Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

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Proper Care of a Child’s Teeth

19 Jan

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Your child’s teeth and smile are important for more reasons than just aesthetics. Your child needs to develop good dental habits, and proper care of their teeth and gums begins with you. Caring for your child’s mouth includes brushing and rinsing, routine dental exams, and any necessary dental treatments. This can include fluoride, extractions, fillings, or braces and more.

Your child’s overall good health is affected by healthy teeth and gums. Poorly developed and teeth can result in poor nutrition, painful and dangerous infections, and problems with speech development, not to mention self-image.

Proper care of a Child’s Teeth

  • The child's teeth and gums should be brushed at least twice daily and especially before bed.
  • Your child should see a dentist every 6 months.
  • When your child gets permanent teeth, they should begin flossing every night before bed.
  • When your child reaches the age of 6, braces and other orthodontic appliances may be needed to prevent long-term problems.

For a pediatric dental visit, contact Dream Smile Dental or call (781) 330-0900.

New Year’s Resolution #1: Improve my Appearance

28 Dec

Posted by Joseph Coupal

One of your resolutions this New Year may be to get fit, or in some other way improve your appearance. Well if it is more than just your weight or the shape of your body you want to improve, perhaps your smile needs a lift. Cosmetic Dentistry or Teeth Whitening may be an answer for you.

Through teeth whitening, the goal is a natural bright smile, not a startling white smile. The objective of teeth whitening, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures is to have your peers wonder “what has changed” about you.

Your coworkers and your family will ask if you’ve lost weight, have you had your hair done, is that a new outfit?

With less work and less money, you can affect your appearance and instantly have more self confidence than you have ever had. Dream Smile Dental was the first dental office in New England to introduce Laser Teeth Whitening; we have had over 15 years of whitening experience. Rather than attempting over-the-counter whitening methods, you should consult your dentist, because it is possible that bonding or porcelain veneers could be the better solution to your specific case.

Contact Dream Smile Dental in Canton for information and a consultation for your cosmetic dentistry or teeth whitening needs.

Bad Breath and How to Avoid It

02 May

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Halitosis is the technical name for bad breath. Halitosis is the third-most-frequent reason for going to the dentist, behind tooth decay and periodontal disease. The intensity of bad breath changes during the day, because of eating certain foods, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Bad breath may be transient or persistent. Transient bad breath disappears after eating, brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash.

Persistent or chronic bad breath is a more serious condition, affecting 25% of the population in varying degrees. At Dream Smile Dental, we have some tips for you to rid yourself of bad breath.

Tongue scraping- Bacteria collects on the tissue of your tongue and causes a bad odor. To avoid this, brush your tongue while brushing your teeth with your tooth brush or a tongue scraper.

Regular flossing- Bacteria can colonize in the gums between the teeth and if not removed at least once per day, an unpleasant odor can result. The solution: Floss at least once per day!

Regular hygiene visits- The hygienist uses special instruments to remove plaque and calculus leaving your teeth biologically sound. A toothbrush and floss alone, no matter how frequently used, cannot reach areas that the dental hygienist can. It’s important to attend regular hygiene visits to stop periodontal disease from developing.
 
Regular Dental Exams- Tooth decay is also a form of disease. Bacteria cause the tooth to erode which releases a foul odor. To detect any untreated decay it’s important to come in for a dental exam at least twice per year.

Regular use of alcohol-free mouthwash- Mouthwash helps lower the level of bacteria that causes bad breath. We recommend using alcohol-free mouthwash to prevent from dry-mouth.

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol- Chewing gum helps loosen soft depositing that may accumulate on your teeth after eating and in between brushing.

The right toothbrush- An electric toothbrush is far superior in removing the bacterial layer than a manual toothbrush. Use an electric toothbrush and make sure to replace the head every 3 months.
 

Neuromuscular Dentistry Eliminates TMJ

28 Apr

Posted by Joseph Coupal

There are three different factors which determine your bite: teeth, muscles and joints. Neuromuscular dentistry uses modern technology to assess the function -or dysfunction- of the jaw by evaluating all of these and creating the optimum bite for your jaw structure while creating your new beautiful smile.

If you suffer from headaches, ear congestion, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, neck pain, jaw clenching or teeth grinding, jaw joint pain, and even nervousness or insomnia this treatment can pinpoint the source. In evaluating your teeth, and the muscles and joints of your jaw, you can alleviate TMJ disorders and in the process, get the smile you have always dreamed of.

There are various types of muscles located in the face and neck that hold your jaw, control the movement of your jaw, and allow you to chew and swallow; all of which is done subconsciously. If your bite is off, your body automatically strains the muscles of your jaw, working the muscles extra hard. This is why the temporomandibular joints become over stressed and TMJ occurs. The goal of Dream Smile Dental is to find and restore your jaw to its natural, optimal position. TMJ disorders are eliminated by restoring your jaw to that position where the muscles, teeth and joints are in balance.   This takes the pressure off of your joints and overstrained muscles, eliminates jaw or teeth clenching, and allows for your muscles to act naturally, and with no effort, make your jaw function properly.

