Dental Partners of Boston Blog -

If You’re A Runner Are You At Risk For Worse Oral Health?

November 27th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

If you are a runner you might be prone to worse oral health. Visit Dental Partners of Boston to check your oral health today

Many who run know that there are many physical and mental benefits from running. It helps improve our metabolism, state of mind, and gives us more energy than we might have otherwise. But did you also know that if you are a runner you also have the risk of having worse oral health? The discussion of running has magazines, books, training, and more encouraging us to run and stay active, but the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports a few years ago conducted a study looking at negative effects of running.

Runners do have their fair share of sport related injuries, but many do not consider any effects that could cause problems with your oral health. The German scientists who were conducting the study found that tri-athletes are more prone to teeth erosion and cavities compared to non-athletes. This study also showed that additionally athletes who trained more often and harder than other athletes were at an even higher risk of poor oral health. What would be causing this to happen?

What Causes Poor Oral Health In Athletes?

What the study showed was that this deterioration actually came about from the larger amounts of carbohydrates athletes take in to keep feeding their body while they are active. It takes a larger amount of calories to maintain an athletes level of energy than that of an average person. A lot of these carbohydrates come from sports drinks, gels, bars and other foods that can decreate the PH level inside of your mouth to below 5.5. A lower PH level can result in eroded teeth and a higher chance of cavities. Additionally there is the fact that the majority of athletes breath more through their mouths which leads to dry mouth. Dry mouth happens when you have less saliva, which can actually protect your teeth from cavities and damage.

What Can Prevent Bad Oral Health For Athletes?

Based on the findings of this study large physical activity can have a detrimental effect on our oral health. Does that mean we shouldn’t exercise? Of course not! Our bodies need to be in motion to remain healthy, and there are many other benefits from physical activity as well. But if you are involved in higher endurance training it probably is best to schedule an appointment with one of our dentist to ensure that you don’t have any cavities or damage to your teeth that could cause additional problems down the road.

If you have had damage such as a chipped tooth, or a damaged tooth that needs to be replaced the dentists at Dental Partners of Boston can help you bring back your healthy smile. Also you can come in and we can build a custom sport mouth guard as well to protect your teeth. Schedule an appointment with us today to let us help you protect your beautiful smile!

Can Poor Dental Health Increase The Chance of Depression?

November 20th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

In an age of unlimited research, there are so many topics and items that are being discussed that had not been addressed before. One item that has been brought up a lot more in recent years are how our physical health affects our mental health. There have been some very interesting pieces of research recently that have covered have embraced virtually every aspect of my life in one way or another. Of course our interest is in the area of dental health, and there is a lot of ongoing research into how the condition of our mouths can affect other parts of our bodies — both negatively and positively. The topic of this article is how our oral health can potentially cause depression.

Depression Affects Many Of Us

In the past few years you perhaps have noticed that many people you know are starting to become more open that they suffer from some degree of depression. From working in the medical field we see how many various medications our patients are prescribed. Patients are taking a myriad of anti-depressant medications. It does make some of our Boston Dentists if their might be any correlation between mental health and oral health.

Some Scientists Did Ask That Question

Researchers in Geelong, Australia looked into the correlation between oral health and depression. They gathered very interesting data from more than 10,000 patients. They found that when they considered poor dental health and depression that a patient with more dental conditions had greater or more severe depression.

For the study, researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It showed that 61 percent of the participants who reported depression also reported the presence of oral pain over the past year. Also more than half of the study participants reported that they considered their own oral health to be only in fair or even poor condition.

While there has not yet been extensive study into the context of poor dental health and its correlation to mental health, this study does provide a “snapshot” so to speak that will open the door for further investigation.

Perhaps, down the road, we will see some significant innovative therapies and even preventative interventions be born from this research. In the meantime, please don’t neglect your mouth.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Your Boston Dentist can evaluate, identify and treat any gum disease in any member of your family. Schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today and we can help you improve your oral health!

