Sachs Family Dental

Bad Habits to Avoid If You Want Healthy Teeth and Gums

Posted June 3, 2020.

As humans, we are regularly developing habits throughout our lifetime, and they aren’t always good ones. Bad habits are quite common, and a lot of them are formed unintentionally. Many times we develop habits that aren’t good for us without being aware of it, but bad oral habits can cause problems, pain, and cost a lot of money to correct.

Being proactive is the best approach if you want to keep your teeth for your lifetime, so make it your mission to practice excellent oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and good oral habits. Here are eight habits to avoid if you want a healthier smile.

1. Biting Your Nails

If you are always biting your nails, your oral health will pay the price. Not only are you spreading harmful bacteria that hang out under your nails, biting non-edible items like fingernails can crack, fracture, or chip your teeth, and even hurt your jaw over time.

Instead: Apply some bitter-tasting nail polishes and work on lowering your stress levels. Awareness and calming your anxiety can keep your nails (and teeth) looking their best!

2. Brushing Harshly

Scouring your chompers with harsh strokes can leave them hurting instead of clean and healthy. Rough handling can wear down tooth enamel and irritate the gums, which can end up receding the gums, exposing the layer of dentin below.

Instead: Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and massage the teeth gently. It will clean the teeth surfaces without damaging them in the process.

3. Clenching and Grinding

If you are constantly clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth (awake or asleep), it can damage your teeth and jaw. This habit is called bruxism, and it often arises from unrelieved stress. It wears down enamel leaving teeth and makes them vulnerable to decay. You may also find yourself with painful jaw or joint pain, or even fractured or chipped teeth.

Instead: Practice relaxation techniques to relieve jaw stress and wear a custom night guard while you sleep.

4. Chronic Snacking

Whether you continually snack or sip sweetened beverages throughout the day, both can hurt your teeth. And it’s not just bathing your teeth in sugary pools that can lead to cavities. Snacking on chips and carbohydrate-filled goodies feed your mouth’s harmful oral bacteria, resulting in plaque buildup and tartar that can harm your gums.

Instead: Quench your thirst and protect your teeth with good, clean water. In fact, hydrating with water will also prevent dry mouth by giving your saliva the solution it needs to clear out oral debris and bacteria during the day.

5. Heavy Drinking

Regularly drinking alcohol increases plaque levels in your mouth that ultimately leads to tooth loss. Since alcohol acts as a diuretic, it can reduce saliva flow (which can result in dry mouth).

Instead: Limit your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water in between to hydrate.

6. Ice Chewing

Chomping on ice cubes might feel good on a hot day, but your teeth are not designed for it (especially when it is habitual and leads to cracks and chips). Both your teeth and ice are crystals, so the effect of rubbing them together can cause tooth damage, even potentially damaging dental fillings.

Instead: Consume your beverages through a straw to keep you from accidentally munching on ice. Be sure not to chew on the straw! Also, try chilling your drinks in the refrigerator beforehand.

7. Kick the Tobacco Habit

A tobacco habit not only stains your teeth but inflames your salivary glands so they can’t perform correctly. As if that wasn’t bad enough, smoking leads to bad breath, gum disease, increased loss of jaw bone density, and oral cancer.

Instead: Find a smoking cessation support program that works for you. Your lungs, teeth, and gums will thank you!

8. Teeth Are For Chewing

Your teeth are not tools! Do not use them to tear off tags, open a bag of chips, or hold your pen.

Instead: Stick to biting and chewing your food with your teeth, and use the correct tools to handle everything else.

When it comes to your habits, we encourage you to take extra care of your smile so it will take good care of you! You will reap the benefits of healthier teeth, longer-lasting dental work, and a more beautiful smile!

Your Toothbrush Has Come a Long Way to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Posted May 1, 2020.

Your toothbrush is one of the most important tools you have in your home to keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful. Used properly twice a day, your toothbrush will help you ward off tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath. Its job in your daily oral hygiene kit is vital because unchecked gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss for adults.

While toothbrushes today have come a long way, your forebears recognized the importance of brushing your teeth. Early predecessors to the common toothbrush include tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones, and porcupine quills.

Toothbrushes Throughout the Ages

– Ancient Egyptians invented the first toothbrushes (or chew sticks) around 3000 B.C., from frayed ends of wooden twigs. – Ancient Greeks and Romans used toothpicks, and the Greeks also used rough cloths. – Ancient Chinese made proto-toothbrushes by attaching rough hog bristles to bamboo or bone, and in the Middle Ages, travelers brought these to Europe. – Late 18th century Englishman William Addis used his time in prison to carve a bone handle, drill holes and stick boar bristles into it with glue to create a toothbrush. He went on to mass-produce his invention after his release. – In 1938, the DuPont company manufactured the first “toothbrush” using nylon fibers.

Did you know? Toothbrushing became a widespread practice throughout the United States when soldiers came back from World War II, thanks to hygiene habits in the military.

To Brush or Not to Brush

Keeping your teeth clean is about removing plaque from settling on your teeth. Plaque is fed by the sugars and starches you eat, releasing acids that break down tooth enamel and irritate the gums, which become swollen, tender and red. Cleaning teeth properly can reverse gum disease in the early stages (gingivitis) so that the gums don’t pull away from the teeth. Otherwise, gum pockets can form, allowing bacteria and their byproducts to destroy the supportive bone holding the teeth in place until they fall out or need to be extracted.

Breaking Down the Toothbrush

You have three main kinds: soft, medium, and firm. The No. 1 dentist-recommended version is the soft-bristled brush, as it protects tooth enamel and sensitive gum tissue. Smaller brush heads fit into your mouth better than large ones do so you can maneuver easily around the molars in the back. There are all kinds of bristle designs, such as flat bristles, angled bristles, dome bristles, or rippled bristles, so pick one that feels right for you.

Toothbrush handles can be thick or thin, so try both and just make sure it’s comfortable to use. You might enjoy using one that has non-slip grip areas or a flexible brush neck. Whatever you choose, we recommend a toothbrush carrying the American Dental Association® (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on the packaging, showing they have been tested and proven to be safe and effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are simple and effective, but some people prefer an electric version for ease of use. Children don’t always have the manual dexterity or discipline to use a manual toothbrush effectively, so an electric version can help them. Adults, including seniors, who have compromised dexterity can effectively clean their teeth using an electric toothbrush. Making your daily oral hygiene routine easier helps you do it consistently for better oral health.

Caring for Your Toothbrush

Keep your toothbrush upright in an open container so it can dry out between uses. Never allow it to touch another toothbrush to avoid germs (this also means never sharing your toothbrush, even with healthy family members). Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) advises replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if using an electric one) every three to four months, or when the bristles are frayed, to brush away food particles and plaque effectively.

Your toothbrush is truly your gateway to a healthy smile; just be sure to brush your front, side and back teeth for at least two to three minutes each session. Your smile will thank you! Call us today if you have any questions or to schedule a visit with our dentist.

Good Oral Health Starts in the Home and Continues With Great Dental Care

Posted April 16, 2020.

Good oral health is essential for a healthy smile. The mouth is home to colonies of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, and when controlled by daily brushing and flossing, your oral health can thrive. Conversely, consuming a high sugar diet that feeds the bad bacteria creates harmful acids that erode your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. It also happens when you neglect your daily oral hygiene routine.

Gum Disease

But it’s not just your teeth that can suffer. This sticky, bacterial film (plaque) congregates around the gum line. If it isn’t removed daily, it hardens into tartar, irritating gum tissue, and leaving you with gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease). If tartar isn’t removed by a professional dental cleaning using special tools, your gums can recede or pull away from the teeth, causing gum pockets (periodontitis) that allow your teeth to loosen and possibly fall out.

Other factors leaving you more susceptible to gum disease include having a medical condition like diabetes, using medications that leave you with a chronic dry mouth, or having a family history of gum disease.

Six-month dental checkups and cleanings are vital since treating dental and oral diseases early can give our team time to spot problems before they grow. We can examine your mouth, teeth, gum pockets, tongue, cheeks, throat, jaw, and neck with the help of X-rays so problems can be addressed quickly and efficiently. What kind of dental diseases are we looking to find?

Dental Diseases

Cavities: Damage to a tooth from plaque that can leave a hole in enamel that allows decay to spread.

Gingivitis: Gum disease that makes your inflamed gums bleed and become swollen that can worsen without intervention.

Periodontitis: Untreated gum disease from an infection that can spread to the bone supporting the teeth and throughout your body.

Tooth sensitivity: Pain from consuming hot or cold food and beverages, often arising from worn dental fillings or crowns, gum recession, cracks in a tooth, or have thin enamel.

Oral cancer: Chronic tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption places you at higher risk for this disease.

Poor oral health is also connected to health problems in the body like heart disease, stroke, low birth rate babies, and premature birth. Treating dental problems with fillings, crowns, and dental sealants to protect molars are effective methods of treating tooth problems. A root canal can often save a damaged tooth from extraction while dental implants, bridges, or dentures can replace teeth that are extracted. No matter what stage a dental problem exists, treatment is available.

What You Can Do at Home

Just as you eat right and exercise to take care of your body, you want to brush and floss daily to care for your mouth. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once removes harmful bacterial plaque and helps preserve teeth and gums.

Dental Tools

You can boost your hygiene routine with an antibacterial mouthwash, upgrade to an electric or battery-powered toothbrush or use a water flosser to get rid of trapped food particles where brushing can’t. Follow up this daily care with biannual dental cleanings to remove plaque and detect dental problems early.

Nutrition

Follow a balanced diet that gives your body the disease-fighting tools it needs. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, lean proteins, and dairies (like cheese, milk, and plain yogurt) provide essential vitamins and minerals. Drink plenty of water during the day, and add green or black teas rich in polyphenols to help get rid of bad bacteria in the mouth.

Boost healthy saliva production by limiting caffeinated drinks and alcohol and staying hydrated throughout the day. Saliva washes away harmful bacteria, and with its traces of calcium and phosphate, it replenishes minerals to parts of your teeth that have lost them from plaque. Chewing sugarless gum can also ramp up healthy saliva flow.

The bottom line is good oral health depends on doing everything you can do to prevent tooth decay and cavities from taking over your smile. Give our team a call if you have any concerns about your oral health or schedule a visit. Together we can create your healthiest smile!

Aging and Dental Health: Don?t Let Time Rob You of the Healthy, Beautiful Smile You Deserve!

Posted March 3, 2020.

More and more people are keeping their natural teeth healthy for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. At any age, a healthy mouth is a valuable asset when it comes to looking and feeling your best. Getting older means taking care of yourself to continue feeling great. Like your body, your dental health requires daily attention to protect teeth and gums. Exercising, eating right, and practicing good daily oral hygiene habits will help you maintain a healthy body and smile so you can live your best life!

Oral Health Conditions

Aging tends to affect the mouth along with the body. Nerves located inside the teeth can narrow, preventing you from feeling cavities. Routine checkups will ensure developing cavities are spotted and treated early so you can keep your teeth healthy without losing them to disease.

Dry Mouth

Since health issues requiring prescription medications tend to crop up over time, you can end up with dry mouth from a lack of saliva production as a drug’s side effect. Healthy saliva flow is needed to rinse away bacteria and oral debris while neutralizing harmful acids. A chronic dry mouth condition can lead to root and coronal cavities and gum disease. It can be combated by staying hydrated with water while limiting alcohol, sweetened, or caffeinated drinks.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is more prevalent as you age if you are not practicing good daily oral hygiene. This infection of the gum tissue, which holds the teeth in place, is the most common reason adults lose their teeth, thanks to harmful bacteria prevalent in plaque.

Gingivitis

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and you might notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums when you clean your teeth. At this stage, the disease is reversible with daily oral hygiene and professional dental treatment. If you neglect to treat gingivitis, it will only worsen.

Periodontitis

The more advanced and severe stage of gingivitis is periodontitis. Unfortunately, it tends to affect over half of adults between 65 and 74. It can lead to the breakdown of the gums and bone material holding the teeth in place. The affected gum tissue can pull back from the teeth, revealing the root surfaces of the tooth. Once the root surfaces of the teeth are exposed because of gum recession, they are now more vulnerable to tooth decay. If enough supportive bone is lost, the tooth will fall out.

Oral Cancer

Adults over 40 are more susceptible to oral cancer. If you notice patches of red or white on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or other oral tissues, you should have an oral cancer check. Oral cancer can often be successfully treated if detected in the early stages.

What You Can Do at Home

– Brush your teeth with an electric or battery-operated toothbrush along with a cavity-fighting toothpaste and oral rinse to protect those pearly whites (this kind of toothbrush is especially useful if you have a condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis which prevents ease of movement).

– Floss between teeth with a flossing tool or interdental cleaner/brush to keep teeth and gums healthy.

– Clean full or partial dentures daily and remove them at least four hours a day to let the gums rest.

– Give up tobacco products as they can cause dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay leading to tooth loss.

– Consume a diet rich in nutrients that support your body, teeth, and gums.

– See your dentist regularly to spot developing problems early when they are least invasively treated.

Taking good care of your oral health as you age can help you keep your smile beautiful and strong for a lifetime! Give our team a call if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth and dental health.

National Gum Disease Awareness Month: How You Can Keep Your Gums Vibrant and Healthy!

Posted February 11, 2020.

In honor of February’s Gum Disease Awareness Month – a global public awareness campaign for preventing gum disease – our practice wants to help spread the word about this insidious disease. That’s because it can destroy your smile if it is left untreated. Fortunately, you can take action to help prevent this from happening!

Gum disease is caused by the ongoing attacks of the bacteria that live in dental plaque. Plaque is that sticky, colorless coating you can feel on your teeth before you brush them. The reason you need to brush and floss every day is to remove this bacterial film, which otherwise attacks tooth enamel and gum tissue to break them down. Plaque that isn’t removed daily quickly hardens into tartar, which then needs to be removed at your six-month dental checkup using special tools.

Factors Leading to Gum Disease

As you may have guessed by now, the leading cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. However, additional factors can speed up the development of this disease, including:

– Stress – A high sugar diet – Chronic tobacco use – Regular alcohol consumption – Misaligned teeth (prevents you from cleaning your teeth effectively) – Fluctuating hormone levels – Cancer & diabetes mellitus – Breathing through the mouth which dries out oral tissues

Symptoms of Gum Disease

How do you know if you have gum disease, especially since it’s often painless in the early stage? Watch out for these symptoms:

– Bleeding gums when you brush and floss – Red, tender or swollen gums – Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth – Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures – Gum tissue pulling away from the teeth – Loose-feeling teeth – Altered bite pattern – Loose-fitting partial dentures – Pus around teeth and gums – Pain when chewing

All of these are signs that you are dealing with some form of gum disease.

3 Stages of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis

This beginning stage is when you might start noticing gum inflammation, swelling, redness, and bleeding, especially when you go to brush and floss. The good news is that this stage of gum disease can be reversed since it hasn’t yet reached the supportive bone and connective tissue.

2. Periodontitis

This intermediate stage irreversibly destroys supportive bone and connective tissue. You may feel pockets forming below the gum line. Gum pockets allow the formation of plaque buildup under the gum line, which often requires interventive periodontal treatment, like scaling and root planing coupled with a stepped-up daily oral hygiene routine.

3. Advanced Periodontitis

Should there be no periodontal intervention at stage two, you will likely find yourself in this final stage of the disease. Now the connective tissue and bone material will have been destroyed. It causes your teeth to loosen and shift out of position, altering your bite, speech, and ability to chew properly. Without periodontal treatment, the teeth will likely require extraction.

Gum Disease Prevention: Be Proactive!

Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to prevent gum disease from attacking your smile!

– Stick to a diligent daily oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing at least twice a day. – Keep all scheduled biannual dental checkups and cleanings. – After eating (especially snacks), drink water to rinse away food particles and oral debris. – Limit bacteria-feeding sugars in your diet, and when you do indulge, chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow that helps rinse away bacteria. – If you still use tobacco, there’s no better time than now to give it up. Your gums will thank you!

We hope spreading information about this disease in support of Gum Disease Awareness Month inspires you to be more proactive when it comes to protecting your oral health. After all, healthy teeth and gums are essential for a vibrant, beautiful smile!

New Year?s Resolution: Address Your Bad Breath and Boost Your Self-Confidence Levels!

Posted January 15, 2020.

