Can You Chew Gum And Help Your Teeth At The Same Time?

April 11th, 2011 by | No Comments

DO YOU LOVE CHEWING GUM? Do you like to chew gum because it helps keep your breath fresh? Do you chew gum to relieve stress? Is it just a long-standing habit? If you’re like many of us here at Dental Partners of Boston, gum is a “necessity” that some of us have a hard time going without! Our doctors say, “In fact, ever since Thomas Adams invented chewing gum back in 1870, it’s been one of the most common breath stabilizers around.”

So… How is all this gum chewing affecting our teeth?

Good news! Chewing gum can actually help fight cavities! In fact, Our doctors actually recommend it! The act of chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is a natural buffering and cleaning agent that kills cavity producing acids. In addition, a recent study shows that for those who do not naturally produce a sufficient amount of salivary flow on their own, chewing a piece of gum for 10 minutes each waking hour for about two weeks can help remedy the problem.

Gum is also a great agent in fighting plaque.

Plaque is one of the main cavities and periodontal disease contributors. The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry conducted an 8-week study where volunteers chewed BreathAssure Dental gum for 20 minutes a day while a control group chewed a placebo gum for the same amount of time. All test subjects practiced proper brushing and flossing techniques. The results of the study showed that BreathAssure reduced the accumulation of dental plaque by 35%.

Some types of gum can also contain beneficial artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol, which has been found to inhibit bacterial growth and perhaps even reverse small lesions. However, in order to truly benefit from the Xylitol in gum you need to chew two pieces 3–5 times daily for at least five minutes at a time.

So what’s the catch?

Yes, you guessed it… There’s always a catch, right? Here it is. Brands of gum containing sugar can be harmful to your teeth if they’re chewed too often or taken out of your mouth too soon. If you prefer gum containing natural sugar rather than artificial sweeteners, chew it for at least 15–20 minutes so that your saliva can rinse away the sugar residue once you’ve chewed out all the sugar.

Of course, whether or not you decide to chew gum is your decision—however, if you DO chew it, our dentists strongly recommend choosing a sugarless gum.

If you’re susceptible to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, or other face/jaw pain, the disadvantages of chewing gum may outweigh the benefits.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below:

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Happy chewing!

Enjoy The Confidence That Comes With A Remarkable Smile

April 3rd, 2011 by | No Comments

LET’S FACE IT… We’re not all super excited about the way our genetics have made our smiles look. It’s understandable. Add to that the wear and tear that naturally takes place over the years and many of us end up with a smile that’s less-than-appreciated. That’s where cosmetic dentistry from our doctors here at Dental Partners of Boston in Boston can make a difference.

Cosmetic dentistry, also often called “smile design”, includes many different procedures used to improve the look (and functionality) of your smile. Teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and dental implants are just a few of the treatments our experienced, friendly team provides.

Smile design is both art and science. Our doctors utilize artistic skills, leading-edge techniques, and today’s modern materials—combined with an eye for aesthetic appeal to create smiles that our patients display with pride. Because we strive for perfection in every service we offer, our cosmetic dentistry options are no different. Your complete satisfaction with, and confidence in your new smile is our highest priority.

Studies show that one of the easiest, least invasive things you can do to improve your self confidence is invest in your smile. Do you remember ABC’s Extreme Makeover show several years ago? Many times when makeover recipients were asked, “What is the one thing you did that made the biggest difference in the way you feel about yourself?” they replied “My smile makeover.”

OK…  We know that few of us can look like the movie stars in this video, but think of the self confidence you could have if you loved your smile!

Custom-designed cosmetic dentistry procedures are tailored to your needs after an initial consultation with one of our doctors. Learn more about what we can do for you—and your drop-dead gorgeous smile that awaits!

Creating Beautiful Smiles With Cosmetic Veneers

March 27th, 2011 by | No Comments

ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH YOUR UNEVEN AND/OR DISCOLORED SMILE? Have you noticed small chips or cracks in any of your teeth? Well, don’t worry—our doctors can help! Dental veneers are an affordable and reliable solution to imperfect smiles, and here at Dental Partners of Boston, we’re highly experienced in cosmetic veneer treatments.

Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which the surface of the tooth is covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain composite to protect the tooth from additional damage, and give you the beautiful smile you desire. In fact, veneers can solve most, if not all, of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Uneven Tooth Alignment: Through the years your teeth can become uneven as a result of grinding, or wear and tear.

