Blog
Information and resources to help you maintain a healthy smile
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May 30, 2022
Are You Wondering about Teeth Whitening?
Can whiter teeth make you more successful?
Actually, yes.
Studies show that teeth whitening improves your confidence. That, in turn, makes you more confident and more likely to be successful in both personal and work relationships. So if you're thinking about teeth whitening but still have questions, here is some information that may help.
Causes of discoloration
Teeth can be discolored or stained either extrinsically or intrinsically. Extrinsic discoloration—staining on the outside of the tooth—is usually caused by environmental factors such as heavily-colored food or drink (wine or cola, dark fruits, etc.). Behaviors such as tobacco use are also a factor. Intrinsic discoloration—color changes inside the enamel or the dentin—can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, medications, and aging.
Both extrinsic and intrinsic stains can often be treated to give you a brighter, whiter smile. But to be successful, a whitening treatment needs to properly address the types of stains being treated. It also needs to be safe for your teeth and gums. That's why it's so important to consult your dentist before choosing or beginning a whitening treatment.
Whitening options
At J. de Graffenried Dentistry, we will help you understand your teeth whitening options so you can make the best choice.
For some patients we recommend in-office whitening. In just one visit, you can have brighter whiter teeth. And our dentists will make sure the whitening products are the safest and most effective options for your needs.
We also have home whitening products and can help you decide whether at-home whitening treatment is a good option for you. At-home whitening is especially popular with teens, and we have products that can even be used with braces.
"Folk" remedies
The Internet is full of suggestions and products for sale that promise to whiten your teeth. The American Dental Association has expressed concern about the safety and effectiveness of these whitening products. Research indicates that some of these products have actually caused yellowed teeth and/or damage to tooth enamel. The ADA strongly recommends that you consult your dentist to determine the safest and most effective whitening options for your teeth.
Interested? Contact us today.
Call our office today at 903-218-4044 to make an appointment. We'll be happy to help you decide the best way to get that brighter, whiter smile.
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April 26, 2022
Are You at Risk for Oral Cancer?
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year, about 53,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the US. Oral cancer accounts for about 3% of total cancers.
Your best defense against oral cancer is regular screening. That's why oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental exam at J. de Graffenried Dentistry. When detected early, oral cancer can usually be treated successfully. But if diagnosis is delayed, the cancer can develop to an advanced stage, and can even be life threatening. That's why we do everything we can to protect our patients through regular screening.
Oral cancer can develop on or under the tongue, the mouth floor, the hard and soft palette, throat, sinuses and cheeks. People over the age of 40 are more likely to be affected by oral cancer. Also, men are more than twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women are. Smoking and alcohol use increase the risk.
Early Warning Signs
Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to remind yourself of the early warning signs and symptoms:
- Persistent pain in the mouth or sores in the mouth that do not heal
- Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Red, white, or speckled patches on the gums, tongue, or other areas in the mouth
- Numbness or loss of feeling in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the gums, cheek, or other areas of the mouth
Take Care of Yourself
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait. Call us today at 903-218-4044 to make an appointment. And if you're due for your regular twice-a-year checkup, make that appointment today. Regular routine screening is the best way to protect yourself from oral cancer.
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March 30, 2022
Do You Need a Crown?
A dental crown is used in many restorative and cosmetic procedures. Crowns have changed over the years, but they've been around a long time. In fact, dentists first began using crowns back in 1903! You may have questions if your dentist suggests a dental crown, so here are the answers to some of the most common questions and concerns.
When is a crown used?
Dental crowns have three main applications:
If a tooth is damaged or weakened, a crown protects the structure and integrity of the tooth and restores a natural, healthy appearance. A crown may be used to protect a tooth with a large filling or one that is weak and likely to break. A crown can also be used to restore a natural appearance to a tooth that is misshapen or discolored.- After an implant procedure, a crown is placed at the top of the implant to give the appearance of a natural tooth.
- When a tooth is missing or removed, crowns support each side of a dental bridge, restoring a natural smile and protecting the teeth from shifting and potentially damaging the bone structure.
What materials are used to make a crown?
Your dentist will help you decide what materials to use for your crown. The most common materials are metal and porcelain. Your dentist may recommend that your crown be made from a combination of materials. For example, the crown may be made of metal for strength, but the front of the crown may be made from porcelain to appear like a natural tooth. Ceramic and resin are also sometimes used.
One huge advantage over those early crowns is that your dentist can match the color of your crown to the teeth around it. You and your dentist will compare color samples to the surrounding teeth and choose the most natural-looking color.
What should I expect if I need a dental crown?