If you find yourself with bad breath or have had someone remark on your breath, you might be experiencing halitosis. Bad breath may come and go depending on what food you are eating or if you have “morning breath,” common in those who tend to breathe through the mouth. Still, the most common culprit is neglecting your daily oral hygiene care.

The number one reason for halitosis is the unchecked millions of bacteria in your mouth (especially on your tongue) that release bacterial acids (plaque). The sulfur byproducts released by oral bacteria as waste are known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSC’s). Other causes include “fruity” breath that arises in those with uncontrolled diabetes, respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

When you visit our dental office to help with bad breath, our dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral cavity. It includes an inspection of your teeth and gums, salivary glands and tongue. Your medical history will be reviewed, including any medications that might leave you with dry mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, leads to bad breath from the reduction of saliva flow – a vital function when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy.

Other causes of chronic halitosis might involve dietary habits like consuming garlic or onions, drinking coffee or alcohol, practicing intermittent fasting, or adhering to low-carb or ketogenic diets, which leaves you with bad breath. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, like smoking or chewing tobacco, also leave your breath smelling unpleasant.

Improve Your Breath and Boost Your Confidence

– Start by stepping up your daily oral hygiene game. Brush and floss at least twice a day for two minutes, and don’t skip cleaning your tongue! Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean the surface of your tongue. An antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash can also help, and our dentist is happy to recommend the best one for your needs.

– Prevent dry mouth by staying hydrated. Drink drinking plenty of water to maintain healthy saliva levels and even chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production.

– Rinse your mouth after eating to flush away oral debris and prevent food particles from lingering.

– Eat a nutritious diet and stick with healthy snacks like apples, celery, and carrots, which scrub the teeth and promote saliva flow.

Address Health Issues or Medical Conditions

Beyond your daily care, you’ll need to address any health issues you might have. Our dentist can determine whether you have oral infections stemming from tooth decay, gum inflammation (gum or periodontal disease), or poorly fitting dentures.

Seeing your primary physician will allow you to address other medical conditions such as respiratory tract infections in the sinuses, throat or lungs. Other conditions could include liver or kidney disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes, etc.

NOW Is the Time!

When it comes to your oral health, taking good care of your mouth, and addressing lingering health issues can effectively improve both! The New Year is a good time to renew your resolve to better care for your smile and your body by addressing bad breath issues. This can boost your self-confidence in social interactions, including your co-workers, family, and friends!

If you need help alleviating your chronic bad breath, please reach out to our dental practice and schedule a visit with our dentist. Regular dental visits can detect problems early and allow us to remove hardened plaque leading to halitosis. Let us help you identify the cause of your bad breath and implement effective solutions for a healthier smile!

Safeguard Your Mouth This Winter by Limiting Sugar, Eating Healthy and Wearing a Guard

Posted December 20, 2019.

Winter is here and if you are exposed to the harsher weather, you could find yourself experiencing colder and canker sores chapped lips, and dry mouth from the colder, drier conditions of the season. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums during this time.

1. Cold and Canker Sore Protection

When your smile is exposed to the winter sun you can find yourself with cold sore breakouts. Stress is another trigger for mouth sores, so all the holiday shopping, decorating, baking, entertaining, and extra socializing can bring on stress. Mouth sores can show up as red, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth and lips, or as ulcers on your cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, the bottom of your mouth, or soft palate, and even be accompanied by pain.

Getting plenty of sleep and eating a nutrient-rich diet with vitamins and minerals can build up your immune system. This is important as a weakened immune system are more vulnerable to viral infection.

Canker sores can also arise because of overindulgence in wintery treats if the food is high in acid (hello hot cider and spicy treats)! These are generally small and painful ulcers in the mouth that look red, white, or yellow.

Tip: Treat oral sores and help speed up healing by gargling with salt water and applying a paste of baking soda and water to the ulcer. Over-the-counter medications can help soothe any pain.

2. Limiting Sweets

Another way your smile takes a hit in the winter is from all the excess sugar consumed during the holidays, like hot cocoa and sugary treats. Be mindful of how much sugar you expose your pearly whites to on a daily basis. It doesn’t just feed your sweet tooth but also feeds cavity-causing oral bacteria!

We recommend limiting your consumption of these sugary treats:

– Holiday candy: Candy canes, peppermint bark, chocolate, fudge, truffles

– Chewy, sticky candy: Caramel, jellybeans, divinity, toffee

– Dried fruit: Trail mix, apricots, figs, raisins and prunes

– Alcohol: A double whammy, alcohol is high in sugar and dries out your mouth

Notice we’re not saying to avoid sugar altogether, just limit your consumption. When you do indulge, take a moment to rinse your mouth well with water or brush your teeth to clear any sugary residue.

Tip: Hydration provides a healthier oral environment, so drink plenty of water! Since winter is a cold-and-flu season, stick to sugar-free cold/fever medicines and sugar-free cough drops and lozenges for your throat. Your mouth will thank you!

3. Oral Protection During Sports

Protecting your smile from injury is a big deal when you participate in sports that can result in cracked, broken or knocked-out teeth, lacerated oral tissues, or even jaw injury. The best protection for teeth and gums and to prevent oral injury is wearing an athletic guard (and a helmet) during sporting activities.

Along with winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating which can lead to mouth, head and jaw injuries, an athletic guard can safeguard your smile when you engage in the following:

– Biking
– Skateboarding
– Rollerblading
– Football
– Hockey
– Boxing
– Basketball
– Volleyball
– Baseball
– Softball
– Martial arts
– Lacrosse
– Wrestling

Tip: The main reason people forgo wearing mouth guards is that they can be uncomfortable, and that is often true for the stock and bite-and-boil or over-the-counter versions. However, a customized athletic guard from the dentist can solve that problem as it will be made to fit comfortably in the mouth while letting you breathe with ease.

Winter is a fun-filled time of year, but it can also bring elements that harm your teeth and gums. Call our team if you have any questions or concerns about protecting your smile. Take extra care of your mouth this season and ring in the New Year with a beautiful smile all-year-round!

Celebrate Healthy Teeth and Gums With Healthy Foods and Drinks

Posted November 12, 2019.

Upcoming holidays are around the corner, and you’re probably already thinking of all the foodie goodness coming your way. November is Good Nutrition Month, so you might want to consider adding healthy options to your meals to maintain good oral and general health and wellbeing. The goal of our dental practice is to help you keep your teeth healthy, strong, and bright!

Nutritionally-Rich Foods

A healthy smile starts with eating a balanced diet to protect teeth and gums. Not only do healthy teeth allow you to chew (and digest) the nutritious foods that your body needs, but if your diet is poor, your mouth’s resistance to infection is lowered. Mouth-healthy foods include fresh fruits, leafy greens, vegetables, and lean meat and dairy, all giving you the nutrients you need to thrive.

Sugar Attacks

Modern diets can’t seem to get away from sugar because manufacturers add it to nearly everything. If you read the packaging on processed foods, it’s often added for flavor and as a preservative. The problem is sugar feeds the oral bacteria, which then attacks tooth enamel and creates harmful plaque and tartar.

If you love soda, you should know that it is one of the biggest “bad guys” when it comes to sugar (and acid). Sucrose is a major culprit in tooth decay, so regular consumption of soda, candy, cakes, pies, and cookies are top tooth hazards. Even dried fruits harm tooth enamel since they are high in sugar and often sticky, so they cling to the enamel. Sugar is also derived from starches like bread, chips, cereals, and pretzels, leading to tooth decay when consumed regularly.

Sticking to fresh fruits like raw apples can safely satisfy sweet cravings and protect your pearly whites. Raw fruits require lots of chewing, which stimulates saliva production that lowers oral acidity, rinses away food particles, and diminishes cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Acid Attacks

Permanent damage to teeth and gums also arises from acidic foods and drinks as they erode precious tooth enamel, and unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to begin the erosion process.

Highly acidic liquids:

– Citrus juice (lemon, grapefruit, lime, orange) – Fruit juices (apple, grape, cranberry) – Wine – Soda – Tonic water – Iced tea – Sports drinks

Highly acidic foods:

– Fruits (such as pineapple, berries, oranges, and lemons) – Tomatoes – Pickles (such as cucumbers, artichokes, beets, and sauerkraut)

Protect your teeth from an acid attack by waiting half an hour after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth. You can rinse food particles and oral debris out of your mouth after consuming these items by swishing with plain water for 30 seconds. When you do brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Oral Care Tips

– When you are away from home and can’t brush, try chewing sugarless gum. The act of chewing stimulates saliva production and flushes away food particles while lowering your oral acids.

– Avoid dry mouth (insufficient saliva production), which increases your risk of tooth decay. Stay well hydrated, and be sure to brush your teeth before bedtime. Saliva production slows down while you sleep, so don’t skip your nightly brushing routine!

– Don’t skip your biannual dental checkups. These are crucial to a healthy smile as we remove hardened dental plaque and check teeth and gums for potential problems.

This November, we hope you enjoy the sweetness of being with loved ones, consuming tasty, healthy foods and beverages, and remember all the things you are thankful for! We are here to help you take good care of your teeth and gums so you can be grateful for your healthy smile and body!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month: Brushing, Flossing and More!

Posted October 18, 2019.

Happy October, everyone! It’s one of the spookiest seasons of the year, and one of the scariest things we can think of is having problems with our teeth and gums. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we want to promote a healthy mouth for everyone by acknowledging the importance of your daily hygiene efforts. Healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile!

Plaque

The mouth is full of living bacteria, some of which feed and thrive on carbohydrates and sugary drinks. These can release acids mixed with saliva and food particles to create a sticky bacterial film (plaque). As plaque builds up, it attacks and weakens tooth enamel, working its way through the softer dentin and tooth pulp below it to create decay and cavities.

Teeth with extensive decay often require a root canal treatment to save the tooth from the severe infection that has taken root. A root canal removes the bad bacteria and dead tissue that might otherwise require extracting the tooth.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

– Tooth pain or pain when chewing – Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks – Sensitive gums – Gum infection – Darkened or chipped teeth – Swollen lymph nodes – Oral trauma

What You Can Do

Did you know that the first known bristle toothbrush was invented in China in 1948? Unlike the smooth nylon-bristled brushes we use today, the original toothbrush used boar hairs attached to bamboo or bone handles. We don’t know about you, but we’re grateful for today’s toothbrushes!

To prevent damaged teeth, you’ll want to start by protecting your mouth from plaque. For example, drinks like soda, fruit juices, sports drinks, carbonated water, and other acidic and sweetened beverages are pretty much a lifeline for oral bacteria that attach your teeth. To lessen plaque, limit these beverages, and when you drink them, use a straw to reduce contact on tooth enamel. Better choices include water, milk, low-sugar vegetable juice, and unsweetened green and black tea.

This year’s National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month focuses on four habits you need to practice daily:

Brush

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session with a soft-bristled toothbrush (no boars hair!). You want to gently clean them without harming the enamel or soft gum tissues. Make sure the head and shape of the brush fit comfortably in your mouth so you can get to the back areas to remove bacteria and food particles. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Using short strokes, move your toothbrush back and forth to clean all tooth surfaces – outside, inside and the top of the molars – where the food is chewed. Make sure to clean those grooves and crevices. Use up-and-down-strokes to clean the inside of your front teeth.

Tip: Don’t forget to brush your tongue to get rid of plaque and freshen your breath.

Floss

Clean between your teeth once a day using a flossing tool of choice (one that makes you want to floss every day) to get rid of dental plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque buildup will cause it to harden into tartar or calculus, which has to be removed by a dental hygienist using special tools.

Rinse

Some areas of the mouth can’t get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing alone. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily destroys bacteria to prevent tooth decay and gum disease (infection of the oral tissue) from gaining hold. Your dentist can recommend a non-alcoholic antimicrobial rinse that is right for your needs.

Chew

Speaking of dry mouth, did you know that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you eat lessens the chances of tooth decay? That’s because chewing stimulates saliva glands to promote healthy saliva flow. Your saliva plays a vital role by rinsing away food particles and bacterial debris and neutralizes the acids from oral bacteria.

This month is a good time to toss out your old worn-out toothbrush and find a flossing method you will enjoy using every day. You’ll also want to thank your dental hygienist the next time you see them for all their efforts to make your smile the best it can be!

It?s National Gum Care Month!

Posted September 6, 2019.

September brings the month of National Gum Care, a time to raise awareness for healthy gums everywhere. No matter your age, you should always be striving for great oral care, and this doesn’t just mean your teeth. Your gums are just as important when it comes to maintaining a great smile.

As new research develops, we see a rise in medical conditions related to infected gums – such as heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and more – and how preventing gum (periodontal) disease is vital for both your oral and overall health. It is believed that the inflammation caused by bacteria can destroy gum tissue and then invade the bloodstream, eventually affecting other parts of your body. You can help prevent this invasion by taking excellent care of your teeth and gums.

Healthy Gums vs. Diseased Gums

Do you know what healthy gums look like? Gums should be firm and pink with no bleeding and no discomfort. Signs of bad gums include loose or shifting teeth, chronic bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, bleeding gums, redness, swelling, pus around teeth and gums, receding gums, and gum tenderness. If you have dentures, they may not fit correctly.

If your gums become paler than they usually are, contact your dentist right away. It is important to get treatment at the first sign of gum disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

You can help take care of your gums by following these guidelines:

– Healthy Brushing: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, waiting to brush for at least 30 minutes after your meal (brushing right away can cause corrosion from leftover food).

– Flossing Correctly: Floss at least once a day to remove debris between the teeth and near the gums. It is recommended you floss before brushing so your toothbrush can wipe away leftover bacteria and debris. Gently floss between each tooth, using clean sections of floss each time. Avoid snapping the floss down onto the gums.

– Seeing Your Dentist: You should receive a dental exam and cleaning every six months if not more often. Notify your dentist if you have concerns about your teeth and gums or you are experiencing pain or discomfort.

– Healthy Diet: Consume a regular diet of healthy foods and liquids. More sugar in your diet tends to lead to more lingering and sticky bacteria. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking other beverages.

– Avoiding Substances: A great way to help your teeth and gums stay healthy is avoiding tobacco and limiting your alcohol intake. This includes smoking and vaping. Try to avoid drinking too much soda and energy beverages, candies, sugary snacks, and fast food.

– Other Tips: Replace your toothbrush every two to three months, depending on the wear. Exercise regularly to increase blood flow and encourage saliva flow. Choose a toothpaste that is best for your dental needs.

Treatments for Healthier Gums

Even if you haven’t had a cavity in your life, you are still vulnerable to gum disease. If your home dental care isn’t enough, there are alternative treatments to help rid your mouth of infection. These include the following options:

– Professional dental cleaning – Scaling and root planing – Pocket reduction – Gum graft – Soft tissue graft – Prescribed medication, toothpaste or mouthwash – Root canal therapy (if needed)

These options can help keep you and your smile in optimal health. Your gums are important in keeping your teeth in place. We invite you to consult with our team about what treatment may be best for you.

If you have questions or concerns about your gum health, feel free to give our experienced team a call. We will be happy to help you get the gum care you deserve, so reach out today and get your dental health where it deserves to be!

How Do Dental Checkups Impact Your Oral Health?

Posted August 16, 2019.

We learn at a young age that brushing and flossing are vital to keeping your smile healthy. We need to continue these daily habits in our ongoing quest to maintain healthy smiles for strong teeth and gums. Seeing your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups at least twice a year is another habit you should incorporate. Together with our dental team, you are creating an optimal oral environment for a lifetime of smiles in great condition.

Professional dental cleanings are typically recommended twice a year, but if you are in treatment for dental illnesses or are at high risk for disease – such as gum disease – you may need to come in more frequently. Of course, dental cleanings are just one aspect of these visits. Our dentist will also conduct an oral exam, which may include taking dental X-rays to assess the condition of your teeth, jaw, and gums.

We will be looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If this is your first visit, we will want to know about your health history, what medications you take, current allergies or adverse reactions you have had to medications in the past. And if you have dental anxiety that kept you from seeing your dentist before, please let us know so we can discuss ways to minimize your discomfort and help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your time with us. We are happy to work with you to make your experience safe, relaxing, and convenient for you.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Regular professional dental cleanings remove calcified plaque, known as tartar, that accumulates in the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth. These are not easily accessible by your daily brushing and flossing efforts. To do this, our dentist or hygienist may use a special dental instrument – either a hand scaler or ultrasonic dental instrument – to remove tartar from around and below the gum line. Once this calcified plaque has been removed, your teeth will be polished with a mildly abrasive paste to clear away leftover plaque and tooth stains. After a final floss and evaluation from our experienced team, we will send you on your way.

