Both Smoking And Vaping Put Your Smile At Risk

oral health risks of e-cigarettes Provo

A recent study on the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health has more dismal information for men and women who believe vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. In a study published in the journal Oncotarget, scientists determined that e-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and permanent cellular deterioration. These conditions, in turn, can bring about periodontitis, oral cancer, and tooth loss.1

As defined by the FDA, “E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol containing nicotine or other substances.”2

Before e-cigarettes appeared on the scene in 2005, the number of individuals who smoked traditional cigarettes had remained fairly steady. The unforeseen rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, however, has triggered a substantial health risk, especially for the nation’s teenagers.

“Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General found e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900 percent, with more teens now using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.”2

Hi, I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. My experienced team treats general dentistry patients suffering from smoking-related oral health conditions with expertise and compassion. We also strive to provide accurate information about public health issues. We add our voice to the healthcare professionals who are working to inform the public about the dangers of e-cigarettes and clear up the misconception that they are somehow less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. If you have smoked in the past and are dealing with gum issues or yellow teeth as a result, call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. We offer a number of options to get you back to a healthy, beautiful smile.

Sources:
1Isaac K. Sundar, Fawad Javed, Georgios E. Romanos, Irfan Rahman, “E-cigarettes and flavorings induce inflammatory and pro-senescence responses in oral epithelial cells and periodontal fibroblasts,” Oncotarget, 2016, http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=12857, accessed April 24, 2017
2 “E-cigarettes and Lung Health” The American Lung Association, http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/e-cigarettes-and-lung-health.html, accessed April 25, 2017

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Does Your Dentist Conjure Up Cavities?

prevent cavities Provo

Cavities can be filled, but it is better to prevent cavities in the first place. If your dentist in Utah County seems to conjure up cavities at every visit, then it’s up to you to break the cycle. But we are here to help you. Let’s work together.

How can you lift the cavity curse? Schedule a preventative dental consultation and examination at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry by calling 801-374-0070. You will be served by several members of our friendly team. One of our experienced dental hygienists will give your teeth and gums the best cleaning they have ever received. He or she will review proper oral hygiene and discuss ways to incorporate these critical habits into your lifestyle.

Dr. Chris Hammond DDS will perform a thorough examination and discuss your dental conditions and goals. We welcome questions about brushing, flossing, diet, medical issues, and lifestyle choices. These are all factors that affect your dental health.

Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, as much as we love to see our general dentistry patients, we would prefer they all enjoyed healthy smiles and only had to visit a couple times a year for cleanings and checkups. Use preventative dental visits to improve your oral care techniques and break the cavity curse.

Dr. Chris Hammond DDS is an experienced dental professional who promotes preventative dentistry. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo was launched in 1967 to provide the residents of Provo, Utah County, Lehi, and American Fork with the highest standard of personalized dental care.
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers a comprehensive menu of dental services including oral sedation dentistry, Invisalign, mini implants and dental crowns.

Find us nearby at: 3575 N 100 E Ste 200 Provo, Utah, call: 801-374-0070 or visit: https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/

We look forward to working with you to break the cavity curse.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

bleeding gums Provo

This is a critical question occasionally asked by family dentistry patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly – not leave them alone. It is impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to detrimental gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding frequently stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Utah and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could cause gum disease. The good news is that, unlike tooth decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

It is essential to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:

  1. +Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
  2. +Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
  3. +Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
  4. +Thread the floss between two teeth.
  5. +Hold the floss tightly 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.
  6. +Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. 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 section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.

Some general dentistry patients find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever operation you choose, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still experience bleeding? Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation. Chris Hammond, DDS, will carry out an intensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our goal is to help patients preserve healthy teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists not only complete the most thorough dental cleanings, they also educate patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you have a child who needs extra help learning how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with our Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry child-friendly team.

Some patients have perfectly healthy teeth and gums but are not satisfied with their smile due to cosmetic issues. If you want to explore cosmetic dentistry possibilities for improving your smile, communicate with us today at 801-374-0070.

We offer technologically-advanced cosmetic dental services including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment. You can count on us to maintain the highest standard of safety and sterility at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Peace Begins With A Smile

Utah County cosmetic dental veneers

Mother Theresa once said “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Do you believe it is beautiful? Does it express your best self? Let’s talk about your smile.

Bright eyes and bright smiles are best served clear and clean. Regular check ups with your local dental provider can prevent runaway decay and pricey corrections. Stay at peace with your smile by scheduling regular dental visits to avoid any future oral problems.

Rest assured that there are ways to redo what nature has given you or cosmetically remedy problems that have affected your once-pleasant smile. Talk to a cosmetic dentist to learn how you can achieve a smile you can be at peace with. For information about veneers, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign braces, visit https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/about-us/.

