Tag: rochester mn dentist

What is Botox and what does it do? Botox is a drug made from a toxin that is produced by bacteria, called Clostridium botulinum, which blocks nerve activity in the muscles. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity for about 3 months. Botox is a safe and easy treatment that is injected into specific muscle groups in the face, causing relaxation of those muscles to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Botox can also be given as preventative treatment. Botox is more effective for dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that only show during movement) than static wrinkles. Static wrinkles can still be Read More →

What is Oral Cancer? Oral cancers include cancers that develop on the surface of the tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, lips, gums, salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx. Mouth cancers form when cells develop mutations in their DNA. It is not clear what causes these mutations. What risk factors can contribute to Oral Cancer? Your health history helps us determine your risk factors for oral cancer. HPV is shown to be related in at least 70% or oral cancer cases. Smoking and alcohol use is also linked to an increased risk of developing oral Read More →

What is SDF? Our office has started using a material called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to help treat tooth decay. Silver diamine fluoride can arrest dental decay because of it’s specific components.  The silver component has antibacterial properties which stop the spread of a cavity, while the fluoride component helps to remineralize tooth structure. SDF can be effective in treating dental cavities with a variety of patients, but in particular, pediatric patients. What can it be used for? Silver diamine fluoride is not for every situation, as it does not permanently cure the area of decay. In order for it Read More →

Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups is more than “just a cleaning.” During your visit, we assess your gum tissues for disease, check the hard structures for decay and educate as well as coach patients on how to achieve optimal dental health. In order to diagnose any type of disease in the mouth, a few things are needed. Dental x-rays based on ADA recommendations and patient risk factors, as well as history are updated. X-rays help the dentist and hygienist determine if there are cavities, any areas of bone loss and screen for dental tumors, cysts, etc. After Read More →

Routine dental care is vital to people of all ages, but especially important for seniors. As we age, our body endures an array of changes that can have detrimental consequences to our mouths. As a hygienist, I often hear stories from patients who grew up without routine dental care. Patients weren’t informed of the benefits of preventative dentistry. In turn, this philosophy may have shaped the future of dental needs and most of these patients are seniors. One of the most common changes that affect senior’s oral health is the addition of medications to maintain blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety or Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: We all know someone who took a bite out of an apple and heard that dreaded crunch that signified a chipped tooth. Check out our tips for what to do when you chip a tooth and how each solution depends on the size and extent of the fracture. Smooth Over the Teeth If your tooth doesn’t have a deep fracture or if the neighboring teeth were already a bit shorter than the fractured tooth, smoothing over the chipped tooth to match the teeth around it may be a great option to consider. Even a smallest chip Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Charcoal toothpastes have gained the attention of most patients, especially at big name stores like Target. Websites like Pinterest are stocked full of tooth whitening charcoal DIY recipes. But does charcoal actually whiten our teeth and is it safe to use? Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? As a dental professional, I look at evidence-based practice to determine if a product is safe and effective for use. At this point, there isn’t a lot of research that has been done on charcoal as a dentifrice (aka toothpaste). We know that charcoal is negatively charged, therefore, it tends to Read More →

Here is an explanation of dental probing that will hopefully help you understand… Most of us have heard the terms gingivitis or gum disease. Once a year, these numbers we record are taken to evaluate the health of our gum tissue. A periodontal probe (tiny gum ruler) is utilized to measure the pocket depths in millimeters along the gumline, on the front and back of each tooth, totaling 6 measurements per tooth. When listening to these numbers, 1, 2 and 3 millimeters are all normal, healthy gum attachments to the teeth. If you hear 4 millimeters, this is an area Read More →

There has been a lot of buzz going around about the additives in toothpaste and what they do to our teeth. Many people look for whitening or tartar control toothpastes to brighten their smile, while others are on the hunt for a paste that allows them to eat ice cream without cringing. How do we decide what toothpastes are good for our teeth and which ones to avoid? Our office now hands out a list of toothpastes widely used on the market and where they land in abrasiveness. It is a good way to choose a toothpaste option that is Read More →

Did you know that over 600 million pounds of candy are sold during the week of Halloween with October 28th being the highest selling day? We all love this holiday, but there are ways to celebrate and keep those trick-or-treaters happy without the risk of tooth decay! Alternative handouts to candy: ~ for those afraid of the dark or who just enjoy lighting up the night, receiving light up glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces are fun and help parents keep track of their little ghouls. ~ small bottles of water to quench the thirst from hauling around heavy costumes and Read More →