If you run your tongue along your tooth surfaces, you should be able to feel the clean, smooth surface of the enamel. When the surface is smooth, it is harder for plaque to attach. We will also be happy to review whatever hygiene issues you may be experiencing as well as go over brushing and flossing techniques to help you better care for your teeth at home. We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have concerning your oral care.

If you would like to know more about how dental checkups can help your oral health, feel free to give us a call or schedule to come into our office for your next exam! Our goal is to help you attain your best smile and have a great dental experience, so call us today to set up an appointment.

A Dental Crown Can Beautifully Restore Your Tooth

Posted July 12, 2019.

If you have recently learned that you have a badly broken, damaged, or infected tooth, our dentist may recommend having a dental crown placed. A crown or tooth-shaped “cap” is a fixed prosthetic cemented onto a tooth to restore its appearance, form, and function as well as strengthen the tooth. Dental crowns cover a tooth’s entire surface, and when treatment is completed, it will look like your surrounding teeth.

When Crowns are Used

While dental veneers are used to correct small chips or cracks in the teeth and a dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth, dental crowns are used for fixing teeth with severe decay or a dental filling that is compromised and doesn’t protect the tooth anymore.

Crowns are also placed after a root canal, wisdom tooth extraction or to secure a dental bridge restoration by anchoring the adjacent natural teeth. When a dental crown is used after a root canal, it gives extra support to the tooth and lessens the risk of retreatment. There are various types of dental crown materials. The sealing ability is dependent on the filling materials used and the quality of the tooth that is used.

– Ceramic crowns: These are popular as they blend in with the surrounding natural teeth and are highly resistant to wear.

– Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal: These are highly durable and offer a strong seal because of their attachment to the metal.

– Crown made of gold alloys: These are made of a blend of gold, copper, and other metals, ensuring a strong bond to the tooth that cannot fracture or wear away the tooth.

– Crowns made of base metal alloys: These are strongly resistant to corrosion and are very strong in general. They require the least amount of healthy tooth removal before placement.

The Making of Your Crown

Unless you are having a crown made on the same day, the making of a dental crown typically requires two visits. The tooth will need to be reduced in size so the crown will fit correctly, and then an impression will be made of the crown. While waiting for your crown to be made, a temporary crown is put in place. When the dental crown is ready, at your followup visit the crown will be cemented onto the affected tooth.

Caring For Your Crown

Since your crown is created to blend into your smile naturally, people around you will likely not even notice you have had a tooth replacement done. If you take good care of your crown by practicing consistent, daily oral hygiene habits, you can avoid the crown becoming loose or falling out. Brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular professional dental cleanings and checkups can keep your teeth (particularly the back molars) healthy and strong so your crown can last a lifetime!

If you would like to know if a crown is right for you, we invite you to give us a call and schedule a consultation with our dentist. We will be happy to help you and your smile today!

What Happens When I Forget to Floss?

Posted June 18, 2019.

Our team strongly encourages everyone to floss daily, but do you ever wonder why? Well, flossing is vital for top-notch oral health and smiles. It can help you and your oral health in more ways than you might realize. This means that if you forget to floss, your smile can also suffer. Forgetting to floss can:

– Leave your smile vulnerable to developing cavities: If you don’t remove food particles, plaque, bacteria, and other harmful substances from between teeth, they can attack the tooth enamel and create a hole in the surface, creating what is known as a cavity. The cavity can affect one or more teeth and can spread, infecting multiple layers of the teeth. If you’re not careful, it can affect the tooth nerve, tooth pulp, and even the root canal.

– Make you fall victim to gum disease: If you don’t remove plaque from the surfaces of the teeth as well as from the gum line, it can severely affect the gums. In fact, it can irritate and infect the gums to make them swell and bleed. It can also turn into tartar and make the gums recede from the base of the teeth. As time passes, that tartar can spread to the jawbone and deteriorate it, causing loose and even lost teeth. It’s very important to remove plaque daily before it affects the gums.

– Compromise the entire health of your body: If you don’t treat your gum disease quickly, it can contribute to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

When it comes to proper flossing, some tips we have to include the following:

– Use about 16-18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers – Using your thumbs and index fingers, gently use back-and-forth motions to slide the floss between your teeth (avoid snapping the floss onto your gums) – Following the curves of your teeth, gently floss between each tooth and along the gums – As you move between each tooth, use a clean area of the floss – Keep floss or travel floss picks on hand for when you get food particles stuck during the day

Proper flossing helps you not only achieve better oral and overall health but can help avoid costly treatments. If you do need a specific treatment, our team will help you find the most cost-effective solution.

Make sure to floss regularly and at least once a day! That way, you can have the top-notch smile and oral health you deserve. To learn more about flossing, please reach out and talk to a member of our team. We will be more than happy to give you and your family the answers and information that you need for a great smile!

Enjoy Mother?s Day with a Healthy Smile

Posted May 6, 2019.

This is the month where we recognize our mothers for all their efforts and take the opportunity to thank them for all they have done, which may also include them teaching us how to brush and floss. As a mother, your oral health is important to both you and your family. When your teeth are strong and your gums healthy, you’ll feel better and be able to take care of your family. Mother’s Day is a reminder your smile is just as important, so now is the time to focus on your dental care needs.

Women face some unique oral health concerns that require routine oral care with the help of the dentist and at your own hand. Some of these circumstances include the following:

– Menstrual cycle: During the course of your menstrual cycle, your hormones can fluctuate and result in red, swollen, and bleeding gums, as well as canker sores and cold sores.

– Hormonal birth control: If you use a pill, shot, UID, or vaginal ring, your body may have increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can make your gums red and sensitive. Furthermore, changes in hormones can complicate tooth extraction by resulting in clotting failure. If you need to have a tooth removed, we encourage you to notify our dentist of your birth control method as well as any other medicine you take.

– Pregnancy gingivitis: Whether you are just starting a family or adding a wonderful little addition, pregnancy makes proper oral care more important than ever. During this time, many women develop pregnancy gingivitis, which can increase dental plaque due to hormonal changes as well as inflame and irritate the gums, even causing them to bleed.

– Menopause: Menopause causes estrogen levels to plummet, and this causes some women to experience a burning sensation in their mouths, a decreased saliva flow that causes dry mouth and an increased risk of osteoporosis that can lead to gum disease.

To prevent and manage these conditions so that you can have the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve, we encourage you to brush for two minutes twice a day as well as floss daily and reduce your intake of sugary snacks. It’s also important to visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups, or sooner if you feel something is not right in your mouth. If you are pregnant, we recommend getting a dental exam and cleaning more often.

Be sure to celebrate your mothers and grandmothers this month, and encourage them to take the time to attend to their own needs, especially their dental health. Our team welcomes the hardworking and loving mothers of our community to contact our dental office and schedule a consultation today!

The Scoop on Cavities and How to Prevent Them

Posted March 6, 2019.

Although we are turning back the clock for daylight savings, you can’t turn back time on your teeth. Studies have shown that one in five Americans has untreated cavities, which is decay that has damaged a tooth’s hard, outer enamel layer and created small holes. Cavities can arise in people of all ages, including children and infants. Factors can include how well you take care of your teeth each day, what foods and beverages you regularly consume, and your family’s dental history. These can all play a role in developing cavities.

Dry mouth, or insufficient saliva production, is a common oral condition that places you at a higher risk of cavity formation and is often accompanied by bad breath. Tobacco and alcohol users are prone to dry mouth as are those taking certain medications, aging, or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Cavities form when sugary, starchy foods feed the oral bacteria that thrive in the sticky bacterial film you know as plaque. The bacteria produce acids that wear down the tooth enamel until they reach the softer dentin layer underneath protecting the tooth pulp. Cavities tend to form in the back of the mouth within the grooves of the molars, between the teeth and around the gum line, which is also areas that are harder to clean and get rid of plaque.

Signs You May Have a Cavity:

– Experience tenderness in the gums – Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold items – Painful sensitivity in or around your teeth – Having tooth pain that interferes with your sleep – Dark stains – Small holes – Pain when you bite down – Soft areas on your teeth

What You Can Do

The good news is, preventing cavities is very simple if you follow some of these basic rules:

– Limit your intake of sweets and sodas – Brush at least twice a day – Floss at least once daily – Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash – See your dentist for routine dental cleanings at least twice a year – If you are cavity-prone, use products with fluoride that protect tooth enamel or consider having dental sealants placed.

Detecting cavities in the earliest stage – when they can be treated easily and less invasively – can save you pain, time, and money. For example, cavities found early on can be treated with a simple dental filling. For bigger or deeper cavities, a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove damaged pulp or treat an abscessed tooth. A badly broken tooth may be fixed with a crown at the gum line. If a tooth is lost, a dental crown, bridge, or implant may be needed to keep the surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap left behind.

The best way to prevent cavities is to take daily care of your pearly whites and to visit your dentist twice a year to support those daily efforts. To find out if you have any cavities or need to treat an existing one, please give our team a call, and we will be happy to set up an exam with our skilled team. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and cavity-free!

National Children's Dental Health Month is Here!

Posted February 4, 2019.

February brings National Children’s Dental Health Month! This is brought to you by the American Dental Association to create child awareness of the benefits of good oral health. This year’s month-long campaign is, “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.”

First Dental Visit

Around their first birthday, or within six months after their first tooth emerges, visit our dentist to make sure the teeth of your child are developing properly. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, over 50 percent of children will have some kind of tooth decay before they turn five, so it is important for your child to attend early dental visits. We can address any oral hygiene questions you have and let you know when it is time to start using a toothbrush.

Let them see you brushing and flossing, and help them brush and floss their teeth. By following the 2-2-2 Rule (seeing the dentist twice a year and brushing and flossing twice a day for two minutes), you will develop healthy oral hygiene habits.

Brushing Technique

-Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle and brush along the gum line. -Brush each tooth in a back and forth, up and down motion. -Clean the inside, outside, back, and top surfaces of each tooth. -Gently wipe the tongue to remove bacteria.

Brush twice a day for two minutes each, giving the molars some extra attention. If your little one wants to help, you can take turns brushing or let them start and you finish. Don not let them share their toothbrush, and replace it when the bristles start to fray.

Flossing

When your child’s teeth touch, it is time to start flossing the areas that the toothbrush can’t clean. Whether it is dental floss, floss sticks/picks or oral irrigators, find a flossing tool that works best and use it!

Flossing Technique

-Using about 18 inches of floss, you can wrap an end around each of your middle fingers. -Slide the floss between two teeth gently -At the gum line, create a C-shape around each tooth -Pull the floss tight to scrape against each tooth and repeat until all have been cleaned.

When your child’s manual dexterity and coordination are developed around six or seven years old, you can let them start brushing on their own. At this time, our dentist can also speak with you about fluoride and dental sealants to prevent cavities. Your child can usually floss by themselves by the time they are nine or ten.

Teen Care

High schoolers are often busy with school, sports, and extracurricular activities, work, and socializing, so you want to help them stick to their daily oral hygiene habits. They may be wearing braces, having wisdom teeth removed, and feeling self-conscious about their smile (and their breath), so good oral hygiene habits can support their goals.

-Encourage them to use a timer, listen to their favorite song while brushing and flossing for two minutes, or switch to an electric toothbrush with a timer. -Keep plenty of dental hygiene supplies in stock such as soft toothbrushes, flavored flosses, toothpaste, and a toothbrush for their backpack when they are on the go. -Keep fruits and vegetables handy instead of junk food for healthier snacking. -If they are active in sports, supply them with an athletic guard to protect teeth from being chipped, cracked, or lost. -Talk to your teen about peer-pressure activities that can damage his or her smile like smoking, drinking, or getting an oral piercing.

Your teens want to look and feel their best, so support their efforts for maintaining those oral habits instilled in their childhood. This month is a good time to reinforce good habits and provide your children and teens with the tools and support they need for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Start off the New Year With a Whiter Smile!

Posted January 10, 2019.

Have you been waiting for the right time to get teeth whitening treatment? There’s no better time than the New Year! In 2019, you are setting all kinds of new goals, and one goal you can shoot for is a whiter and brighter smile. Teeth whitening lightens teeth, helping remove discoloration and stains that have taken place over time.

The primary target of a teeth whitening is the tooth enamel, which results from the natural color combined with the color of the dentin underneath. The reflecting light off the dentin gives you the overall color of your smile. Other defining factors are the smoothness and thickness of the enamel, which is usually the result of inherited genes as well as the overall wear of the enamel over time. Some reasons your smile might not be not so bright may include:

– Poor dental care (not brushing and flossing every single day or not attending your biannual dental visits) – Natural aging (wear and tear; dentin starts to yellow over time) – Smoking or tobacco stains – Dark-colored liquids (coffee, tea, soda, wine) – Dental trauma (if the dentin is damaged, it can create a darker layer underneath the enamel) – Medications (certain medications or medical care can cause discoloration or dental damage)

If these sound like reasons you have yellowing teeth, then we can help find the solution to give you a whiter smile. The teeth whitening process is simple; whitening products contain a safe tooth bleach that breaks up stains and targets your tooth enamel. There are three common options:

– Stain Removal Toothpaste: These usually contain mild abrasives and polishing agents, which remove stains on the enamel surface.

– At-Home Teeth Whitening: Our team can provide you with trays for at-home teeth whitening with instructions on how to whiten, for how long, and how much solution to place in the trays. You can also purchase an over-the-counter bleaching product, but be sure to discuss options with our team.

– In-Office Teeth Whitening: Typically only requiring one to two visits, chairside bleaching is quickly done. A protective gel or rubber shield protects your gums, and then the bleaching treatment is applied to your teeth.

Before you get teeth whitening, there are a few factors to consider:

– If you have sensitive teeth – White spots – Tooth decay – Infected gums – Dental work (dental bridges, crowns, veneers, etc.) – Previous tooth injuries – Current medications

We invite you to speak to our team about whether you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. We will work with you to figure out your best options. Of course, one of the best and simplest ways to keep your smile white and bright is to maintain excellent dental care. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year (preferably every 6 months). Also, you should consume healthy, non-staining foods and drinks as much as possible.

To find which teeth whitening option is best for you or to schedule your next dental appointment, please give us a call. We will be happy to schedule a time for you and help you achieve your best smile today!

Gift Yourself and Your Loved Ones With a Healthier Smile

Posted December 3, 2018.

Your daily brushing and flossing routine is crucial to thwarting dreaded cavities and gum disease from invading your smile, but by itself, it’s still not enough to maintain top-notch oral health. There is a reason we recommend regular dental cleanings and exams!

Seeing our dental team for routine dental checkups and cleanings supports your daily oral hygiene efforts by taking care of those things you can’t at home, like removing tartar (that hardened plaque of sticky film which destroys gum tissue and tooth enamel) as well as detecting problems early when they are the least invasive and costly to treat. Surprisingly, plaque and tartar can build up in a short period of time making your mouth vulnerable to all kinds of dental issues.

When you come in for a routine dental cleaning, our experienced team will scrape the tartar off of the gum line and below it, as well as give your pearly whites a thorough polish and flossing. Polishing removes stains on tooth enamel that builds up from the food and beverages consumed.

You will also receive a thorough examination of your oral tissues, including the gums and the throat along with your teeth. With the help of dental X-rays, we can detect problems that may not be noticeable to you right now, such as cavity formation, gum disease, oral cancer, jawbone issues, bite issues, impacted teeth, abscesses, diabetes and more.

Why You Should Come in Twice Yearly for Dental Cleanings

– Save tooth enamel from the destructive acids in plaque and tartar as well as the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding).

– Keep gum disease from inflaming your oral tissues and preventing tooth and bone loss.

– Make sure your jaw bone is healthy and supportive to prevent tooth and bone loss.

– Keep your teeth whiter and brighter by removing stains and discoloration.

– Keep your breath fresher and prevent halitosis.

– Detect oral cancer in the early and most successfully treated stages.

– Keep your body healthier as your mouth is free of disease, including heart disease and stroke.

– Maintain previous dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, dentures, etc.

If you are at increased risk for dental issues, it is crucial that you don’t skip annual dental cleanings and checkups. High risks include being 55 and older, male, a woman experiencing hormonal changes like menopause or pregnancy, being a regular tobacco user, or regularly drinking alcohol. You are also at greater risk if you have diabetes or cancer, take medications that result in dry mouth, have poor oral hygiene, are excessively stressed, or have a family history of poor oral health.

