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“Don’t Take Stress Out On Your Teeth, Provo”

Posted on June 7, 2013June 14, 2013

Hello, we’re Dr. Hammond. At our Provo cosmetic dental practice we have noticed more and more of our patients with stress-related dental issues. Provo men and women may not think about it, but stress can do a number on your oral health.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, periodontal disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

Provo people who have difficulty managing stress need to realize that it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend our patients pick up an over-the-counter topical anesthetic at any Provo, Orem, or Utah County drug store.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common for stressed-out Orem residents, and often it’s done unconsciously. Here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry our friendly and professional staff can determine if a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

And Provo dental patients may find that when they are under stress it is more common to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Many people in the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas find that they eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry today. We treat patients from age 20 to 80 and we offer cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign clear braces. We hope to hear from you soon!

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

Stay Out Of The Orem Dental Danger Zone

Posted on May 17, 2013September 28, 2013

You would never consider running a red light on a busy street or crossing over a lane of orange construction cones on the freeway, but you might be doing some everyday things that are a real danger to your oral health.

We’re Dr. Hammond, cosmetic and general dentistry professionals serving the Orem and Utah County area, and we want to share with you some common habits that could be detrimental to the health of your teeth.

Crunching ice between your teeth might be refreshing on a pleasant day, but the soft tissue inside your teeth won’t appreciate it. Once this tissue gets irritated, you’re more likely to get toothaches and have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Participating in your favorite sport without proper mouth protection is a risk that no one in Orem should take. If there is a chance that a mouth injury could occur (and there is with most sports) then get to the nearest sporting goods store in Orem and purchase an inexpensive mouth guard or, better yet, ask me about a custom mouthguard.

Using your teeth to open anything is a bad idea. Every time your teeth come in contact with foreign objects there is potential for chipping and cracking.

Now that you know how to avoid these risks, what can you do if you’ve already damaged your teeth from these activities or similar ones? Make an appointment with our friendly and professional staff and we’ll see how we can help.

If you’ve had chipping or cracking problems, there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that might help you. If you have overly-sensitive teeth, we may be able to prescribe a prescription toothpaste to relieve the pain.

We can also answer any questions you have about veneers, gum contouring, or teeth whitening in Provo. We hope to hear from you soon, but in the meantime, keep those pearly whites safe and sound.

Keep Your Teeth Safe, Provo

Posted on May 10, 2013

Hopefully you are one of many health-conscious Orem area residents who is finding ways to get outside or to the gym and get moving. There has been an explosion in the variety of activities offered by personal trainers, all-purpose gyms, specialty facilities, and Utah County recreation departments in recent years. With all these exciting ways to exercise becoming commonplace, people in the Provo, Orem, and Utah County areas may not be aware of the tooth risks associated with them.

We’re Dr. Hammond, concerned Provo dentists and fitness enthusiasts, and we want to talk to you today about mouth protectors.

You might think that mouth protectors are only for ultimate fighters and football players, but actually mouth guards can and should be used during any activity where a blow to the face is possible.

This includes many common sports such as pick-up basketball games, volleyball, gymnastics, and bicycling. When you have a properly fitted mouth protector, you can prevent broken or lost teeth as well as lip, tongue, and jaw injuries.

Mouth protectors come in three main types: stock, boil and bite, and custom-fitted. The stock mouth protectors are pre-formed and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they rarely fit well. You can find boil and bite mouth protectors at sporting goods stores in the Orem area. They are to be softened in water and then formed to your mouth (make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Custom-fitted mouth protectors can be made by your Provo general dentistry professional to make sure you have a perfect fit.

The soft tissues that line your cheeks and lips are especially susceptible to injury when you have braces or fixed dental bridge work, not to mention the damage that can be caused to the orthodontic appliances themselves. For these reasons, a mouth protector is extremely important for Orem patients undergoing these treatments. Your Provo orthodontist may even suggest a mouth protector for your lower teeth as well.

If you have questions about sports dentistry, cosmetic dentistry or any other dental issues, please contact our office and schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.

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

Your Smile Doesn’t Have to Show Your Age

Posted on May 3, 2013May 3, 2013

As we grow older, we may welcome many changes. However, most Provo retirees do not welcome wrinkles, gray hair and cosmetic dental problems.

Fortunately, your smile can be attractive and healthy throughout your golden years!

Even if your teeth are showing visible signs of wear such as enamel loss, staining, and chips, it is not too late to restore your youthful smile. And, though tooth loss is fairly common for Provo residents over sixty, in most cases it is preventable.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we treat patients of all ages. We specialize in porcelain veneers and sedation dentistry.

If you live in Provo, Orem, or Utah County, call 801-374-0070 to schedule a general dentistry consultation. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, you will be interested to learn about the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques. Many procedures can be completed in one visit to our Provo dental office.

Give us a call at 801-374-0070 or find us on the Web at: https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry Smile Makeovers: It’s Not Just About Your Teeth

Posted on March 8, 2013March 5, 2013

We have been creating spectacular smiles at our cosmetic dental practice since 1996. Each one of our Orem area smile makeover clients values their new smile almost as much as we value their trust.

Our loyal patients, along with our dedicated dental team, have made our professional careers particularly rewarding.

Working as a cosmetic dentist in Provo is more than just a job. Likewise, a smile makeover is more than straight, white, beautiful teeth – though that’s a big deal in itself!

