Comfort Dental Weymouth

Creative Uses for Toothpaste

dentist — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:29:28 +0000

The main purpose of toothpaste is to clean your teeth and prevent cavities. Currently, you can walk down any supermarket or drugstore aisle and find a plethora of choices. What many people may not realize is that toothpaste has other applications. You can use toothpaste to:

Erase scuff marks
To take off the scuffs from your favorite leather shoes, rub a small amount of paste on the area and then wipe it clean with a damp rag.

Remove gunk from an iron
Sometimes, your iron develops dark goop that can ruin clothes. Scrubbing with non-gel toothpaste can make the iron plate as good as new.

Polish your diamond jewelry
For extra sparkle, use an old toothbrush and paste to make your favorite jewelry shine!

Deodorize baby bottles
After a while, these bottles can start to smell like sour milk. Apply a little toothpaste to the bottle brush and clean the inside like normal.

Clean chrome fixtures
Instead of buying expensive cleaners, just smear toothpaste on your chrome and polish the surface with a soft, dry cloth to produce a gorgeous shine.

Erase crayon marks from walls
If your little Picasso has used your living room walls as a canvas, toothpaste can get rid of these drawings. Grab a damp rag and apply a little paste to the wall. The abrasive nature of the paste will take off the crayon.

Eliminate drain odors
Just as it helps remove the unpleasant smells in your mouth, toothpaste works similarly in your kitchen sink. Squirt the toothpaste into the sink, let it sit a few minutes, and then run the warm water for a clean smell.

Schedule your next dental cleaning at Comfort Dental Weymouth MA

Repair Your Teeth with Dental Crowns

dentist — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:00:41 +0000

Your oral health and comfort can be jeopardized when your teeth sustain damage. Deep cracks, severe pain, and possible tooth loss can occur if you don’t receive treatment for a structurally unstable tooth. If your tooth needs more than a regular filling to restore its integrity, your dentist may choose a dental crown. Also called a cap, a dental crown fits securely over any tooth structure above the gum line.

Depending on the extent of damage and the location of the tooth, your dentist will place a ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or metal crown. Usually, porcelain crowns are recommended for teeth that are visible when you smile. Because the human bite can exert about 50 pounds of pressure in the back of the mouth, the chewing force can be as powerful as 200 lbs, which could destroy a ceramic crown. Typically, all-metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia crowns are used for back teeth.

Sometimes, damage occurs to a tooth that doesn’t need a crown, but is too severe for a filling. Inlays and onlays offer a good solution. Constructed from solid ceramic or metal materials, these partial crowns are stronger than traditional fillings. Inlays cover the cusps (bumps) on top of a tooth; onlays fit over a cusp and down the side of the tooth.

Crown placement usually takes two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist will remove the damaged tissue, reshape the tooth, and take impressions for the custom restoration. Your doctor will also place a temporary crown. Final placement will occur at the second appointment, once the dental office receives the permanent restoration.

Oral Health Issues in Adolescence

dentist — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:46:27 +0000

During the teen years, your child will need to continue to brush, floss, and visit the dentist in order to enjoy good oral health. At this time, cavities and gum disease can be real threats to your teen’s smile. Adolescents also face other concerns that are very prevalent in their age group:

Piercings
Although your child may see this choice as artistic expression, piercings can lead to allergic reactions, cracked or broken teeth, nerve damage, infection, and other health problems.

Mouth guard use
If your teen participates in any contact support, including soccer, basketball, or football, purchase a mouth guard and have your child wear it during each game. Mouth guards can significantly reduce mouth and facial injuries.

Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating can wreak havoc on your mouth. Though a teen may hide these issues from their loved ones, dental professionals can often identify the telltale signs such as enamel erosion, dry mouth, excessive cavities, and trauma to the roof of the mouth.

Smoking
Start talking with your teen as soon as possible about the damage caused by smoking. Bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer are just a few of the affects smoking can have on your mouth.

Orthodontic Care
Many teens will need braces at some point. With orthodontic treatment, it’s critical that your child take good care of his or her teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing may be more difficult, so remind your child about the need to practice good home hygiene.

Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD

Oral Health Care as You Age

dentist — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:41:43 +0000

Thanks to modern medicine and improved health, people are living long, active lives. In the 1800s, people were lucky to make it into their 40s or 50s. Currently, the average life expectancy in this country is approximately 77.9 years. Part of enjoying your full potential during your later years is taking care of your smile.

Protect your teeth and gums by remembering these tips:

Be diligent about your daily oral care
If you want to keep your teeth, you need to take time to brush and floss. For individuals who have trouble with dexterity, look into an electric toothbrush and flossing aids that will make the task easier.