In addition to preventing oral issues, seeing our dentist for preventative maintenance can reduce the amount you spend on extensive dental work down the road, including lower dental insurance. Preventative maintenance is a wise investment in your oral health and overall health as well as your bank account. With the holidays in full swing, gift your loved ones and yourself with end-of-year dental cleanings and start your new year off with better dental health!

The Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures

Posted November 1, 2018.

Do you know the important differences between full and partial dentures? Our team is happy to review both versions for optimal tooth replacement to help you better understand how they can restore your smile. Below we will review the main types of dentures, which are full and partial dentures, and the benefits they have to offer.

Dentures replace missing teeth in your smile to keep other teeth from changing their position. Dentures are customized for your mouth to fit comfortably and can be removed for cleaning. Today’s dentures are more natural-looking than ever so that your appearance and smile remain natural. Without dentures, missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to droop and you may appear to age prematurely. Dentures also help you chew comfortably and speak clearly again when they restore missing teeth in your smile.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are designed to offer full tooth replacement by filling a full arch of missing teeth with a beautiful and natural-looking appliance. To place full dentures, it may be necessary to perform a tooth extraction to make space for this appliance if there are still teeth lingering in your smile. The conventional denture is made after your teeth have been extracted and after the gum tissue has started healing. These are typically ready to be worn about eight to 12 weeks after your teeth are removed. Your oral appliance is placed over your gums and held securely using suction to attach to the roof of your mouth. Full dentures are removable and can be taken out at night and for cleanings.

Partial Dentures

If you have a few missing teeth in a row, partial dentures can restore your beautiful smile. This removable oral appliance is used to fill the gap from missing teeth so that you can have a beautiful and functional smile again. These partial appliances clasp to the neighboring teeth in your smile to help you speak, smile, and chew properly. These replacement teeth are attached to a colored plastic base that looks like your natural gums. If you have a fixed bridge to replace one or more of your teeth, crowns are placed on the teeth that border the space with artificial teeth and are cemented into place.

In addition to full and partial dentures, there is a third option for some. Implant-supported dentures are an overdenture that is attached to dental implants for support and are most often made for the lower jaw. These are often done if there are no teeth in the jaw but there is sufficient jaw bone material to support implants. These have special attachments that snap them onto the implant.

No matter which type of denture you wear, you want to take good care of your oral health to keep your gum tissue healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits. You will also want to make sure you see our dentist regularly to make sure your dentures fit correctly and ensure they are comfortable and that your gums are healthy.

Both full and partial dentures can be very functional and make excellent choices when it comes to tooth loss and tooth replacement. If you would like to learn more about your options for the types of dentures, please feel free to call today for a consultation with our team!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Dental Hygiene Month

Posted October 8, 2018.

October is here and fall has officially begun, bringing with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a time to raise awareness for both and help to prevent problems by monitoring your health and being mindful of your lifestyle choices. Whether you are fighting cancer or dental problems, catching problems in their early stages helps stack the success rate in your favor.

When it comes to breast cancer awareness, you can find out about local and national outreach to educate yourself about steps you can take to help prevent and fight this disease. In addition, your overall health can have an impact on your oral health, and vice versa. According to the American Cancer Society, all women should have a breast exam by a physician every three years from the age of 20-39, and after that, yearly at age 40. The ACS also advises conducting breast self-exams every month. When it comes to your day to day habits, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding smoking can help you tip the balance in your favor to prevent this deadly disease.

October is also when we celebrate the work dental hygienists do to protect your oral health and prevent dental problems. It allows us to stress the importance of regularly monitoring your oral health to catch problems in their early stage when they are most easily and least invasively treated. As with breast cancer, avoiding smoking (or tobacco in any form) and limiting alcohol can help you prevent oral cancer. There are also steps you can take to keep oral cancer away:

What You Can Do:

– Avoid smoking and tobacco in all its forms.

– Limit alcohol use or avoid altogether.

– Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use sunscreen to help protect your skin.

– Shield your lips with a lip balm containing SPF 30 or more when you are outside.

– A daily diet rich in cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables for their phytonutrients and other unique compounds. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes and garlic, and fruits like berries, red grapes, and citrus.

– Keep up with all routine dental checkups.

When you see our dentist for routine cleanings and exams, we will also be checking for oral cancer. Cancer can show up on the lips, inside your mouth, on the salivary glands, your tonsils, the back of the throat, on your tongue, or the esophagus. If you are being treated for cancer anywhere in your body using radiation or chemotherapy, your dental health can be impacted so it’s especially important to check for problems.

When it comes to your daily oral hygiene habits, you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid oral cancer and other dental problems. As part of Dental Hygiene awareness month, we encourage you to follow the advice of the American Dental Association which promotes your best dental health.

Dental Hygiene Tips

– Brush at least twice a day with a toothbrush that fits into your mouth easily. Brush the surfaces of all your teeth – the front, back, and tops – and don’t forget the ones in the back. Also, brush your tongue to reduce bacteria in the mouth and fight halitosis.

– Floss between the teeth and around the gum line at least once a day with a flossing method of your choice. Be sure you clean between your pearly whites daily to avoid harmful build-up or the hardening of plaque.

– Rinse with a non-alcohol microbial mouthwash to remove bacteria and biofilm that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

– Chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals can stimulate healthy saliva production which neutralizes harmful acids and washes away bacterial debris.

Daily brushing, flossing, eating healthy, and checking your mouth monthly for signs of unusual activity can all go a long way in protecting your health for a lifetime of healthy smiles. For October, we encourage you to take stock of your overall health as well as your dental health and do what you can to live your healthiest life. You hold the keys to better health by detecting problems early on when the success rate is highest. We wish you the best of health and are here to support your daily efforts!

Dental Implant Placement Basics as a Step-by-Step Process

Posted September 12, 2018.

If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time, the gaps in your mouth change as the surrounding teeth shift into the empty space, causing your bite alignment to shift with it. When this happens, missing teeth can not only affect how you look but can cause problems when you chew and even when you speak.

What can you do to prevent this from happening to your smile? You want something to take that missing tooth’s place, and one of the best options available today is a dental implant. Acting like a tooth, implants stimulate your jawbone from the pressure they exert when you chew by acting as the base of a regular tooth. Because of this, they keep the jaw healthy and strong, and your bite alignment intact. You can have a single implant done or multiple implants to replace as many teeth as you need.

The implant itself is a titanium post used to act like a tooth root. Once it is surgically placed into the jawbone under the gumline, it can hold a tooth replacement (or a dental bridge). Once the implant fuses to your jawbone it is sturdy and durable. It won’t shift in the mouth, so you can speak and chew without worry. A dental implant can be used to secure dentures, bridges, and crowns to replace your teeth to help them feel natural in the mouth.

To have an implant done for your missing teeth requires healthy gums and enough jawbone material to support the implant. You’re also going to need to keep up excellent daily oral hygiene, including routine dental visits to support the ongoing function of the implant. If you are considering dental implant placement, we are pleased to offer some insight into what you can expect from the procedure.

Many patients are concerned that the process will be painful, and while any surgical procedure has some degree of discomfort as the mouth heals, our team can provide local anesthesia or another form of sedation to ensure you are comfortable during the implant placement process.

When it’s time to place your dental implant after you’ve been given the appropriate anesthesia, our team of professionals typically perform the following basic steps:

– Create an access point in the gum line to reach the underlying jawbone area. – Create some space in the jawbone to create an anchor point for the dental implant to support a new tooth. – Attach the titanium screw to the jawbone, which forms the base of the dental implant. – Allow the jawbone time to grow around the metal base and fuse naturally with the implant, which can take a few months. – Attach an abutment to the titanium screw after the bone has completed its regrowth process, which serves to keep the final dental crown or other tooth restoration in place. – Allow your gums to heal and improve their health for a few weeks prior to placing the dental restoration. – Create a detailed impression of your smile to serve as a guide for the creation of the restoration. – Place it on the implant so that it looks natural and matches well with your surrounding teeth.

Depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the overall process can take a few weeks or months to achieve final completion. To learn more about dental implants and how they can replace missing teeth, contact our team today for more information!

Enamel-Friendly Foods for Your Teeth

Posted August 9, 2018.

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow back once it is lost.

The number one enemy of tooth enamel is acid. It eats away at the enamel leaving it vulnerable to decay as it weakens. Because tooth enamel protects the lower layers from acids and plaque, protecting it is vital to your oral health. Be sure to limit these harmful items as much as possible, and be sure to clean your teeth at least twice a day. Here are some items to avoid:

– Soda – Fruit juice – Flavored water (has citric acid and other additives) – Sugary snacks like cakes, cookies, and candies – Starchy snacks like chips, crackers, pretzels, and bread – Citrus fruit

Of course, it’s not just about what you leave out of your diet that protects tooth enamel. There are foods that can help strengthen tooth enamel, so let’s take a look at them.

– Probably the number one food choice for healthy teeth is rich in calcium which helps form strong teeth and bones. Cheese, which is high in calcium, also helps balance your oral pH which lowers the acids that attack the enamel. Besides cheese and other low-fat dairy items like yogurt, you can find calcium in fortified rice and soy milk, sardines and salmon in the can, almonds, and dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and spinach.

– Foods rich in vitamin D help your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is abundant in milk, salmon, margarine, as well as soy and rice beverages which are fortified.

– Your teeth also need phosphorus which you can find in eggs, meat and fish.

– Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, red peppers, mangoes and kale.

– Beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables which are orange.

– Magnesium rich foods like bananas, whole grains, and spinach.

For healthy tooth enamel, you also want to make sure are hydrated throughout the day. Water helps support saliva flow and keeps your mouth debris-free while helping all the bodily tissues.

Healthy eating habits, combined with daily tooth brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups and cleanings can help your teeth and gums stay strong for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

If you would like to have our team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile in the Long Run

Posted July 23, 2018.

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will look for swelling in the gums or redness and bleeding and even measure the depth of gingival pockets signaling gum disease. We will evaluate your bite, determine if you have bruxism (a sign of teeth grinding), check the contact between teeth, and examine the lower jaw joints for problems. We will also examine the soft tissues in your head, mouth, and neck, including the lymph nodes, for any indications of cancer or infection. If problems are detected, you may require further diagnostics followed up with recommended treatment options.

As you can see, this is one of the biggest reasons why dental checkups are so important, because spotting problems early on is crucial for providing effective, minimally invasive, and economical treatment. Using x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we can detect problems early when you may not even be aware of them, especially since tooth decay isn’t usually obvious or painful in the early stages. By the time you do notice problems, the condition has often already advanced.

While most of the time you may need to see your dentist twice a year, there are circumstances that might require coming in more often, particularly since your oral health is directly related to your overall health and vice versa. For example, if you have a disease such as diabetes or heart disease you may be at greater risk of gum disease. If you have a weakened immune system, you will likely have a diminished ability to ward off infections and diseases. If you regularly use tobacco or are a heavy drinker, you are at greater risk of oral problems. Taking medications that result in dry mouth – a reduction in saliva production – puts you at a higher risk of developing cavities. So be sure to let our dentist know what medications and supplements you are currently taking when you come in for your routine checkups. You can also let us know if you are noticing signs of tooth sensitivity, pain, or an unusual lump. Again, the earlier a problem is addressed, the better the treatment success rate.

If you would like to have our dentist and team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment. Our goal is to help you create the healthiest oral environment for your teeth and gums and we look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

Knowing How to Enhance Your Smile: Dental Veneers

Posted May 28, 2018.

Have you heard about all the exciting benefits that dental veneers can provide for your oral health? Dental veneers are extremely popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, as they can drastically improve the look of your smile. Extreme smile makeovers have often been noted in individuals that have had dental veneers in place. Whether you need a single tooth covered with a dental veneer or multiple teeth, they can be adjusted and adapted to meet your needs.

Dental veneers are shaped, colored, and sized for each individual tooth. Because of the durability of dental veneers, they can often last up to a decade before a replacement may be needed. However, dental veneers only cover up the front of teeth, so the back teeth still need to be cared for and maintained. With individuals who have unhealthy teeth or weakened teeth that lack the proper amount of tooth enamel, dental veneers may not be recommended. For an examination to determine if a dental veneer is right for you, you may want to visit our dentist for a comprehensive examination.

Dental veneers are popular because they can be shaped and crafted out of porcelain and resin composite materials that are both stain-resistant and tooth-colored in appearance. They can even be used for individuals who have suffered oral accidents and injuries and minor damage to teeth. Even if you have spacing issues between teeth, it may be possible for dental veneers to be applied to negate the use of orthodontic treatment.

Sachs Family Dental is here to help you with your smile with a dental veneer application from a dentist in Orem, Utah. For dental veneer treatments from Dr. Steven Sachs and our team at our dental office, you can book an appointment by contacting us at 801-225-4701.

The Basics of Halitosis Troubles

Posted May 21, 2018.

If you are not sure how to get rid of your stubborn bad breath, then you have come to the right place! Persistent bad breath can be a warning sign something is wrong with your oral health care. That is why having it checked by a professional is always ideal to make sure your smile stays healthy.

Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, can help you with your bad breath blues. Furthermore, our team at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is excited to help you understand more on the basics of halitosis and how to overcome it.

Halitosis is a persistent bad breath and a warning sign something needs to be checked in your oral health. Additionally, halitosis can produce many things such as poor oral hygiene, sinus or throat infections, dry mouth, tobacco use, and many dental issues such as cavities. Oftentimes halitosis is connected to gum disease and should be treated quickly.

Here are some practical ways to treat halitosis:

– Keep up with your brushing every morning and night. – Use a mouthwash with fluoride in it to fight bacteria. – Make sure you floss every day at least once. – Get your six-month checkup by a dental professional. – Chew sugarless gum between meals to avoid dry mouth and increase saliva production.

If you are ready to seek help with your halitosis, then please call us today at 801-225-4701 to make an appointment. Our team stands ready to help you with your concerns and questions pertaining to your halitosis troubles.

Don?t Forget Your Dental Checkups

Posted May 14, 2018.

Are you keeping up with your regular dental checkups? If not, it’s time to make an appointment! Your dental check-ins are vital to your oral health care, which should make your dental visits a top priority. There are many good reasons to remember your dental checkups.

Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, is happy to help you with your six-month checkups. To help you understand why they are important, our team at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is here to share some information with you.

Here is a list of reasons why it’s essential to remember your dental checkups:

– Oral cancer screenings take place during every six-month checkup. – Your dentist can look for cavities and repair them before they threaten to destroy your tooth. – Ward off gum disease that could lead to tooth loss and even bone loss. – The removal of tartar can only be done by a professional dentist and if neglected can usher in gum disease or threaten the life of a tooth. – Having a cleaner smile means your teeth can appear whiter and more attractive.

If you have questions about your teeth, or if you find yourself late for your dental checkup, please call us today at 801-225-4701 to make an appointment with our skilled dental team. We are happy to share with you the information you need to know about your oral health and assist you in any way we can.

Why You Should Brush Your Teeth at School

Posted May 7, 2018.

Did you know brushing at school can help your smile and oral health? Well, it’s true. This is because brushing at school, especially after lunch, can help you have a clean and healthy smile. It can also help you avoid having embarrassing moments when food is stuck in your smile, and it can help you keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. So, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, encourages you to brush your teeth each day at school. To help you do so, he encourages you to do the following things:

– Buy an extra toothbrush and tube of toothpaste and keep them in your backpack or locker. Having these tools handy can make brushing your teeth easier and more convenient. After lunch, you can take a quick visit to the restroom and brush those chompers!

– Set a reminder for yourself to brush your teeth. You can do so by writing on a sticky note and sticking it to the cover of the book you use for class. You can also set an alarm on your phone or have a friend remind you. As long as you remember, you’ll be set!

If you have any questions about brushing in Orem, Utah, or if you would like to know more, please contact Sachs Family Dental when you have the chance. Our dental team is happy to help you in any way we can, so please dial 801-225-4701 now!

Water Flossing is an Excellent Tool for Cleaning Between Your Teeth

Posted April 30, 2018.

Water flossing is a new source of dental technology designed to help floss your teeth. If you have not heard of the new-age technology, then you have come to the right blog! Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs with Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, understands the importance of flossing and is happy to give you more information about a new way of flossing that may help you.

