Eat and Smile Strong: 5 foods (and wine!) for healthy teeth

When it comes to your oral health, you’ve probably received a lot of information about what not to eat and drink in order to maintain a healthy, bright white smile. Sugary treats, sticky sweets, and foods that are hard and crunchy can all cause decay or chip and break your pearly whites.

Well, we’ve got good news for you! There are still plenty of foods that will please your palate while helping you build stronger, healthier teeth. So instead of focusing on the can’ts and shouldn’ts, take a moment to find out what you can and should be feasting on…in an effort to keep your teeth healthy, of course.

Wine and Cheese

Break out the wine and cheese, because this is news worth celebrating! New studies have found that the calcium in dairy products lowers the pH levels in your mouth, helping to fight plaque, prevent cavities, and protect enamel. Eating dairy also increases your production of saliva, which is great for keeping your teeth clean! Pair it with some wine to knock out tooth decay and cavities with a good old-fashioned one-two punch.

That’s right, researchers are saying that wine fights cavities too! The antioxidants present in the grape seed extract reduce cavities by improving overall oral health. And wine’s ability to stay on teeth (substantivity) gives the antioxidants time to work their magic and fight harmful bacteria.

Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies

Fiber-rich fruits and veggies are like cleansers for your mouth. Crisp fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots actually help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. These tooth-decay-fighting foods are also saliva producers. Saliva, which washes away food and neutralizes acid, is your best natural defense against cavities.

Fresh Fish

Eat in style! Salmon and Atlantic mackerel dishes are not only delicious, they are packed with vitamin D, which is key for maintaining excellent oral health. It allows your body to absorb calcium, which strengthens and protects your bones and teeth.

Kiwi and Strawberries 

These fruits are like nature’s candy: colorful, sweet, and packed with vitamin C. The kiwi has so much vitamin C that eating just one supplies more than 100 percent of the recommended daily amount. Vitamin C is critical to the health of your gum and oral tissue. When you don’t get enough, these vulnerable tissues begin to break down, causing them to bleed and ache, and leaving them vulnerable to decay.

Want to find out more about how nutrition affects your oral health? Call (785) 370-0940 today and set up your next appointment.

Why Men Are at Greater Risk of Oral Health Problems

As the new hottest trend “Dad Bod” suggests, recent surveys and studies show that men are less likely to take care of their physical health than women. This holds true for their oral health. In fact, one of the greatest risk factors for infrequent trips to the dentist is simply being male.

With Father’s Day right around the corner and Men’s Health Week upon us, now is a good time to make sure all the special men in our lives take care of their oral health, and to talk about how we can support them so they can fully enjoy optimal whole health and a lifetime of smiles.

What the Statistics Say

• Men have an increased risk of developing oral and throat cancer
• Men are at greater risk of developing periodontal disease than women
• One-third of men have not had a dental checkup in the past year
• On average, a man will lose 5.4 teeth by the age of 72
• A man who smokes is likely to lose up to 12 teeth by age 72

Why They Are Important

Everyone knows cancer is a serious subject, but what many do not know is that dentists play a key role in the early detection of oral cancer. Every time you go into the dentist for a routine checkup, they screen for oral, head, and neck cancers. When caught early, you have a good chance for a full recovery.

Similarly, regular visits to the dentist can prevent the development of periodontal disease and the loss of teeth, both of which are linked to cardiovascular disease, putting people at risk of heart attacks and stroke. Men are already more likely to suffer from heart attacks, so good oral hygiene and routine trips to the dentist are extra important, especially as men age.

Changing the Numbers

So how do we help our husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends fight the statistics? First make sure they know and regularly practice the best oral hygiene basics:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss every day
• Attend two routine dental exams with cleanings annually
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride and a rinse regularly
• A healthy diet makes a difference in oral health and whole health

Remind your loved one that seeing a dentist regularly promotes prevention and could save his life! And for Father’s Day, skip the tie. Pick Dad up an electric toothbrush or flosser. You might even consider surprising him with a tooth-whitening treatment, because when he looks better, he feels better — and every dad deserves that.

