via GIPHY x Probably the easiest step you can take is just swapping out your regular toothpaste and mouthwash for a whitening variety, which can help to lighten stains with regular use. Beyond that, home whitening kits come in a variety of forms, from pens, to strips, and complete mouth guard kits. Depending on the kit’s ingredients and brand, you’re probably able to pick one up at your local grocery store or drugstore. However, while home kits are affordable and easily accessible, most don’t contain enough active ingredients to effectively lift stains from the teeth. In fact, legally, these products Read More →

Dr. James Watson just celebrated his three year anniversary with Family Dentist Tree! He is a wonderful addition to our team, so our Business Manager, Marie, did an “interview” with him so you can get to know him just like we have! Marie: Where were you born and raised? Dr. Watson: I was born in Wichita, KS, but I have lived in Rochester since I was three years old. I am a graduate of Lourdes High School. Marie: Tell us about your parents. Dr. Watson: My mom is a retired dental hygienist. She retired about a year and a half ago Read More →

All toothpaste has some type of abrasiveness to it especially when coupled with a toothbrush; just how abrasive that can be is measured by RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). The ADA created a range of abrasivity that rates different toothpastes and their effect on the teeth. Their list ranges from 0-250 and is broken into 4 sections (Low Abrasive to Regarded as a Harmful Limit). Enamel is not as susceptible to abrasion (the wear on the teeth from a mechanical source, like a toothbrush with toothpaste) because of the hardness of the structure. The underlying structures of enamel like dentin and Read More →

via GIPHY When a patient arrives with an aching tooth, their first thought may be to “TAKE THIS THING OUT”! For some cases an extraction may be the only option; however, that is a decision that you and your dentist can make together. Making the best choice now could save you time and money in the long run. Many times when a patient arrives with a constant, throbbing tooth, it likely needs a root canal. A root canal replaces infected pulp in a tooth’s canal and may be completed by your General Dentist or by an Endodontist. Once the root Read More →

We are proud to announce Family Dentist Tree’s Platinum level sponsorship of the 24th annual Rochester Paws and Claws Humane Society Pet Walk [https://www.facebook.com/PCHSPetWalk] fundraiser at 10 AM on May 5 in Cooke Park. With dogs in mind, I decided to do a blog post on caring for your dog’s teeth. I am a big dog lover and have four canine friends at my house: two coon hounds (Bailey and Blu, who are both Paws & Claws alumni) and two dachshunds (Buddy and Bentley). Dogs tend to develop dental problems such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (loss of jaw Read More →

Instead of filling up your baskets with mostly candy this year, why not switch it up a little? A great idea is to create your basket around a specific theme, then focus on your theme and limit the candy! Avoid hard or sticky candies like jelly beans and suckers because they stick to teeth for longer periods of time. Here are some safer alternatives that are not so damaging to oral heath that your little ones will love! A stuffed bunny instead of a chocolate bunny Nut mix Apple slices Bunny shaped graham crackers Dark chocolate over milk chocolate Fruit Read More →

Many of us have had braces and know how difficult it can be to keep them clean. Especially when eating foods like bread, corn on the cob, foods with seeds and so much more. Here are some helpful ways to continue good oral hygiene while having braces. Brushing: You will want to brush after every meal and before bedtime for at least 2 minutes. It is best to use an electric toothbrush. You may need to replace your toothbrush more often than normal due to the extra wear your braces will place on the bristles. It is a good idea Read More →

Have you ever had a joint replaced or heart surgery? There is a possibility you were recommended by your physician, surgeon, or dentist to take an antibiotic prior to future dental treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. During some dental procedures, bacteria from the mouth can be introduced into the bloodstream. The bacteria can then travel elsewhere in the body and cause an infection. In these circumstances, an infection is uncommon but can become serious and life threatening. Those who are at higher risk are suggested to take an antibiotic premedication to help prevent the chance of an Read More →

Flossing is recommended daily to clean plaque bacteria from in between the teeth that brushing alone doesn’t remove. Anytime we leave plaque between our teeth we put ourselves at risk for bleeding, inflamed gums, infection, gum disease and decay. Although flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth, there are other options that can work well and may be easier to use. Here are just a few options that we like to recommend in our office. Flossing Helpers: Flossers make it easier to floss because there is a handle attached to the floss. Floss threaders can help you Read More →

We’ve all been there, waking up in the middle of the night, not being able to fall asleep, and enduring a long, painful day, all because of a toothache. We’ve asked out doctors to help us in identifying the most common reasons for dental pain, listed below. Some of the more common ways dental pain is experienced are: Sensitivity to temperature Pain when biting or chewing Dull or throbbing aches Constant Pain The most common issues associated with these types of pain include: Infection: If you have swollen gums, a small bump on your gums, or fluid or pus present, Read More →