Posts Tagged ‘Celebrity Smile Brown Reynolds & Snow dental office’

Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

The dog days of summer are still here, but with Fall on its way maybe you’d like to change more than the weather. Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a new smile! There are a variety of restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures that your dentist can use to make your smile the best that it can be.

Restorative and cosmetic options
There’s no reason to continue putting off repairs or to delay improving your appearance. Techniques and procedures have improved over the years, and you may be surprised at what your dentist can do for your smile. Some of the options include porcelain veneers that cover your teeth, implants to close gaps left by missing teeth, crowns that make a tooth like new, bonding to improve a tooth’s appearance, and enamel shaping that transforms teeth into the exact shape you desire.

Teeth whitening
It’s easy to brighten your smile using one of the many teeth whitening options available today. Whiten your teeth at home using products like strips, gels, or bleaching trays. Or, visit your dentist for fast and effective professional whitening results.

Teeth straightening
It’s never too late to improve your self-esteem and your jaw alignment by seeking orthodontic treatment. To achieve a flawless smile, consider Invisalign clear braces that will transform your teeth while going virtually unnoticed by others.

Checkups
The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. You will have tartar buildup removed and get your teeth cleaned to a sparkly finish. Also, your dentist will examine your mouth to make sure everything is healthy. This visit will also give you the opportunity to discuss your smile with your dentist and come up with a plan for any improvements you’d like to make.

What’s an Oral Irrigator?

Saturday, September 15th, 2012

Do you have memories from long ago of watching Grandma use her water pick to clean her teeth? You may think those days are gone and a water pick can only be found at garage sales, but these days they are called oral irrigators. You may want to try using one in your goal of achieving healthier teeth and gums.

An oral irrigator is a water jet used to rinse your mouth and gums, serving to remove food particles and lower bacteria levels. It has proven to be helpful for people with gingivitis, diabetes, orthodontic work, crowns, dental implants, as well as those without specific dental issues.

It is important to remember that an oral irrigator is an accompaniment to your other hygiene tasks. Continue your routine of brushing and flossing your teeth, and then use an oral irrigator. It can be helpful in cleaning the deeper areas where brushing and flossing can’t reach. Oral irrigators are easy to use because the handles are specially designed with angled nozzles to reach deep into your mouth and to hard-to-reach areas. You don’t have to spend a great deal of time using an irrigator; even 60 seconds is enough to aid in your oral health.

What are the benefits of using an oral irrigator? There are quite a few reasons that you might want to add this to your dental hygiene regime. These include:

• Reducing bacteria and the associated risk of gum disease.
• Removing unattached plaque. Studies show that using an irrigator along with brushing and flossing can allow you to remove 99 percent more plaque than brushing alone.
• Controlling gingivitis, especially in people who aren’t good about practicing other proper dental hygiene techniques. Studies suggest that gum health can be improved up to 93 percent compared to just brushing.
• Reducing bleeding along your gums.
• Improving bad breath by getting rid of bacteria in your mouth.
• Providing extra cleaning of your tongue, which also controls bacteria and bad breath.

When used with traditional home dental care techniques, oral irrigation may be an easy way to help you gain optimum oral health. Consider adding it to your routine today.

Enjoy a Spectacular Smile for Your Wedding

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012

Getting married is an exciting event. With details like the cake, rings, and reception, it is easy to forget another important component of your special day: your smile. Most couples want to look their best for this special occasion. The following helpful hints will enable you to flash an amazing smile as you say your “I dos.”

Schedule a cleaning
In preparation for your wedding, make an appointment to have your teeth cleaned and polished. Book the visit three to four months ahead of time in case your dentist finds issues, such as cavities or cracked fillings, which need to be addressed.

Take care of restorative work
Don’t put off repairs like fillings or crowns. If left untreated, these problems can cause pain and even put your oral health at risk. You wouldn’t want a toothache to wreck your big day!

Consider teeth whitening options
Some brides and grooms decide to give their smiles a boost with teeth whitening. Talk with your dentist about the various choices, such as in-office or at-home whitening kits. Plan to whiten four to six weeks before the wedding day so that you can get used to the results and plan for any touch-ups or corrections.

Avoid dark foods and beverages
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, try to stay away from red wine, dark colas and even tomato sauces because consuming these items can lessen your smile’s beauty.

One final tip: Once the big day is finally here, enjoy it. Let your love and smile shine through as you start your new life together.

Troublesome Canker Sores

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Having a sore inside your mouth can be painful, and make eating and talking uncomfortable. From 20%-40% of Americans develop canker sores, which are small shallow ulcers that occur on the mucous membranes inside the mouth. They are not contagious, but many people have them multiple times. If you are one of those people, you’ll want to know more about them and what you can do to avoid them.