Find out more about how we support men’s whole health through regular dental care and treatments. Call (785) 370-0940 today!

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

There’s a bit of folk wisdom that calcium is lost from the teeth of pregnant women during pregnancy. Thankfully, this myth is just that — a myth. It is a useful warning to expectant mothers, however, that they may experience some changes in their oral health because of their pregnancy and the accompanying surge of hormones. In particular, gum tissues may respond differently to plaque, and women with gingivitis are likely to see their condition worsen during pregnancy.

Increases in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can lead to what’s known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” which begins to surface as early as the second month. In some ways, this is a blessing because it brings to the forefront the existing plaque stuck between the teeth, and it acts as a warning that worse hygiene problems, like periodontal disease, are on the horizon. Periodontal disease is the result of poor brushing and flossing habits, and it can cause tooth loss if hygiene is not improved or if it’s left untreated.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing inflammatory, noncancerous tumors caused when swollen gums become irritated. The tumors are usually left untreated because they resolve on their own after the child’s birth, but if it interferes with a woman’s ability to eat or care for her teeth, the dentist may elect to remove it. Research suggests that good oral hygiene is also good for your baby; an association exists between preterm, low-birth-weight babies and mothers with gingivitis. Excessive bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream, negatively affecting the body’s labor reflexes.

Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent any complications during pregnancy. Teeth cleanings and checkups every six months are important for keeping up with oral health. Regular brushing and flossing, along with use of a mouthwash, can help control plaque and gingivitis — two huge factors in keeping the gums free from irritation and preventing pregnancy tumors.

Consult your dentist and your physician about the safety of any non-emergency oral procedures that you’d scheduled prior to your pregnancy. The best time for a pregnant woman to receive a dental treatment procedure is between the fourth and sixth months, and x-rays should typically only be taken during pregnancy when needed for an emergency. Your dentist or physician may recommend postponing elective procedures until after your baby is born.

Brush and Floss to Prevent Your Gums from Receding

Improper oral health hygiene has far-reaching, long-term consequences that go beyond cavities: Receding gums (or gingival recession) is the exposure of the roots of teeth caused by a loss of tissue surrounding the gums. Gum recession is common in adults over the age of 40, but younger adults may also experience it.

The cause of gum recession in most cases is the same cause of most oral health problems: inadequate brushing and flossing. This allows bacteria to build up between the teeth and below the gumline, which is a root cause of gum disease. This bacterial buildup leads to painless, chronic inflammation and occasional bleeding — similar to periodontal disease — and also causes a very gradual recession of the gums.

In most cases, gum recession is a progressive oral health condition that occurs over many years — one of the reasons it’s most common in those over the age of 40. Changes in the gums may remain totally unnoticed until the condition starts to more seriously affect oral health. The individual’s teeth may feel “loose” or overly sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sour, or spicy food and drink. Teeth may appear longer than normal because of exposure of the tooth root, and they may appear to be a different color. Receding gums caused by periodontal disease will appear swollen or inflamed, may bleed, and are usually accompanied by bad breath.

Treatment for receding gums starts with addressing the root cause. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing brushing habits or toothbrushes, because overactive brushing may be the cause. Sometimes oral hygiene must be improved because the cause was poor plaque control; regular professional cleanings can help with this. Scaling or root planing, both of which are part of treatment for periodontal disease, can help resolve inflamed gums and keep bacteria in the mouth from contributing more to the disease.

Receding gums can be repaired as well. A soft-tissue graft can be performed to create more gum tissue, which usually heals in less than a month. Regular checkups and oral health examinations can help catch receding gums early, which is key to making a full recovery: When gum recession has not affected periodontal bone areas of the mouth, the recessed gums can be fully recovered.

Our dentists are a local community authority for oral health. If you or a loved one are concerned about gum recession and think you may be experiencing symptoms, contact us today. The earlier your gums are treated, the greater your likelihood of making a full recovery!