How Long Does It Take To Adjust New Dentures in Boston

November 12th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

There are many different reasons that can cause tooth loss. From trauma, gum disease, poor oral health care, genetics or another factor. One affordable option that many patients choose to replace these missing teeth are dentures, or they will opt for dental implants. Dental implants in Boston can be a great option to replace a missing tooth, and at times a partial denture may need to be used while your dental implant is healing. So there can be multiple reasons that a patient would need to have a denture, which in turn means there will be needs for dentures. It is estimated that there are over 35 million Americans that have had dentures and have had to go through the adjustment of learning how to use them to speak, eat, and function throughout the day. We will talk about what can be expected if you are interested in dentures and how they can be more comfortable than dentures of the past.

How Do Dentures Feel In The Beginning?

Once you have worked with your Boston Prosthodontist to get your dentures in place you will probably notice how different they feel at first. This is completely normal and that can include some gum tenderness and a bigger increase in saliva in your mouth.

Typically you will need to schedule an additional appointment in a few weeks so that some adjustments can be made to help it fit better in your mouth and relieve any kind of pressure you might feel.

Remember, that it can sometimes take awhile to feel comfortable and become used to having the dentures in your mouth.

How Long Does It Take To Become Used To Your New Dentures?

Most patients adjust to having dentures within a few weeks, but there are a few things to consider as far as your comfort level. Such as having had other dental surgery such as teeth being extracted or gum disease treatment your gums are going to be more prone to irritation.

Every patient’s case is going to be unique, and it’s especially important to follow your Boston Prosthodontist’s recommendations for every step of the process. It is the best way to help you adjust to your new dentures and become more comfortable in your mouth.

How To Make The Transition To Dentures Easier

Below are a few recommendations from Dental Partners of Boston‘s Prosthodontists:

Start by eating soft foods and slowly work towards smaller pieces of solid food. Try the best that you can to chew evenly on both sides of your mouth to prevent your denture from tipping on one side.
For the first few weeks be extra careful with hot foods or any foods with a sharp edge.
Reading or even singing a song out loud can help you feel more comfortable to speak. If your dentures start to make a clicking sound then speak or sing more slowly.
Keep your denture and gum tissue clean with good oral hygiene habits at home.
Schedule follow-up appointments for any adjustments that need to be made.

If you are considering dentures or are in need of dentures after having dental implants placed consider the experienced Boston Prosthodontists at Dental Partners of Boston. Schedule an appointment with us today!

How Are Psoriasis, Gum Disease & Smoking Related?

November 5th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

Back in 2014 there was a study conduced within Hungary to look at a potential link between Psoriasis and Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis, because surprisingly both of these conditions are caused by inflammation. The researchers at the Facility of Dentistry at the University of Szeged in Hungary worked with the university’s dermatology department, and took in volunteers to monitor and determine of their might potentially be a link between these conditions. Within Hungary there are many who also smoke which also ended up being added to the study as well because it became another significant factor as the study progressed. The results of the study we will get to in a minute.

Even though you may not have Psoriasis there is a big possibility that you do have some form of gum disease. According to the CDC nearly half of the US population has gum disease, and it is a condition that can cause severe problems if it is not treated. Gum disease is a condition that causes more than red, swollen & bleeding gums. It is a condition that can cause tooth loss and bone loss, not to mention the fact that it can also contribute to other conditions that can be detrimental to your health. It must be treated sooner than later, and that is why you should schedule an appointment with our Boston Periodontist if you have noticed any symptoms such as:

Puffy red gums
Bleeding gums after brushing
Tenderness when they are touched
Puss between your teeth and gums
Severely bad breath
Loose or missing teeth
Painful chewing

Some of those symptoms sound fairly severe and can be if you do not address some of the minor symptoms first. Gum Disease treatment in Boston is so much easier to address when you schedule an appointment and let our Periodontist Dr. Guzman treat it before it can start to lead to worse symptoms that include tooth and bone loss.

