site designed & maintained by www.thesumneradvantage.com and www.sumnerswebs.com
© 2007-
(781)-
PREVENTIVE CARE
BABY THEIR FIRST TEETH
* Before the age of 2, as teeth emerge, ask the dentists how best to brush your child’s teeth.
* See the dentist when your child gets his or her first tooth (or by age 1)
* Check with the dentist if your child drinks water that isn’t floridated. He/she may nee to take fluoride supplements
CHILDREN’S TEETH ARE WHAT THEY EAT
* It’s important for your child to eat a healthy diet. A balanced eating plan will help build a healthy body and sound teeth, too.
* Be Careful of hard foods if your child is in braces, and try to limit your child’s snacking to healthy foods.
Make brushing fun!!
Brush teeth at least twice a day -
after breakfast and before bed
Proper brushing is essential for cleaning teeth and gums effectively. Use a toothbrush
with soft, nylon, round-
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Researchers have established that thousands of microbes grow on toothbrush bristles and handles. Most are harmless, but others can cause cold and flu viruses, the herpes virus that causes cold sores, and bacteria that can cause periodontal infections
Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-
If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask your dental hygienist about the variety of dental floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available
1-
2-
3-
4-
Q1: What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
A1: Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. You may have seen the Zoom! process used on ABC’s Extreme Makeover.
Q2: How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?
A2: Less than an hour.
Q3: How does the Zoom! In-
A3: The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.
Q4: What will I experience during the Zoom! In-
A4: You may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients.
Q5: How long do the results last?
A5: By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always
be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend
flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-
Q6: Are there any side effects?
A6: Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients and it will be resolved within 24 hours post treatment. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. Anti sensitivity gels may be applied.
Q7: What causes tooth discoloration?
A7: There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc.
Q8: Do many people whiten their teeth?
A8: More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.
Q9: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A9: Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.
Q10: Is whitening safe?
A10: Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
WHAT IS TOOTH RESTORATION?
Tooth restoration is when your dentist repairs an injured, decayed, or lost tooth, returning it to its normal function. Early treatment of a damaged or decayed tooth can help your tooth last a lifetime.
Tooth repair improves appearance and can also correct problems such as chipped teeth, infected tooth pulp (an infection that has reached your tooth’s nerve), and decayed enamel (the hard, white material covering teeth). If not treated early, these conditions can lead to more serious damage.
Ignoring the space created by a lost tooth can also cause serious problems for other teeth. When one tooth is missing, others may drift into the empty space, which can affect your appearance and may make chewing and speaking more difficult.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO RESTORE A TOOTH?
If your teeth are damaged or decayed and can be repaired, we may suggest:
* A filling, which is the most common way to repair a decayed tooth. It involves
taking out the decayed part of the tooth and ‘filling’ it with a metal or tooth-
* A crown to cover or ‘cap’ a damaged tooth. A crown can strengthen a damaged tooth and improve its appearance, shape, and alignment. A porcelain or ceramic crown can match the color of a natural tooth. usually, a tooth that has received a root canal will have a crown placed over it to restor it to a natural look.
WHAT IF YOU’RE MISSING TEETH?
We may recommend:
* A bridge to replace missing teeth. Bridges are cemented to the surrounding teeth and span the gap where teeth are missing. The bridge itself holds the replacement tooth or teeth in place.
* An implant, which is placed in the bone and supports a crown.
GINGIVITIS
This is the first step of gum disease. Your gums may feel tender, and you may see some bleeding when you brush or floss. Gingivitis can be reversed by having your teeth cleaned and with proper brushing and flossing at home.
PERIODONTITIS
At this stage, plaque spreads to the roots of your teeth and causes an infection, which may damage the bone and fibres that hold the teeth in place. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. Proper dental care and better home care can help stop more damage.
ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS
In this final stage of gum disease, the fibres and bone holding your teeth in place are destroyed. This can cause your teeth to shift or loosen and can affect your bite. If treatment can’t save your teeth, they may need to be removed.
IF YOU HAVE INDICATIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE DISEASES... MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE DENTIST
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Long after our primary (baby) teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, we get
our third molars -
WHY DO WISDOM TEETH CAUSE PROBLEMS?
Wisdom teeth that are healthy and properly positioned can be a valuable asset to
the mouth. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and problems develop that
require their removal. For example, when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate
these teeth, they can become impacted -
WHY REMOVE THE TEETH EARLY?
People between the ages of 16 and 19 should have their wisdom teeth evaluated. If they need to be removed, it should be considered before age 20 when generally fewer complications occur. at a younger age, tooth roots are not fully developed, the surrounding gum is softer and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is also less surgical risk and healing is generally faster.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a term used to describe cancers of the mouth and the pharynx, part
of the throat. About two-
Oral Cancer Statistics
* Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 30,000 Americans this year
* Oral cancer kills approximately one person every hour.
* Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer in men and the 14th most common cancer in women.
* Oral cancer can spread quickly. On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.
* Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects twice as many men as women.
Lower Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer
Most oral cancer is preventable. 75% of oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, or use of both substances together. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at much greater risk than using either substance alone.
Do not use tobacco products — cigarettes, chew or snuff, pipes or cigars. Tobacco in all forms plays a role in oral cancers.
If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of oral cancer.
Use lip balm that contains sunscreen. Exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for lip cancer.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part
of a low-
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms lasts for more than two weeks.
* A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat
* A white or red patch in your mouth
* A feeling that something is caught in your throat
* Difficulty chewing or swallowing
* Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
* Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
* Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
* Pain in one ear without hearing loss
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
It is important to find oral cancer as early as possible when it can be treated more successfully.
An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. Oral cancer exams are painless and quick and take only a few minutes.
Your regular dental check-
Some parts of the pharynx are not visible during an oral cancer exam. Talk to the dentist about whether a specialist should check your pharynx.
‘Directions To’... put in your address and get your customized directions to the office.