Visiting Your Dentist Before Cosmetic Procedures Is Highly Recommended

08 Apr

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Those who are fond of reading magazines and watching television are often curious how those models have such shiny white teeth. Well, there are people who are really gifted when it comes to their teeth. All they need is a little maintenance and they can have that bright smile for a long time. There are also people who have teeth that are easily broken or damaged. Some dentists say it is because of the lack of calcium in their body. However, we can all have that bright white smile by undergoing some dental procedures.

The most sought after treatments center around cosmetic dentistry, which has great benefits for people who have oral problems. Cosmetic Dentstry is proven to be very effective in restoring your smile. There are procedures that can be accomplished in a day's work but there are some processes that will take more time to accomplish .. such as those procedures that require surgery. The majority of restoration procedures are affordable and well worth the investment. Cosmetic dentists specialize in teeth whitening that can take as little as one visit. There are other procedures that are involved like dental bridges, gum surgery, veneers and implants. The presence of black spots can be solved by filling up your tooth with tooth colored fillings. We can also fix dentures, lengthen your crown, and repair cracked teeth all with the help of cosmetic dentistry.

The demand for cosmetic dentistry has sky rocketed over the past few years. Increasing your confidence can be done through cosmetic dentistry, in great thanks to the advancement of technology and science.

Cosmetic Dentistry Defined

06 Apr

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field using dental procedures to restore and beautify teeth. It is very popular today and more and more people are opting for cosmetic dental procedures to improve their appearance, comfort and lifestyle.

People see cosmetic dentists for different reasons, one being basic comfort. Whether from accidents or through genetics, your teeth may have been broken or have grown in a way that causes you general discomfort. If orthodontic work has not been successful, or is not possible in some cases, the best alternative for many is cosmetic dentistry.

Others undergo cosmetic dentistry in order to enhance their smile. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more common for the general population. People in every industry and field are turning to cosmetic dentists to get the smile they have always wanted.

Also, seniors are finding that through implants and veneers they can increase the life of their teeth and their overall comfort, and are choosing functional cosmetic dentistry. An alternative to dentures is priceless for many.

Often people do not even realize that their dental work is considered cosmetic. Veneers, bleaching and invisible braces are all part of cosmetic dentistry. There are a number of cosmetic dental procedures available today. Some of the most common are teeth whitening, to restore the normal color of discolored teeth; veneers, which are placed on the outside of a tooth mainly for smile enhancement; and dental implants, which are used to replace missing teeth.

Whether you are interested in cosmetic dentistry for the look or for durability, the dentists at Dream Smile Dental can provide you with excellent care and quality when it comes to veneers, bleaching and invisible braces, or any dental procedure, cosmetic or otherwise.

Kick Start Proper Oral Hygiene Habits in Your Child With These Helpful Tips

28 Feb

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Most parents understand their child's sentiments on dentists. Dental visits are important for children but children sometimes feel uncomfortable with dental professionals because dental appointments may cause discomfort. We suggest that parents take an active role in their child's oral health to address their child's fear of going to the dentist.

If you've noticed your child is lagging behind in oral health practices try sitting down with one of our professional dentists. We can provide some advice and tips for maintaining proper oral health habits. For other useful suggestions, you may also try the following tips. 

Open communication with your child is the best way. Talk to your child about your personal experiences with dentists, proper brushing, and other oral hygiene practices so your child can relate to what you're saying. Your child's oral health sometimes depends on the attention you give so make sure that you give your child enough time.


Some children need extra help when it comes to maintaining oral health. For instance, some children who unconsciously grind their teeth should have a mouth guard to counteract this habit's negative effects. Younger children may need a timer when brushing their teeth so they utilize full time brushing.

For younger children providing a reward for your child after dental visits can be a huge incentive. Such as a toy or increasing their allowance for that week. Maintaining proper oral health in children goes a long way. As the child grows up they will continue with those habits and have fewer problems with their teeth later on in life. Contact us today to learn more about oral health and signing up for your next appointment.

Obtain a Bright Beautiful Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

15 Feb

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Those who are fond of reading magazines and watching television are often curious how those models have such shiny white teeth. Well, there are people who are really gifted when it comes to their teeth. All they need is a little maintenance and they can have that bright smile for a long time. There are also people who have teeth that are easily broken or damaged. Some dentists say it is because of the lack of calcium in their body. However, we can all have that bright white smile by undergoing some dental procedures.

