How Much Money Could You Save Flossing Your Teeth?

June 13th, 2017 by | No Comments

Smiling Woman who knows how to floss her teeth

At Dental Partners of Boston, we are committed to giving our patients the best dental care possible and that means going beyond just quality service during a typical visit. As one of the best dental offices in Boston we are dedicated to educating and helping our patients make good decisions about their dental health.  The best way to ensure great dental health and a beautiful white smile is to consistently take care of your teeth through daily brushing, flossing and making good diet choices.

While many have brushing down, we still find that flossing isn’t always the favorite activity of many patients. If you’re like many of us, sometimes flossing becomes an optional part of your oral health regimen. If you’re one who doesn’t routinely floss, or maybe doesn’t floss at all, please continue reading to see how it can help you and your overall health: 

The Benefits of Flossing

Consistent flossing leads to better oral hygiene that can have long lasting benefits. Not only does this mean you will have a healthier mouth and teeth, it also means you will have a better aesthetic appearance through frequent, consistent flossing. Not only that, flossing can save you a lot of money in the long run by keeping you from having dental health problems in the future.

Flossing doesn’t have to take a long time, and once you get in the habit, it only adds a few minutes onto your morning and evening routines. The benefits of adding flossing to your habits are far reaching! You’ll also be happy to know there are many tools out there to make flossing easier and less of a chore. No longer do you have to wrap floss around your fingers while going in-between each tooth, you now can use flossing picks, or an oral irrigator (water jet) to remove any food particles that might have been left behind from a meal.  

Getting into the habit of flossing will increase your overall oral health! Which has been shown to have a very positive impact on your health as a whole.

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum Disease is a term that refers to a wide range of issues from gum inflammation, gingivitis, & advanced periodontal disease. This is caused by bacteria in the mouth that is left untreated. Over time, this can cause major problems such as tooth loss and even bone loss. Flossing your teeth plays a big role in reducing bacteria and preventing gum disease from ever entering your mouth which in turn saves you money! 

Cost Saving Benefits

By flossing your teeth, you can prevent long lasting, expensive oral hygiene issues. Gingivitis can cost up to $3,000 when you factor in all the follow-up visits and possible surgeries. If you get periodontal disease and need dentures, you could end up paying closer to $8,000. Making flossing a part of your regular routine can save you a lot of money in the long run!

Contact Us

Dental Partners of Boston can help prevent as well as screen for gum disease. We also offer dental cleanings, dental implants, dental bridges, and help you figure out a treatment plan that works for you if you need any kind of dental work done. Call us to schedule an appointment with one of the best dentists in Boston today!

Protect Your Teeth This Summer

June 5th, 2017 by | No Comments

At Dental Partners of Boston, we do our best to give our patients tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene throughout the year. We want our patients to incorporate smart, safe practices related to their dental health in their day to day lives. This is the best way to have long-lasting, far-reaching positive oral health. Also, by making smart choices and having a consistent routine, you can ensure a better looking smile and appearance that you can feel self-confident about.

As your cosmetic dentist in Boston, we can provide many services related to your teeth and overall mouth-related appearance. Our dentists have many years of experience providing a wide range of services in the area of cosmetic dentistry. We can fix cracks in teeth, help with stained teeth, and even work with you if your teeth are misaligned.

Summer Activities and Oral Health Safety

Summer is an exciting, active time. Kids are out of school and everyone is outside enjoying the outdoors and all it has to offer. There are a lot of exciting outdoor sports that we like to enjoy in summer, but these sports can post a risk to teeth. You might crack a tooth when jumping off a diving board or fall while playing basketball and chip off their front tooth. Being aware of how to protect your teeth during different activities is important. Many sports require mouthguards, and when playing these sports, such as football, a mouthguard is essential.

But, in the case of an emergency, because even with the best prevention accidents still happen, we are here to help. We provide services for emergency tooth loss and to fix things like cracks and chips. So, if you find yourself with a cosmetic problem, whether it is a crack or a more serious problem, we provide a wide variety of services and procedures. We also can provide emergency dental services because we realize that accidents don’t always just happen during regular business hours.

