Ten Terrific Tooth Tips. Family and Cosmetic Dentist Irvine.

Archive for the ‘General Dentistry’ Category

Ten Terrific Tooth Tips

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cost of dental crowns In addition to cleanings and checkups, Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA likes to share useful information to help you stay on top of your dental health. So without further introduction, here are some terrific tooth tips:

  1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw.
  2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue – it provides a cozy home for bacteria.
  3. Floss before you brush so that tooth bristles can better reach between teeth.
  4. If you can’t brush after a meal, chew some sugarless gum with xylitol. Xylitol may curb the growth of bacteria on your teeth to reduce plaque formation.
  5. Eat carbohydrates with meals instead of alone, as snacks. More saliva is generated while eating a meal and this can lessen the effects of carbs sitting on your teeth.
  6. An oral fluoride rinse used right before bedtime adds an extra measure of decay deterrence. Fluoride rinses – not traditional mouthwash – work best when swished over teeth for at least thirty seconds after flossing and brushing. After spitting it out, don’t rinse with water. Let the residue protect and strengthen your enamel all night long. This is especially important for kids – just make sure they don’t swallow it.
  7. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that unhealthy blood sugar levels can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We can help you maintain oral health in spite of your condition.
  8. Beware of the dental risks of chronic dry mouth (aka xerostomia). Continual saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth lubricated, washing the food from tooth surfaces, and neutralizing the acid caused by plaque.
  9. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth.
  10. Wearing a mouthguard when you participate in sports can prevent tooth injury.

At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we want all our patients to take good care of their teeth. Brush and floss daily, and see us for a checkup every six months. Services include general and restorative dentistry. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach trust us with their dental health. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to autopilot morning and night and get it done. But Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA has a question: are you doing it right? We ask this in all seriousness. There is always room for improvement, even in something as basic as brushing your teeth.

Essential Dental Health

Brushing, after all, is an important part of any daily dental health routine. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We strongly recommend flossing, too. Before or after you brush? The jury remains out on that one. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it. Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops. When you do the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. As you do the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes.

Toothpaste

Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste – or more than pea-sized, if you’re so inclined. A little extra is no big deal, but be sure to use enough. Be sure the head of the toothbrush isn’t too big, especially if you have a smaller mouth. It needs to fit easily between your cheeks and gums. The handle is less important. Make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Replace your toothbrush every three months, if not more often.

Tooth Massage

Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub very hard to remove it. Think of it not so much as brushing, but massaging your teeth and gums. With that in mind you should you be able to keep a light touch. Finally, brush for at least two minutes. If you’re running late, and are tempted to cut it short, resist. If it helps, use a stopwatch. You’ve probably got one on your smart phone. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. People come from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach for adult orthodontics, complete family dentistry, and lots more. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Is Your Smile In A World Of Hurt?

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full mouth reconstruction Do you have extreme tooth damage, bone loss, or few to no remaining teeth? This post from Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA is for anyone whose mouth is in a world of hurt. First off, we feel for you. We understand how severe dental issues impact you every day of your life.

Whatever the cause of the condition – chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, extreme mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health – there is hope.

Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, attractive smile or give you the sensational smile you never had. Patients who undergo full mouth reconstruction regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally. How would that impact your life? Replacing missing teeth and adding bone through grafting restores underlying facial structure, improving or preventing that “sunk-in” look that occurs when teeth are gone and the jawbone recedes.

Full mouth reconstruction (sometimes called full mouth restoration) is a term that refers to a combination of dental procedures that restore a smile for people with numerous damaged or missing teeth.

Treatment may include any combination of the following procedures: crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, white filling replacement, tooth implants, porcelain veneers, implant-anchored dentures, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts, and tooth whitening. Dental implants are usually the best tooth replacement for St. Mary’s Dental patients with missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. If there is not enough bone to anchor an implant, bone grafting may be carried out to augment existing bone.

The post integrates with the bone to provide a strong foundation for the abutment and beautiful crown. Dental implants are indistinguishable from original teeth in both form and function. If you currently have dentures, talk to us about implant-anchored full or partial dentures.

Significant improvements can be made even if you only get two or three tooth implants. Crowns (sometimes called caps) are used when there is enough viable tooth structure that the tooth doesn’t need to be extracted. A crown adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured. A crown can fix a bite misalignment and is usually required after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures that don’t simply renew your smile: they can give you back a big part of your life. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach also come to our practice for complete cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

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Periodontal Disease in Irvine Though most Irvine residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we see patients with gum disease every day.

Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until doctor Emil Hawary diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile and can create cosmetic concerns. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.

When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be managed and, ultimately, cured. However, the best policy for Alabama dental patients is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental checkup at your local Irvine dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Don’t take the risk of allowing existing dental problems like gum disease to progress. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are enthusiastic about the highest standard of dental care and patient satisfaction.

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?

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One of our most important roles at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA is helping

our patients maintain the best possible dental health. Regular cleanings and checkups are essential. Some of our patients have problems with mouth sores, which is the topic of this message. If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two, it is important to come in for an exam, even if your six-month checkup isn’t due for a while. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment aids in preventing more serious issues. If required, treatment and pain relief can be offered. In extreme cases, we will refer you to a medical professional who specializes in ailments that can cause mouth sores. There are two types of mouth sores: canker sores and cold sores.