Give us a call at (785) 789-4388 to schedule an appointment.

Know Your Mouth: Oral Cancer Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

No one wants to spend time thinking about oral cancer. However, with more than 43,000 Americans estimated to be diagnosed this year, educating yourself on prevention methods, early detection, and treatment options is more important than ever.

While the number of people expected to be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers is concerning, the good news is that ensuring early detection is as easy as attending your routine dental exams every six months. What you may not realize is that oral cancer screening is part of your regular exam. A dentist can see and feel precancerous tissue changes and early cancer, and can diagnose them during the curable stages. When oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is an encouraging 80% to 90%.

Due to the rapidly growing number of HPV-related oral cancer diagnoses, people 18 years and older should get screened yearly.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening takes only three minutes. It consists of a verbal, visual, and physical examination and includes the following:

• A thorough review of your oral health history, as well as your overall health history, which includes questions that help assess your level of risk for mouth cancer
• A visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores and red or white patches; this inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and far-back section of your tongue

Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

In between routine dental exams, you should perform self-examinations, and be sure to keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of oral cancer:

• Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue
• Swelling or thickening of areas inside the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding
• Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal
• Chronic sore throat
• Hoarseness
• A change in the way your dentures fit
• Suspicious lumps found by palpating your mouth, jaw, and neck
• Dramatic weight loss

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

While oral cancer is prevalent, there are measures you can take to minimize your risk.

• Avoid smoking and the use of all tobacco products.
• Limit or refrain from drinking alcohol.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun, and use sunblock on your skin and lips.
• Practice safe sex.
• Maintain a healthy diet.

So you just completed an at-home oral cancer exam, but you would like some additional reassurance. No problem! Call (785) 789-4388 today to set up an oral cancer screening at Dentistry By Design and receive the peace of mind you deserve.

Dentistry By Design at the Forefront of Laser Dentistry

On a constant mission to enhance the quality of dental care and improve overall patient experience, Dentistry by Design is pleased to reintroduce our newly upgraded DEKA CO2 Laser!

The DEKA CO2 Laser makes use of UltraSpeed DEKA’s proprietary pulse technology to combine power and gentleness for procedures that can now be performed with less swelling, less bleeding, and less post-op discomfort.

Unlike diode lasers, the DEKA CO2 Laser is a true soft tissue laser that allows tissues to absorb energy so that they are not charred. This means our dentists are using the fastest, most precise, and gentlest dental laser available. 

We are proud to be among the 1% of dental practices in the United States reaching beyond conventional diode lasers and investing in CO2 laser technology!

Not only does the DEKA CO2 Laser allow all standard and advanced treatment procedures at Dentistry By Design to be performed more quickly and comfortably, it also effectively treats cold sores as well as canker sores. The laser makes use of a bio-stimulation setting to accelerate the healing process, reducing or eliminating the discomfort caused by these sores and preventing a reoccurrence in the same area!

DEKA Seminar in Las Vegas

On March 6, Dr. Gilsdorf and Dr. Guess traveled to Las Vegas to attend a seminar for DEKA laser treatment. This hands-on program provided training on contemporary, powerful, minimally invasive surgical solutions, as well as the techniques associated with them. Our doctors gained valuable knowledge on laser set-ups, delivery systems, settings, and treatment protocols. They also learnt how to integrate laser dentistry seamlessly into the range of treatment options available at Dentistry by Design in order to maximize the level of care given to patients everyday. 

To find out more about the DEKA CO2 laser, please give us a call at (785) 789-4388.

5 Myths About Root Canals Debunked

If you were recently informed that you need a root canal, chances are the minute you left your dentist’s office, you immediately began scouring the Internet for information on this well-known—but highly misunderstood—dental service. The Internet can be a great place to gather helpful information, but it is also plagued by unreliable sources and dangerously inaccurate information that can lead unknowing online researchers astray.