Now back to the study results. It was found that those who did have Psoriasis were more prone to have gum disease. Added to that, if they were smokers the severity of the gum disease or are more at risk for having gum disease. We all must be vigilant in maintaining proper brushing and flossing to prevent gum disease from becoming a problem that can take more time and expense than we would want in-order to be treated. Schedule an appointment with us today if you are concerned you may have symptoms of gum disease and let our Periodontist, Dr. Guzman, work with you on a treatment plan to heal your gums and improve your quality of life.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Smile?

Improving your smile is not just about the type of treatment used. It’s also about educating yourself on the different cosmetic options available. Also you want to be proactive in knowing what you want your final results to be. Our cosmetic dentists at both Boston practices will listen to you and your concerns. They genuinely have your best interests in mind and want to work with you to find the best treatment option to improve your smile. Research the different cosmetic procedures we provide and be prepared to ask questions and discuss your concerns with the doctor.

How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?

This is a very common question when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. You want to make sure you are getting the most for your money and that the expenses are clear and understandable. Elective dental procedures, such as cosmetic dentistry, is usually paid for before or at the time of service. After talking with our cosmetic dentists at your scheduled appointment you will feel confident knowing the cost of your chosen procedure and how much of a difference it will make in your quality of life!

Will I Be Losing Most Of My Tooth/Teeth’s Natural Structure?

This is a valid concern we hear often. Patients do not want their teeth to be ground down to little points and fear they will lose the strength and structure of their teeth. However with modern tools and materials this does not have to happen in every cosmetic dental procedure. Once you and your cosmetic dentist have chosen which procedure is best for you they will be able to explain what it entails and the work so your fear will subside and all that will be left will be your excitement for your beautiful new smile.

What Will The End Result Look Like?

You want to see how your treatment will look, and it helps to ask for examples of the specific cosmetic procedure you are interested. Depending on the procedure we can pull out 3D models such as options for porcelain veneers, or show before and after images from previous patients. Sometimes seeing other patients before and after pictures of the same procedure can help ease possible concerns you may have.

How Long Will It Last?

How long will your smile investment last? This is a top question in our Boston dental practice. The answer is of course conditional. Meaning it depends on the procedure you have chosen and it depends on how well you take care of your new smile. If you grind your teeth or put too much force on them you are much more likely to chip a tooth than someone who doesn’t. Taking preventative measures now however can help with your cosmetic procedure last longer. Each individual is different and it’s important to follow your cosmetic dentists instructions and visit our office often to get as much life out of your new smile as possible.

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Dental Partners of Boston has a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options that can improve your smile. Whether you need a chipped tooth repaired or are looking into getting some beautiful porcelain veneers we have the solution you are looking for.

5 Tips To Protect Your Teeth This Halloween Season

October 22nd, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

Halloween is almost here and with this yearly tradition comes quite a bit of candy from friends, work parties, personal parties. trick or treating, and more. Even though trick-or-treating may not be how you celebrate Halloween, there will still be plenty of tempting sweets most everywhere you go.

It’s okay to indulge in your temptation for these delicious treats, but the Halloween season makes it a lot easier to go overboard which can result in expensive dental problems. We want you to enjoy this fun time of the year, and this is why Dental Partners of Boston offers these 5 tips to help keep your mouth healthy happy during Halloween:

1.) Make Careful Candy Choices

If you can’t resist candy for Halloween, that’s okay. What you need to be sure of is that you aren’t picking the worst candy for your teeth. Be picky if the candy is sticky. They taste delicious but try to stay clear of toffees, caramels, and taffy. These sticky candies can get stuck on teeth and in places that can be hard to reach inside of your mouth which means they will stay in your mouth longer. The longer they stay in your mouth the more likely cavity-causing bacteria can eat away at your teeth.

Hard candies, such as jawbreakers and suckers can also be horrible for your teeth. If you’re not careful, these hard candies can actually break your teeth and you will need treatment for a chipped or cracked tooth. To make matters worse, since hard candies take a longer time to consume, they often spend a longer time in our mouths just like the sticky candy mentioned above.

