Tag: rochester mn dentist

Implants: As stated by the American Dental Association, nothing can take the place of a healthy set of natural teeth. However, when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it’s comforting to know there are options for restoring your smile. Implants are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. They are made of titanium, a strong, lightweight metal. Dental implants can be used for single tooth replacement or as an option to secure dentures.                 The first step for treatment is Read More →

Great inventions don’t have to be complicated. A new survey by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology asked Americans to name five inventions they could not live without. As expected, the smart phone, personal computer and automobile made the list, but the humble toothbrush emerged the undisputed champ as the most prized innovation. It’s been a long road to the top for the toothbrush. Prior to the toothbrush, people used bones, feathers and frayed twigs to clean their teeth.  The first bristle toothbrush was invented in the 15th century in China and was originally concocted of boar’s hair and bone.  The Read More →

                  You’ve heard us recommend them, demonstrate them, and put them on display, but the real question is, should you be using an electric toothbrush? We checked with our hygienists and here is what we found out:  When used properly, electric toothbrushes are able to remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush. The sonic or spinning action that electric toothbrushes provide helps loosen plaque and sweep it away. This can help reduce the risk of gingivitis and may lead to healthier gum tissue. The tooth by tooth cleaning action that electric toothbrushes provide are effective yet gentle with Read More →

It is no persons favorite thing to hear they are not brushing good enough at their dental check-up. Hearing that you have a cavity is even worse! We asked our hygienist, Valerie to give us some tips to avoid spending more time than you bargained for at the dentist.   Use the right size tooth brush.  Children and adults with small mouths should use a smaller brush head. A toothbrush that is too big may not be able to reach all of the tooth surfaces in your mouth. We recommend soft or extra soft toothbrushes. Bristles that are too stiff can 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 →

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 →