We are Drs. Hammond and Ellis with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry located in Provo at 3575 N 100 E. Just like Mother Teresa said, we believe peace can begin with a smile. If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums, or bite, call 801-374-0070 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation.

We have years of experience providing my Provo area patients with cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers and total mouth reconstruction. We fix bite issues, seal children’s molars, remove decay, contour gums, mend cracks, bridge gaps, and reconstruct after tooth injury.

We are your local, experienced dental practice and provide quality service and products. We are enthusiastic about creating the best dental experience possible. If dental visits make you feel the exact opposite of peaceful, let’s talk about oral conscious sedation. With a little help, you can get through your treatment with minimal anxiety and be at peace with your smile for years to come.

We’ve been providing services such as cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, and dental implants since 1967 to Provo and nearby communities such as Lehi, Utah County, and American Fork. Even patients from Orem have found value in traveling to see us. Our caring, competent staff can schedule and discuss any of our top services such as mini implants, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign.

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

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry


Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry In Provo

Provo Cosmetic Dentistry Hello, We are the team of Dr. Chris Hammond. Welcome to our Provo cosmetic dentistry blog. Today’s article focuses on the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

General dentists in Provo are dedicated to preventing and treating oral disease such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Provo cosmetic dentists perform elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some Provo dentists, like us, offer both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a Provo dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several of restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our caring team provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures. We treat Orem area patients of all ages: from toddlers just beginning to get their baby teeth to mature patients who remember the days when many people were afraid of dentists and their whiny drills. (Some of our wonderful elderly Provo patients have crowns that are twice as old as our hygienists.)

Experienced Provo dental professionals who perform pediatric, general, orthodontic, and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in the Orem area, we invite you to come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, We are located at 3575 N 100 E. To schedule an oral examination or smile makeover consultation, call 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo, Utah 84604
www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
family dentistry
cosmetic dentistry
sedation dentistry
Invisalign


Do You Have Sore Gums?

Affordable Provo Dentistry Every Orem general dentistry patient’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are diligent about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

Gingivitis is the term for the mild gum disease. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we routinely discover gingivitis in Orem area clients who are not even aware they have the condition.

The first signs of gingivitis are swollen, sore gums.

It is important for our Orem dental patients to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the Orem area, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. Dr. Hammond thoroughly exams teeth and gums and takes time to discuss the results and recommendations with each Orem family dentistry patient.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is a full-service dental practice at 3575 N 100 E, Ste 200, Provo, UT. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for clients who live in Orem and the nearby communities.

During your dentist consultation, we can discuss any cosmetic or restorative procedures in which you are interested. Some of the Orem procedures that we use to create perfect smiles are porcelain veneers, clear braces, dental implants and tooth whitening. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who perform the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling 801-374-0070 or visiting us online at https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.


Overcoming Anxiety With Gentle Dental At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Provo sleep dentistry

Dental anxiety and the more severe dental phobia affect many Provo people, including some Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients. Today’s post answers some questions asked about this serious topic.

What are the long-term consequences of dental anxiety and dental phobia?
The most harmful consequence is when a dental phobic patient delays dental care until a pain becomes excruciating. At this point, the problem is usually extremely advanced and requires extensive treatment.

Furthermore, there are usually many other dental problems in varying stages of progression. Many oral conditions eventually cause malfunction in other vital systems risking general health and well-being.

There is also another anxiety at play, albeit a very ironic one. In addition to the emotional distress about dental treatment, the patient who avoids dental care starts panicking about the sorry condition of their teeth.

If I have dental phobia or anxiety, what should I do to protect my oral health?

Schedule an appointment with me, Drs. Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. There are several specific fears associated with dental anxiety and dental phobia. Fear of pain, the unknown, loss of control, and extreme embarrassment because of poor dental health are the most common concerns. During your consultation, we will address each of your specific fears and discuss them.

I have helped many patients manage their anxiety during dental exams and treatment. First off, we take things slowly. I explain exactly what is going to happen before each procedure. I assure the patient that I have treated many people who have neglected their teeth and nothing going on in their mouth will shock me. I never, ever give stern lectures on proper oral care – though I do give friendly instruction if requested.

If local anesthetic is necessary, I employ my finely-honed methods which cause zero to minimal discomfort. We agree upon a nonverbal signal, such as raising a hand, to signal me to remove my instrument from the patient’s mouth. Then he/she can take a break, breathe deeply, regain composure, ask questions, and learn the status of the procedure.

These methods go a long way in calming anxious dental patients. At the very least, they help the patient get through the treatment that is needed ASAP. With each subsequent visit, the patient is comforted by the growing familiarity, their increased confidence, and a strengthened relationship with me and my caring team.