What kind of candy can you enjoy this Halloween? Chocolate is one of our top choices, and it is of course one of the most popular candies available. Dentists are more likely to offer you a piece of chocolate than a lollipop because chocolate is less likely to stick to your teeth like the candies mentioned above. The next time you’re feeling the full force of a candy craving, grab some chocolate. Or, for some extra brownie points with your dentist, grab some dark chocolate instead. Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate, and also has health benefits.

2.) Be Sure To Brush Your Teeth

Harmful sugar and bacteria should not stay on your teeth! By brushing your teeth every day, you can remove any remaining sticky toffee, taffy, or caramel you might have eaten earlier. It’s crucial that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and again for the same amount of time in the evening. Patients that get cavities often do so from brushing their teeth for a minute or less or not at all.

If you want extra protection from the Halloween treats hanging around the office, consider bringing a travel toothbrush set with you to work. This will let you squeeze in an extra brushing after your lunch, giving your teeth maximum protection throughout the day.

3.) Sugarless Gum

Minimize the amount of time sugar stays on your teeth by popping in a piece of sugarless gum after you enjoy a few pieces of candy. Studies have shown that chewing gum can pull some of the bad bacteria off of your teeth. Plus, you get to enjoy the additional bonus of fresh breath. Most sugarless gum also contains xylitol which is a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities which is a win-win for your teeth and your wallet.

4.) Don’t Forget To Floss!

Candy apples, saltwater taffy, and caramel corn are all popular Halloween treats. Unfortunately, these enjoyable treats can wreck havoc on your teeth. Actively floss after eating these sweets to minimize their sticky impact. If you take the time to floss at least two times a day you’re minimizing the risk of getting cavities between your teeth.

5.) Visit Your Boston Dentist

Once the fun of Halloween is over, it’s can be easy to forget all of the candy you consumed. No matter what it is you ate, your teeth are still under attack from sugars and bacteria. When it comes to having strong, healthy teeth that last a lifetime, preventative care is the best course of action to take. By scheduling an appointment after Halloween, you give your Boston dentist time to asses dental problems and to prevent new ones from starting. Which will reduce the number of times you would visit the dentist.

Don’t be caught off guard this Halloween. By having a healthy dental plan in place, you can enjoy the holiday festivities and your teeth won’t pay the price. If you’d like to ensure that your teeth are completely protected, schedule your next dentist appointment at Dental Partners of Boston today.

How To Care For Your Teeth After Teeth Whitening

October 12th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

A side by side comparison of what teeth whitening can do to improve your smile from dental partners of boston

Everybody loves a bright, white smile and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. If you decide you would like to go beyond just the white that comes from brushing regularly and make your smile look brighter, look in to all the options for teeth whitening that Dental Partners of Boston has available:

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Dental Partners of Boston provides custom take-home teeth whitening trays. These trays are made with custom impressions of your teeth. We’ll help you determine how many shades brighter you want your teeth and adjust the amount of whitening gel used in your trays.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The in-office teeth whitening method we provide is a one-time procedure that usually can take less than an hour to complete. There is an initial exam and then preparations are made for whitening your teeth. We will use a stronger whitening gel than in the take-home kits. The average patient can see an improvement of several shades in one visit.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

This product comes from Phillips and is a great way to get the amazing smile you are looking for. At Boston cosmetic dentistry we often recommend this to our patients as it is the #1 patient requested brand of teeth whitening products. We apply this treatment on site or fit a tray that is customized to your individual mouth and have you apply the product at home. Fast results are often seen as well among our patients. This product comes in different ranges with different strengths so we can work together to find the best one for you.

Brightsmile Teeth Whitening

The BrightSmile Whitening System by Discus Dental is also an available option that we offer. This is another system that is requested by patients and as astounding results. In some cases patients have had results where their teeth whiteness has gone up to eight shade whiter. This product is a hydrogen peroxide based gel and is applied to your exposed teeth. The gums, lips etc are protected during this procedure. Once the gel is applied an infrared light is applied to the teeth to accelerate the whitening process. The process takes about an hour.