  • Canker sores are small and ulcer-like, with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth, and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Canker sore usually heal in a week or two. Antimicrobial mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods aids in temporary relief while your sore is healing.
  • Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but typically heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics furnish relief.

For either condition, we can advise you on the best treatment. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. People from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Is Grandpa Smiling?

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elderly oral health How are Americans doing when it comes to the dental health of those who are sixty-five and over? Well, at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we have some good news and bad news.

The Good News:

  • Tooth decay rates in older Americans has decreased in the past thirty years.

The Bad News:

  • 25% of people over sixty-five have no remaining teeth
  • Nearly 20% have untreated cavities
  • 10% of adults 65 and over have moderate to severe periodontal disease.
  • There is evidence to suggest that advanced gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease
  • Most older Americans don’t have dental insurance
Clearly, there is room for improvement. What elements will improve the oral health of older Americans? The National Institutes of Health cite three things:
  • Improved oral health education for the elderly
  • Seniors practicing effective daily oral hygiene
  • Increased access to dental care
At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are committed to providing all of our patients with comprehensive oral health education and care. People from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to us for our full range of general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Why You Shouldn’t Dread Going To The Dentist

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gentle dentist Countless people see their stress levels rise as they anticipate an upcoming dental appointment. It’s so common there’s a term for it: dental anxiety. But a calm and comfortable atmosphere, as well as a focus on patient communication, can often be the best answer to this sort of stress.

 

This is what we offer at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA can help even severe cases get the dental care they deserve. Some people get so concerned at the thought of a dental checkup that they’ll put it off for months, even years. In severe cases, they’ll avoid the dentist completely, and trust to daily flossing and brushing to keep their teeth and gums in good shape.

We’ll never discourage regular flossing and brushing, but skipping the dentist is never a good idea. No matter how good a job you do with dental hygiene, even if it’s brushing after every meal and right before bed, it is no substitute for a dental checkup. But we understand how difficult it is, for whatever reason, for some people to get themselves to our office. Our unique, patient-centered approach has helped hundreds of people get through their appointments.

We pride ourselves in three calming, anxiety-reducing factors:

Patient Communication: Most fear stems from ignorance. With our direct approach, you’ll have all the information about your procedure communicated to you in simple terms. This way, you can choose which treatments you are comfortable.

Topical Anesthesia: Over the last few decades, local anesthetics have become incredibly effective at numbing pain. This, combined with a dental team that is ready to coach you through your treatment, means you are in safe, pain-free hands.

Patient Amenities: Whether you need a glass of water, a re-explanation of a procedure, or even calming music, we are at your service. We will strive to make this appointment as close to a spa experience as possible! Never take the chance of compromising your dental health by skipping the dentist. Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA can help you overcome your dental phobia. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach rely on us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Remake Your Smile With Bonding And Shaping

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Remake Your Smile With Bonding And Shaping When you think about getting into shape, your teeth are probably not the first body parts that come to mind.

But at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we can provide a smile redesign with bonding and enamel shaping, and you won’t even have to join a gym!

Bonding is a great way to improve the appearance of teeth that are cracked, stained, broken, chipped, or have large spaces between them. The process consists of applying tooth-colored materials and “bonding” them to the tooth surface.

Often used in conjunction with bonding, enamel shaping is the process of modifying teeth by contouring or removing enamel. It’s a quick, painless procedure with dramatic results that are almost immediate.

The dental team at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA prioritizes patient communication and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about these and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach also come to us for general dentistry and dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Your Dentist Does A Lot More Than Fill Cavities

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Bad Breath Treatment Boston At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA we are a primary care dental provider, a role that we take very seriously. When you come in for your regular checkup we will give you a thorough examination and cleaning to ensure you have good dental health. There are nearly 150,000 dentists practicing in North America (someone really does keep track), and most of them are general or family dentists. That means you can turn to us for a wide range of services, including matters related to overall health. The link between your dental health and general health is well-established. Other available services include:
  • Prevention. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. With daily brushing and flossing at home and regular checkups with us, you can prevent tooth decay. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime!
  • Restoration. Even with good care, things can go wrong. If we find a problem we can treat it. The most common is filling a cavity, but we can repair a chipped tooth and treat gum disease, too. There are other advanced procedures available, like root canal therapy.
  • Cosmetic dentistry. Has your smile lost its luster? We can transform your smile with a range of cosmetic procedures, from teeth whitening to porcelain veneers.
Just how important are regular checkups? If your eyes are windows to your soul, the mouth is a window into your overall health. We can detect health problems in other parts of the body. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA we provide comprehensive general and family dentistry. Patients from throughout Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach also come to us for dental implants, and much more. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure at Art of Dentistry in Irvine, CA, please call 949-955-3366 to schedule your dental appointment today.

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Multiple Award Winning Dentist in cosmetic dentistry

Art of Dentistry Institute
2646 Dupont Dr., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: 949-955-3366
Fax: 949-955-3377

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