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Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Sealants Prevent Cavities For Provo Kids

Posted on December 28, 2012December 24, 2012

Your child’s first dental exam at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry should occur when the first teeth are in, usually between six months and one year of age. During your child’s first family dentistry check up at our Provo office, we will tell you about sealants, a clear layer of plastic applied to the grooved surfaces of the teeth.

Sealants protect the teeth and prevent cavities by filling in the crevasses where food particles can get caught. They are especially effective in the back teeth where most cavities are found.

The application process takes only one short visit at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. The teeth are cleaned, dried, and then liquid sealant is applied to teeth and hardened: it’s quick and painless. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Sealants are covered by most dental insurance plans. For Provo parents who pay out-of-pocket, sealants are still cost-effective considering the cavities and future visits that can be avoided. Some Provo dental insurance plans have age limitations for sealants. Check your policy if you are unsure of the qualifications. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry recommends having sealants applied as early as possible.

If properly cared for, Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry sealants can last for many years, protecting your child during the most cavity-prone ages.

Diligent oral hygiene and refraining from biting into hard objects will help the sealants last longer. Dr. Hammond will check the sealants during routine dental visits and recommend re-application or repair if necessary.

Sealants, brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and twice-yearly Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental visits are essential for pediatric dental health. For more information about sealants or the variety of cosmetic dental services we provide, contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry today.

Dr. Hammond
Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
Serving Provo since 1996
https://www.cosmeticdentistryutahcounty.com

Do Whitestrips Work?

Posted on December 14, 2012December 11, 2012

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.

Orem Guide To Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

Posted on November 30, 2012September 28, 2013

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

Orem Dental News: Regular Cleanings And Heart Health

Posted on November 2, 2012November 1, 2012

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

Posted on October 26, 2012October 24, 2012

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.

cosmetic dentistry
porcelain veneers
laser dentistry
sedation dentistry

Helping Your Smile Last a Lifetime

Hammond Aesthetic & Family Dentistry Tooth Tips For Traveling

Posted on October 19, 2012October 17, 2012

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

Energy Drink Warning For Orem

Posted on October 12, 2012October 9, 2012

Hello. We’re Dr. Hammond.

Welcome to our Orem general dentistry blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. We are seeing more and more Orem teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Orem family dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Orem convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that Orem teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

We need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 801-374-0070. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

Is Malocclusion Causing Your Headache?

Posted on October 5, 2012October 1, 2012

Are you a Provo adult who suffers with chronic headaches? Have you tried Imitrex, diet adjustments, and chiropractic treatment? Perhaps the cause is not stress-induced tension, spine alignment or eyestrain. Maybe the culprit is right under your nose.

Bite misalignment or malocclusion is a common Provo problem that often goes undetected. Nature intended the front teeth to fit slightly forward from the lower teeth. With a perfect bite, the molars fit together like precision gears.

Malocclusion can cause headaches, tooth loosening, tooth fracture, and in extreme cases, difficulty chewing, speaking or breathing.

Provo invisible braces are an effective solution for most bite problems. Braces not only move teeth, they can also correct the position and function of the joints, muscles and bones in the jaw. In cases of extreme malocclusion, jaw surgery in Provo may be necessary.

Not all Provo area family dentists treat bite problems. At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry we are able to examine your bite and let you know if you will need a specialist. For an affordable Provo dentistry consultation, call us at 801-374-0070.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers technologically-advanced dentistry in a friendly environment. We offer smile whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings and dental implants. To learn more about our dental philosophy and available procedures, see /about.htm.

Dr. Hammond are proud members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Modern Dentistry With No Oxen Hooves In Provo

Posted on September 7, 2012September 4, 2012

Hi, our names are Dr. Hammond and here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have been providing excellent general dentistry care for the people of the Provo area since 1996.

One of the most crucial elements of good oral health is daily tooth brushing with an effective toothpaste. There is a wide variety of toothpastes available. I recommend you use one with fluoride and make sure it has the ADA seal. This ensures that the toothpaste has been tested, claims are being met, and the ingredients are correct.

Just because a toothpaste claims to have a ‘teeth whitening‘ agent doesn’t mean it has fluoride.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. Fluoride was added in 1914. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The taste most likely was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Provo toothpaste users have no excuse for not brushing their teeth daily with the toothpaste we have available today. If you do your part, we at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can provide cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, family dentistry, and sedation dentistry.

The experienced staff at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry want to help make all Provo area smiles whiter and brighter. Contact us today so we can answer any questions you may have about Provo tooth whitening, invisible braces, or cosmetic dentistry.

Lighten Up In Orem

Posted on August 24, 2012August 20, 2012

Hello! Today’s dental article is for Orem people with stained teeth. Do you think your teeth are too stained for teeth whitening to have any effect? Think again. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Orem, we are whitening smiles for patients with both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains are caused by dark colored foods and drinks, smoking, and normal aging. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry cosmetic dentistry patients with extrinsic stains achieve great results from both in-office and take-home teeth Zoom whitening systems.

Intrinsic stains form on the inside but can be seen from the outside. Tetracycline, excessive fluoride, trauma, and aging can cause intrinsic staining for unfortunate Orem general dentistry patients. Though these stains are harder to remove, many Orem patients with intrinsic staining can whiten their teeth with take-home whitening kits. The process often takes longer, but with persistence, intrinsic stains can be lightened.

In addition to teeth whitening, we provide a full menu of cosmetic dental procedures at our Orem area office. With porcelain veneers, you can correct the shape of your teeth in addition to brightening the color. If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the solution. Call 801-374-0070 for a dental implant or smile design consultation.

If you are embarrassed by a less-than-sparkling smile, let the team of dental professionals at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry help you lighten up.

Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry
3575 N 100 E, Ste 200
Provo, Utah 84604
801-374-0070
/about.htm

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