Almost everyone understands the significance of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. However, many people still struggle with traditional floss string because it hurts their gums or fingers as they use it. The good news is water flossers eliminates the need for dental string because it uses a steady beam of water pressure to clean deep between your teeth and along your gum line. Water flossers are very easy to use, which makes them popular among children or adults who struggle using traditional floss.

Water flossers also have another benefit, which is they are just as easy to use if you have braces, because of the ease and water pressure that can get in those hard-to-reach places. The American Dental Association has given many water flossers their Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been proven safe and effective at helping prevent cavities, clean your teeth, and fight gum disease. It is essential to remember that flossing does not replace the need to brush your teeth, but water flossers are a brilliant option to use instead of traditional floss if traditional floss is difficult for you. The bottom line is when it comes to flossing, any flossing tool is always better to use than never to floss at all.

If water flossing sounds like it’s right for you, then check them out at the store. If you have questions about your oral health, please call us today at 801-225-4701. Our dental team looks forward to helping you and your smile stay healthy!

A Dental Bridge May Be Able to Replace an Extracted Tooth

Posted April 23, 2018.

Severe tooth decay and dental trauma can sometimes affect the root of a tooth so badly that it simply must be extracted to prevent further pain and potential infection. Even if some of the root structure remains there might not be sufficient structural integrity to support a root canal or dental crown restoration.

Once all the traumatized oral tissues have healed, you should consider scheduling an appointment at Sachs Family Dental to explore your dental restoration options.

If you’re not comfortable with the oral surgery associated with a dental implant restoration, our dentist might recommend a dental bridge restoration. This type of dental work consists of an artificial tooth incorporated with an empty crown at each end.

This type of dental restoration starts with Dr. Steven Sachs creating two abutments by removing the tooth enamel from the two teeth closest to the void. Once this is done a detailed impression will be made of the area which will be sent to a dental lab where your dental bridge will be created according to exacting standards.

You will need to return for a second appointment to have the dental bridge cemented onto the abutments with a strong dental adhesive.

If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you have recently lost a tooth, you should call 801-225-4701 to explore the dental restorations offered at Sachs Family Dental.

Treating Tooth Infection with Root Canal Therapy

Posted April 16, 2018.

Have you noticed something amiss in your smile, such as a severe toothache, pain when biting down or the tooth has sensitivity when you encounter hot or cold temperatures? You may also notice discoloration in your teeth or swelling, tenderness, or a persistent a pimple on your gums. If you have tooth infection symptoms, you may need to receive root canal therapy to prevent further damage to your tooth.

What is root canal therapy?
When performing root canal therapy, our dentist removes the dental pulp to clean the inner tooth and remove the infection. Then, we clean and seal the tooth roots and place a dental crown to protect the remaining tooth structure. This procedure is performed to save the tooth.

Why would I need root canal therapy?
If dental trauma or tooth decay befalls a tooth or it has received multiple dental procedures, the inner pulp could develop an infection. The pulp is located in the tooth center to house the connective tissues and nerves. If it has been damaged, it could allow bacteria to form and result in an abscess, or a pocket around the tooth root. This needs to be treated before swelling becomes an issue. Tooth infection involving the root canal can cause drainage issues and bone loss, creating a tooth hole.

We invite you to contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 today to determine if you would benefit from root canal therapy in Orem, Utah and need to see Dr. Steven Sachs.

A Streamlined Review of Dental Implant Placement

Posted April 9, 2018.

Suffering an unfortunate dental condition such as tooth decay or dental trauma can result in tooth loss and require tooth replacement. Our team at Sachs Family Dental offers a variety of options to restore your smile to a healthy state. We can help you fill the empty tooth spaces in your smile with a restoration that is natural-looking restoration, such as dental implants. To learn more about how dental implant placement can improve your smile after tooth loss, we invite you to read the following information.

Dental implants are highly versatile and can replace just one or several missing teeth to keep your smile in good shape for a long time. Tooth loss should be addressed promptly in order to prevent bone loss in the jawbone that can occur when missing tooth roots cause the jawbone to deteriorate. By placing a dental implant in the tooth gap, we can the tooth root function to maintain the strength and health of your smile.

Typically, dental implants are made of titanium because the material is very compatible with the mouth’s biology and can fuse with the jawbone to keep your new tooth stable and in good health. Our dentist can provide a dental crown that is custom made to make your restoration look natural and complete.

Contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 today to learn more about placing dental implants in Orem, Utah, by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Steven Sachs.

Improvements in Oral Health Care: Mouth Jewelry Risks

Posted April 2, 2018.

Are you familiar with the oral health risks associated with mouth jewelry? If you are wearing any forms of mouth jewelry, you’re placing your teeth and gums at an increased risk of several forms of dental damage. It is important to be aware of the health hazards that can arise due to the use of lip and tongue rings and what you can do to help protect yourself.

Mount jewelry such as lip and tongue rings are dangerous for your smile because they can often be implemented incorrectly and can lead to severe oral health risks. When a tongue ring is inserted, there is the possibility that permanent nerve damage can occur. Furthermore, it’s very easy for it to hit a blood vessel.

Oftentimes with mouth jewelry, they consist of hard pieces that can chip and crack your teeth or even lacerate your gums. If any pieces ever pay off, choking hazards can occur. Other common risk factors connected with mouth jewelry include infections, allergic reactions, and issues with cleaning out your mouth thoroughly.

If you want to experience the joys of a safe and clean smile at Sachs Family Dental, simply call Dr. Steven Sachs and our team at 801-225-4701 to schedule a professional cleaning at our dentist's office in Orem, Utah.

Treatments for Your Smile: Toothbrushing Techniques

Posted March 26, 2018.

If you have any issues with your oral health care that need to be treated, it can often be linked to issues with your oral hygiene. If for any reason you are not brushing adequately enough, you may find yourself at an increased risk for several forms of oral health ailments. It’s always a good idea to inspect your tooth brushing techniques every once in a while to determine what you can do to improve your skills.

Due to several oral health risks that often arise due to the products we use, it is important to make sure that your brush is effective as needed. Not only should your brush be durable enough to last for 3 to 4 months and replace it as needed, but it is also essential to be using the brush properly. Ideally, you should brush at a 45-degree angle gently and softly twice every day. An ideal session should last approximately 20 minutes. Make sure to clean all areas on each side of a tooth.

You should always use gentle and slow strokes when cleaning your teeth. Furthermore, your tongue will need to be cleaned as well. If you choose not to use a toothbrush, a tongue scraper can work as well. Because you won’t be able to clean between your teeth with a toothbrush, interdental cleaning tools such as dental floss will be required to clean the areas between teeth.

Dr. Steven Sachs and our team at Sachs Family Dental are here to enhance your smile if additional oral health care treatments are needed. If you would like to set up an appointment to come see us at our dentist office in Orem, Utah, please call us at 801-225-4701.

Swimming Behavior to Avoid

Posted March 19, 2018.

If you’re a swimmer, then you’re likely excited about the new swimming season! Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, is also excited for you and hopes you reach all your goals and potential this season. While you swim, he encourages you to care for your smile. This is important because there are behaviors that can harm your teeth and gums. So, it’s best to care for your smile by avoiding those behaviors. Those behaviors are:

-Drinking sports drinks: Unfortunately, sports drinks can cause tooth decay, which is one of the most serious and dangerous dental issues. It’s important to prevent tooth decay as much as possible. So, instead of drinking sports drinks, drink water.

-Not protecting your teeth from the chlorine: Chlorine can affect your smile in many ways. It can cause tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration, and tooth transparency. It’s important to protect your teeth while you swim by keeping your mouth closed underwater and by using fluoride regularly. Fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel.

-Not keeping up on oral hygiene: We understand that swim practice and meets can be tiring, but you should never be too tired to clean your smile. So, remember to brush every morning and night, floss once a day, and rinse with mouthwash daily.

Do you have any questions about how to have a healthy smile during the swim season in Orem, Utah? If so, please contact our dental team at your earliest convenience. All you need to do is reach out to Sachs Family Dental by dialing 801-225-4701. We look forward to helping you!

Water Flossing is a Fantastic Way to Help Clean Your Teeth

Posted March 12, 2018.

Are you looking for a more natural way to clean your teeth? If so, we have exciting news for you! Water flossing is a new system that can leave your smile feeling fantastic! To help you learn more about water flossing, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs with Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is happy to tell you how water flossing can help you.

Everyone knows the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. However, many people struggle with traditional floss string as it hurts their gums or fingers as they hold it. Water flossers eliminate the need for string because it uses a steady beam of water pressure to clean deep between your teeth and along your gum line. Water flossers are very easy to use, which makes them practical for children or people who struggle using traditional floss.

Another added benefit is that water flossers are just as easy to use if you have braces, because of the ease and water pressure that can get in those hard-to-reach places. The American Dental Association has given many water flossers their Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been proven safe and effective at helping clean your teeth, prevent cavities, and fight against gum disease. It is important to remember that flossing does not replace the need to brush, but water flossers are an excellent option to use instead of traditional floss. The critical thing to remember when it comes to any flossing tool is that it’s always better to floss than never to floss at all.

As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing water flossers if you struggle with traditional floss. If you have questions about your oral health or would like to schedule a checkup with our dentist, please call 801-225-4701 today to book an appointment. We are always happy to help you.

Diet Tips for Your Teeth

Posted March 5, 2018.

Did you know your diet plays a role in your oral health? Well, it’s true! Having ideal foods to help strengthen your teeth can improve your oral health and smile. That is why, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs with Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is happy to provide you this list of the necessary information on oral health and your diet:

Foods You Should Avoid

Sugars: Sugary foods can lead to dental erosion and cavities.
Carbs: Foods that are high in carbs can lead to dental erosion and cavities.
Hard Snacks: Biting into hard products can chip and crack teeth.
Sticky and Chewy Snacks: Sticky and chewy snacks can increase the rate of tooth decay.
Lodged Foods: Food stuck between teeth can increase your rate of tooth decay.

Foods You Should Eat

Watery Snacks: Watery snacks can increase the rate of saliva produced in your mouth.
Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods can produce additional saliva.
Nutritious Meals: Nutritious meals are beneficial for your mouth.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to improve your diet and oral health. If you have questions about your oral health or feel it’s time for a dental checkup, please call us today at 801-225-4701 to set up an appointment. Our dental team is happy to talk to you and help you improve your smile.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Posted February 26, 2018.

Our dentist and dental team greatly emphasize the importance of taking proper care of your teeth and gums with daily brushing and flossing habits. Your gums need to stay in good health in order to cushion and support the teeth. They are also a reliable indicator of the status of your general health to help you know if you are suffering from any health issues. If you have bleeding gums, there could be many causes, and our team is happy to help you pinpoint the source.

One of the main causes of bleeding gums is dental plaque, the bacterial film that inflames and irritates gum tissue, leading to an early stage of gum disease called gingivitis that is known to result in bleeding gums. However, there are several factors that cause the gums to bleed easily, including:

Aggressive brushing: When you brush too hard, you can irritate your gum tissue. We encourage you to use gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of sawing back and forth across your teeth.
Vitamin deficiency: A lack of essential vitamins such as C and K in the body can cause bloody gums.
Anemia: Anemic patients are deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin as a result of too little iron in their diet.
Medication: Some medications that are blood thinners or regulate blood pressure can inflame the gums and make them bleed easily.
Smoking: Tobacco produces toxins that cause dry mouth and irritate the gums.
Hormones: If you are undergoing pregnancy or menstruation, you can experience hormonal spikes that disrupt your mouth’s chemical balance and impact the gum tissue.
Infection: Condition such as the serious gum infection periodontitis can weaken the bone structure below your teeth and heighten your risk of stroke and heart attack.

If you frequently experience bleeding gums, we encourage you to contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 to speak with Dr. Steven Sachs about effective periodontal care in Orem, Utah.

Important Qualities in Children's Toothpaste

Posted February 19, 2018.

Your child needs to have their teeth brushed as soon as they have teeth, though they won’t need much toothpaste at first. When the time comes to choose the right pediatric toothpaste, keep in mind that these products can differ from adult toothpaste. There are certain qualities to consider when selecting an effective and safe toothpaste for children.

When you go shopping for toothpaste, no doubt you look for products that offer benefits according to your dental needs. There are many different types of toothpaste because every smile has its own requirements, such as whitening teeth, preventing gum disease, and strengthening tooth enamel. However, children’s toothpaste has much fewer requirements to keep in mind.

For example, fluoride toothpaste should not be given to children ages three and younger so that they don’t accidentally swallow the fluoride, which–while helpful for teeth–is not meant to be digested. You can also look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on toothpaste packaging to know which brands have been thoroughly tested and are proven to be safe for children.

Additionally, we recommending choosing a toothpaste with a fun and fruity flavor that your child will enjoy when they brush their teeth. While adult toothpaste use flavors like cinnamon and mint, these can be too potent children, who often prefer mild flavors. Making tooth brushing enjoyable can motivate your child to develop excellent oral care habits that protect their smile for a lifetime.

Please feel free to give Sachs Family Dental a call at 801-225-4701 today to learn more about pediatric dental care in Orem, Utah. Our friendly dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, would be happy to speak with you about your child’s dental needs!

Combating Tooth Enamel Erosion with Fluoride

Posted February 12, 2018.

If you struggle to maintain good oral hygiene habits in between your routine dental checkups at Sachs Family Dental, the plaque and other bacteria in your mouth can start to build up. This can lead to the development of hardened tartar at the gumline as well as the chronic presence of plaque acids. The end result can be tooth decay and gum disease.

If you enjoy beverages with a high acid content on a frequent basis, remember that the acid can affect the strength of your tooth enamel. Over time, acid can lead to demineralization or the loss of your tooth enamel. Lost enamel can lead to tooth decay and sensitivity. If your routine dental checkup with our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs reveals signs of weakened tooth enamel, he might recommend a treatment plan that incorporates increased fluoride exposure. This procedure can help restore the mineral density of your tooth enamel and make your teeth stronger.

The first step often calls for administering a fluoride treatment in our office to quickly bolster the mineral strength of your tooth enamel. If the erosion is significant, our dentist might also provide you with a prescription for fluoride supplements. With proper use and application, these supplements can help maintain strong tooth enamel. It will also be beneficial to apply increased effort toward maintaining a consistent daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing at least once per day will also help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you are concerned about the health and strength of your teeth, you should call 801-225-4701 to schedule a dental checkup at Sachs Family Dental.

Treatments for Broken Teeth

Posted February 5, 2018.

Do you have a broken tooth? If so, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, encourages you to get it treated right away. If you can, bring the pieces of your tooth with you to your appointment. That way we can try to put the tooth back together. If that is not an option, our dental team will be happy to consider other treatments. Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help, including:

Dental bonding (This treatment involves your dentist using dental resin to reshape your tooth. The resin will be applied to the tooth, shaped, and then hardened. This can give you a whole tooth once again.)
Dental veneers (Dental veneers are thin shells that are made in a dental lab. Your dentist can create a veneer that is perfect for your tooth. Once it’s placed over the front enamel, it will look like a brand-new tooth.)
Dental crowns (Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that replace the tooth enamel. A crown can be made for you and placed over your tooth. No one will even know you had a broken tooth because the crown will be whole and look completely natural.)

If you have any questions about how to treat a broken tooth in Orem, Utah, please contact Sachs Family Dental when you get the chance. All you need to do is dial 801-225-4701 and our dental team will be more than happy to help you. We look forward to your phone call!

The Proper Flossing Technique

Posted January 29, 2018.

If you are a little unsure of how to use floss, we will go through a step-by-step process to help get you to floss more effectively. It is best if you floss about once a day before you go to bed for the night. Of course, this does not mean that you have to floss right before bedtime, as you can do it whenever you find the time. The important thing is to try to do it daily.

When it comes time to floss, using about 18 inches of floss will be enough. Wrap about ⅓ of an inch around each of your pointer fingers. Pinch the ends of the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs to hold it in place. When you get the floss between your teeth, pull it against one tooth, sort of like it is trying to wrap its arms across your tooth. Slide the floss up and down along the tooth.

There is a small gap between your gum and the side of your tooth, which the floss can slide between. This will mean putting the floss past the gum line a bit, but there should be no discomfort if you do so gently, and it will pick out anything you might otherwise miss. When you are done with one tooth, switch the floss to the other side of the gap, and repeat the same process. We recommend using a different area of the string when you move to a different side of any tooth for the best cleaning results.

