers and dental implants. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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