The most sought after treatments center around cosmetic dentistry, which has great benefits for people who have oral problems. Cosmetic Dentstry is proven to be very effective in restoring your smile. There are procedures that can be accomplished in a day's work but there are some processes that will take more time to accomplish .. such as those procedures that require surgery. The majority of restoration procedures are affordable and well worth the investment. Cosmetic dentists specialize in teeth whitening that can take as little as one visit. There are other procedures that are involved like dental bridges, gum surgery, veneers and implants. The presence of black spots can be solved by filling up your tooth with tooth colored fillings. We can also fix dentures, lengthen your crown, and repair cracked teeth all with the help of cosmetic dentistry.

The demand for cosmetic dentistry has sky rocketed over the past few years. Increasing your confidence can be done through cosmetic dentistry, in great thanks to the advancement of technology and science.

Important Information Regarding Wisdom Teeth Removal

10 Feb

Posted by Joseph Coupal

You might be thinking what is so important about our wisdom teeth when they can get us in so much trouble because of the pain. If you are currently suffering from this kind of pain, maybe it would help you to learn some important facts about removing wisdom teeth. Our wisdom teeth usually emerge while we are at the ages of 17 to 21 and these are the third set of molars that we get. To many people, this can be the start of some serious tooth problems.

The problem with our wisdom teeth is that they often grow in the wrong way. This can cause the other teeth in the arch to get pushed out of alignment. This in turn, can cause some really bad teeth formations where other dental problems may also arise from. Among the worst that could happen is when the wisdom tooth grows through the gum causing an opening where bacteria, plaque, and other debris can enter and get trapped. This is usually the cause of the severe wisdom tooth pain that we often experience.

Therefore, the most common and suitable treatment for this wisdom tooth pain is to remove them. Here are 5 tips you should know about removing your wisdom teeth.

1. The extraction of the wisdom teeth depends on their position.

If your wisdom tooth is completely erupted from the gum, then it is much easier to remove it. The problem lies when the wisdom are deeply rooted into the gum and jawbone.

2. Will you feel any pain?

The pain caused by the pulling of the teeth can range from minimal to almost none existent. This is because your gum and the teeth will be numbed prior to the procedure of removing wisdom tooth. If the dentist decides that you need to be sedated, you will be given a sedating medication to minimize or eliminate any anxiety you might be feeling.

3. How fast can you recover from the procedure?

The speed of your recovery will depend on the difficulty of the removing of your wisdom teeth. Nevertheless, your dentist will prescribe a pain medication to help ease any discomfort caused by the procedure.

4. Expect to experience some facial swelling.

You should expect some facial swelling on the area where your wisdom tooth was removed. To help minimize the swelling, you can use cold compress and hold it in place for about 10 to 20 minutes on and 10 to 20 minutes off.

5. When can you expect complete healing?

Again, it depends on the difficulty of the tooth extraction, but usually it ranges from a few weeks to even a couple of months. But within the first week after the dental procedure, you can expect a significant improvement in the healing of the affected area. The healing should be enough to let you eat more normally and have less bouts of pain or discomfort.

Be sure to contact us should you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. It is always a good decision to remove these molars since they tend to produce more problems than not. Set up an appointment with us today and we'll be happy to help.

Common Dental Problems that are Overlooked

02 Feb

Posted by Joseph Coupal

Appearance is everything today. We all yearn for the latest trends, always trying to look our best. We pay for expensive manicures, haircuts and facials. But do we pay enough attention to our teeth? We are obsessed with everything else that we often forget to pay enough attention to our teeth. This makes dental problems one of the most neglected issues of today.

So just what are some of the common dental problems that we overlook today? Plaque is the most common and the one that is the most overlooked. Dental plaque is caused by bacteria in the mouth that wears away the enamel and gum. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day removes plaque and prevents cavities from forming. Another significant dental problem that is ignored by people is bad breath. Bad breath is mainly caused by insufficient oral hygiene. However, it can also be caused by spicy food. Bad breath can be easily taken care of by regularly brushing your teeth. Flossing along with brushing your teeth is key to keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Avoiding products containing tobacco will also help in keeping bad breath away. Another common dental problem is stained teeth. This is caused by things like drinking tea or wine and, by activities like smoking.

If you consume many acidic things, such as soda, you may be suffering from tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is a dental problem caused by acid wearing away the enamel. To solve this problem rinse your mouth after consuming something acidic so the acid does not stay in your mouth. Another solution is using a straw when drinking beverages like carbonated drinks. Doing this prevents acid from running over teeth while you drink. If your mouth is constantly dry, you might be suffering from dry mouth or xerostomia. This is caused as a result of insufficient saliva being produced and, can lead to mouth cancer if the condition is not attended to. The easiest way to prevent this is to drink plenty of fluids.

For discolored or unsightly teeth, the simplest solution is using whitening toothpaste. However, due to the increase of dental technology there are many whitening products available that we offer to make your teeth pearly white. Should you be interested in whitening products please make an appointment and schedule a check up first to make sure this is the best solution for you. Contact us today should you have any questions regarding dental hygiene, whitening products, or cosmetic dentistry.