Request an Appointment With Us

To learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you with emergency dental services, give our office a call. Our staff are friendly and helpful and will do what they can to address your problem. We can also give you tip on how to stay safe and prevent damage to your teeth during the busy, active summer months.

Single Tooth Implants vs. Dental Bridges

May 28th, 2017 by | No Comments

Dental Partners of Boston is committed to giving you the best dental implants in Boston. We also think it is important to educate our patients on different dental procedures and what the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are.

When it comes to losing a tooth, there is often discomfort and even pain. This is something that many patients want fixed quickly, and they want to make sure they are receiving the best replacement for the tooth they lost. When a tooth is lost in an area that is highly visible, patients also want to be sure that the dental implant will be cosmetically pleasing. But more than just being an aesthetic issue, missing teeth can cause damage to the jawbone and reduce the strength of the jawbone over time.

The Advantages of a Single Tooth Implant

A dental bridge has drawbacks because it strains the teeth next to it. The dental bridge is often supported with a retainer or metal brackets which puts pressure on supporting teeth during chewing. A single tooth implant, on the other hand, does not cause damage to the neighboring teeth.

Overall, a single tooth implant protects teeth better than a dental bridge does. There are many other reasons that a single tooth implant is often a better choice than a dental bridge. Here are some of the other benefits of using a single tooth implant to replace a missing tooth.

  • They can increase confidence. When using a dental bridge, many patients worry about the bridge falling out since it is attached with a retainer. This makes patients feel unsure about eating certain foods especially around others. With a dental implant, the tooth is securely in place, so this worry is no longer a factor.
  • They can improve appearance. Single tooth implants are fitted to match the color and contours of your natural teeth so that they blend in with your overall smile.
  • They make continued dental hygiene simpler. Single tooth implants can be kept clean with regular brushing and flossing. So, you won’t have to change or add anything to regular dental hygiene routine to keep the implant clean.

Learn More

For these many reasons, a single tooth implant is a preferred choice for a dental implant in Boston and the surrounding area. These implants are long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to keep clean.

Contact Dental Partners of Boston to make an appointment and learn more about single tooth implants and if they are right for you.

How does Invisalign work?

May 15th, 2017 by | No Comments

Dental Partners of Boston offers cosmetic dentistry in Boston. With us, you can trust you are getting care from professionals who are invested in your oral health. We want to listen to you and offer solutions to your problems We will do our best to suit the needs of our patients by offering many different services. When you have a smile that you feel proud of, it can be a confidence booster. Our patient’s satisfaction in the cosmetic appearance of their teeth is important to us.

Alternatives to Adult Braces

There are many adults who don’t feel happy with the straightness level of their teeth. Many of these patients didn’t have braces as teens, and now they are looking for a way to get that stunning smile. We also realize that not every patient wants to go through the process of getting traditional braces.

We offer an alternative method to straighten teeth called Invisalign. This is a clear aligner that can be used to straighten teeth for teens and adults, and it is a very popular service. It offers the teeth straightening results many people are looking for without many of the hassles of metal braces.

 

Invisalign available at Dental Partners of Boston
How does this process work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that is custom made to fit each individual patient’s teeth. This product applies gentle pressure over time to move teeth into the desired position. The clear aligners are fitted multiple times to gradually shift the teeth. Usually around 8-12 aligners are used over a period of 12-24 months. The product is mostly invisible and doesn’t involve attaching permanent brackets to teeth like metal braces do. There are also no metal wires involved, and the aligner can be removed.

Benefits of Invisalign

Many patients love the ease of using Invisalign and the comfort of the product. Here are some of the reasons adult patients find this method works great with their busy lifestyles.

  1. Invisalign is nearly invisible even when patients are smiling or eating.
  2. This product is comfortable to wear.
  3. It can removed for brushing and flossing.
  4. Patients don’t have to cut certain foods out of their diet or change their oral hygiene routine.
  5. There are no possibly painful wire tightening appointments to deal with.

Contact Us

Contact Dental Partners of Boston to learn more about Invisalign or schedule an appointment. We are happy to help you and talk about how Invisalign might be right for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Toothpaste

May 12th, 2017 by | No Comments

Ultimate guide to toothpaste

As your Boston dentist, we are committed to providing you with helpful information related to your oral hygiene. Dental Partners of Boston wants to give you timely, useful tips on how to maintain good oral health habits.