Our cosmetic dentistry clients report that their new smile affects many areas of their life. Some have noticed increased effectiveness in their profession. Others enjoy a richer social life because they are now able to smile, laugh, and eat without self-consciousness.

One of our Provo patients who had been embarrassed by his damaged teeth for years says his new youthful smile has given him greater confidence and ambition.

Hello, we’re Dr. Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. At our practice, we expertly perform the most advanced cosmetic dental procedures available including teeth whitening, clear braces, dental crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, gum contouring, and crown lengthening. We also fill cavities with tooth-colored fillings that blend perfectly with your natural teeth.

Only need a cleaning? Our hygienists perform the most thorough deep cleanings for our family dentistry clients whose healthy smiles need nothing else.

If you don’t currently have a dentist, we invite you to visit our Orem cosmetic and general dentistry practice and discuss your dental goals. To schedule an exam, cleaning, or consultation, contact us today at 801-374-0070.

Pregnancy And Oral Health In Provo

Posted on February 22, 2013February 19, 2013

In today’s Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry blog we will discuss how pregnancy impacts your dental health. We are Dr. Hammond and we want all expectant mothers in Utah County to realize the importance of good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Because of the changes going on in a pregnant woman’s body there are potential dental health issues that may arise.

Many Provo area women experience morning sickness accompanied with vomiting. The gastric acid increases the acidity in the mouth which can easily lead to enamel loss and tooth decay. Heightened levels of progesterone and estrogen may relax the ligaments that support the teeth causing them to loosen.

Most Provo residents have experienced gingivitis, but during pregnancy the hormonal changes increase your risk for gingivitis. Without proper dental care gingivitis can lead to gum disease.

If you are a pregnant Utah County woman, my staff and I at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommend using a soft bristled toothbrush for daily brushing. Floss carefully and rinse your mouth with a fluoride wash. If you experience morning sickness, clean your mouth with a baking soda and water mixture.

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is a good idea to have a cleaning and general dentistry exam prior to your pregnancy. If you need any dental procedures, it is a good idea to get them done as soon as possible. If you experience any dental problems during your pregnancy please call and schedule an appointment at 801-374-0070. Untreated dental disease can effect your overall health.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we not only offer excellent family dentistry care to our pregnant clients, we provide quality preventative care and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family. Our Utah County patients can expect professional cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and laser dentistry.

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

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Provo

Posted on February 15, 2013February 12, 2013

Have you ever been eating an ice cream cone in Provo when you felt a sudden jolt of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel is eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our Provo general dentistry patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call 801-374-0070 right away to make an appointment. Dr. Hammond takes tooth pain seriously.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Provo and Orem areas. You’ll find us in the 84604 zip code area.

Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Treats Cankers Sores, Lesions, and Fever Blisters

Posted on February 1, 2013January 29, 2013

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, one of the most common complaints we hear from Orem general dentistry patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions which can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Provo population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods. Dr. Hammond can prescribe a topical dental paste to relieve pain and guard against infection. Recurring canker sores can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health problem.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Orem cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

Fungal infections and oral cancer can cause sores in the mouth and throat. See your Orem dentist if you experience any of the following:

Lumps or discolored patches in the mouth lasting longer than three weeks
Unusually large lesions
Multiple sores

Dr. Hammond remind patients that eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking can all aid in oral health and hygiene.

To schedule an appointment, or ask about other oral concerns, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today at 801-374-0070.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com
801-374-0070

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry provides the full spectrum of general, family and cosmetic dental services. We offer teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, clear braces, and complete smile makeovers.

When Style And Oral Health Collide in Provo

Posted on January 18, 2013January 15, 2013

Oral piercing is a popular form of body-art in Provo, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. We’re Dr. Hammond, dentists serving the Provo area. When our patients ask us about the safety of oral piercings, we make sure they understand the possible consequences.

First, Provo residents should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my Provo dental patients generally want to avoid. (We don’t know anyone in Provo who thinks drooling is attractive.) Chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible results.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern Provo residents is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, sensations never return. An injured nerve can also affect facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and you’re still sure a tongue bar or lip piercing is for you, please consult your Provo area cosmetic dentist so they can help you make the safest decision possible for your dental health. If you are looking for a family or general dentistry practice, our friendly and professional staff here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry would be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We offer sedation dentistry, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

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

“Soft, Medium, or Buzz Lightyear?”

Posted on January 4, 2013January 3, 2013

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Hammond are often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush in Utah County can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local Utah County grocery store or Walmart lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you choose?

One key factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having cosmetic dental work or oral surgery in Utah County, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When buying a toothbrush for a child in Utah County, make sure the brush feels comfortable in their hand. If the size and angle feels awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized tooth brush. Some kids can manage an adult size brush better than a short, narrow child size brush. If you are unsure, ask your Utah County family dentistry professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some Utah County folks like the feeling of vibrating bristles or a mini-squirt gun blasting away at the plaque. Utah County people with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, our friendly and professional dental hygienists instruct our Utah County pediatric clients and adult patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at our general dentistry practice, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Schedule a thorough dental cleaning today by calling Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry at 801-374-0070. An outstanding feature of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is expertise and a patient-oriented team. We offer porcelain veneers and a full spectrum of restorative dental procedures.

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