When finish flossing all of your teeth, throw away the string you used. This way you can keep your teeth as clean as possible. If you have any questions or concerns regarding flossing or anything about your oral health, please come visit us at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah. Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, is ready to help you in any way. If you would rather call, our number is 801-225-4701.

Keep Your Smile Ready for Spring With Regular Dental Checkups

Posted January 22, 2018.

Our dentist and team are eager to assist you in readying your smile for the spring season by performing a professional dental exam and cleaning at regular intervals. Receiving dental checkups every six months advances your oral health, and should be combined with your daily at-home routine of brushing and flossing your smile.

Regular dental exams and cleanings prevent oral issues such as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease, and give us the ability to identify and address these conditions right away before they reach advanced and expensive stages. Dental exams can also identify health concerns such as the early stages of oral cancer, and dental cleanings contribute toward lowering your risk of stroke, heart disease, and other medical issues.

During your dental checkups, our team will examine your smile, take a few dental X-rays, remove tartar around your gums, and floss and polish your teeth. Then Dr. Steven Sachs can follow up by examining your smile for the following:

Signs of tooth decay
Any vulnerabilities in your gum health
The health of your bite
Signs of TMJ or bruxism
Presence of oral cancer or an infection

We invite you to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning in Orem, Utah, by contacting Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 and arranging an appointment with our friendly dentist today!

Bad Habits That Herald Oral Cancer

Posted January 15, 2018.

Nearly 50,000 people each year will be diagnosed with a form of cancer of the mouth or throat. Apart from looking for the typical development of cavities and gum disease, your dentist will also be watchful to the potential of oral cancer during your check-ups.

There are seven major risk factors that seem to accompany all oral cancers. In some cases, changing a few bad habits will reduce your likelihood of catching the dreadful disease. Some habits or conditions to consider when looking at the symptoms of oral cancer include the following:

Gender: For some reason, men have double the chance of getting oral cancer than women. The American Cancer Society says that this is because of higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use.

Sun Exposure: Lip cancer is a problem in people who work outside. Good advice is the use of UV protection.

Improper Diet: Eat more vegetables and fruits if you want to avoid developing oral cancer. Bad nutrition brings bad cancers of the mouth.

Tobacco Use: All types of tobacco use dramatically increase your risk of oral cancer. Smoking also can promote cancers in other parts of the body. Chew leads to several issues of the mouth, cheeks, gums, and lips.

Alcohol Consumption: Another stat from the American Cancer Society says that heavy drinkers are also at risk. 7 out of 10 diagnosed with oral cancer average two or more drinks a day.

HPV – Human Papilloma Virus: A high amount of head and neck cancer patients also have the STD known as HPV–this according to the CDC.

Old Age: If you are fifty-five years of age or older you are in the range of most that are getting oral cancer. Although, we are finding that young males are more often diagnosed with HPV-related types of oral cancer.

If you are concerned about oral cancer, Dr. Steven Sachs would be happy to help you. If we can answer questions, please contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701, or come by our office in Orem, Utah.

What Are the Different Types of Toothpaste That Are Available?

Posted January 8, 2018.

Choosing the right type of toothpaste for your smile can be daunting, especially because there are many different types of toothpaste available. Fortunately, the more you know about the available options, the less daunting the task can be. So, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, would like to help you by telling you all about the types of toothpaste to choose from, which are:

Decay, plaque, and gingivitis prevention toothpaste: These pastes are meant to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. They deeply clean the smile and eliminate any bacteria that create cavities, plaque, and gum disease.
Whitening toothpaste: These pastes are for cosmetic use. They help you have a whiter and more beautiful smile. This is possible because the whitening agents dive into your chompers and break up the stains.
Desensitizing toothpaste: These pastes have ingredients that help with tooth sensitivity. Those ingredients work on strengthening the enamel and blocking the channels to the tooth nerves.

Call Sachs Family Dental today at 801-225-4701 if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about toothpaste in Orem, Utah. The more you know, the better. So, please don’t be hesitate to contact our dental team. We are more than happy to hear from you and help you!

Untreated Gingivitis Can Worsen into a Serious Periodontal Health Problem

Posted January 1, 2018.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is often related to inconsistent or ineffective oral hygiene habits that fail to clear away stray food matter and plaque buildup. In time these bacterial deposits can be hardened into tartar near the gumline, promoting periodontal inflammation. Early signs of a problem like this often include inflamed gums that tend to bleed easily when your brush and floss. This might also occur in conjunction with pervasive and chronic bad breath.

Gingivitis symptoms can often be treated by having a thorough dental cleaning performed at Dr. Steven Sachs’s dental office. The professional tools and techniques used by him and his team of staff specialists can remove all traces of tartar from your teeth. Once this is done, you can prevent further occurrence with consistent improvements to your daily oral hygiene habits.

If you fail to have gingivitis early it can gradually worsen into the more dangerous form of gum disease known as periodontitis. As the infection advances deeper into the periodontal tissues, it can cause your gums to recede from the base of your teeth forming pockets of infection near the roots.

The constant bacterial presence can even compromise the bone structure in your mouth leading to multiple tooth loss. In the time it could also lead to medical complications caused by systemic inflammation. If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you have gum disease concerns, you should call 801-225-4701 to seek professional diagnosis and treatment at Sachs Family Dental.

Drinking Dark Beverages Through a Straw Can Help Minimize Future Dental Stains

Posted December 25, 2017.

The frequent consumption of dark beverages is often a primary or contributing factor promoting dental stains on the teeth that appear in your smile. If they are not addressed early, the discoloration in the tooth enamel can worsen. At this point, the retail tooth whitening products in stores will likely prove ineffective and frustrating for improving your smile’s appearance.

In a situation like this, you should consider scheduling a dental bleaching treatment from a dentist like Dr. Steven Sachs. The potent whitening agents and professional tools used by our team can safely remove stains from your tooth enamel without harming your mouth.

Afterward, Dr. Sachs might also suggest making some minor lifestyle changes to help preserve the white appearance of your teeth. Something as simple as sipping dark beverages through a straw can significantly improve your chances of preventing future dental stains. This will reduce the total exposure to your front teeth.

Your regularly scheduled dental checkups at Sachs Family Dental will also serve to polish away any minor surface stains before they can saturate your tooth enamel. This will go a long way towards reducing your chances of needing a second dental bleaching treatment.

If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you have been struggling to deal with chronic dental stains, you should call 801-225-4701 to schedule a dental bleaching treatment at Sachs Family Dental.

Got a Toothbrush? Here Are Some Things You Didn't Know About It

Posted December 18, 2017.

Did you know there are many interesting things about your toothbrush that you probably didn’t know? Well, it’s true. Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, would like to tell you a little bit about those things so you can understand your oral hygiene tool a little more. The more you know, the better! Some fun facts about toothbrushes that you probably didn’t know include:

The toothbrush is 5,000 years old. Back in the day, ancient civilizations used a stick with a frayed end to clean their smile. Over time, the toothbrush changed and evolved. The handle was made from bone, wood, or ivory and the bristles were hairs of animals. The modern nylon-bristled toothbrush we use now was invented in 1938.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively clean your smile. This means that your teeth don’t care which brush you use to clean them!
The toothbrush has a lifespan of 3-4 months. This means you need to replace your toothbrush after you have used it for this long or when the toothbrush bristles have frayed, whichever comes first.

Call Sachs Family Dental today at 801-225-4701 if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about toothbrushes in Orem, Utah. Our dental team is here to help you in any way possible, so please don’t be afraid to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you and giving you the information you’re looking for!

Root Canals Fundamentals

Posted December 11, 2017.

Root canal infections are generally caused by deep tooth breakdown. Fortunately, although this means that patients often cause their own teeth to wear down, this also means that you can have a hand in averting the need for a root canal operation. Here are some things that you can do at home to avoid your need for root canal treatment from our office.

Because the cause of root canal treatment is deep tooth corrosion, stopping gum disease should be your primary target. To minimize the effects of harmful bacteria wearing away at your chompers, brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice per day. Clear out leftover food and debris from your oral cavity at least once daily by using floss, and ensure that you’re getting a checkup from our office at least once each half of a year. Another cause of root canal treatment is dental trauma, so if you play contact sports or extreme sports, wear a mouthguard to defend yourself.

Have you been to our office for dental cleaning in a while? Call Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, now at 801-225-4701, and Dr. Steven Sachs and the staff there will aid you and get you squared away. It’s time that you wore the bright, white smile you dream of, so call now!

Baby Teeth Traditions of Sweden, Norway and More

Posted December 4, 2017.

When you had a tooth fall out, you likely put it underneath your pillow and rose in the morning to find some money in its stead. At least that’s probably what occurred if you lived in the United States. Have you heard that other regions have unique traditions about what to do with baby teeth once they’ve fallen out?

While we usually set the tooth under our pillows, children in Sweden and Norway place their teeth in a glass of water. (We hope no one accidentally drinks this! Eww!) Due to the quiet nature of pulling the tooth out from under the pillow while the child is asleep, a small mouse does the Tooth Fairy’s job in Italy, France, and Belgium. In Scotland, these traditions come together: a white fairy rat uses coins to purchase the fallen pearly whites from the children. In Greece, Mexico, and Turkey, children toss their baby teeth onto the roof of their homes after wishing for something.

Assistance is only a phone call away. Please phone 801-225-4701 to contact our office and plan your checkup with Dr. Steven Sachs in Orem, Utah. The entire team at Sachs Family Dental will be happy to help you! Call now for a brighter and healthier smile.

Causes of Halitosis & Their Symptoms

Posted November 27, 2017.

Halitosis, which is also referred to as bad breath, can be an occasional thing or it can be more persistent. Often, bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue. Halitosis that occurs because of this is easily remedied by brushing your teeth and tongue. However, occasionally bad breath is caused by a dental or overall health issue. Our dentist and team are happy to go over these culprits and their symptoms.

Infections in the Oral Cavity

Mouth infections allow bacteria to hide and fester in the mouth, causing bad breath. The symptoms of a mouth infection will differ depending on the type of infection. However, they may include:

Inflamed or swollen gums that bleed easily
An abscess on the gums or pus between the teeth
Loose teeth or a change in your bite
Open sores on the gums or tongue

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can cause bad breath because there is not sufficient saliva to naturally rinse and help clean the mouth. Signs of dry mouth include:

Issues with swallowing dry foods
Burning in the mouth
Difficulty talking for a long time because of the mouth becoming dry
Dry eyes
An oddly high frequency of tooth decay

Respiratory Tract Infection

A respiratory tract infection can cause bad breath, especially if there is mucus drainage involved. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

Swollen glands in the neck
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
A cough that produces phlegm
Discharge from the nose that is greenish or yellowish

Illness

Diabetes, lung disease, kidney failure, or liver disease can also contribute to halitosis. Look for the symptoms of these medical conditions.

If you have persistent or recurring bad breath, visit Dr. Steven Sachs so he can determine the underlying cause. If the cause is connected to your overall health instead of to your dental health, our dentist in Orem, Utah, may suggest that you visit your regular doctor. We invite you to contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 today to learn more and to schedule a visit.

How to Keep Your Smile Healthy as You Age

Posted November 20, 2017.

Dental treatments have the ability to prolong a healthy smile for far longer than our forefathers could imagine. Still, aging does increase your vulnerability to dry mouth, gum disease, cancer in the mouth, and even oral thrush. But you can take measures in your day-to-day activities to protect your smile as you age. The goal is to keep your gums and teeth healthy for a lifetime of smiles.

Fluoride: An easy way to help your tooth enamel stay strong is to increase the amount of fluoride exposure. You can safely do this by taking fluoride tablets, brush daily with fluoride toothpaste, or talk to our dentist about fluoride treatment. You can also check your city’s water to see if they are currently adding fluoride to your tap water supply.

Tobacco: One of the most common causes of oral cancer is tobacco use, in any form. This toxic substance increases the incidences of decay in your oral tissues, including causing halitosis and dry mouth. We highly recommend seeking out a tobacco cessation program to help you kick this habit to the curb.

Staying Hydrated: Aging brings with it dry mouth, often because certain medications come with dry mouth as a side effect. If your medications are causing this oral condition in your smile, you may want to speak with your doctor about switching to another medication that doesn’t cause dehydration. To increase your water daily water intake, limit sodas and alcohol, and chew sugar-free gum.

Oral Rinse: Using an oral rinse along with brushing and flossing can help reduce the levels of plaque in your mouth. Plaque is a leading contributor to tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend looking for oral products carrying the ADA seal of approval on the packaging.

Incorporating these tips into your daily care as you age, combined with routine dental checkups and cleanings with our dentist, can protect your smile as you age. Call our Sachs Family Dental team in Orem Utah at 801-225-4701 to schedule a visit with Dr. Steven Sachs today!

Endodontics and You

Posted November 13, 2017.

What do you know about endodontics? Many people have heard the word, but don’t know what it means. If this is you, we have the information you need! Our dental staff at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is happy to give you the basics.

Endodontics is a significant branch of dentistry that concentrates specifically on the pulp and surrounding tissues in the center and root of the tooth. If this pulp becomes infected, an Endodontist can save your teeth from extraction. Endodontists can execute complex treatments like root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, and other procedures to save your teeth in case of traumatic dental injuries or dangerous infections

To be an endodontist, Dr. Steven Sachs had to go through two more years of advanced, specialized training in addition to dental school. Thanks to the additional care and training, you can be assured that you are in excellent care when it comes to your endodontist.

If you want to learn more about endodontic dentistry or wonder if it’s time you need to see a specialist, just call us at 801-225-4701 to arrange an appointment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help you with any of your oral health questions and concerns. So, call us today and let us help save your oral health!

Defeating Dry Mouth

Posted November 6, 2017.

A sudden onset of stress, or an illness can result in a case of dry mouth. While it is not uncommon for someone to experience occasional bouts of dry mouth, if it is a persistent problem, you should talk to your dentist, since dry mouth can cause problems for your teeth and gums.

Dry mouth occurs when your body does not produce enough saliva. It can be caused by stress, or by medications for pain, high blood pressure, congestion and depression. It may be the result of certain diseases or medical conditions such as HIV or Parkinson’s. It may occur during menopause, or during the course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks and smoking can also contribute to dry mouth.

Symptoms include a dry or sticky mouth, problems chewing, swallowing or speaking, a sore throat, cracked lips and chronic bad breath. If you do not address dry mouth you may be at an increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss. Your dentist may suggest that you increase your water intake, or decrease or avoid caffeine, alcohol or tobacco. You may also want to chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.

Your dentist may prescribe a medicated mouthwash, or artificial saliva to address the problem. There are also medications that stimulate the salivary glands. Your dentist may want to consult with your primary care physician.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of dry mouth, or have other dental concerns, our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs will be happy to meet with you. If you live in the Orem, Utah, area, and would like to schedule an appointment at Sachs Family Dental, call 801-225-4701 today. We look forward to helping you have a healthy smile!

How to Help Your Teen Have a Top-Notch Oral Health

Posted October 30, 2017.

Your teen deserves a strong and healthy smile. Unfortunately, for your teen, this smile goal might be a little tough. This is why our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, considers teen oral care a two-person job. The parents can step in and guide their teens to the smile they need. To help you do so, our dental team has some tips for you.

First, encourage your teen to keep their smile in tip-top shape. They might not know how to do so, so make sure to give them the instructions they need. Tell them to brush their teeth every morning and night, floss their teeth once a day, rinse their mouth daily, and attend their dental checkups every six months. To help your teen care for their smile, keep oral hygiene tools at their disposal, like soft-bristled toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and floss that is easy to use.

Second, set a good example for your teen by caring for your smile as well. If your teen sees you brush, floss, rinse and visit the dentist, then they are more likely to do it as well. Plus, you won’t appear as a hypocrite. Your teen might also learn that oral hygiene is for everyone—not just them.

Third, keep your kitchen pantry and cupboards free of junk food. This is important because junk food can promote dental issues, like cavities and enamel erosion. It’s better to have tooth-healthy foods around the house for your teen to snack on, like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

To learn more about teen oral care in Orem, Utah, or to ask our dental team questions, please contact Sachs Family Dental today at 801-225-4701 at your earliest convenience. When you reach out to us, we will be more than happy to give you the answers and information you need. We look forward to your phone call!

Surviving Halloween Candy

Posted October 23, 2017.

It’s October again. The time of Halloween candy has begun. Sachs Family Dental doesn’t necessarily want you to feel fully deprived, but before you treat yourself, it’s helpful to know what you are getting yourself into.

