Author: Kimberly

How is radiation measured? Radiation is measured in units called Sieverts. Because of the small amount of radiation emitted during dental x-rays, it is measured in MicroSieverts (one millionth of a Sievert). Many patients are concerned about the amount of radiation we get from dental x-rays, so we’d like to give you something to compare this to. How much radiation is significant? Doses of radiation below 100,000 MicroSieverts indicates that risks of health effects are either too small to be observed or are nonexistent. The bitewing x-rays we take are only 0.03% of this amount! The potential health risk from dental Read More →

Many patients have asked our administrative staff, “why do I need to update my health history form? Nothing has changed.”  So, we asked one of our hygienists, Christina, to help us understand what your health history has to do with your dental visits. “I’m here to tell you that the information you provide us with on these forms can tell us a lot about your oral health. Your overall health can affect your oral health in many ways, a few of which I will discuss below. A possible link between periodontal (gum) disease and the risk of heart disease has been studied for Read More →

One of the most common questions our assistants and hygienists are asked by patients is “do I really need those sealants?” We asked one of our assistants to help you understand why we recommend sealants. Dental sealants are a clear and protective coating material applied to the depressions and grooves of chewing surfaces to protect teeth from decay. Sealants are most often recommended for children and teenagers at the time premolars and molars begin erupting, but can also be recommended for adults. The back teeth (molars) have numerous pits and grooves which are difficult to cleanse of food particles and bacterial Read More →

We asked our hygienists here at Family Dentist Tree how your pregnancy can affect your oral health; here is what they said: “You may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones that can cause your gums to exaggerate a normal reaction to plaque. Changes in your hormone levels can cause swollen gums that bleed during brushing and flossing (pregnancy gingivitis). If plaque isn’t removed daily, it can eventually harden into tarter and may increase your risk of gingivitis. If your gingivitis was diagnosed prior to your pregnancy, the Read More →

With so many types of toothpaste out there such as tartar control, whitening, sensitivity, cavity prevention, and many more, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you! We are often asked by our patients what types we suggest they use. Here are some basic recommendations, but it is always a good idea to consult your dentist or hygienist about what may be best for you. It can be difficult to know what type of toothpaste is right for your child. Children who are unable to spit toothpaste out after brushing (ages 0-3) require a rice sized amount of Read More →

Finger or thumb sucking can be a way for children to find comfort; however, in many cases it can also affect a child’s teeth, jaw, and speech. Three of the most common affects of finger or thumb sucking are: An overbite: a protrusion of the upper front teeth. An openbite: the front teeth do not come together (accommodating the thumb or finger). Posterior crossbite: the upper teeth move inside the lower teeth. In these cases, orthodontics (braces) may be necessary to resume health and normal function. These cases can become more complex for a child who’s finger or thumb sucking habit is affecting his/her permanent Read More →

The standard in dental permanent crowns has changed dramatically in the last five years. The most durable and natural looking, tooth colored crowns available today to restore your teeth can now be made and placed in a single day. What are the benefits of choosing a same day crown? In the past only a professional dental lab could make a crown, making our patients wear a temporary crown for up to several weeks. A second appointment was required to place the permanent crown. With this new technology we are able to complete your crown in one visit, eliminating the need for a second Read More →

  Most commonly, gum tissue bleeds because it is inflamed. Inflamed gum tissue (a.k.a. gingivitis) occurs when the bacteria in plaque and tartar cause the gum tissue to become swollen and reddish. Inflamed gum tissue also bleeds when touched with floss or a tooth brush. So what can you do? Start by cleaning your teeth as thoroughly as you can with brushing and daily flossing. Good oral hygiene should improve the situation in a few days; however, a visit with your dentist is required to rule out periodontal disease or systemic medical problems contributing to your bleeding gums. Although good brushing Read More →

First, if the tooth is a baby tooth, DON’T plan on replanting the tooth. Replanting baby teeth can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth and is not recommended. However, if the tooth is a permanent tooth, grab the tooth by the crown (not the root) and very gently clean any debris off the tooth with water, being careful not to remove and tissue attached to the root. Next, gently insert the tooth back into the socket (you can do it!) Make sure the tooth isn’t in there backwards (easy mistake) and call your dentist ASAP. If you cannot bring Read More →

If you suffer from bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, you are not alone. Dental studies have found that up to 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition to blame. Bad breath, or a bad taste in the mouth, may be a warning sign of gum disease, decay, or an abscessed tooth. Don’t let bad breath keep you from social situations. Make an appointment with your dentist for a check-up and cleaning to help you significantly reduce or eliminate bad breath. We asked Samantha, a Licensed and Certified Dental Assistant and Administrative Assistant at Family Dentist Read More →