“Brush Up On Your Cavity Basics, Orem”

General Dentistry Orem

Residents of Orem use the word ‘cavity’ often when discussing dental health practices. Along with teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, cavities are a hot topic.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we think it’s great that people are so conscious of their teeth, and we feel that having a greater understanding of exactly what a cavity is will help them take better care of their pearly whites.

Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities. Different factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Insufficient tooth brushing and flossing

Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Orem family dentist today for an appointment.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Orem area, give Dr. Hammond a call. We have been treating cosmetic and family dentistry patients in and around Orem since 1967. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

We hope to hear from you soon!


Do Whitestrips Work?

Teeth Whitening Utah County If you have visited the toothpaste aisle at your Utah County Wal-Mart, you have probably noticed dozens of products that claim to whiten your teeth. A few years ago, the only over-the-counter tooth whitening options in Utah County were tooth whitening toothpastes and Crest Whitestrips. Now there is a wide variety of products at every drugstore counter in the Utah County area.

Whitening Rinses
Utah County whitening rinses are similar to mouthwashes. They kill bacteria, freshen breath and may help remove plaque. Whitening rinses, however, contain tooth-whitening ingredients not found in mouthwashes. Manufacturers advise taking a mouthful of the rinse and letting it slosh around on your teeth for one minute twice a day. Though this method is simple, many users never notice a lightening of their teeth. This is probably because the rinse does not touch your teeth long enough to truly whiten them.

Whitening Strips
The whitening strips you can buy in Utah County grocery stores have a couple of drawbacks. Though they contain a bleaching agent, it is much less potent than those used in Utah County cosmetic dental offices. Another problem is that they do not whiten between teeth because the strips only touch the front surface. Though it is possible to remove stains, it can take months to see any whitening. By that point, you have probably spent more money than you would have if you’d have chosen the professional system at your tooth whitening general dentistry practice.

Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are painted onto teeth with a small brush. One problem with whitening gels is that they only stick to dry teeth. If any saliva gets on the teeth during treatment, the gel is more likely to slide off.

If you are serious about dramatically whitening your teeth, the safest, quickest, and most affordable system is at your Utah County dental office.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is located at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200, Provo UT. Our phone number is 801-374-0070. You can find more information on our dental website at /about.htm.


Provo Pediatric Dentistry

Family Dentistry Provo Your Provo child’s dental health is essential to overall health and vitality. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our Provo family dentistry team loves working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life. Why? The health of your Provo child’s teeth and gums can affect their speech development, eating habits and self-esteem.

Provo family dental care is critical, and that is why we recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can discuss Provo dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques and orthodontics.

Provo children’s dentists also counsel parents about thumb-sucking, pacifier use and other habits that affect your child’s pediatric dental health. We can also help you keep your child’s teeth protected during sporting activities. Call us immediately at 801-374-0070 if your child has a dental emergency or tooth injury.

Our caring staff will make your child feel comfortable during their Provo dental visit.

In additional to offering experienced Provo family dentistry, we are also a full-service cosmetic dentistry practice. We offer advice and care on porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, tooth bonding, and restorative dentistry.

We hope to be your Provo children’s dentist consultant.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
801-374-0070


Orem Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

General Dentistry Orem

Hi. We’re Dr. Hammond. Welcome to our Orem dental blog! We find that many of our patients in the Orem area get a couple of general dentistry terms mixed up. Today, I would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Orem dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Orem family dentistry patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Orem area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 801-374-0070 to schedule an appointment today.

Our friendly and professional staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
/about.htm


Dental Sealants – Another Tool For Cavity Prevention In Orem

Family Dentistry Orem

Dental patients in the Orem area know that regular brushing and flossing are essential for optimal oral health. However, the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach into every small groove and depression in your teeth, especially the really bumpy back teeth. That’s where sealants can be invaluable.

Dental sealants are a plastic material that is applied by your Orem dentist. This material is a resin that bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly in the pits and fissures. The plastic acts as a shield against acids and plaque so that the tooth enamel is protected.

Many Orem residents might think that sealants are only for children and teenagers, but they can actually be beneficial for adults as well. If you are wondering if sealants are right for you, speak with your Orem family dentistry professional. This simple dental procedure can dramatically improve your oral health by protecting the surfaces that are particularly vulnerable to decay.

Many dental insurance providers include dental sealants as a covered benefit, so check with your provider if you are considering them. If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about financing options. Because they can prevent cavities, dental sealants can save you money in the long run.

We’re Dr. Hammond, Provo dentists and we want to thank you for visiting our dental blog. At our office we serve the Orem area by offering:

cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers
Invisalign clear braces
general dentistry

If you have any questions about these or other cosmetic dental procedures or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at 801-374-0070.  Our friendly and professional staff would be happy to assist you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo Utah

801-374-0070


Has Your Smile Lost Its Luster?

Porcelain Veneers Utah County

Hello Utah County! Has your smile lost its luster? Are your teeth discolored? If flashing a pearly white smile is important to you we can help. Our names are Dr. Hammond and we have been creating whiter, brighter smiles for patients in the Provo area since 1996 at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Whether your teeth have been stained through sipping dark-colored drinks such as red wine or coffee or if smoking has left your teeth brown and dull, we and our staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can whiten your teeth and intensify your smile.

Maybe you have injured your tooth in some way causing it to turn gray. We offer several solutions to restore the color to your tooth. When you come in for a consultation we will determine which cosmetic dental procedure is best for your teeth.

