When you're on-the-go, it's important to make sure you have the right gear to take care of your teeth. Check out these handy items to take on your travels!
Eat Pumpkin for a Dazzling Smile
'Tis the season... for delicious pumpkin treats! Sugary sweets such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin bread are obviously hazardous to your oral health, but pumpkin itself has been linked to some incredible oral health benefits. The ever-versatile pumpkin may be largely associated with Halloween and tasty fall treats, but it is also chock-full of vitamins and nutrients that can provide great benefits for your smile. So how can eating pumpkin benefit your smile, this holiday season? Read on to learn more!
Pumpkin is a member of the gourd family that contains a wide array of beneficial nutrients. These include: zinc, magnesium, beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin C. Whether you're snacking on pumpkin seeds or canned pumpkin all of these vitamins and nutrients add up to helping your immune system, overall health, and, of course, your oral health. Let's take a closer look at how the nutritional breakdown of pumpkin can help you achieve a healthy smile.
Zinc
Zinc is an excellent supplement that is imperative for oral health. Zinc deficiency is linked to poor dental health and weak bones so adding zinc-rich food do your diet can keep you smiling. Also, zinc aids in gum health. Toothpaste with zinc citrate has been found to help patients suffering from bleeding gums.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important factor in the process of enamel formation. Magnesium and calcium make up your tooth enamel, working to resist tooth decay and protect your teeth.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the human body. It's important because it promotes healing. This vitamin is beneficial for overall health, of course, but it can be excellent for repairing damaged gums.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the major vitamins that strengthens and supports your immune system. Your ability to fight off mouth infections is tied to the strength of your immune system so don't skimp on the vitamin C.
Remember to avoid the sugary treats and stick with lighter pumpkin fare. It's delicious no matter how you consume it and (bonus!) dentist approved. From all of us at Gary Johnson, DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to meeting all your dental needs in the new year.
Get Same-Day Crowns with CEREC
Everyone knows they're supposed to go to the dentist, but between work, school, kids, and other responsibilities sometimes it's hard to find the time. This is especially true when it comes to procedures that take multiple visits. It's hard enough trying to fit one visit into your hectic schedule, multiple visits for the same procedure is next to impossible.
Crowns
Crowns are beneficial to those who are looking to improve their smile for cosmetic reasons, as well as those who need to repair a damaged tooth. They're preferred over fillings, but they also present a problem for anyone who doesn't have an excess amount of free time.
Standard Procedure
When getting a crown at most dental offices you have to come in for a consultation, get an uncomfortable mold of your tooth, and then return to the dentist one to two weeks later to actually receive the crown. This not only means you have to make time for multiple dental visits, it also forces you to deal with your damaged tooth for another few weeks before receiving relief.
CEREC
With CEREC Dr. Johnson eliminates all that stress and hassle. At Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry you get all the benefits of a crown in a fraction of the time. CEREC eliminates the need for an off-site lab, allowing Dr. Johnson to measure, mill, and place your new crown the same day.
The Procedure
You'll have a picture taken of your tooth with CEREC's specialized camera. The picture is then sent to the CEREC computer that will make your new crown from a high-grade ceramic that's compatible with your mouth's natural tissue. Within the hour your crown is fully finished and ready for placement.
Eliminate the hassle of scrambling to make time for multiple visits to the dentist for one procedure. Choosing CEREC-Same Day Crown for your next crown placement will save you a lot of stress and time and allow you to get relief from a damaged tooth with one visit. Dr. Johnson and his team care about your dental health, your time, and your smile. They offer custom care and personalized service that goes above and beyond. Receive not only efficient service but a welcoming smile from a friendly staff that will do whatever they can to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Invisalign Teeth Straightening for a Confident Smile
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that is one of the most widely-used options to discreetly and easily correct misaligned teeth. Instead of bulky, metal braces, you can easily straighten your teeth using Invisalign, which are removable, clear plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into a more attractive position. You'll be amazed at how you can renew your confidence with a straighter, more beautiful smile.
Replace Wires and Brackets
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Invisalign is that the thin, plastic aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed at any time. If you're eating, going out on a date, going to an interview, or any other important event, you can take out your Invisalign trays and put them back in when you're ready. The only stipulation is that you wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours a day.
Improve Your Oral Health with Straighter Teeth
Dental hygiene can be challenging when you have twisted teeth with tight spots that are hard to reach. Even with flossing and adequate brushing, misaligned teeth can be hard to keep clean. Straighter teeth are easier to take care of. It's easy to remove plaque and brush all the surfaces you can reach with your toothbrush. Additionally, a corrected alignment can also prevent your teeth from wearing unevenly.
Treatment Time Only 9-18 Months
Depending on your teeth, sometimes treatment can be very short, and at most it might be longer than 18 months. Invisalign will straighten your teeth without the embarrassment of noticeable braces that are usually associated with teenagers.
More Comfortable than Ever
Invisalign is constantly upgrading its technology, and the aligners are becoming thinner, more comfortable, less noticeable, and more appealing all across the world. We highly recommend Invisalign to patients who want a more beautiful and healthy smile. Schedule a consultation today by calling our friendly office to discuss Invisalign!
The Basic Dental Implant Procedure: What You Should Know
If you're considering dental implants, or have recently heard the phrase tossed about, Dr. Gary Johnson and the professional team at Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have shared some basic answers to common questions, with hopes to bring comfort in the midst of the unknown. As for the basic dental implant procedure, here's what you should know.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for damaged or missing teeth. These small, titanium posts fuse to your jaw, assuring a strong anchor for the crown which the dentist will adhere after the gums heal.
Will the procedure hurt?
Dr. Johnson prioritizes your comfort and ease of mind. Alongside his professional team, Dr. Johnson adheres to the philosophy agreed upon by the office which includes patient comfort and priority. Thanks to the most advanced equipment and procedure techniques, as well as sedation options, you need not worry about physical pain. There may only be a slight discomfort, treatable with medicine, as your gums heal after the implant procedure.
Are dental implants hard to upkeep?
So long as you care for all your teeth, you need not take care of the dental implant any more than the others. Not only will the implant look and feel natural, maintenance is natural, as well. Brush, floss, and maintain healthy gums with regular visits to the dentist.
Can I eat normally? Or will the implants fall out?
Once the implants and crowns are fit and secured in place, go for it! Again, so long as you maintain a healthy, daily dental hygiene routine, you need not worry for losing your implant any more than you fear losing your natural teeth. This is one of the most permanent tooth-replacement options, lasting up to 40 years and in some cases, a lifetime!
What are the benefits?
Not only do dental implants look and feel natural, they help to maintain healthy gums, your natural smile, and facial shape. Soon enough, your confidence will increase and your meal-time concerns will disappear.
For further questions or to make your consultation appointment, please contact us.
Are Dental Veneers Right for You?
While some persons do little to maintain blemish-free teeth, the majority must work for it. So whether you look in the mirror and assume responsibility for your tooth decay, or have genes and misfortune to thank, there are multiple ways to remedy your smile. In fact, dental veneers may just be the right one.