Don’t skip dental visits
Schedule your routine exams every six months and keep those appointments. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and look for any indications of problems. If you notice something unusual, like bleeding gums, a sore that doesn’t heal, or recurrent pain, contact your dentist right away.

Update your dentist
During regular checkups, let your dentist know about your current medications and any medical conditions you are currently dealing with so that the provider can tailor your oral care accordingly.

Eat well
Your diet impacts your oral health, so select healthy options like lean meats, low-fat diary, fruits, and vegetables.

Replace missing teeth
Even with valiant effort, you may still lose a tooth. Don’t just leave the empty space in your smile. Remaining teeth can shift and create other oral health issues. Dental implants and dentures can restore the integrity and beauty of your smile.

We care about your dental health at Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Endodontics

How to Fight Bad Breath

dentist — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:17:38 +0000

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can make you feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. Often, people try to mask bad breath with mints or alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can actually worsen your halitosis. Caused by the oral bacteria, food debris, and decay of human cells, bad breath can hurt your professional life and limit your social interactions.

Though we all experience periods of bad breath, certain issues cause chronic halitosis. Contributors to consistent bad breath include:

• Advanced gum disease
• Decreased saliva production
• Lactose intolerance
• Post-nasal drip
• Tobacco use
• Underlying conditions like diabetes and acid reflux

Halitosis occurs because of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the odorous compounds that result from the breakdown of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. To address bad breath, you need to neutralize the acidity in the mouth and decreases VSCs. The following tips will help you curb bad breath:

Develop good hygiene habits
Use fluoride toothpaste, brush twice a day, and don’t forget to clean your tongue. As well, floss daily so that you remove food particles from between teeth.

See the dentist for checkups
At your regular appointments, your dentist will exam your mouth and look for any issues, like gum disease or dry mouth, that could cause halitosis.

Cut out tobacco products
Though it can be tough to kick the habit, giving up smoking will improve your breath, oral health, and overall wellness. Ask your dentist for suggestions to help you quit.

Drink plenty of water
Keeping your mouth moist ensures adequate saliva production. Sugarless gum or hard candy can also help achieve this goal.

Fight Bad Breath – Comfort Dental Weymouth Shahram Moghaddam DMD

Understanding Veneer Options

dentist — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:00:16 +0000

When you have chips, gaps, or stains on teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance. Porcelain veneers can erase flaws and transform your smile. In just two to three visits, your dentist can give you a completely new image. Before considering porcelain veneers, talk with your dentist about the pros and cons of these smile enhancements.

What are porcelain veneers?

Crafted from thin shells of porcelain, veneers permanently cover imperfections so that you can enjoy a flawless smile. Because the materials have a translucency that mimics enamel, porcelain veneers create aesthetically-pleasing restorations.

How can veneers change my smile?

With porcelain veneers, you can cover stains, close space, and create uniformity. Veneers provide an excellent way to attain the polished image you desire.

What are minimal-prep veneers?

Brands like Lumineers and DuraThins are minimal-prep veneers. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, which are customized for your smile, these restorations are ultra-thin wafers that require little or no enamel reduction for placement. Minimal-prep veneers offer patients another option for transforming their smiles.

How do I choose the right veneers for my smile?

During your initial consultation, your dentist will talk with you about smiles that you like and what you want for your new look. After evaluating your whole mouth, the dentist will make recommendations about whether traditional veneers or minimal-prep veneers will produce the desired results.

Will caring for my veneers be difficult?

Durable and stain-resistant, veneers are designed to give you lasting beauty. To protect your investment, care for your veneers as you would your original teeth. Make sure to brush, floss, and see the dentist regularly.

It’s about time you treated yourself to a beautiful, new smile! Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist

Taking Care of Your Dentures

dentist — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:36:26 +0000

Without a full set of teeth, your oral health and confidence suffer. Dentures are one way to restore the beauty and vitality of your smile. Constructed as false teeth on a gum-colored base, full or partial dentures can fill in missing teeth and give you a complete smile. Once you have dentures, you need to take proper care of these prosthetic devices to ensure that they last.

Give your dentures a break

To let your mouth tissues recover, remove your dentures for six to eight hours a day, either at night or at another convenient time.

Keep them clean

Stains and bacteria can still build up on dentures, so they need regular cleaning. Most drugstores sell products designed to clean dentures, but you can also use mild dishwashing detergent, regular hand soap, mildly abrasive toothpaste and dental paste as well.

Protect your investment

Most of the time, dentures aren’t cheap, so you need to handle them with care. Safely store them when they are not in your mouth, and clean them with a soft brush. Don’t leave your appliance in reach of pets or small children.