Your smile the first thing people notice, I will make sure your smile is brilliant and absolutely unforgettable!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we not only offer tooth whitening to our Utah County patients, we also specialize in cosmetic dentistry.

If you or your family need porcelain veneers or sedation dentistry we invite you to come in for a dental consultation. We are located at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200 in Provo, Utah.

Invest in a white, bright smile! Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo today at 801-374-0070 or visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.

Thanks for visiting our cosmetic dental blog – Dr. Chris Hammond


Whitening vs Bleaching At Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry In Provo

Teeth Whitening Provo

Provo teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry service that Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides in-office or through a take home kit. Results vary, but most patients experience significant lightening that lasts up to a year. Our Provo area teeth whitening clients affirm that a whiter smile boosts self confidence and can take years of wear and discoloration away to reveal a brighter smile.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching, however, mean two different things in Provo cosmetic dentistry. Surface cracks and stains occur on tooth enamel, exposing the yellower dentin below the surface. Discoloration can be the result of the natural aging process, illness, genetics, or dark colored food or drink. Foods and beverages that are both dark colored and acidic – like wine, coffee, and tomato sauce  – have even greater staining power.

Teeth whitener can refer to any product used to remove stains from tooth enamel: toothpaste, do it yourself strips, and certain mouthwashes are safe and inexpensive and can turn teeth whiter with continued, regular use.
The extent of whitening varies, and it takes dedicated, consistent use to see results.

Whitening products that do not contain bleach can usually make teeth two to four shades lighter. These are a good choice for Provo men and women with sensitive teeth and gums that can react to products containing harsher whitening chemicals. For pregnant or nursing mothers, the non-bleach whitening products are the safer choice.

Teeth bleaching is used to describe a tooth whitening product that contains a form of bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in varying concentrations. For best results, Zoom whitening should done in-office by your Provo cosmetic dentist. Bleaching can achieve more noticeable results, sometimes up to seven shades lighter. Intrinsic stains on the dentin, as well as surface stains can be effectively lightened under an experienced Provo dentist’s supervision.

Dr. Hammond specialize in teeth whitening, teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and complete smile redesign. Call the friendly and professional team at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to schedule a consultation! Bright, sparkling teeth make you want to smile all the time.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
Providing advanced general and cosmetic dentistry since 1996
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime


Orem Dental News: Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

General Dentistry Orem

Visiting Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry near Orem for regular general dentistry check-ups and cleanings every six months can seem inconvenient and unnecessary at times, but you may benefit in ways you never imagined.

A recent study showed that people who had their teeth professionally cleaned at least once every two years were 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, compared to those who skipped appointments.

While the study could simply confirm that those Orem people who dutifully schedule regular dental services and cleanings also practice healthy habits like exercising and eating right, there is additional evidence of a relationship between oral health and heart health.

Common problems like inflammation with gum disease are linked to hardening of the arteries and other tissue inflammations which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Former American Heart Association President Ralph Sacco, MD, (who did not participate in the study mentioned previously) said:

‘Something as simple as having good dental hygiene – brushing, flossing, and having regular cleanings – may be good for your heart and brain health.’

While the study found that patients who schedule cleanings yearly reap the most health benefits, Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommends coming in for check-ups and cleanings every six months to catch potential problems early, saving Orem family dentistry patients time and money. Regular dental cleanings also brighten and whiten teeth, making your smile look its best.

To schedule a deep cleaning with our friendly and professional dental hygienist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, call
801-374-0070 today!

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

 


Protecting Your Provo Athlete’s Teeth

Family Dentistry Provo Do you have a son or daughter that plays Provo youth sports? Soccer, baseball, football, basketball and gymnastics can be very dangerous to your child’s teeth. Football is a violent contact sport, yet there is a relatively low rate of tooth injuries that occur in football as compared to other contact sports. Why? Football players are required to wear a mouth guard and a helmet.

Inexpensive athletic dental mouth guards are worth their weight in gold!

If your child participates in a contact sport in Provo and does not currently wear a tooth protection device, you may want to purchase an appropriately-sized mouth guard. They are available at most Provo area athletic supply stores.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we care about your child’s health and safety. To discuss your child’s dental condition or to learn more about sports-related tooth injury prevention, call us at 801-374-0070. We have been keeping Provo smiles healthy since 1996. Our child-friendly staff pampers our youngest Provo family dentistry patients. Let us show you why we are not an ordinary Provo dental practice.

Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime


Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Tooth Tips For Traveling

General Dentistry Utah County

If you live in the Utah County area and are planning to take a vacation or business trip soon, I recommend you coordinate your dental care with your travel schedule. It’s always a good idea to have a checkup at your Utah County general dentistry practice prior to leaving on long vacations, especially if your trip is taking you to developing areas without good dental care options. This quick checkup will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

More importantly, if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, discuss it with your Utah County dentist. A large number of dental procedures are actually surgical procedures. This means that your body will need more time to heal than you may realize.

Also, if you’re leaving the Utah County area by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure of the airplane may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. In addition, make sure you are aware of any necessary follow-up appointments with your Utah County area dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

We’re Dr. Hammond and we want Utah County residents to be informed about their dental care. Our practice offers:

  • cosmetic dentistry
  • sedation dentistry
  • porcelain veneers
  • Invisalign clear braces
  • general dentistry

If you are looking for general dental care or quality cosmetic dentistry in the Utah County area, please call us today and let our friendly and professional staff take care of you.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah
801-374-0070
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com