What if I need more help to get through treatment?
Sedation dentistry is available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. In the Orem dental community, the terms “sleep dentistry” and “oral conscious sedation” are both used, however, they are not exactly the same thing. There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry.

Level 1: Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or, informally, “laughing gas” is safe and effective. Nitrous oxide has been used in Provo cosmetic dental offices for decades because in many ways it is the ideal mild sedative. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment without rendering them completely unconscious, and wears off quickly after the mask is removed. It also requires no needles – an important feature for the needle-phobic.

Level 2: Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of relaxation. These medications, however, do not usually produce complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in “conscious” sedation. Two common sedatives used by Provo dentists are diazepam and triazolam.

Level 3: IV Sedation
IV sedation produces actual “sleep dentistry.” Most patients are completely oblivious to the dental procedures they are receiving. IV sedation is helpful for root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, multi-procedure smile makeovers, and oral surgery.

To learn more about overcoming dental anxiety, sedation dentistry, or any other dental topic, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070.


Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Provo?

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Provo?

For those of you in the Provo area who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is here for you.

Dr. Hammond have been treating this common problem since 1967.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to 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.

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

Dr. Hammond usually recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that will alleviate tooth pain after several applications. Most Provo Wal-Mart stores carry it. However, some Provo patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth in Provo and want to have your teeth whitened, here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening procedures will work for you.

Call our Provo cosmetic dental office today to get relief from your sensitive teeth.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E
Provo Utah 84604
801-374-0070

https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com/


Advanced Dentistry in Provo

Advanced Family Dentistry in Provo The world of dentistry continues to advance at a rapid pace. If you have visited a Provo dentist in the past few years, you have probably noticed the things that make your visit more comfortable, such as the ability to watch TV or listen to music while receiving treatment. Many Provo dentistry patients welcome oral conscious sedation to reduce or eliminate pain.

What may not be as obvious are the advances in techniques, tools and materials. Top Provo dentists now use digital computer imaging which is safer than traditional x-rays. Dental technicians can store, retrieve and transmit digital images much easier than was possible with traditional x-ray film.

The use of lasers has also changed the face of dentistry. Laser surgery requires less anesthesia, minimizes swelling, and protects surrounding tissue. Provo family dentists use lasers for detecting and treating cavities and dental technicians use them for the curing of restorative materials.

Another exciting development in cosmetic dentistry is the CAD-CAM technology that allows Provo cosmetic dentists to perform restorations in a single visit. The types of procedures that can be completed in one visit include crowns, fillings, inlays, onlays and veneers.

If you need a thorough exam or want to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070 to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, you can see before and after photos of some of our smile makeover clients. We would love to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted, and we have the tools, experience and technology to make that happen.

Dr. Hammond


Beware Of Hidden Sugar

Beware of Hidden Sugar - Utah County General Dentistry We advise our Utah County family dentistry clients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to watch their sugar intake to prevent cavities and other health problems.

If you are trying to unsweeten your diet, you are probably skipping the usual suspects: candy, soda, and baked treats. But not all sugar is as obvious as the frosting on a piece of chocolate cake or the powdery stuff in pixie stix.

Here are some foods found in Utah County grocery stores and Orem school cafeterias with a surprisingly high sugar content:

  • Ketchup
  • Low Fat versions of snack foods (Manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.)
  • Salad Dressing
  • Breads, buns, rolls
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Protein Bars
  • Granola
  • Canned soup
  • Peanut Butter
  • Yogurt
  • Fast food meals (Hamburgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads are often loaded with sugar, not to mention the dessert items.)
  • Antacids
  • Cough drops
  • Fruit smoothies (Even a small serving has a whopping amount of sugar.)

Reading the fine print on labels is a must. The following terms are all types of sugar:

raw sugar, cane sugar, glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose, dextrose, honey, sorghum, molasses, cane sugar, confectioner’s sugar, crystallized cane juice, invert sugar, maltodextrin (or dextrin), maple syrup, concentrated fruit juices, evaporated cane juice (what kind of cane do you think we are talking about?)

Do the math: when shopping at Utah County markets or health food stores, carefully decipher food labels before you buy. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Add up all the grams of every type of sugar listed and divide by four to truly understand how much sugar an item contains.

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we advocate and practice preventative care for lifelong dental health. For more information on how your diet affects your dental health, contact us at 801-374-0070. If you have a toddler or child who has not yet visited a dentist, call us today for a pediatric oral examination and information on fluoride and sealants. We also offer cosmetic and sedation dentistry.

We are located at 3575 N 100 E in Provo.