How do you get canker sores?
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but dentists have identified possible triggers. Oral trauma, stress, hormonal changes, certain drugs, and food allergies are some causes. Certain foods, like acidic or citrus fruits and vegetables, can trigger sores too. Sometimes a dental appliance can poke your mouth and cause a canker sore. Also, some underlying health conditions are known to lead to canker sores.

What are the symptoms?
Canker sores are usually painful, and can occur on the tongue, soft palate, or inside your cheeks. They are round, white or gray in color, and have a red border. Canker sores are not the same as cold sores. The most notable difference is that canker sores develop inside the mouth, while cold sores appear on the outside. Also, cold sores are contagious and canker sores are not.

How are canker sores treated?
Treatment usually isn’t needed because most canker sores go away on their own in a week or two. Pain often lessens in a few days. Check with your dentist if your sore is unusually large or painful, because mouth rinses or topical ointments may be prescribed for severe cases.

How do I avoid getting them?
Watching what you eat is the best way to avoid canker sores. Avoid foods that irritate your mouth, which may include spicy, acidic, or salty items. Don’t chew and talk at the same time so you won’t bite your mouth. If possible, try to reduce your stress levels. Brush with a soft toothbrush, and as always, follow good oral hygiene habits.

Tips for a Whiter Smile

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

Your teeth age right along with the rest of your body, so it’s a natural process for them to lose their whiteness and leave you wondering how to regain that youthful bright smile. Many dentists offer professional teeth whitening and stores sell at-home kits, but try these techniques if you’re looking for less expensive, non-chemical methods.

Treat your teeth right
Brush and floss your teeth carefully and regularly, and visit your dentist as scheduled to keep your teeth in good health.

Avoid foods that stain
Coffee, tea, cola, fruit juices, and red wine are some of the staining culprits because your teeth absorb colored liquids throughout your life. If you do drink dark beverages, sip them through a straw. Also, swishing water around your mouth for about 30 seconds after eating will help prevent stains.

Quit smoking
Tobacco of any kind can discolor your teeth, so either quit altogether or at least limit its use.

Eat crunchy foods
Try eating crunchy, crispy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery. The abrasiveness can help lift stains from your teeth.

Chew gum
Chewing gum increases the amount of saliva in your mouth, which is like a natural cleaner inside your mouth. Also, gum containing the sweetener xylitol may help prevent plaque.

Brush with baking soda
The abrasive elements in baking soda can polish your teeth, while the mixture of baking soda and water lightens stains. Dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush with it once a week, or switch to a toothpaste that contains baking soda.

What Is Dental Fluoride?

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

Fluoride, a mineral occurring naturally in water and many foods, fights tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city over 65 years ago to begin adding extra fluoride to the city’s water supply. Now most US cities add fluoride to their water to reach the ideal level for the dental health of its residents. Doing so has proven to be a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to help people maintain good oral health. In fact, studies show that tooth decay is reduced 20-40% by fluoride in drinking water.

Fluoride works by strengthening the enamel on primary teeth and adult teeth as they emerge, as well as hardening adult teeth once they are in place. Acids are at work all the time inside your mouth. They remove minerals from your teeth and weaken them, but fluoride helps stop the bacteria from attacking your teeth. It also helps repair small areas of decay before cavities have a chance to form.

In addition to receiving fluoride from your drinking water, you can also obtain it by using fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Plus, dentists offer fluoride treatments in the form of gel, foam, or varnish. Treatments applied by a dentist contain higher levels of fluoride than other products. However it has been shown that too much fluoride can be damaging, so be sure to ask your dentist for recommendations about how much fluoride you need.

It is especially important for parents to monitor the amount of fluoride their children use. While it is very important for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride because that’s when the primary and permanent teeth come in, infants under 6 months should not have fluoride at all. Children under 6 years old should not use fluoride toothpaste because they might swallow it. Your dentist can suggest other ways to get fluoride for those children if more is needed than in their drinking water.

Is it Time to Replace My Toothbrush?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Brushing your teeth is obviously one of the most important ways to keep those pearly whites healthy and looking good. But that smile won’t last if you don’t take care of your toothbrush and change it frequently. Many Americans switch toothbrushes only a couple of times per year, but that’s not nearly enough!

When should I change my toothbrush?
• Replace your toothbrush at least every three to four months.
• Get a new one if the bristles show signs of wearing out, such as becoming frayed or out of shape.
• Change your toothbrush after an illness such as a cold or flu.
• If you use an electric toothbrush, replace the heads just as often as you would a disposable toothbrush.
• Children and people with braces should replace their toothbrushes even more often because of increased bristle wear and uneven strokes.

Why should I get a new one?
Toothbrushes can harbor millions of bacteria, so it makes sense to replace it with a fresh one to ensure good dental hygiene. Also the bristles wear out, making it much less effective at removing plaque than an old toothbrush. Worn toothbrushes can even damage gum tissue.