After Teeth Whitening Care

Once you have chosen a teeth whitening procedure whether it is at home or in our office the aftercare is very important. If you are using a tray for daily treatments what you eat and drink can have a big impact on your results. If you have chosen an in office method the 48 hours afterward are important and can enhance and maximize your whitening results for a long lasting, bright and healthy smile.

Here are some dark staining substances that should be avoided during the crucial 48 hours or during the in home whitening system:

Red wine, Cola, Coffee and tea
Berries such as cherries, blueberries and strawberries
Tobacco products
Red sauces, mustard or ketchup, soy sauce.

If you do consume any of the above products it is important that you rinse immediately after consuming them.

Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that causes plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. Use a regular toothpaste the rest of the time. If there are any concerns or questions you have our office is always open and someone from our team can answer any questions you may have.

Consider Touch-up Treatments

Depending on the whitening method used, you may need a touch-up every 6 months or after a year or two. If you smoke or drink lots of stain-causing beverages, you may need a touch up more often.

If you are looking in Boston for teeth whitening consider Dental Partners of Boston. We will work together with you determine the best product for you based on your needs, lifestyle, dental history, and budget. We want you to have amazing results and we know we can get your teeth looking their whitest and brightest.

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule an appointment with us today for your teeth whitening treatment. You will notice a significant difference in your confidence, amount that you smile, and the way that you’ll feel.

How Can I Find The Best Cosmetic Dentist In Boston?

October 3rd, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

There are many ways to whiten your teeth in Boston.

Selecting the right cosmetic dentist is crucial to achieving the results you desire. It’s important that you do a little work beforehand to make sure you know where you are going and who you are entrusting your smile to. Your smile is a significant feature that uniquely expresses your personality. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, you want a professional that you can trust. A highly trained cosmetic dentist who cares about your goals and expectations has the expertise to create a smile that you will love for many years to come.

Ask For Referrals

In any friends or family members have had a good cosmetic dental treatment, ask them for a referral. You can then check our the doctor’s website, talk to the office, or even go in for a preliminary consultation. Ask other dental professionals you know whom they recommend.

Check Credentials

Even if a particular dentist comes highly recommended and show you beautiful photographs, you will want to make sure he or she is qualified. Check online to see where your prospective cosmetic dentists went to school, what continuing education courses were completed, and what professional organizations they belong to.

Time Devoted To Cosmetic Dentistry

Education and hand-on training is important. In addition it is also important to know how many years of experience a dentist has had practicing cosmetic dentistry. Find out how much of that dentists practice is devoted to cosmetic dentistry. While cosmetic dentistry isn’t specifically a specialty, those who work hard to be the best in their field see a significant volume of patients.

Before-and-After Photos

The importance of before and after photos cannot be understated. These photos are a true testament to the dentist’s abilities and can help give you a good idea as to what results you can expect. A visit to a cosmetic dentist occurs because you want your mouth to look it’s best, so viewing before and after photos will help ensure that you get the aesthetic results you desire. If you have any concerns about the photos, ask the dentist to provide you with a few referral patients that you can personally contact.

Communicate What you Want

Don’t rush through your consultation. Take time to clearly explain your expectations and objectives in what work you want done. With a professionally trained and experienced eye, the dentist will actually see more dental possibilities that you do and is their responsibility to educate you so that you’re better able to make your own personal choices. At the same time, you must have confidence to tell them how you feel. You want to trust the cosmetic dentist that you choose. Make sure you feel comfortable in the practice. If the dentist and staff make you feel comfortable and well cared for, you will have a good experience. WE have some of the best cosmetic dentists in Boston we can answer any questions you may have.

Schedule an appointment with us today!

Are You Ready For A Complete Smile Makeover?