Wide Spacing: Veneers can (if needed) add an extra layer to widely spaced teeth, filling in those gaps, and giving you a more symmetrical smile.

Worn Enamel: Over time, the thin protective layer of enamel that covers your teeth may become dulled, discolored, and worn. Though this can sometimes be caused by genetics, it’s usually the result of smoking or drinking soft drinks, coffee, and/or tea.

Wear And Tear: As we age, our teeth naturally wear down and become less resilient. Aged teeth are also more susceptible to minor cracks and chips.

Here at Dental Partners of Boston we can help you change the color, shape, alignment, spacing, and length of your teeth using cosmetic veneers! Cosmetic veneers are considered a form of cosmetic dentistry because they create vibrant and beautifully aligned smiles—but, they also protect the surface of your teeth and can help eliminate future damage and additional treatment!

Here’s a short overview video about veneers from the American Dental Association:

Many times, in just two or three visits to our practice, you can walk away with a brand new, gorgeous smile. So what are you waiting for?! Set up an appointment with our doctors today to determine if veneers are right for you!

And don’t forget to Like us on Facebook by clicking on the image below:

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thoughts About Sensitive Teeth

March 22nd, 2011 by | No Comments

READY TO REVIEW A “SENSITIVE” SUBJECT? A sensitive “teeth” topic, that is…

Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we realize that this isn’t an ongoing problem for a lot of our patients. However, it is for some. And, it’s almost certainly a periodic problem for most people.

Our doctors remind us, “Tooth sensitivity can come from many things including sweet or sour foods and hot or cold temperatures. For some, simply biting down can hurt. The resulting pain can be mild to severe—and sometimes very sharp, shooting directly to tooth nerve endings.”

Regardless of the level of pain, tooth sensitivity is not pleasant. If the pain is long lasting or severe, you should probably make an appointment to visit with us. If the pain is minor and/or very occasional, here are a few basic things you can do to help prevent sensitivity:

Proper Brushing

Keeping up great oral hygiene prevents tarter buildup. This helps reduce the risk of exposing nerves. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush causes less abrasion and reduces potential gum recession. There are also several brands of toothpaste that, with regular use, help decrease sensitivity.

Fluoridated Mouthwashes

Daily use of a fluoridated mouthwash can decrease sensitivity.

Avoid Highly Acidic Foods And Drinks

Highly acidic foods and drinks can contribute to the dissolving of tooth enamel, which in turn can increase can sensitivity. Limit such items—including many sports drinks. It can also help to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic items.

Don’t Clinch Or Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding and clenching can also lead to enamel wear, which can cause sensitivity (and a host of other problems). Visit with one of our doctors if you suspect this is a problem you need help with.

As always… Our sincere thanks for the trust you place in our practice. Here at Dental Partners of Boston, we want to be your greatest information resource for preventing and solving tooth sensitivity issues.

Here’s a short video you’ll enjoy about this topic.

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

Don’t forget to take a moment to LIKE our Facebook page!

Overcoming Your Fears Through Communication

March 14th, 2011 by | No Comments

WHY IS IT SO SCARY to visit the dentist? Why do thoughts of napkin-like bibs and strange tools with little mirrors attached give some people the chills? Setting aside the high pitched, nails-on-chalkboard-sound one hears during a cleaning, what else do people worry about? Research shows that 10-20% of people avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety, and 5-10% of people have an actual “dental phobia”—meaning they’ll do just about anything to avoid a visit to the dentist. Some people who have extreme dental anxiety have good reasons. But here at Dental Partners of Boston, we want you to feel at ease and comfortable.

Perhaps it came from a previous negative experience with a procedure or with a dentist. In other cases, some people just don’t like the feeling of being so close to the dentist, or the lack of control they feel while they’re lying in the chair. WebMD talks about some ways to help this kind of anxiety.

Simply put, one way is to just tell one of our doctors, or a team member, about your fears. With 75% of us having some level of fear, it’s common. You don’t need to feel alone. The doctors here didn’t become dentists to scare people—they became dentists because they wants to help people. So, if you hate tight spaces, or you don’t like not understanding what we’re doing in your mouth, it’s OK to let us know. In fact, we WANT you to tell us. It helps us help you.