The following are common myths and misinformation about root canals and tooth pain that are prevalent online. While finding out you are in need of a root canal can be frightening, the more you know about this tooth-saving procedure and what it can do for your toothache and oral health, the calmer and more confident you will feel when you return to the dentist’s chair.

Myth #1: You only need a root canal if you are experiencing tooth pain.

Sometimes teeth that have died no longer cause pain and need to have a root canal in order to avoid becoming infected. We have several tests, including temperature testing and percussion testing, that allow us to know when a tooth has died and needs to receive a root canal.

Myth #2: Root canal treatment is painful.

A root canal relieves tooth pain associated with progressive and destructive decay that has reached the root of a tooth and caused infection. With the use of cutting-edge dental technology, along with anesthetics and sedation dentistry, having a root canal feels similar to receiving a filling and can be just as painless.

Myth #3: Root canals cause illness. 

It’s hard to miss this myth if you are searching for information on root canals online. This myth is based on poorly designed and long-since debunked research that took place almost an entire century ago! In the 1920s, Dr. Weston A. Price was responsible for disseminating the results of this study and using them to promote extractions (the permanent removal of a tooth) — one of the most traumatic treatments available. There is no valid scientific evidence supporting Dr. Price’s research to date. Not only are root canals safe and effective, they eliminate bacteria from the infected roots of teeth, improving both your oral health and your overall health.

Myth #4: The benefits of root canal therapy are temporary.

Root canal results are long-lasting. They relieve patients’ toothaches and preserve the affected tooth indefinitely. The final restoration or crown is the key to successful results. A well-made and well-fit crown combined with good at-home oral health practices and routine visits to the dentist can ensure that your tooth lasts a lifetime.

Myth #5: Tooth extraction is a good alternative to root canals. 

An extraction is a traumatic procedure that actually allows more bad bacteria to be introduced into the bloodstream. There is no adequate replacement for a natural tooth. A root canal with a good restoration is not only cost effective, it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Bridges, implants, and other replacement alternatives require additional treatments, more time in the chair, and elevated cost.

If you would like to find out more about root canal treatments or think you may need one, contact us at (785) 789-4388 to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, happy, natural smile.

Why We Love Our Dental Assistants — And Why You Should Too!

While every member of our staff works hard to help you preserve your oral health, our dental assistants are key players in the routine dental care and the specialized treatments we provide. They make contact with every patient who walks through our doors, are responsible for making sure you feel comfortable and safe while you are in the dentist’s seat, and before you walk out our door, they will make sure you are well informed and educated. 

The quality of care at Dentistry By Design just wouldn’t be the same without them!

What Your Dental Assistant Does

If you are wondering what exactly our dental assistants are responsible for, the following are just some of their daily duties:

• Greeting patients and escorting them to the examination rooms
• Ensuring each patient’s comfort
• Taking down and tracking patients’ medical histories
• Making sure all of our dental equipment is sterilized and in safe condition
• Assisting with treatments and procedures
• Taking x-rays
• Educating patients on their treatment, procedures, and aftercare
• Updating and maintaining medical records

Why We Love Our Dental Assistants

While the list of duties that dental assistants perform is enough to earn our respect, it’s the underlying responsibilities that come with those duties that win them our love and appreciation. Our dental assistants are the keepers of the smile that eases your anxiety when you first enter the exam room. They earn your trust by asking you questions that must be asked in order to ensure you receive the best care possible, then asking you the questions you want to be asked so that you know your oral health providers really care about you!

Our dental assistants make sure the technology you depend on is in top condition and ready to be used safely. They are there to assist our dentist so routine exams and dental treatments go smoothly, so you can feel relaxed when you are in our care. Finally, when you leave our practice, they make sure you know everything you need to know in order to make the best of the care and treatments you have received.

Show Your Dental Assistant Some Love!

While the first full week of March is considered Dental Assistant Appreciation Week, we are celebrating our dental assistants all month long. Take some extra time to show your dental assistant that you appreciate them. If you are a regular patient, a simple thank-you card or a tooth-healthy treat is a great way to show your appreciation. If you are new to our practice, just take a moment to give our wonderful assistants a heartfelt thank you, and return the smile they so graciously hand out to each and every patient that walks through our door.