How should I care for my toothbrush?
• Store it upright instead of lying down.
• Don’t store it near a toilet, where flushing can spray bacteria into the air.
• Rinse it thoroughly with water after each use.
• Let it dry between brushings and avoid toothbrush covers and drawer storage, because a moist environment breeds bacteria growth.
• Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone else, and don’t even store them side-by-side. This will prevent cross-contamination.

What about sanitizing it myself?
There is no proof that toothbrush sanitizers have a substantial effect on oral health. Other cleaning methods like putting your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave oven could damage the brush. The best way to limit bacteria is to get a new toothbrush!

What You Should Know about Dental Fillings

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

Even with good brushing and flossing, people still develop cavities. At some point, you will probably need a filling. Your dentist will remove the decay, resurface the tooth area, and place a dental filling to repair the damage. In the past, the most common option was a metal, or amalgam, filling. Now, most dentists use tooth-colored restorations to renew their patients’ smiles.

Facts about Fillings

Fact: Amalgams are considered safe.
Although old-fashioned fillings contain amalgam, a metal with traces of mercury, the FDA has ruled that these restorations are not dangerous because there isn’t enough of the heavy metal to be harmful. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under age six should not have metal fillings placed in their mouths.

Fact: Metal fillings can change shape over time.
One problem with amalgam fillings is that they can expand and contract with temperature changes. As a result, you can develop tooth factures, which can lead to issues such as infection, more decay, and pain.

Fact: Tooth-colored fillings produce solid, attractive restorations.
Composite fillings are currently considered the gold standard for filling cavities. These repairs bond with the tooth, allowing for less removal of healthy tissue. Because they blend in with your smile, you won’t have to worry about color changes or gray fillings that mar your appearance.

Fact: Your dentist can replace old metal fillings for you.
During checkups, your dentist will check old restorations to make sure they are in condition and replace any fillings that are compromised. Some people choose to have all their amalgam fillings taken out for aesthetic or other reasons.

The Ins and Outs of a Smile Makeover

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

Have you seen the stunning smiles on models and movie stars and wished that you could enjoy that same beauty? Often, their radiance is the result of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign clear braces can turn your image from blah to brilliant. With a custom smile makeover, your dentist can refresh your smile and boost your confidence.

What is a smile makeover?
Customized to fit your specific goals, a smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dental procedures that will correct chipped, crooked, or stained teeth to transform your appearance.

Am I a good candidate for a smile makeover?
In general, anyone who is unhappy about their smile should consider a smile makeover. The only caveat, though, is you need to have healthy gums first, which means any periodontal therapy would need to happen before your dentist begins cosmetic dental work.

What procedures are involved?
Usually, a smile makeover involves several different treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, and porcelain crowns. These procedures enable your dentist to address any issues and enhance your smile.

How long does it take?
The answer to this question depends on your specific case, but generally, a smile makeover takes one to three visits. If you only want bonding and teeth whitening, the process will take less time than if you need veneers and dental crowns.

Will my results last?
Advances in dental techniques and materials allow dentists to create attractive, durable restorations. With proper care, which includes brushing, flossing, and routine checkups, your smile makeover should provide years of beauty. At some point, you may need touch-ups to whitening or replacements for chipped veneers.

Habits that Can Hurt Your Teeth

Monday, May 28th, 2012

Though you may know how important it is to brush and floss teeth, many people don’t realize that certain habits and actions can affect your dental health. It’s important to protect your teeth and prevent damage. Trying to curb or address the following behaviors will help keep your smile strong and beautiful.

Chewing ice
Enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, but constantly eating ice, or chewing on items like pencils, can cause tiny fractures in teeth. Eventually, these cracks can become bigger and require restorative work.

Biting your nails
Not only is this habit bad for your nails, but nail biting can also harm teeth and gums. You increase the risk of gum irritation and possibly gingivitis. Also, your hand and nails contain germs, which can enter your mouth when you bite your nails.

Over brushing
Too much of a good thing can work against you, and this includes brushing. You should use a soft-bristled tooth brush and gently brush teeth at least twice a day.

Clenching and grinding teeth
Often a subconscious action, clenching and grinding your teeth is also referred to as bruxism. You may be unaware of this problem, but bruxism can cause headaches, excessive tooth wear, and teeth sensitivity.

Whitening too frequently
While having a bright smile is a valuable asset, some people take it too far. If you whiten too often, you can create teeth sensitivity and may even weaken the enamel, so follow the instructions carefully. Your safest bet for whitening your teeth is to have professionally supervised in-office chair side whitening.

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804.684.8517

6901 Patterson Ave.
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Richmond , VA 23226

804.886.3316

10410 Ridgefield Pkwy
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Richmond, VA 23233


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