We’ll gladly explain each dental tool before we use it, and give you extra time to thoroughly rinse out your mouth. And although we can’t promise miracles, we can even try to stop asking you questions while you have something in your mouth!

By the way… Have you had a chance to “Like” our Facebook page yet? Here are three great reasons to do so:

1. Content That’s Relevant

Concise info and posts about your comfort, health, and appearance—things you’ll use and find interesting. Meaningful content at your fingertips without searching.

2. Take Advantage Of Exclusive Offers

Take advantage of promotions and offers ONLY available to our fans.

3. Being Part Of Our Practice Culture Is Easy And Fun

Fun? A dental practice… fun? YES! What’s cool about connecting with us is that it’s honest, transparent, and spontaneous. Be assured you’re with the right dentist by getting to know us in this untraditional, and un-staged way. You’ll get to know our practice better, and we’ll get to know you better, too.

Just click on the logo below:

Thanks for being our valued patient!

We Want To Hear From YOU!

March 6th, 2011 by | No Comments

HERE AT DENTAL PARTNERS OF BOSTON WE LOVE TO TALK ABOUT SMILES. In fact, we’re a little bit obsessed with them. So…for today we want to hear your opinions about smiles! Take a moment and let us know what you think…

Must A Smile Be “Perfect” To Be Remarkable?

A teeth whitening review website recently wrote a blog post about the 5,000 female celebrity smiles that they reviewed. They then made their own judgement call about who they believed the Top 10 best smiles to be. Obviously, it’s all subjective—but it’s still fun nonetheless!

Here at DPB, we don’t think a smile has to perfect to be beautiful. As you’ll see below, some of the celebrity’s smiles are closer to “textbook” perfect than others, but what truly makes them shine is how comfortable they are when they smile! It’s quite unforgettable.

Being confident with your smile makes such a big difference in the way you live your life. We see it time and time again. Even subtle changes can make a remarkable difference in the lives of many of our patients. Please, don’t hesitate to visit with any of our qualified dentists about your smile. We love talking about these kinds of things—and would never make you feel uncomfortable about sharing your feelings or concerns.

OK… Now We’d Like To Hear YOUR Opinions!

Do you agree with the smiles above? Who would you include or exclude?

Please submit a comment below or click on the Facebook logo and comment on our Facebook wall. Feel free to upload an image of someone you know who has a remarkable smile. Share! We look forward to hearing from you.

As always, thanks for being our valued patients and friends.

There’s No Age Limit To A Great Smile!

February 26th, 2011 by | No Comments

DID YOU KNOW THAT TOOTH LOSS for those of you making your way over the hill usually has NOTHING to do with aging and EVERYTHING to do with gum disease—a disease that is also linked to diabetes, cancer, and heart problems?!

Luckily, this fact means that you DON’T have to become a victim simply because life wants to wear you down. As average life spans are increasing, it is even more important to understand your aging smile. And, as with any age smile, there are a few Musts, Shoulds, and Coulds that you should take into consideration:

Some “Musts”

  • As we get older, our receding gums can expose roots to cavities and decay. Don’t ever postpone your regular professional visits with Dr. Guzman or any of our other doctors.
  • Some of you might have dental work in your mouths that is many decades old. Even if this dental work many not seem to be bothering you, it is greatly increasing the potential of decay setting in around the edges of old fillings or crowns. See one of our Dentists here at Dental Partners of Boston to be sure you aren’t at risk.

Some “Shoulds”

  • Modern dental implants look, feel, and function as well as natural teeth. If you have been unfortunate enough as to experience tooth loss, then advanced restorative implants might be just the solution for you.
  • Boost self confidence. 90% of dental implant patients who previously had dentures say that their confidence is up, and that the procedure is well worth repeating.

Some “Coulds”

  • More and more elderly patients are now deciding to keep their natural teeth and beautify their existing smiles with cosmetic veneers. It’s a simple procedure and there’s very little discomfort. Now you can too.

Here at DPB we want to be sure that each of our senior patients are well cared for. If you know of an elderly loved one who really should have a dental visit, but is perhaps afraid, or unable to see the value, please let us know. We are very sensitive to those fears, and we can help you.

Also, don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook Page. It’s a great way to keep track of everything going on in our office that affects your family’s oral health.