If you would like to experience the superior care you can receive from our talented and caring dental assistants, as well as the rest of the staff at Dentistry By Design, give us a call at (785) 370-0940 today!

5 of the Worst and Best Foods for Your Teeth

Sugar-filled candy and soft drinks are probably the first snacks that come to mind when you think about your favorite bites that are damaging to your teeth. But you might be surprised by some of the seemingly harmless foods and beverages that pose an equal threat to your pearly whites on a daily basis. 

The following five eats and sips may seem (and taste) good, but they are nothing but bad when it comes to your teeth. Don’t dismay, we have some great alternatives guaranteed to help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Processed Carbs (Think Bread)

White, whole wheat, or whole grain — it doesn’t make a difference. Processed carbs like bread and crackers are at the top of the “Worst for Your Teeth” list. These sneaky snacks are really just sugars in disguise. Your saliva has an enzyme that starts the digestion process in your mouth, instantly converting carbs into sugars. The bad bacteria in your mouth then eats the sugar, converting it into acid that breaks down the enamel on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay.

Snack on this instead...
Cheese and Milk

The calcium in dairy products has long been credited for strengthening teeth, but new studies have found that it also lowers the pH level in your mouth, helping to fight plaque and cavities, as well as to protect enamel. Consuming dairy also increases your production of saliva, which is great for keeping your teeth clean!

Dried Fruit

Fruit is good for you, but it is high in sugar. And while fresh fruit and dried fruit have the same amount of sugar in them, dried fruit is similar to sticky candy and adheres to the surface of your teeth, where it does a lot of damage.

Snack on this instead...
Fresh, Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies

Fiber-rich fruits and veggies are like cleansers for your mouth. Crisp fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, actually help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath. These tooth-decay-fighting foods are also saliva producers. Saliva, which washes away food and neutralizes acid, is your best natural defense against cavities.

Kombucha

Kombucha drinkers are loyal to their tea — we know this. But the truth is it poses the same risk to teeth as sugary soda does. Kombucha’s pH is low...very low. A pH less than 7 is considered acidic, and kombucha’s acidity level is almost as low as it can go, with a pH coming in at only 2.5. Kombucha drinking is sure to get you into trouble if done on a daily basis, and it poses a real threat to those at risk for cavities.

Drink this instead...
Green and Black Tea

These teas contain compounds that suppress and kill bad bacteria when they mix with the plaque on your teeth. This deters the bacteria from producing acid that attacks teeth and weakens enamel. Brew your tea with fluoridated water and it will be downright good for your teeth.

Lemons

With a pH of only 2, lemons are one of the most acidic foods you can put in your mouth. If you enjoy sucking on lemons or drinking lemon juice or lemony beverages, chances are your teeth are suffering from loss of enamel. When tooth enamel erodes, lemons won’t be the only yellow thing in your mouth — your teeth will be too!

Snack on this instead...
Sugarless Chewing Gum

Instead of sucking on lemons, chew on sugarless chewing gum. It increases the flow of saliva, effectively rinsing harmful acid off your teeth and preserving your enamel. It can also pull bits of remaining food from the surfaces of your teeth, and it’s great in a pinch after mealtime when you’ve forgotten your toothbrush or are out on the town for the evening.

Alcohol

Cocktails, beer, and wine: We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but drinks with alcohol have a drying effect, and a dry mouth is bad for teeth. Because saliva is critical to your teeth’s defense against plaque, anything that has a drying effect is bad. People who drink alcohol regularly are putting their teeth at risk. The risk is even higher for those who suffer from dry mouth.

Drink this instead...
Water with Fluoride

Drinking water with fluoride is a no-brainer when it comes to protecting your teeth. Water washes away the harmful acids, and fluoride makes your teeth strong. If you must have that end-of-week cocktail, protect your teeth by drinking a glass of fluoridated water after each beverage.