If the crown will cover an existing tooth, your dentist will shape the tooth to make room for the crown. After shaping, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth and the area around it so the crown can be made to fit your tooth exactly. You'll be given a temporary crown to wear while your permanent crown is being made.
After a short wait, you'll return to have your permanent crown placed. The crown will be glued in place—and your tooth will look new and natural.
How do I care for a dental crown?
You should notify your dentist if you experience any discomfort or if the crown feels loose, but most of the time, your crown will feel like any other tooth. And you'll care for it just as you care for your other teeth. Brush twice daily, floss, and use any other dental products recommended by your dentist. Be sure to keep up with your twice-a-year dental check-ups. You may notice a bit of sensitivity, especially to heat and cold. But after a week or two, even that should disappear. Your crown will feel just like a natural tooth.
Learn more about a dental crown.
If you have a weak or damaged tooth—or if you've been putting off a dental procedure—don't wait any longer. Call us today at 903-218-4044 and we'll help you restore your beautiful smile!
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December 22, 2021
A Brighter Smile for a Brighter New Year!
It's been a tough couple of years.
The headlines keep delivering bad news. We're burned out on Covid. We want it gone—but it's still with us.
Need some good news? Here it is!
You can start the New Year on a positive note by boosting your self-confidence with a brighter, whiter smile. Research shows that greater self-confidence leads to a better life. Just look at what the Mayo Clinic has to say:
"When you value yourself and have good self-esteem, you feel secure and worthwhile. You have generally positive relationships with others and feel confident about your abilities. You're also open to learning and feedback, which can help you acquire and master new skills."
In fact, the Mayo Clinic goes on to say that self-confidence affects nearly every area of your life!
How teeth whitening helps
If your teeth are yellowed or dingy, you're likely to feel self-conscious about your smile. You'll probably smile less, which can make other people think you're unfriendly or don't have much of a sense of humor.
Our dentists will help you choose the whitening procedure that is most healthy and convenient for you. After whitening, you'll feel much more confident about your smile.And when you know your smile is attractive, you're much more likely to smile more. Studies have found that smiling is good for you! Smiling releases neuropeptides that fight against stress. Smiling also releases the "feel-good neurotransmitters" that make you feel more positive and relaxed—while also lowering your blood pressure and heart rate! And if that isn't enough, how about this? Other people perceive you as more attractive when you smile.
We're all tired of hearing about contagious viruses, but here's more good news: A smile is contagious too! When you smile, the natural response is for others to smile back at you. That smile helps them feel better, and their smile triggers you to smile again—and BOOM! You just started a chain reaction of contagious smiling that benefits you and everyone around you!
Give yourself a brighter New Year!
Call us today at 903-218-4044 to arrange an appointment. You'll love your brighter, whiter smile!
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November 29, 2021
Benefits of Using a Waterpik
You want healthy teeth, right?
A Waterpik is one of the most efficient ways to improve your oral health and preserve a bright, healthy smile. And with Waterpik as part of your oral hygiene routine, your dental visits will be quicker and easier.Here are four ways you will benefit from using a Waterpik:
1. Using a Waterpik cleans away up to 99.9% of plaque.
Plaque is the cause of many dental health problems. Plaque begins forming on your teeth just a few hours after brushing. Plaque makes your teeth look dingy or yellowed, which may make you self-conscious about your smile. Plaque also contributes to cavities and gingivitis. Plaque is bad! Waterpik gets rid of it, quickly and easily.
2. Waterpik removes 9 times more stain than a regular toothbrush.
After a dental cleaning, your teeth are bright and shiny. Wouldn't you like to keep that brilliant smile all the time? Waterpik helps you do that by cleaning away stains that discolor your teeth. Just imagine how much more confident you'll feel when Waterpik is cleaning away 9 times more stain than your toothbrush can clean? Confidence booster—bring it on!
3. Waterpik gives you healthier gums.
Flossing your teeth is an essential part of your home oral healthcare routine, but many people have a hard time remembering to floss. Some people have large hands that can make flossing difficult. Waterpik solves these problems. It conveniently combines the water flosser with a sonic toothbrush for an easy oral healthcare routine that's quick and easy to use. Waterpik's water flosser sends a stream of water between teeth and below the gum line—giving you a much more complete cleaning that string floss can give. And you'll love the feeling of giving your gums a good massage!
4. Waterpik reaches those hard-to-clean areas.
Dental implants and braces are great ways to improve your dental health and your smile, but they can also create areas that are difficult to clean. These areas can trap bacteria, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Waterpik easily gets into these hard-to-reach areas and cleans 3 times more effectively than regular brushing and string flossing.
Don't miss out on these great benefits of using a Waterpik!
Call our office today at 903-218-4044, and we'll be happy to help you choose the Waterpik that's best for you!
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