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Dental Implant Basics

February 19th, 2011 by | No Comments

FROM COMMON THINGS LIKE WEAR AND TEAR, TO TRAUMA ORDISEASE, some adults have experienced permanent tooth loss. Regardless of the level of loss, patients share experiences of oral discomfort and a lack of confidence as a result. Of course, permanent tooth loss is something our entire team always does their best to prevent. However, it isn’t always possible. The good news is that today there are beautiful and highly functional solutions.

Implant dentistry is not new, although from its original origins in the 50’s it has come a long way. Initial discoveries came when scientists learned how bones can fuse with titanium, making natural bone support possible. Today, our dentists use this original discovery to copy the root and tooth system that your mouth naturally has.

Implants are first placed within the gum line. After placement, they are given 3–6 months healing time to ensure complete and proper fusion. This time span depends on how long your body needs to heal properly. After the implants have healed, the custom crown, bridge, or dentures can be placed. After this placement  you are left with a solution is much stronger and long lasting than other traditional methods, giving you the confident smile you desire.

As with most dental procedures, dental implants begin with a consultation with one of our dentists at Dental Partners of Boston. This visit will give you the chance to ask any questions and allow us the chance to create a custom-tailored plan that best meets your needs.

Here is a quick view of how a dental implant works:

To learn more about how implant dentistry corrects and enhances smiles, schedule an appointment to visit with us.

We are excited about the new ways of connecting with you. Visit us on Facebook to keep up with our practice between visits, see what promotions we are offering, or join a discussion on our wall. Or check us out on Twitter and write a review on Yelp!

Dental Care During Pregnancy

February 11th, 2011 by | No Comments

QUALITY DENTAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE ON YOUR TEETH IS VITAL when you’re pregnant. Not only is gum disease linked to birth defects such as prematurity, but pregnant women are prone to more oral health issues of their own during those important nine months.

When pregnant, women usually experience more issues with gingivitis and gum problems because of the radical hormone changes. In addition, gums can be more easily irritated, causing inflammation and/or bleeding.

Remember… although hormones do increase the potential for dental problems, plaque is still the underlying cause of most gingivitis problems. This means that carefully maintaining your oral care can significantly reduce potential problems; constant attention better insures a healthy mouth during your pregnancy.

So, what can you do to ensure you maintain YOUR oral health, and YOUR BABY’S health, during pregnancy? The first advice we’ll give is probably exactly what your doctor has been advising you about—eating healthy! Consuming foods with a high sugar content can cause plaque and gingivitis for anybody, but the effects can easily be exaggerated during pregnancy.

It’s important to keep your scheduled dental checkups while you’re pregnant to be sure problems don’t arise. The very best time for these appointments is between your fourth and sixth months of pregnancy. This window is an important time in the baby’s development—and it’s suggested that dental appointments be done BEFORE the last trimester because of added stress during that time.

Everyone wants to stay healthy during their pregnancy to help ensure that their baby will be healthy as well. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the best way to do this. Let us know that you’re pregnant when you contact us so we can best assist you. Be comfortable in knowing that your oral health and your baby’s health are in the best hands.

Our entire team thanks you for being our valued patients. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with things happening in our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health and wellness!

We look forward to seeing you again soon!

All About Dental Sealants

February 5th, 2011 by | No Comments

OK…WE KNOW THAT THE TOPIC OF “DENTAL SEALANTS” HARDLY SOUNDS EXCITING, and it may not be the funnest thing to talk about, but this simple and quick procedure is one of the easiest things we can do for you to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Our Doctors here at Dental Partners of Boston recommend that sealants be used as preventive dental care for most children. Unlike adults, children’s teeth have small depressions and grooves in them that make them harder to properly clean by mere brushing alone. Sealants offer protection to these small depressions and grooves and help keep plaque from forming in the small crevices. Even though it’s ideal to get sealants as a child, adults are also often good candidates for them.

Sealants can easily be applied during a very short visit here at our office. After we have cleaned and prepped your teeth, we will paint the sealing solution directly onto your tooth surfaces. We then use a curing light to harden the sealant and can then send you on your way—no need to wait to eat or drink. Routine dental checkups will allow us to keep tabs on your sealants and make sure they stay in good condition.

Sealants are oftentimes covered by many insurance agencies, and the procedure can last up to 10 years—meaning that one application can last from childhood well into adulthood. To see whether or not it’s the right time to get sealants for your children or yourself, feel free to ask us using our contact form. Or, send us a message on Twitter or on Facebook with your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.