For more information on how to keep your teeth in top condition, call us today and set up your next appointment! 

Celebrate with a Smile – National Children’s Dental Health Month

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month. This annual celebration, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of children’s dental health. Navigating your children’s oral health care can sometimes be confusing and even a little bit scary for both you and your child. The following are tips and tricks to help take a bite out of your child’s dental fear, encourage routine oral health practices, and help keep you and your little ones smiling through it all.

• Our office is kid-friendly. We understand that a new experience is fun and scary so we encourage our little patient’s caretakers to stay positive about coming to see us. We help you out with this by having toys and distractions in the waiting room as well as our chairs.

• We know little wiggle worms can hold still while in a kid friendly waiting room just waiting to be explored, so we provide all our necessary forms online so that you can complete them ahead of time for your ease.

• We think ahead. Please tell us if you would rather come in with little one or have them go on their own. This way there are fewer surprises for everyone in an already unfamiliar environment.

• We’re here for you, both of you. During the appointment, we’ll do a dental exam to look for any signs of tooth decay, and check your child’s bite, gums and other parts of the mouth. We are also open to any questions you may have about how to care for your child’s teeth and gums.

• Don’t skip dental appointments. Regular visits help protect against issues that could cause pain and create a fear of the dentist. Visit the dentist once every six months, even if there’s no issue.

• The more they know the better. Children’s characters take trips to the dentist too! Find a book that features a dentist visit so help your little one understand what their own adventure could be like. Also take them along with you for your annual checkup.

• As kids realize that taking care of their teeth makes them look and feel good, they may actually start looking forward to visiting the dentist!

The following are some fun oral health facts to sink your teeth into:

• Straight up: Baby teeth are just as important as permanent teeth, not only do they help kids chew and speak, they are placeholders for permanent teeth. If they come out before they should, adult teeth can come into the empty space making it hard for other adult teeth to find room when they come in.

• The rule of ones: According to the ADA, your little one’s first dentist appointment should happen right around another first, their one-year birthday or when they lose their first tooth.

• Don’t delay, stop tooth decay: Tooth decay can have consequences that go beyond discomfort and a dental visit. It can hinder your child’s quality of life, cognitive and social skills not to mention hurt their self-esteem. To prevent tooth decay we recommend, visiting us regularly, and use fluoride (rinses and toothpaste).

• I spy: Signs of tooth decay are white spots that may appear where minerals have been lost. Acid attacks, from foods or drinks containing sugar and starches, on tooth enamel cause mineral loss. If the decay continues then eventually a cavity will form.

• On a lighter note: Here are some fun facts to share with your kids to get them excited about their appointment.

o The average person has 32 teeth, one kind of tooth is called a canine, like a dog!
o Your teeth are made of enamel, and that’s the hardest substance in the body.
o Your teeth help you eat your favorite foods, and look great in pictures!

The more the merrier. Help us celebrate National Children’s Dental Health month by sharing what you’ve learned on Facebook with your friends! Call us to see if your little one’s appointment is coming up, we can’t wait to see you.

"Defeat Monster Mouth" Month

Have you heard of "Defeat Monster Mouth" month? This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

Last Thursday, Justyna and Jessica (our amazing office staff) dressed up as Molars for this special month:

They had tons of fun and, of course, a lot of attention from everyone driving by. People honked and rolled down their windows and blared music for them!

Justyna also went to visit a little boy named Liam Merkle, who was getting his teeth cleaned. He got a Dentistry by Design T-Shirt from Justyna and a picture with her dressed as a molar. 

Hopefully this encourages him to keep up with his oral health and come for regular cleanings!

All of us here at Dentistry By Design would like to wish you a happy "Defeat Monster Mouth" month and are glad to be of service should you need help fighting the monsters in your mouth! 

If you have young children, we hope you demonstrate to them effective ways to maintain good oral health by brushing, flossing, rinsing, and eating healthy snacks. Feel free to contact us if you'd like tips on how to do this!