One topic we are regularly asked about is that of which toothpaste to use. There are many different brands of toothpaste out there that come with different purposes, flavors, and ingredients. It can be a bit confusing to go to the store and know which kind of toothpaste will be best for you.

We have compiled this handy guide of kinds of toothpaste and attached a rating system. Of course, every person is different and needs toothpaste for different purposes. Some people are looking to whiten their teeth, some are looking fora good overall toothpaste, and some are looking for the best organic toothpastes with natural ingredients.

This specific list evaluates different toothpastes based on organic labeling and looks at how organic and natural the ingredients actually are. We have attached a rating system based on toothbrushes as opposed a star rating system. So, a “five toothbrush” rating would be the best and a “one toothbrush” rating would be the worst.

These toothpastes are rated based on how organic the ingredients are, if they are certified organic, and how much fluoride they contain.

Toothpastes with a “Five Toothbrush Rating”

  • Happy Teeth Toothpaste (Poofy Organics)
  • Natural Miessence Toothpaste (ONE Group)
  • Natural Mint Sweet Orange Toothpaste (Made Simple Skin Care)
  • Natural Green People Toothpaste
  • Natural Green People Toothpaste (Kids)

Toothpastes with a “Four Toothbrush Rating”

  • Face Naturals Tooth Cleanser
  • Herbal Choice Mari Natural Tooth Gel (Nature’s Brands)
  • Cinnamon/Peppermint Toothpaste (Krista’s Natural Products)
  • Dirty Mouth Primal Toothpowder (Primal Life Organics)
  • Tooth & Gum Powder with activated charcoal (InVitamin)

Toothpastes with a “Three Toothbrush Rating”

  • Logodent Naturkosmetic Kids Dental Gel (Logona Naturkosmetic)
  • TruthPaste Natural Toothpaste (Diamond Dental System)
  • Just the Goods Vegan Toothpaste
  • Redmond Earthpaste Toothpaste
  • The Peelu Co. Toothpaste

Toothpastes with a “Two Toothbrush Rating”

  • Logodent Naturkosmetik Oral caren (Logona Naturkosmetic)
  • Dr. Brite
  • Healthy Home Company Toothpaste
  • Coral White Toothpaste
  • Healing Scents Toothpaste

Toothpastes with a “One Toothbrush Rating”

  • Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care Toothpaste
  • Tea Tree Toothpaste by Tea Tree Therapy (Uneet Co. Inc.)
  • Vita-Myr toothpaste
  • Xyli White Toothpaste (Now Foods)
  • Cleure Toothpaste

Contact Us to Learn More

Remember that every person is different and that each person may need a slightly different kind of toothpaste for the best oral hygiene results. If you have questions about a certain kind of toothpaste or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Dental Partners of Boston today.

Are Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis Related?

May 5th, 2017 by | No Comments

We take pride in educating our patients on oral hygiene and the importance of maintaining good habits. Oral hygiene has far reaching impacts that go beyond just a healthy smile. There are many links between poor oral hygiene and other diseases and conditions. We want our patients to be educated on these links so that they can understand the importance of regular upkeep on their teeth and the importance of seeing a dentist regularly.

One topic that is of interest is possible links between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.If you have a family history of either of these problems, this might be of particular interest to you. There is research that suggests a link between these two things.

What the research suggests…

University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in Kentucky conducted a study and found that bacterium that causes gum disease seems to also be present in the early onset stages of rheumatoid arthritis. According to their study, they think that the connection could possibly cause rheumatoid arthritis to progress more quickly and even become more severe in nature. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a very debilitating and painful disease, so learning about links like these are helpful to figure out how to aide people with this form of arthritis.

More about the disease and the process…

According to the research, it seems that the bacteria from the gum disease causes a reaction that between some proteins. This makes the body respond to this reaction as if it was an intruder and prompts an immune attack. This attack causes inflammation. If this inflammation becomes chronic, it can destroy cartilage. Dr. Jan Potempa from the study notes that further research will need to be conducted to understand the link more fully.

