Finding a Dentist for Special Needs Patients

26/Apr/2024

If you have friends or family members who require Special Needs dentistry, it’s important to find a dentist who can provide comprehensive, compassionate dental care. For example, patients with Alzheimer’s disease may forget about regular home care or get upset if someone new tries to perform a dental exam. Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, and any illnesses that relate to movement can make brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Conditions like autism or Down’s syndrome can make appointments stressful for the patient and the caregiver.

Patient limitations may require that you find a dental office willing to modify traditional treatment and accommodate the specific needs of your loved one. The following tips may help you find the right dentist:

Start the process by asking for referrals from co-workers and friends who have a dentist they like and trust.

Schedule a time to meet the team, interview the dentist, and explain the situation. You may choose multiple candidates so that you have several options to consider.

Work with the dentist to creatively develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and ability to tolerate the prescribed therapy.

Prepare your loved one in advance by reminding the patient of the upcoming visit. Use positive words or phrases and don’t mention anything that might cause fear or concern.

Before treatment, ask that the dentist and staff take extra time to explain the procedures and sooth any concerns your loved one may have.

Family dentist in Weymouth, MA

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26/Apr/2024

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

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26/Apr/2024

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.

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26/Apr/2024

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

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26/Apr/2024

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.

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26/Apr/2024

A healthy, white smile has long been associated with youthfulness. As we age, our smile ages with us and this can add unwanted years to appearance. Stained and discolored teeth, and chips and cracks can all be very unflattering.

Aging can affect your smile in the following ways:

Collagen loss, combined with decreased muscle tone can allow wrinkles to form around your mouth.
Gravity can lead to facial features beginning to collapse, and you may notice fewer teeth are visible whenever you smile or talk.
Teeth naturally discolor as we age, but food and drink choices can increase the rate of staining.
Over time the edges of teeth can become damaged and worn down, especially if you grind your teeth.

One of the easiest and most effective methods of restoring your smile is to have dental veneers fitted by your dentist in Reno. A dental veneer is made from a very thin piece of porcelain and is bonded onto the front surface of your tooth. Veneers can hide discolored or misshapen teeth, and can correct minor misalignments. They can help close up or minimize gaps in between teeth and can also mend chips and cracks. Your dentist can evaluate the appearance of your teeth and will create a personalized treatment plan. Your veneers will be designed to complement your skin tone, facial appearance, the shape of your teeth and your age.

Dental veneers are stain resistant so your smile will be permanently brighter and whiter. The porcelains used to make the veneers are extremely natural looking and it’s unlikely anyone will notice you have them. Well-designed dental veneers can subtly rejuvenate your appearance without being immediately obvious to others. Your dentist in Reno can fabricate your veneers so they are the correct proportion and size for your mouth, potentially knocking years off your appearance.

Cosmetic dentist in Weymouth, MA

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26/Apr/2024

Choosing to make flossing a daily part of your regular oral hygiene routine will help your natural teeth last longer. Twice-daily brushing is important, but a toothbrush cannot get in between each tooth. Flossing is essential as the contact points in between teeth account for one third of all your tooth surfaces. Daily flossing helps to remove food debris and plaque, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease (advanced gum disease).

Flossing Helps Keep Gums Healthy
While some people will lose teeth due to tooth decay, far more will be lost to gum disease which can develop if plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria that produce toxins, infecting the gum tissue, causing inflammation and disease. It’s essential plaque is removed on a daily basis. Flossing right down to and just below the gum line helps remove plaque and stimulates the gum tissue so it remains healthy.
Some people with mild gum disease will find their gums bleed when flossed or brushed and may avoid flossing thinking it will make the bleeding worse. In fact the opposite is true, and flossing can help improve the health of your gums through removing plaque, and reducing toxins and inflammation in your gums. Flossing may help improve gum health in as little as a few weeks.

Choosing the Right Floss
Choosing the right floss makes this task a lot easier, and there are lots of different types on the market. You can opt for unwaxed or waxed floss, and it is available in different widths. You may need to buy several different types before you find a brand you’re happy to use each day.

If you find flossing too difficult then ask your dentist about alternative methods to use. It’s possible to buy soft picks and interdental brushes to clean in between your teeth. These can be helpful for people with limited dexterity as they are very easy to use and come in a variety of different sizes.

General dentist in Weymouth, MA

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26/Apr/2024

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.

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26/Apr/2024

Among dental procedures, root canals have earned a bad reputation. Most people associate a root canal with pain and misery. Ironically, a root canal actually saves your tooth and restores your oral health. Understanding the basics of a root canal can make you feel more comfortable if you ever need this type of treatment.

Each tooth has three layers: the outer shell of enamel, the softer covering of dentin, and the center area called the pulp, which contains the blood vessels and connective tissues that nourish the tooth. Severe trauma, repeated dental work on a tooth, or extensive decay can damage the pulp, causing an infection to develop and pressure to build inside your tooth.

Signs that you may need a root canal include:

Continual sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Darkening of a tooth
Intense tooth pain
Tenderness or swelling near the tooth

Although many individuals hate the idea of a root canal, most people feel better after treatment. During the procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth, clean out the debris, seal the tooth, and fill it with a manmade substance that will prevent more issues from developing. After a root canal, you will probably need a dental crown to cover the remaining tooth structure and protect the tooth long-term.

One benefit of root canal therapy is preserving your natural teeth. Even one missing tooth can throw off your bite, cause other teeth to loosen, and detract from your smile. A root canal can prevent the extraction of a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Root canal dentist in Weymouth, MA

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26/Apr/2024

The population of the United States is growing, with over 40 million adults over age 65. A common health problem that seniors face is receding gums, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly. That’s why many older adults wear dentures, in order to restore the function and appearance of their teeth.

What are dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. You may require complete dentures when all of your teeth are absent, or partial dentures when some of your natural teeth are still in place. Dentures are removable for cleaning purposes, and also at night to allow your gums to rest and to have normal cleaning and stimulation by your saliva and tongue.

Who needs dentures?
Your gum tissue recedes as you age, which exposes the roots of your teeth. This makes them more susceptible to decay and infection. On average, people receive their first set of dentures in their mid-50s, and almost 50 million Americans wear some type of dentures.

Do dentures hurt?
Dentures might feel unusual in the beginning, but you will adjust to them in a few weeks. Your facial muscles or oral tissues will adapt, and your tongue will learn to keep them in place. Then your dentures should feel very comfortable. It’s not unusual to experience minor mouth irritation or soreness at first, and an increased flow of saliva. These problems will go away as you adjust. You will get used to eating with your dentures in a relatively short time also.

What are the keys to success with dentures?
It is vital to practice good oral care and visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you have any problems or concerns, be sure to consult your dentist so that your experience wearing dentures can be pleasant and you can maintain the best smile possible.