A preventative dental care regime should be part of a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring your teeth and gums are in tip top condition will enable you to smile with confidence and eat the foods you enjoy. Read the following do’s and don’ts for practical advice on maintaining a gorgeous smile.

• Do brush and floss frequently. A daily dental care regime will remove plaque bacteria from your mouth before any lasting damage can occur. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.
• Do use proper brushing techniques. It’s best to pick a soft bristled toothbrush, and make sure you brush all tooth surfaces. If you need any help in improving your technique, ask your dentist in Weymouth, MA for advice.
• Do change your toothbrush regularly. Dentists recommend you change your brush every two or three months, or as soon as the bristles begin to look worn.
• Do use fluoride toothpaste. This mineral helps to harden tooth enamel, reducing the risk of decay.
• Do attend regular checkups with your dentist in Reno. These appointments are vital for prompt detection of any diseases that may not yet cause any symptoms. Early treatment will save you time and money, and should help preserve your teeth for longer.
• Do keep sugary foods for an occasional treat. Eating too many cookies or drinking sodas increases the risk of bacteria building up in your mouth. Instead, choose healthy snacks such as carrots, apples or cheddar cheese.
• Don’t ignore toothache. Any type of pain is a sign that something is wrong, and you should book an appointment with your dental office as soon as possible.
• Don’t put up with a less than attractive smile. Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as even simple procedures such as cosmetic bonding and tooth whitening can transform the look of your teeth.

Family and cosmetic dentist in Weymouth, MA

Most people understand the basics of dental care, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. However it’s all too easy to believe “facts” passed on by well-meaning friends, but not knowing the truth could damage your smile. We’ve debunked a few of the most common myths listed below.

Myth: I shouldn’t brush my teeth so often if my gums begin to bleed.
Truth: Bleeding gums are often the first sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal or gum disease is often due to poor oral hygiene, so you should be brushing and flossing more frequently, and more thoroughly than before.

Myth: Wisdom teeth should be extracted even if they don’t cause me problems.
Truth: Wisdom teeth will only be removed by your dentist in Weymouth, MA if they are already creating oral health issues, or are likely to cause problems in the future.

Myth: You don’t need to take care of baby teeth as they fall out anyway.
Truth: It’s vital baby or milk teeth are not lost too early. These teeth hold open the correct amount of space for the adult teeth to erupt normally and they help your child learn to eat and speak properly.

Myth: My teeth are white so they must be healthy.
Truth: White teeth are not necessarily healthy as they can still have tooth decay or may be affected by gum disease. Regular checkups with your dentist in Weymouth, MA will help ensure your teeth are as healthy as they look.

Myth: Eating chocolate causes tooth decay.
Truth: Tooth decay occurs if you eat lots of sugary or carbohydrate rich foods that stick to your teeth for long periods of time. These foods feed bacteria in your mouth, increasing acidity levels and weakening tooth enamel. In fact chocolate isn’t as bad as some other sticky chewy candies as it is more easily washed away by saliva.

Getting married is a major life event and most couples get caught up in organizing details such as the reception, cake and rings. It’s all too easy to forget the importance of a nice smile, but your wedding will be captured in photos displayed for decades. Most couples want to look their very best on this special day, and the following hints will help your smile look amazing.

Book a Professional Cleaning
Book a professional cleaning with your dentist in Reno. A professional cleaning instantly brightens up your smile through removing hardened plaque and some surface stains. Make sure you book one visit three or four months before the wedding, just in case any issues such as cavities or fillings need to be addressed. Book another shortly before your special day to ensure your smile has added sparkle.

Make Sure Restorative Work Is up to Date
Don’t put off restoring or renewing restorations such as crowns or fillings. Leaky crowns and fillings can lead to decay and toothache and will affect your oral health. Toothache on your wedding day has the potential to wreck this special occasion.

Consider Tooth Whitening Treatments
It is increasingly common for brides and grooms to boost their smile with tooth whitening treatments. Ask your dentist in Reno about all the possible options which include in-office whitening, or bleaching at home using custom-made whitening trays. Make sure you whiten well ahead of the big day so your teeth have time to settle down. You can always carry out a quick touchup immediately before you wed.

Avoid Dark Foods and Beverages
Protect your sparkling white smile through avoiding highly colored foods and drinks in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Last but not least, make sure you relax and enjoy your wedding day as it’s the start of a whole new life with your love.

Visit our dental office in Weymouth, MA to learn about all our cosmetic dentistry options

Gum disease (gingivitis) is a common condition that can cause inflammation and pain. As it progresses gingivitis can make it difficult to eat and even talk. It’s important to be aware how it is caused. This should help you to avoid this condition altogether, or to at least catch it at an early stage when it is easily treatable.

What Causes Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is normally caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque to build up in the mouth. However other factors that can increase the risk of this disease include:

• Conditions that affect the immune system such as diabetes, HIV and cancer
• Hormonal changes, particularly those associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause
• Certain medications that cause a lack of saliva or gum tissue overgrowth
• Smoking as this interferes with gum healing
• Failing to brush and floss frequently enough, or failing to use proper techniques
• Gingivitis can be partially due to genetics

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Common symptoms include bleeding, swollen or tender gums, but some people will experience very few, if any signs. Other indications are receding gums and persistent bad breath. As the disease progresses you may notice deep pockets beginning to form around your teeth, or that your teeth are moving position or feel loose. This can affect the way they bite together. Your dentist in Weymouth, MA can quickly detect any signs of gingivitis, even if your teeth and gums appear to be healthy.

How Is Gingivitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the progression of the disease and your general health. It might be as simple as having a professional tooth cleaning combined with better dental care at home. More complex treatments include deep cleanings for controlling bacterial growth and even surgery to replace gum or bone tissue.

What Happens If I Don’t Get Treatment?
If you don’t see your dentist in Weymouth for treatment, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis. This can cause serious damage to your gums, to the ligaments holding teeth in position, and could lead to loss of bone around your teeth.

It’s easy to achieve a beautiful, long lasting smile with dental veneers. Once you have the smile you’ve always wanted, you certainly don’t want to ruin it by not taking care of them and ending up with an unhealthy or unattractive look. The good news is that veneers are easy to take care of, and can last up to 15 years or more with proper treatment. Here are some tips to help you maintain your pretty smile.

Veneers are commonly made of porcelain, which is a durable material that is great for this purpose. Porcelain provides a stain-resistant cover for your teeth, and this substance is immune to tooth decay. However, the teeth that your veneers are attached to are still susceptible to decay and cavities. If the gums around your teeth and veneers bleed or become inflamed, see your dentist right away so any problems can be addressed before it gets more serious.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is just as important as it was before veneers. Maintain good oral hygiene every day, and ask your dentist if certain toothpaste is recommended. Abrasive toothpaste may harm the porcelain, increasing your risk for stains or other damage.

Some actions put your veneers at higher risk. Avoid biting your nails and crunching on hard foods like carrots or ice. If you believe you are grinding your teeth at night, get a mouth guard to help protect your veneers. Also wear a sports mouth guard when playing contact sports. If you do damage your veneers, they cannot be repaired and will have to be completely replaced. Remember to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and make additional appointments any time you have concerns that your veneers may have any issues.

Cosmetic dentist in Weymouth, MA for porcelain veneers.