What does all of this mean?

To reduce chances of this link becoming a factor, regular brushing and flossing as well as seeing your dentist for checkups regularly is important. Maintaining regular, good oral hygiene habits could reduce the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis as this study suggests.

Dental Partner of Boston is committed to giving the best gum disease treatment in Boston. We are here to help you prevent and treat gum disease and also answer any questions you might have about gum and periodontal disease. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Sedation Dentistry Brings Comfort and Peace of Mind

April 26th, 2017 by | No Comments

Sedation Dentistry
If the thought of visiting the dentist sends a chill up your spine, you are not alone. Fear of visiting the dentist is common for 30 to 40 million Americans. At Dental Partners of Boston, we understand that dental anxiety and fear of dental treatment is a common problem. Sedation dentistry is one of the best options available to help patients relax during dental visits. Sedation can be used for all procedures from simple tooth cleanings to dental extractions.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help a patient relax while they are receiving dental procedures. Patients are normally awake during the procedure, but the sedation helps a patient to relax during the procedure.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are three common types of dental sedation:

  • Oral sedation
  • In-office IV sedation
  • General anesthesia

Oral sedation is a medication that is taken prior to a dental appointment. The sedative helps to reduce anxiety, making it easier for a patient to receive multiple dental treatments at one time.

In-office IV sedation is administered through a small needle that is inserted into the hand or arm. IV sedation is recommended for dental patients that have severe anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist. IV sedation works quickly and provides a deeper sedation from oral sedation.

General anesthesia is used when a patient has a severe fear of the dentist and cannot be awake during dental procedures. Patients with physical disabilities and other health issues are good candidates for general anesthesia.

Which Dental Sedation Should I Use?

All three methods of sedation dentistry are available at Dental Partners of Boston and have their advantages to work well in helping to reduce dental anxiety. At Dental Partners of Boston, each dentist is skilled in all three methods of sedation dentistry. We will sit with you to discuss the best option to make it easier for you to receive the dental care you need.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your dental anxiety and dental fears. Our team needs to know your fears so we can provide you with the best sedation option, and aid in helping you throughout your appointment. If you have put off visiting the dentist due to fear of the dentist, the tools, or the procedures, we encourage you to call Dental Partners of Boston today to schedule a consultation. Let our team make it easier for you to receive the dental work you need without all the stress, fear, and frustration that often accompanies dental anxiety.

What to do when a Root Canal Fails

April 20th, 2017 by | No Comments

Root Canal Pain and treatment

Root canals are used when a tooth has an infection in the root of the tooth. Root canals are preferred to extractions as they allow dental patients to keep their tooth intact with only the need for a dental crown to cover the tooth and protect the root. Tooth extraction is an option, but without a dental implant or a bridge, you will be missing a tooth. If you have had a root canal and it has failed, you do have options available to restore your smile.  

Dealing with a Failed Root Canal

If the root canal fails, your first step is to call Dental Partners of Boston right away. We want to get you out of pain as soon as possible. Some root canals require a secondary root canal treatment. However, when a root canal fails, a re-treatment is not always recommended. Tooth extraction is normally the treatment followed as it removes the infected tooth. Extraction keeps the jawbone from being infected by the ailing tooth. With a missing tooth, there is a risk of the bone density decreasing, making it difficult for a dental implant to be placed in the mouth. If the jawbone starts to deteriorate, it can lead to shifting teeth, speech problems, and could even impact your appearance by causing your face to look “sunken in.”  

Why Do Root Canals Fail?

Root canals normally last for many years, but the “dead” tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Root canals will fail if a small amount of bacteria is missed and it is packed into the tooth. The bacteria will continue to multiple and eat away at the tooth. When the root of the tooth is removed, the tooth is now considered weak and can break over time. A dental crown is used to protect the tooth, but it will need to be replaced every 7-10 years.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

If a root canal replaced with a dental implant is the option you are considering, here are some important things you need to know about dental implants:

  • Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth.
  • Dental implants stimulate the jawbone to continue feeding itself with proper nutrients, keeping the bone strong and reducing the risk of having a sunken in appearance.
  • Dental implants look and feel like a traditional tooth.