As you likely know, the primary component of candy is sugar. The bacteria in your mouth use sugar as fuel, converting it into acid. The acid then wears away at your teeth, exposing it to further decay. Here are specifics on what each kind of candy can do:

Hard Candy: This can actually crack your teeth if you aren’t careful. Alternatively, if you suck on it for a while, the sugar can get in your saliva and wash all over your mouth, removing the cleansing effects of the saliva.

Sticky Candy: Sticky candy can hold fast to the chewing surfaces of your teeth, giving bacteria more chances to feed.

Sour Candy: This tends to be tremendously acidic. In fact, the effects of some kinds of sour candy are analogous to that of battery acid.

Chocolate: Chocolate may be the safest choice. That’s because it is less of a problem for your saliva to clean off your teeth. Dark chocolate is a better option than milk chocolate because it has less sugar.

October would be an excellent time for you to visit us at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah for a dental cleaning! Just phone 801-225-4701 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Sachs today where our professionals will give you the best care for you and your smile, even if it has fangs!

How Diabetes Affects Your Dental Health

Posted October 16, 2017.

If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. 29.1 million people, or 9.3% of the U.S. population, have been diagnosed. In addition, it is estimated that 8.1 million people have diabetes and don’t know it yet. But what does diabetes have to do with your dental health?

All parts of your body are connected, and each part affects the other. Diabetes is all about how your body processes sugar, which is an integral force in all parts of the body. There is, in particular, a strong statistical link to diabetes and the decreased health of your mouth

A side effect of diabetes is dry mouth, which occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce as much saliva as you need. Saliva plays an essential role in washing away food particles and bacteria. A deficiency greatly increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Diabetes is also linked to gum disease, affecting almost 22% of those diagnosed. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your teeth and helps it multiply. If you have poor blood sugar control, bad bacteria more easily make a home in your gums. Gum disease can also in turn cause your blood sugar to increase so that your diabetes is more difficult to manage.

What can you do to build and maintain a healthy body and mouth? One thing to do is visit Dr. Steven Sachs regularly. If you have gingivitis or gum disease, your diabetes will best be served if it is treated as soon as possible. If you don’t, Dr. Steven Sachs and our staff can help you prevent it from occurring. Also, practice daily oral hygiene: brush twice and floss once every day. It is vital that you have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. In general, try to revamp your daily body care efforts.

Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah is here to help! If you need to make an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at 801-225-4701. We want to help guard your smile against any dental threats.

The Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth

Posted October 2, 2017.

It’s important to perform each step thoroughly of your oral hygiene routine, and flossing is one of the steps vital for your oral health! Your smile could be in grave danger if you forget to floss. Flossing is one of the most important steps to preventing gum disease. It is strongly recommended to floss at least once a day. Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental staff are happy to elaborate by explaining why you should floss your teeth.

Plaque is a harmful substance that can promote tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to remove it regularly by flossing every day, about 20 minutes after eating. It can harden if you don’t remove it within 48 hours. By that point, professional dental cleaning can only remove it. By removing the plaque once a day from your teeth, you can help your smile avoid cavities and damaged gums.

Flossing helps your gums stop bleeding, and although this might sound odd, it’s true! Especially if there are times when your gums start to bleed when flossing. The more you floss, the more your gums will get used to it. And the more you move the bacteria from the gumline, the fewer blood cells will be sent to the area to fight the infection.

Gum disease has been linked to many health issues, like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, and more. Flossing can help improve the health of your entire body. You could be vulnerable to gum disease if you fail to floss each day. The longer you wait, the higher the chances will be of you have other health complications.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about flossing in Orem, Utah, please contact our dental team at Sachs Family Dental today by calling 801-225-4701. We are happy to give you more information about flossing so you can remember to include it in your everyday oral hygiene routine!

Details on Fluoride Supplements and Treatments

Posted September 25, 2017.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that the teeth need to survive. In fact, it nourishes and strengthens the teeth to help them prevent dental issues like tooth decay and enamel erosion. If you don’t receive enough fluoride exposure, your smile could be vulnerable. At this point, fluoride treatments and supplements are oftentimes necessary.

Fluoride treatments are typically offered at Sachs Family Dental during the six-month checkups. Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, will recommend the professional treatment, which usually comes in the form of a foam, gel, or varnish. The fluoride will dive deep into the enamel and strengthen it.

Fluoride supplements are liquids or drops you can use at home to strengthen your smile. They can also come in the form of tablets, toothpaste, and even mouthwash. Your dentist will give you instructions on when to take or use the supplements. This step is necessary when you don’t have high enough fluoride levels in your water or if you are at high risk for dental decay.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about fluoride treatments or supplements, please contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 when you have the opportunity. Our dental team will be thrilled to teach you more so you can know all there is to know about fluoride in Orem, Utah!

A Tooth with a Distressed Filling Could Suffer from a Toothache

Posted September 18, 2017.

A dental filling is typically cemented into place with a strong dental adhesive or cured and bonded with a special ultraviolet light. These measures will secure the dental filling in place for many years. It’s also worth noting that your overall oral hygiene will also factor in the total longevity of a dental filling.

If you are inconsistent with your daily oral hygiene, the bacterial environment in your mouth could gradually start to weaken the dental filling’s bond with the surrounding tooth enamel. As this starts to happen the oral bacteria in your mouth can gradually start to invade the interior of the tooth.

If tooth decay starts to develop in the dentin layer or pulp of the tooth, you might experience discomfort or a toothache in the tooth. To treat a tooth in this condition, Dr. Steven Sachs might need to perform a root canal. This will excise all traces of tooth decay and rebuild sufficient internal structure to eventually anchor a dental crown.

The material he recommends for the dental crown will be based on the tooth’s location in your mouth. A gold or base metal alloy dental crown might be used to restore a molar or premolar, whereas a porcelain dental crown might be used for a front tooth. If you live in the Orem, Utah, area and you have a toothache, you should call 801-225-4701 to have it examined and treated at Sachs Family Dental.

Whiten Your Teeth with Philips Zoom Whitespeed!

Posted September 11, 2017.

Do you want to be more confident with your smile but have a tooth that is stained, dull, or yellowed? Fix it with Philips® Zoom WhiteSpeed®! This speedy, safe, and effective treatment can whiten your teeth in just one visit to your dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, and our professional team here in Orem, Utah.

Philips® Zoom WhiteSpeed® is one of the most highly requested tools to whiten the patient’s teeth due to its efficiency in whitening teeth up to eight shades in one visit. In comparison to other whitening products such as mouth rinses, toothpaste, or whitening strips, it is the preferable method considering it is much more durable, requires fewer uses, and has a higher success rate that shows results.

This innovative device works through the use of combined sources including a pH booster whitening gel and blue LED light technology to create a one-visit experience. This quick procedure takes less time than it takes you to run to your local marketplace and back.

In order to get the whitening treatment of Philips® Zoom WhiteSpeed®, visit Sachs Family Dental here in Orem, Utah, for a consultation or schedule an appointment by calling us at 801-225-4701 today! Let our team of professionals remove any stains, discoloration, or even touchup spots on your teeth to get your best smile!

Better Your Smile with a Dental Implant

Posted September 4, 2017.

A missing tooth, several missing teeth, or even all your teeth can be lost due to an infection in the mouth or an unfortunate accident. This can lead to a tooth being extracted as well if needed. You can repair your smile by having your dentist install a dental implant! Here at Sachs Family Dental, we strive to provide the dental care you deserve to live a full and happy life where you can functionally eat and speak.

This restoration procedure allows any of your missing teeth to be replaced with a solid structure made of titanium, a durable metal allowing osseointegration to take place. This is when a foreign material fuses with the bone. Once this structure is placed, you can return to your daily lifestyle.

The procedure is short enough so you only have to come in once for the appointment. First, an incision is made in your gums where a small channel is drilled into the jawbone. The implant is screwed into the opening, and then the gum opening is sutured. Our team will provide you with the necessary instructions to care for your new dental implant afterward.

If needed, your implant may require an assisting crown, bridge, or denture. Speak to Dr. Steven Sachs about which option is best for you. Schedule a consultation or appointment with our dental professionals in Orem, Utah, by calling 801-225-4701 today!

Replacing Your Tooth with a Dental Bridge

Posted August 28, 2017.

Dental bridges are the perfect answer to replace a tooth or teeth missing from your smile. They work to restore missing teeth, correct the alignment in your bite, and fill in the space causing cheek tissue to sink. Installing a bridge will help improve not only your comfort but your speaking and eating as well. Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental professionals in Orem, Utah, want to help you get your best and most comfortable smile today.

Meeting with your dentist to figure out which approach is best for you is the first step in having a dental bridge placed. Some of the best options to replace your missing tooth/teeth include a Maryland bridge, an artificial tooth bonded to surrounding teeth; a traditional bridge, crowns placed on surrounding teeth connected to the artificial tooth; or a cantilever, an artificial tooth connected to one crown placed on a surrounding tooth. Your bridge can be supported by implants, your natural teeth, or a combo of both.

After consulting with your dentist what will be the best approach, a mold will be made in the area needing a dental bridge, and your next appointment, your bridge will be installed! Preservation of your dental bridge needs the right care. Proper care will result in a length of up to 10 years. It can only last up to 5-7 years if you don’t keep proper care of it.

The loss of a tooth can result in difficulty chewing or speaking, so get a bridge installment today! Keep proper oral health care to avoid infections. Come into our dental clinic today or schedule an appointment or consultation by calling 801-225-4701. Let Sachs Family Dental give you your most comfortable and best smile!

Reshape or Restore Your Smile with Dental Bonding!

Posted August 21, 2017.

Do you have discoloration, a stain, or other small flaws on your tooth? Dental bonding may be the answer to improve the appearance of your smile! This is a simple, cosmetic treatment to restore the look of your teeth while preserving the natural tooth. Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental professionals want to give you your best smile yet with dental bonding and the assurance your smile will last for years to come.

As one of the easiest and least expensive dental procedures, it’s easy to see why dentists are happy when they can use this procedure. The first step is scheduling a consultation with your dentist to determine which treatment path is best. Your dentist will then choose a shade that matches your tooth’s color scheme. This will be used to select the correct composite resin color.

Your dentist prepares the tooth by roughening the surface of the tooth, and coat it lightly with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material attach. Tooth-colored resin will then be placed and shaped to the shape of your tooth. It is then hardened with a special ultraviolet light for about a minute. After the bonding material has been solidified, your dentist will trim any excess and polish the tooth.

A follow-up appointment may be made to ensure the tooth’s bonding is solid and comfortable in your mouth. Sachs Family Dental strives to provide the best care and look for your smile, so give our dental office in Orem, Utah, a call at 801-225-4701. Our team will set you up for a consultation and appointment today!

Come in for Your Biannual Exam and Cleaning

Posted August 14, 2017.

It is a well-known fact that you should visit the dentist twice a year along with your daily regimen of brushing and flossing daily. These yearly checkups allow your dentist to keep a close eye on your dental health and provide the dental services you need to keep your teeth strong and prevent infections.

Any dentist appointment you make with us will give you a better chance at fighting off plaque buildup, cavities, and other dental dangers. At your biannual appointment, Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental professionals will give you a professional cleaning and exam. This includes:

Doing an extensive cleaning, removing tartar (also known as dental calculus) and plaque. These can lead to cavities, decay, or periodontal disease.
Flossing and polishing your teeth as well as applying a professional fluoride treatment.
Looking for any sign of dental diseases or complications as well as checking for signs of oral cancer.

We also use X-rays to do a full examination of the insides of your teeth to check for healthy roots and pulp. These examinations ensure a close look at your teeth and finding any problems early on. If needed, you may need to visit the dentist more than twice a year. Call Sachs Family Dental to schedule your next appointment at 801-225-4701. Our dental office here in Orem, Utah, strives to give you the dental care you need to protect your teeth for a long time!

Restoring Your Natural Tooth with a Root Canal

Posted August 7, 2017.

A root canal has rumors that it’s very painful, can cause illness, or it’s better to pull a tooth than get a root canal done. These are false! The true facts are that with modern anesthetic and technology you can experience little to no pain, there was research done and no illnesses can be related to root canals, and saving your natural teeth is always the best option. Here at Sachs Family Dental, we strive to provide the best experience for you where you are comfortable.

Root canals are typically needed when there is an infection deep in the tooth from bacteria. An injury or cavity could have left the tooth exposed, and without immediate treatment, you may need a full restoration which can be costly. A root canal procedure consists of the following steps:

Your dentist will first administer an anesthetic, numbing the tooth. A dental dam made of rubber may be placed first to keep the tooth area dry and clean during the procedure.
Your dentist will then use small tools to access the middle of the tooth creating an opening on top. Any damaged and diseased pulp will then be removed with files. Any remaining pulp will be washed out with water and an antimicrobial solution will kill the remaining bacteria.
The chamber will then be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material. While you wait for your permanent crown, a temporary filling may be placed. After the permanent crown is made, it will be placed on top. If your tooth needs it, a post may be placed in the chamber as well.

Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental associates here in Orem, Utah, can provide a root canal service and restore your tooth back to its health. Give our dental office a call today at 801-225-4701 to set up a consultation or make an appointment for your tooth’s restoration today!

Summertime Travel Tips

Posted July 31, 2017.

Summer is here, and it’s time for a well-earned vacation. Here are some tips to make sure your oral health habits don’t slip while you’re seeing the world.

First things first: try to schedule a regular dental appointment before your trip. Dentistry is more than getting your teeth fixed–it’s establishing a relationship with your dentist, the dental team, and preventing problems before they start! Call Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 to set up an appointment before your next vacation.

Remember to air out your toothbrush as much as possible when traveling. Keeping it in closed spaces lets bacteria multiply quickly. Don’t store your toothbrush with other toothbrushes, as this can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria. NEVER share your toothbrush with another person, or use it for anything other than brushing your teeth. This also leads to cross-contamination and can be dangerous to your oral health.

Finally, keep up on the basics. Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with a clean toothbrush. Use an interdental cleaner, such as floss, once a day for 2-3 minutes each session. If possible, finish the cleaning with an ADA approved therapeutic mouthwash. If you have trouble spending enough time on your teeth, try using a timer.

You can maintain a top-notch smile and excellent oral health, even on the road. For more information, call Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701 and talk to a member of our dental team! We are here to give you the information you need to keep your smile bright this summer.

Digital X-rays as Part of Your Biannual Checkup

Posted July 24, 2017.

Biannual checkups are a major key in protecting your teeth. Sachs Family Dental wants you to not only keep a regular regimen of brushing your teeth twice a day and daily flossing but coming in for biannual checkups. These checkups will include a professional cleaning and close look at your teeth.

One of the best ways to get an in-depth look at your teeth is by using a dental X-ray. They examine the inner levels of a tooth beyond the enamel including the roots and bone around the tooth. They locate cavities, check the health of the bone surrounding the tooth, look at developing teeth, and monitor tooth health. They can also look at decay between teeth or under a filling, cracks, nerve damage, and help give your dentist the best view for an implant, crown, dentures, or braces.

The most common intraoral X-rays taken at each appointment include bite-wing X-rays, periapical X-rays, and occlusal X-rays. Bite-wing x-Rays are taken on each side, highlighting the crowns of back teeth. You bite down on a wing-shaped material while these are being taken to get the best view. Periapical X-rays are like bite-wings, but they look at the entire length of each tooth from the root to the crown. Occlusal X-rays show the entire arch of the top and bottom teeth as well as the bite placement.

Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental professionals use the latest dental technology by using digital X-rays. They use a digital sensor to take images, using significantly less radiation than regular film X-rays. Give our office in Orem, Utah, a call at 801-225-4701 today for a consultation or appointment to get your best smile!

The Uses of Biolase WaterLase

Posted July 17, 2017.

Using the right dental tools can give your smile the best treatment. For many dental procedures, Biolase WaterLase® can be used to more precisely treat your teeth. It’s a gentle laser tool that uses water spray in a safe and effective way, cutting downtime. This allows Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental associates to use it instead of using a drill or shot to better treat your smile.

Biolase WaterLase® combines the technological use of laser energy, air, and water to give your teeth a dental experience that eliminates the need for dental drills. Shortening treatment time, decreasing the risk of infection, and minimizing bleeding, laser dentistry can treat the targeted, unhealthy regions of the teeth while preserving the healthy parts. It can treat the removal of tooth decay, surgical gum treatments, crown lengthening, root canal therapy, hard/soft tissue procedures, dental implant recovery, and/or tooth enamel etching.