September 25th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

Learn about Dental Partners of Boston and the LANAP treatment used to treat gum disease

If you have considered making a drastic change in your smile then you may want to consider a complete smile makeover. The cosmetic dentists at Dental Partners of Boston want to help you improve your smile as well as your confidence and self esteem. We work with our patients every day to create incredible smiles that will last a lifetime! If you have felt like getting a smile makeover is something you need. Now is the perfect time to begin the process at Dental Partners of Boston!

A complete smile makeover can mean something different to every patient that visits one of our practices, and we want to help patients see what options are available and how we can help them achieve the smile they are looking for. . The most common reasons that patients are looking for a smile makeover is because they have had yellowing teeth, a chipped tooth, missing teeth, an uneven bite, or a gummy smile.

It’s can be hard when you may be embarrassed to smile or feel confident when they see their teeth in the mirror. No one should feel uncomfortable with their smile thanks to the advancements in cosmetic dentistry and the expertise you find from our team of Boston dentists who can create a custom smile makeover for you!

We may use one, two, three or even four of these cosmetic dental enhancements to complete your smile makeover:

Dental Veneers – porcelain coverings over the front surface of the teeth
Dental Crowns – full porcelain covering over the entire surface of the tooth
Dental Implants – a way to replace a missing tooth or teeth
Invisalign – clear aligners are used to straighten teeth
Teeth Whitening – yellow teeth become white again
Gum Therapy – remove stains and improve tissue health
TMJ Treatment – alleviate pain to can make someone feel healthy and whole again

After our cosmetic dentists have worked with our patients to improve their smile we have had many say one (or all) of the following:

“This looks incredible!”

“I look younger!”

“I should have done this a long time ago!”

Again if you are considering a complete smile makeover then we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dental Partners of Boston today! We look forward to you coming and visiting with our cosmetic dentists to assess your case and create a dental plan to improve your smile, increase your confidence, and give you a better quality of life!

How Botox Can Help Treat TMJ

September 20th, 2018 by Dental Partners of Boston | No Comments

tmj pain can be treated with botox, learn more from dental partners of boston

While Botox is generally used to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and help with the look of aging, now there is a new use for it and it’s one that will help and change a lot of people’s lives. Dental Botox is able to help with patients smiles and help with dealing with a lot of side effects that come from TMJ.

TMJ is very common and occurs when your temporomandibular joint becomes inflamed. For many people TMJ results in uncomfortable symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, difficulty chewing, shoulder and neck pain, and a reduced ability to open the mouth. Botox can help with TMJ

How it Works

When the temporomandibular joint is overworked, displaced, or inflamed, patients often deal with sharp jaw pain and tension headaches. Botox works by making the jaw muscles unable to move in the strong, often unconscious jaw movements that cause pain and headaches, relieving jaw tension. Only the areas of the jaw that are injected with the Botox are relaxed. One of the main benefits of using Botox to treat TMJ pain is that your normal functions, such as biting, swallowing, and speaking, won’t be affected, but the discomfort and pain is usually reduced. Effectively treating your TMJ can also help prevent more serious dental issues that can result in loose teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay in the future. Some of the major benefits after Botox treatments include:

Reduced problems with discomfort when using their jaw
A large reduction in jaw tension
Reduction of headaches that are caused by grinding that teeth at night
Reduction in neck and shoulder pain
Few problems with lockjaw

Is it Safe?

Botox has been used safely for many years and the FDA approved it for eye muscle conditions back in 1989. Later, in 2002, it would be approved for the treatment of facial wrinkles. Through the years Botox has been approved as an effective treatment for chronic migraines, eyelid spasm, muscles stiffness and more.

Overall, our patients have been very happy with their dental Botox treatments. If you’re nervous about getting Botox treatments around your mouth, don’t be. Our patients are happy with their treatments, and report a high level of satisfaction. There can be some minimal risks with Botox treatments so be sure and consult our doctors and staff.

Schedule an Appointment

If other treatments have not been working for treating your TMJ Botox might be the answer you have been searching for. Or if you have looked for a Botox dentist in Boston, look no further. Call our office today or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to helping you find some relief from your TMJ pain

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