Don’t let a failed root canal continue to cause you pain! For more information about Boston dental implants, .

Cure Bad Breath with Adult Orthodontic Care

April 11th, 2017 by | No Comments

Bad Breath Treated with Braces

Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth, but they do help with another issue, bad breath. The American Dental Association (ADA) conducted a survey and found that 50 percent of the US population has bad breath. The large majority of individuals with bad breath often find that bad breath is caused from the oral cavity. How can braces assist in curing bad breath?

Braces Close Gaps and Reduce Smell

While many people turn to braces to improve the look of their smile, braces serve another purpose, moving teeth closer to prevent food from getting trapped in the gaps. Gaps between teeth will trap food, this food then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria to start multiplying. Bacteria will cause bad breath, and the smell can continue until it is removed. Closing spaces between the teeth can aid in reducing bad breath.

Battling Bad Breath with Braces

There are moments when individuals wearing braces can experience bad breath problems often due to dry mouth or improper brushing procedures. Learning to care for braces is the best thing you can do to aid in reducing bad breath woes. At Dental Partners of Boston, we recommend the following tips to care for your braces and reduce bad breath issues:

  • Brush and floss daily – Flossing is essential to remove food that is trapped between teeth. Use a floss threader to gently move floss between the teeth and around the brackets of the braces.
  • Use mouthwash – Another way to reduce bad breath is by using mouthwash daily. Mouthwash helps to remove bacteria trapped around the brackets, between the teeth, and under the gums. Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to remove trapped food particles and remove bacteria.
  • Sugar free mints -To reduce the smell, use sugar free mints periodically throughout the day. Mints help to generate saliva in the mouth, which helps to wash bacteria out of the mouth. Always suck on mints to prevent damage to the teeth and to the braces.
  • Visit the dentist – Do not neglect dental visits for regular cleanings and examinations. Cleanings help to remove bacteria that can become trapped near the gums. Dental cleanings and examinations also check for alternative issues that could be causing bad breath.

Our experienced dental team in Boston provides adult orthodontics for a variety of patients. No matter what your situation may be, Dental Partners of Boston can help! Contact our office to make an appointment to learn more information on braces and other orthodontic treatments.

Fix The Wear & Tear Of Age By Fixing Your Two Front Teeth

April 4th, 2017 by | No Comments

Your smile speaks a thousand words and something as simple as your two front teeth being stained or misaligned can lead to several issues from self-esteem problems to stress. Visiting Dental Partners of Boston’s cosmetic dentists is the first step to take towards improving your smile. Your smiles speaks a thousand words and it is one of the first things people notice about you. Here are just a few things people say about a smile with straight teeth:

  • 73% of people surveyed by Kelton Research claimed people with straight teeth seem more trustworthy.
  • 99% of people claim an attractive smile is an important quality.
  • People with straight, perfect teeth are younger looking.

As we age, our teeth start to give away our age as they become discolored, and can have a “sawed off” look. Typically, the front teeth start out as longer from the other teeth and can slowly become shorter from chewing and grinding on them. Grinding the teeth not only causes the teeth to become shorter, it can lead to problems with the enamel over the years. Teeth can often end up having issues with the dentin becoming infected, which can lead to decay within the root of the tooth.

Teeth clenching is one of the most common issues leading to “sawed off” teeth. People often clench their teeth when they are stressed and often do so during sleep. Meeting with a dentist to discuss your clenching is a great way to determine the best treatments and prevention methods. Quite often dentists will use mouth guards to prevent you from grinding your teeth at night, which leads to problems with the enamel.

If you want to transform your smile it is important to work with the right dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry in Boston. While a mouth guard can be used to prevent you from grinding your teeth in your sleep, there are other treatments available to manage the existing issues you may be facing. To correct front teeth that are short or do not look the way you want, consider porcelain veneers or dental crowns.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to increase the length of the teeth. If the teeth are too short, working with a cosmetic dentist to discuss other procedures is the best way to figure out what will work best for your mouth. Dental Partners of Boston specializes in repairing front teeth that have been damaged. Bring youth back into your smile with the right cosmetic dentistry treatments in Boston.