This use of laser dentistry can greatly increase your comfortability without the use of an anesthetic component. Come into Sachs Family Dental today for the latest treatments here in Orem, Utah. Give us a call at 801-225-4701 today for a consultation or appointment to receive the most up-to-date treatment.

Use Fluoride to Better Your Dental Care

Posted July 10, 2017.

Heightened sensitivity and discomfort can occur when erosion of the enamel or bacteria breaks down the enamel occurs. This often allows for cavities to appear, and if left untreated, they can cause further damage beyond the surface of the tooth. Our dental professionals here at Sachs Family Dental want to help you take the best steps in taking care of your smile. This includes the use of fluoride.

Small amounts of fluoride can often be found in your foods and even water. Many local water systems put in a healthy amount of fluoride to help strengthen citizens' teeth. This has been implemented through studies in the past century and how it is beneficial for teeth.

Your dentist provides a deep fluoride treatment at your biannual visits. All of these fluoride treatments strengthen the density of the tooth enamel, helping them be more resistant to cavities and/or sensitivity.

Further uses of fluoride through store-bought or recommended uses by Dr. Steven Sachs can benefit your smile. Speak to our dentist professionals today about which option is best for you. Be sure to get your biannual dental checkup, where we also include a deep, fluoride treatment. Schedule an appointment with our office here in Orem, Utah, by calling 801-225-4701. Sachs Family Dental wants to assist you and your dental care habits to improve your smile today!

Can Cavities Be Prevented with Chewing Gum?

Posted July 3, 2017.

Can cavities be prevented with chewing gum? Although the claim may seem absurd on the surface, the truth is that cavities can be prevented with the help of chewing gum and the effects it produces.

It is important to focus on chewing that that is sugar-free. Chewing gum can be hazardous to your oral health if it contains sugars, which will negate any benefits that the gum can give. One such benefit of chewing gum is that it acts to brush away food particles gathered around your teeth and gums. However, by no means should it be used in place of brushing or flossing. Chewing gum after meals specifically can help to decrease your risk for cavities.

Chewing sugarless gum after meals are effective because it helps to promote the formation of saliva. The ingredients in the gum will not improve your oral health, but saliva can. Saliva has many acid-neutralizing properties in addition to helping wash away food particles and plaque. According to studies testing the effects of chewing gum, if you chew sugarless gum after meals for a period of at least 20 minutes enough saliva can be generated to have cavity-prevention qualities.

Dr. Steven Sachs and our team at Sachs Family Dental will ensure that you get the care and quality your smile requires. If you would like to come to visit us at our dentist's office in Orem, Utah, please schedule an appointment at 801-225-4701. Come in today to learn all about the joys of sugarless gum!

Endosteal or Subperiosteal Dental Implants

Posted June 26, 2017.

Dental implants are the first step towards regaining a full smile, acting as the root of an artificial tooth. These are in the form of dental crowns (installed for one tooth) or dental bridges (installed for multiple teeth). This titanium substitute replaces a tooth’s damaged or lost root to prepare for the new tooth. Dr. Steven Sachs and our professionals here at Sachs Family Dental are dedicated to providing the best care for you and your smile, including through the installment of a dental implant.

Implants are located onto the jawbone to create a stable base for the new tooth. Your speaking and eating abilities won’t be hindered by an annoying loose tooth or missing area where you can be prone to infections. Two types of implants approved by the American Dental Association include:

Endosteal implants: a plate, cylinder, or small screw are positioned into the jawbone. This is the most common implant used for dental implants. Once the gum tissues surrounding the area have healed, a post is put in place.
Subperiosteal implants: a metal frame is installed below the gum, usually either above or on the jawbone. Patients with a shallow jawbone typically undergo this procedure to avoid a procedure to rebuild the jaw area.

Endosteal implants: a plate, cylinder, or small screw are positioned into the jawbone. This is the most common implant used for dental implants. Once the gum tissues surrounding the area have healed, a post is put in place.

Get Dental Veneers to Give You a Better Smile Today!

Posted June 19, 2017.

Dental veneers can give you that perfect smile you desire for the summer. The dental professionals here at Sachs Family Dental want to assist you with the smile you want. With dental veneers, your smile can be adjusted according to your specifications and your dentist’s recommendations.

Dental veneers are shells made to cover the front teeth, usually made of custom-made materials (such as composite resin or porcelain) specified towards the shape and color of your tooth. They can repair stained, decayed, or chipped teeth. They typically use a model to compare the best shape and color for your tooth. They can also last over a decade, withstanding consistent chewing, eating, and speaking.

The dental veneer process includes removing a small amount of enamel from the front tooth, so the procedure is irreversible. It may be suggested by your dentist to avoid certain foods or drinks that can stain your new veneer. If the veneer is chipped or gets a fracture this can be fixed by your dentist.

Enhance your smile with a dental veneer procedure whether it’s covering a tooth stain, fixing a chip, or cover any flaw on your teeth. Give Sachs Family Dental a call at 801-225-4701 to schedule an appointment today here in Orem, Utah!

Solutions to Your Bad Breath

Posted June 12, 2017.

Have you noticed an increased smell in your breath? Even with consistent flossing and brushing, you may not be getting the best results. It may be the effect of an uncommon issue or more serious problem you didn’t think was possible. Sachs Family Dental wants to provide you with the best dental care here in Orem, Utah, where our dental professionals strive to care for your oral health and your smile.

When food is left untouched in between the teeth for a long time, bacteria growth in the mouth can leave a lingering odor. Be sure to brush soon after eating and floss once a day to get all the chunks of food in between your teeth. An additional way to fully clean your teeth includes cleaning your tongue with a scraper or just your toothbrush.

If your mouth’s salivary glands don’t function or you breathe through your mouth, you may not be getting the full amount of saliva your mouth needs to break down food and bacteria. Contact your dentist for a visit to see what may be the issue. He may recommend a solution to your breathing or obtaining artificial saliva.

Gum disease caused by an infection or plaque may be the answer to your bad breath. This can also be the result of smoking or using tobacco. This not only can cause bad breath but result in the loss of senses including taste or smell. Without these, it’s hard to tell whether or not you have bad breath.

If none of these are the result of something in your mouth, then it may be another cause. See your doctor about considering your medication or if it may be a symptom relating to your health.

Going to your dentist biannually will give you a better chance of detecting any of these issues early. Ways to get rid of bad breath include cleaning your dentures, taking your partial dentures out at night (this is if you have dentures), eating nourishing foods that don’t have as much sugar, and chewing on sugarless gum or candy to increase the flow of saliva.

Here at Sachs Family Dental, our dental professionals want to provide you with the best care for you and your smile. Call us at 801-225-4701 at Orem, Utah, where we will be happy to schedule an appointment or consultation.

Treating Sensitive Teeth 101

Posted June 5, 2017.

Sensitive teeth stopping you from enjoying your day? Here at Sachs Family Dental, we strive to provide the information needed for the care and treatment of your smile. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, Sachs Family Dental provides various treatments to choose from to help alleviate any discomfort. Some of these treatments include the following:

Surgical gum grafts are used when the gum tissue is lost from the root. This decreases sensitivity while protecting the root.
Although a root canal is typically the last resort to treating tooth sensitivity, persistent sensitivity may require one. Your dentist goes in to remove pulp containing nerves and tissue in the tooth, then cleans and seals the tooth. Your dentist may recommend this as a solution to your discomfort.
Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds to avoid the transmission of sensation from the tooth’s exterior to the nerve. Multiple applications are usually required before your sensitivity decreases.
Like desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel strengthens enamel and prevents the sensation transmission to the nerve. This is mostly used in your dentist’s office.
To correct a flaw in the tooth or decay, a crown, inlay or bonding may be placed. These all involve the placing of material to relieve your discomfort and to correct the issue.

Preventing sensitive teeth can be done with proper oral care, but we understand that certain circumstances demand care. Our office here in Orem, Utah, will be happy to provide any information pertaining to your teeth’s care and treatment. Call us at 801-225-4701 to set up a consultation or appointment with Sachs Family Dental today.

Do You Know What Foods Are Best for Your Oral Health?

Posted May 31, 2017.

Do you know what foods are best for your oral health? If not, you are not alone. It can be shocking how many people seem to not know the right foods for their bodies, let alone their smile. That is why Dr. Steven Sachs and the staff at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, is happy to talk to you about the best foods for your oral health care.

The healthiest foods for your smile can be found starting with chicken and other meats, green spinach, green vegetables, cheese, nuts, and milk. These delicious foods are important because they guard your tooth enamel and are high in calcium, which will keep your teeth in tip-top health. Having healthy and tasty foods in your diet is also great for your body’s overall health physically and mentally.

Apples and pears are also excellent choices when it comes to your diet because they are natural flossers. These foods have high water content, which is important because it dilutes the sugars in these foods while also increasing saliva production in your mouth. They help fight against cavities or tooth decay and keep food particles from settling between your teeth and along your gumline.

As you can see, there are many helpful and tasty food choices when it comes to choosing the right foods for your oral health. If you feel it’s time for a dental cleaning, or have general questions about your oral health, please call us today at 801-225-4701 to set up an appointment. Our team is dedicated and ready to address your oral health concerns and give you a healthy smile you can be proud of.

Dental Damage Can Be Fixed with Dental Bonding

Posted May 26, 2017.

Do you have serious dental damage? Is your smile suffering due to previously sustained damage to your teeth? If so, dental damage can be fixed with dental bonding. With dental bonding therapy, materials such as porcelain and resin can be applied to teeth to conceal and correct discolorations, cracks, stains, cavities, and many other forms of ailments that can plague your oral health.

If you are simply looking for an aesthetic fix with dental bonding, it is first important to understand what you will need to do to apply the materials. If the damage is severe, the tooth will need to be prepared for the bonding by cleaning the affected area. Dental bonding is effective for improving the look of your smile because the materials used can easily match the look of natural teeth.

In the case of cavities, the decay must first be stopped, and a filling must be used to completely seal off the hole. If a crack remains in the filling, it may still be possible for bacteria to enter the tooth and do harm to the pulp. If left unchecked, this damage can turn into an infection and tooth loss.

Sachs Family Dental is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a dental bonding analysis or a complete diagnosis from Dr. Steven Sachs and our team at our dentist's office in Orem, Utah, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 801-225-4701. We look forward to helping you smile.

How to Deal With a Dental Emergency

Posted April 27, 2017.

You probably know that being prepared for an emergency can make the entire experience more enjoyable. Similarly, you probably know that some emergencies are more time-sensitive than others are. Still, do you know what you should do during some of the more common emergencies? Of course, you can—and should—call our team if you’re involved in an emergency, but there are also a few general rules you should follow.

For instance, have you ever lost a tooth? In reality, losing a tooth can be a serious problem that can make your smile more difficult to clean, can lead to bad breath, and might also cause your other teeth to shift. However, did you know that our team could save the lost tooth if you’re able to bring it to our office within thirty minutes? If you find yourself in this situation, please remember to put your tooth in milk when you’re bringing it to the office.

Furthermore, you should visit our team if you break one of your pearly whites. Again, please try to bring as much of the tooth as you can to our office as soon as you can. You should also try to store these fragments in milk. Conversely, if you chip a tooth, you should set up an appointment with us as soon as you can, but you may be able to wait a few days. Still, please try to save the chipped piece of tooth.

If you’re hoping to be well prepared for your emergency, you could keep gauze and a cold compress on hand. You could also have a container to store broken teeth in. If you have more questions about dealing with broken, lost, or chipped teeth in Orem, Utah, we invite you to give Sachs Family Dental a call at 801-225-4701. Our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, and our team will gladly examine your teeth and give you personalized advice. We’re eager to hear from you.

Is Your Oral Health in Good Standing?

Posted April 14, 2017.

Is your oral health in good standing? Is there anything you could be doing to improve your smile or reduce the risk of damage to your teeth and gums. As with many oral health care habits, a small amount of time dedicated to your smile can go a long way in making your mouth magnificent.

Always try to avoid foods and drinks that have large amounts of sugar in them.
Always try to avoid foods that are excessively hard or tough, as they could possibly chip or crack your teeth.
Be prepared to wash away food residue that may be left behind from overly sticky or chewy foods.
Contact your dentist to learn and document your entire dental history.
Never skip your professional cleanings or regular checkups you schedule with your dentist.
Use products that feature the ADA Seal of Acceptance or have been recommended by your dentist.
Learn the best techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth to ensure they are flawlessly cleaned every day.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, we invite you to schedule an oral exam with Dr. Steven Sachs at our dentist's office in Orem, Utah, by calling us at 801-225-4701. Our team at Sachs Family Dental looks forward to bringing your smile back to its fullest.

Oral Cancer Screenings Can Detect Early Onset of Oral Cancer

Posted March 22, 2017.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from oral cancer in their lifetime. However, early detection can help with your treatment options and success rate. So, Dr. Steven Sachs and our dental team proudly offer oral cancer screenings during your six-month checkups.

Your oral cancer screening is a simple examination that involves Dr. Steven Sachs looking for signs of oral cancer on your cheeks, tongue, and gums and even in the throat. Your dentist will examine your oral cavity for red and white patches or abnormal sores. Next, he will feel your oral tissues for abnormalities like lumps or bumps. If any sign or symptom is detected, your dentist will tell you all about your next steps in properly diagnosing and treating the problem.

Everyone can benefit from oral cancer screening. However, if you use tobacco products, frequently consume alcohol, have a family history of oral cancer, and have high exposure to the sun, you would greatly benefit from an oral cancer screening, especially because these things can increase your risk of falling victim to the disease. However, you can still benefit from the screening if you don’t have any of these risk factors.

Call Sachs Family Dental today at 801-225-4701 and schedule an appointment if you have any questions about oral cancer in Orem, Utah, or if you think you might have certain symptoms of the disease. Our dental team will be more than happy to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to helping you have the best oral and overall health possible!

How Does a Missing Tooth Impact Your Smile?

Posted March 13, 2017.

Are you missing a tooth in your smile which is making you self-conscious? If so, a dental implant may be just the thing you need to bring back your confident smile! Dental implants are an ideal vehicle to bring back your healthy, functional smile.

Our experienced dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, and our team are happy to tell you everything you need to know about restoring your smile with the help of dental implants. Whether you need to restore one tooth or several, dental implants do the job effectively and beautifully.

When a tooth is lost, whether to damage or decay, it means that your smile is now missing not only the tooth but the tooth root as well. With a dental implant restoration, the tooth root is replaced so that a tooth (crown, bridge, etc.) can be anchored to the implant. Our dentist places the implant into the jawbone and then waits for it to heal and fuse. This will provide a strong foundation for the crown, bridge, or denture to come.

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they mimic your natural teeth in look and function. To imagine what your implant will look like, picture these three components:

The implant itself is a post that is either cylindrical or tapered constructed from titanium. This implant’s role in this restoration is to act as the tooth root.
Next is the abutment, which is a connector that is attached to the top of the implant that allows it to connect to the new teeth or tooth.
Finally, this is the part that is visible–the crown will be placed.

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they mimic your natural teeth in look and function.

When you have a dental implant restoration, you will be able to smile, speak, laugh, and eat with self-assurance once more. No more worrying about being able to speak clearly, or that the restoration will stand out, or that it will move around in your mouth. It’s like having natural teeth again!

At Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, we understand how missing teeth can impact your smile confidence. To find out how dental implants can benefit your smile, or if you would like to schedule a visit with our dentist, Dr. Steven Sachs, please call 801-225-4701 today to get your smile back on track!

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Posted February 10, 2017.

Here at Sachs Family Dental, we endeavor to use our new blog as a regular means for publishing valuable content for our community through monthly blog posts. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, we’re able to further explore some of the most important topics pertaining to our industry and area of expertise here on our website through these articles.

Each profession tends to be its own little niche, which is a good thing because it creates a unique space for our services and a place for you to learn and implement helpful ideas that can benefit you and the people you care about.

We’re excited to share this ongoing knowledge base of blog articles with this online community. These blogs provide timely and relevant information that’s conveniently accessible online. Indeed, we hope that this community will use the valuable information found in our regular blog posts because they are an effective way for us to reach out to you on a monthly basis, while you still enjoy the comforts of your own home.

If you have any questions or want more information, we invite you to call our team at Sachs Family Dental in Orem, Utah, today at 801-225-4701. We look forward to helping you in any way we can, and we thank you for the opportunity!