The common thread among misaligned teeth, TMJ, teeth grinding, sleep apnea and snoring is their treatment.  All these can be treated and managed by a dentist using removable dental appliances 

Misaligned teeth are both an esthetic and health issue. Teeth that are straight and fit together properly are easier to keep clean leading to healthier gums and less involved dental hygiene visits.  Straighter teeth that fit together have less pressure on them leading to fewer chipped and fractured teeth that would require dental treatment like onlays, crowns, implants, and veneers. In addition, properly aligned teeth lead to fewer bite, gum, jaw joint, and teeth problems.

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Considerable research has gone into the aesthetic analysis of what makes a beautiful, aesthetic, smile. What constitutes a beautiful smile are the traits that most people agree are aesthetically pleasing. Dentists can assist patients in achieving the smile they want by knowing these traits and the options and methods of treatment. Common traits of beautiful smiles and options for enhancements are discussed below.

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February is National Children’s Dental Health month.  While children are growing and developing certain patterns are established that later cannot be changed. 

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Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are the most effective ways to reduce the risk of getting cavities and gum disease.  However, molars and premolars (bicuspids) often have narrow, deep grooves on the biting surfaces that toothbrush bristles are too wide to reach. 

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Consumption of water is essential to our overall good health and proper bodily functions.  Every part of the body, from organs to individual cells, needs hydration to function and remain healthy.  A Harris Poll showed that 82% of US adults recognize the importance of drinking proper amounts of water daily.  Which then leaves the question:  Is all water healthy?

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It’s time to review your annual dental benefits before they are lost. Most employer sponsored health insurance plans are on a calendar year. This means that the current year plan expires the last day of each year, renews in January and any unused benefits for the current year will be lost. If you have dental benefits coverage in your employer sponsored health insurance plan you may have unused dental benefits available to you and your family.

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1.       Are dental X-rays safe?

Dental x-rays are very safe, and dentists are very conscientious about x-ray exposure.Digital x-rays are very low exposure.A full series of dental x-rays is about the amount of exposure you receive taking an airline flight across country.A full series of x-rays is an essential part of a complete examination and smaller series of x-rays are part of a periodic examination.Your frequency of x-rays should be determined in consultation with your dentist based on your history of cavities and other risk factors.

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Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures requested by patients in the dental office.  To achieve the desired outcome (how white) most economically and effectively, it is important to determine why the teeth are dark to begin with.

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Dental implants can be a great option to replace a missing or severely damaged tooth or teeth. They restore strength and esthetics and feel and function like a healthy tooth. Dental implants have been around for a long time but “tooth form” implants (shaped like a root of a tooth) made of titanium were introduced in the 1980’s.

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Healthy sleep contributes to physical and mental well-being. It impacts our productivity, quality of life and longevity.  Healthy sleep is the result of several things, but one category not often discussed but is infringed upon regularly is sleep hygiene.  Sleep hygiene is a group of practices centered on the time and environment before and during sleep.  These practices prepare us for sleep and assist in keeping us asleep. 

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Comprehensive dental care is an approach that addresses the immediate and long-term treatment needs and includes prevention and early detection.  The aim of this approach is to establish a healthy oral environment and then maintain health.   When a patient presents to the dentist with multiple problem areas or a history of multiple problems this person requires a comprehensive approach rather than a limited-focus area approach (tooth by tooth dentistry). The comprehensive approach requires evaluation, diagnosis, and a treatment plan.

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Why gums bleed is a common question that patients ask their dentist and dental hygienist.  It is a fitting question because it correctly assumes that bleeding gums are not healthy.  Bleeding is a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection and has responded by creating an inflammatory response.  Sometimes bleeding gums are not obvious to the patient but detected by the dentist or hygienist. 

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Losing teeth is a traumatic event.  We do not take it lightly in the dental office.  When teeth are lost it is important to know where that person is in their understanding of the problem and the possible solutions.  There are four options: do nothing, make a removable denture, make a fixed bridge or place a dental implant(s) and crown(s).

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A favorite bedtime story and the soothing voice of a parent can put a child to sleep and start a process of health and well-being that can be accomplished only through good sleep.  There is overwhelming evidence that shows how important good sleep is for children’s mental and physical health, growth and development. 

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Athletes in all contact sports from football to basketball should wear a mouthguard.  It’s also advisable to wear a mouthguard when participating in any physical activity where there is a risk of jarring movement or injury to the face or jaw, like in skateboarding, skiing, or riding a scooter.  Mouthguards serve to protect teeth, tongue, lips, gums, jaw bones and reduce concussions rates and severity. 

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Cigarette smoking in the United States continues to decrease, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  While this may be good news, cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.

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To maintain great oral health throughout life, parents need to start the process of good oral habits for their children even before teeth erupt.  A simple cotton gauze or cloth gently wiped over the gums will clean these areas but more importantly condition the child to be accepting of assistance and learn good oral health.  

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Preventive dentistry’s aim is to avoid opportunities for disease that cause tooth decay and other oral health problems.  Disease opportunities happen when the immune system and/or the balance of bacteria in our bodies change allowing for disease to start. The two main types of dental disease are decay (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease).  The way to avoid dental disease is through patient education, proper nutrition, excellent homecare and regular dental visits.

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