Care for your entire mouth

Though you may have lost your teeth, you need to look out for your gums. Make sure to rinse your mouth after removing your dentures. You should also massage gum tissue with a washcloth or soft-bristled brush. Patients with partial dentures need to brush and floss daily.

Visit the dentist

Even if you have no original teeth left, you still need to see the dentist at least once a year. These appointments allow your dentist to examine your mouth and look for any issues with gums and soft tissues.

Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist

Oral Health and New Moms

dentist — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:31:44 +0000

When you welcome a new baby into your life, everything changes. Your routine is disrupted, sleep is limited, and things are pretty chaotic. During this time, you need to take care of yourself as well as your little one. An area that often gets overlooked is oral health care. As a new mom, remember these key points about why you need to make dental health a priority:

To keep your baby safe

While you were pregnant, your baby grew and developed in a utopian environment. Once your newborn arrived, he or she was exposed to millions of germs. Because their immune systems aren’t fully developed, new babies are more susceptible to infection. The bacteria in your mouth can be easily transmitted to your newborn, so keep up your oral care habits.

To ensure a healthy smile

Before your baby arrived, you probably had a regular daily schedule that included brushing and flossing. Getting up all night with round-the-clock feedings can throw off your routine and contribute to late-night snacks, which can increase the risks of tooth decay and gum disease.

To protect against dental problems

During pregnancy, many women experience swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Once you give birth, it can take some time for your hormones to level off and return to normal. In the mean time, keep up with dental care to decreases your odds of gum disease.

To serve as a role model

As a mom, you have a little one who will watch your every move. Demonstrating good home care habits will encourage your child to adopt those same behaviors.

At Comfort Dental Weymouth, we care about your smile! Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist

Caring for Dentures

dentist — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:05:53 +0000

Estimates suggest that 45 million Americans currently wear full or partial dentures. These prosthetic devices enable individuals who have lost teeth to regain their active lifestyles. With dentures, you can speak clearly, smile confidently, and eat a healthy diet. To make sure your dental appliance lasts, proper care is essential.

Follow these tips to protect your dentures:

Clean dentures daily

Like natural teeth, your dentures need regular care to eliminate plaque and food debris. Brushing dentures or soaking them in a denture cleaner will also prevent stains from developing. Purchase a brush specially designed for prosthetic devices.

Gentleness is key

As you clean your dentures, don’t scrub too hard because you can damage the plastic or metal components. Rinse the device with warm water but avoid hot water, which can cause the dentures to warp.

Don’t forget your mouth

Before reinserting your dentures, brush your gums, tongue, and cheeks with fluoride toothpaste to stimulate the tissues, remove plaque, and promote good oral health.

Schedule routine dental visits

Even without a full set of teeth, you still need to see your dentist for checkups. At these appointments, your doctor can make any adjustments to your prosthetic device and examine your mouth to look for any problems.

Skip at-home adjustments

Always contact your dental provider if your appliance needs adjusting or something breaks. Trying to fix the denture yourself can cause more damage and could cost you a great deal of money.

Store dentures safely

When you aren’t wearing the appliance, keep your dentures in a secure container. Let them soak in a denture solution or water so that they stay moist and won’t lose their shape.

Creating beautiful smiles at Comfort Dental Weymouth. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist

Recovering after Oral Surgery

dentist — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:55:56 +0000

If you have wisdom teeth removed, implants placed, or other oral surgery, you need to listen to your doctor’s instructions following the procedure. The recovery process will go more smoothly if you take good care of your mouth. Follow these tips to ensure successful results.

What to Expect

Bleeding
After an extraction, or even implant placement, some bleeding is natural. If you were given gauze, leave it in place for at least an hour and then gently remove the material. For any excessive bleeding, contact your provider right away.

Swelling
Often, swelling will occur following oral surgery. Keep your head elevated for the first day, and use an ice pack on the outside of your face if you so desire. Typically, swelling disappears seven to 10 days after the procedure.

Pain
Depending on the extent of the surgery, your discomfort will vary. Your dentist or surgeon will prescribe pain medicine if necessary. Follow the directions exactly to avoid an adverse reaction.

Rest
In most cases, you will need to take at ease for at least 48 hours after oral surgery. Physical activity may also be restricted for two to three days.

Oral Hygiene
For at least 24 hours, brush gently, lightly rinse with water, and avoid spitting. You can rinse with saline and water after the first day to help promote a sterile environment and encourage healing.

Tobacco Use
Because these products can delay healing, don’t smoke or chew tobacco until your mouth has completely recovered.

At Comfort Dental Weymouth, your oral health is our priority. Shahram Moghaddam, DMD Weymouth Family and Cosmetic dentist