Five Tips for Finding the Right Dentist

Although it may not seem like it, dental practices are everywhere—even in towns that don’t boast a huge population. If you live in a big city and you don’t already have a dentist you trust, it can be overwhelming figuring out the best dentist for you in your community. The following tips can help you make the right choice, even with so many options—ahem—in your face.

1. Know Your Insurance Benefits. Your insurance provider’s website might offer a list of dental providers in your network, but first you have to find out what type of insurance you have. Dental HMOs limit your choice of dentist to an HMO network member; a PPO plan might have different copayment levels, depending on whether a given dentist is in or out of the network. If you don’t have insurance, ask about the practice’s in-house care plan, as these plans can save you money on cleanings and other procedures.

2. Know What Work You Need. Are you looking for cosmetic dental work or family dental work? Do you need a dentist who specializes in putting children at ease? Do you need someone to remove your wisdom teeth, like an oral surgeon? Even if you have an idea of what you need, if you haven’t had x-rays in a few years, it’s a good idea to start your search with a general dentist.

3. Know What to Ask. Take time to consider what’s most important to you in a dentist. Is their clinical experience and continued training key? Do you want the latest in office amenities such as neck pillows to make your treatment more comfortable? Are you looking for a practice that offers sedation dentistry to calm your dental fears? What about the latest technology such as digital x-rays to reduce radiation? Have a list of questions ready about issues that are important to you when you call to schedule your checkup.

4. Evaluate Convenience. Convenience can mean any number of things to you, such as location, office hours, available emergency care, evening and weekend availability, or fees and payment plans. Consider what convenience means to you before calling a prospective dentist.

5. Evaluate Compatibility. Consider how compatible your family and this prospective dentist are: does the practice seem like it is a good fit? Once you’ve done your due diligence in checking out the practice online and have gotten a positive impression, take the time to visit the practice and meet the dentist. Don’t be afraid to simply trust your instincts.

Smile Brighter: Tips for a Youthful-Looking You in 2015

Yellow teeth can be a sign of aging and can make you look older than you are. So this year’s New Year’s resolution is simple: regain your youth! Taking just a couple of simple steps can help you maintain or regain that bright, white, youthful-looking smile for 2015.

Tooth stains fall into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are the yellow and brown stains that occur on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains occur inside teeth, making them appear gray or blue, and they have a variety of common causes, including:
• Childhood antibiotics
• Trauma that has led to the death of a tooth’s nerve (tooth turns grey, brown, or black)
• Overexposure to fluoride when young, resulting in a spotted or mottled look

Some surface stains can be removed simply with teeth-whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits. These stain-removal methods, along with employing a good daily oral-hygiene routine, can help you begin to revitalize your youthful smile.

General teeth-whitening tips:
• Brush and floss regularly to avoid the stains that result from plaque buildup
• Get regular professional cleanings to remove tartar and stains that result
• Avoid smoking, which not only stains teeth but damages gums
• Avoid drinks that stain (coffee, soda, wine) and drink liquids through a straw when possible to avoid contact with teeth

Things to consider:
• Choose toothpaste that has been awarded the ADA seal of approval (these toothpastes will not fix stains that are intrinsic)
• Teeth-whitening kits take about 2 to 3 weeks to get the job done
• A common side effect of teeth-whitening kits is tooth and gum sensitivity

If you have deep stains or want to achieve a brighter smile quickly, having your teeth whitened by your dental care provider is the best way to go. Professional-grade whitening products can whiten your smile by 10 to 12 shades in a very short amount of time. Setting up an appointment for a whitening consultation is the best way to find out which method is best for you.

If you have intrinsic staining or a sufficient amount of dental restorations, teeth whitening may not work. Talk to your dental provider about alternatives like porcelain veneers or cosmetic crowns. Whatever the case may be, achieving and maintaining a brighter, whiter smile in 2015 is the perfect way to start the new year off feeling rejuvenated and looking your best.

Source: Dr. Bret Gilsdorf, DDS, FAGD