5 Reasons You Should Say Yes to Flossing

Flossing for many people is not even a last resort part of their oral hygiene. But if it wasn’t important, your dentist wouldn’t ask “Have you been flossing?” at each visit. What dentists have been trying to teach us for decades is that flossing is a key part of maintaining a healthy mouth and good looking teeth.

Here are five reasons as to why you should start flossing:

  1. Proper Dental Care

Flossing should be a regular habit for everyone. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash work as a team to keep your mouth healthy, teeth looking great, and breath smelling clean. Proper and regular dental care including flossing plays a crucial role in not only a healthy mouth, but a healthy body. Recent studies have shown a link between cavity-and-gum-disease-causing-bacteria to heart disease, diabetes, and premature birth.

  2. Flossing Prevents Tartar Accumulation

The white substance that your teeth get covered with at the end of the day is called plaque. It is actually full of bacteria. If the plaque is not removed regularly, it will harden and turn into tartar. If tartar is formed, then only a professional hygienist or dentist can remove it. Tartar is full of cavity that will eat through your enamel, potentially destroying teeth, gum tissues, and eventually supporting bone.

  3. Prevents Gum Diseases

Dental floss reaches in between teeth along the gum line which can not be thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush. Only flossing removes the food particles and accumulated bacteria. If plaque is not removed, then the bacteria can inflame gum tissue and lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.

  4. Prevents Cavities

Cavities or dental caries is the decay of the tooth due to the bacteria present on the tooth or in between two teeth. Slowly the affected area starts to go black and chips away disintegrating the tooth. Worst case scenario is that the bacteria starts affecting the interior of the tooth, which at some point may become a severe problem requiring root canal treatment or extraction.

  5. Saves You Money

Adding dental floss to your shopping list and daily dental hygiene routine will not only prevent future, unexpected trips to the dentist, but also to your doctor because the harmful bacteria in the mouth will be regularly cleared away. Avoiding those emergency and other unexpected dental visits can cost a lot of money. Taking care of your teeth by spending $3 on a roll of floss could potentially save you hundreds of dollars in dental fees to treat the cavities, gum disease and other oral conditions.
For more details on how flossing helps and what else you can do to keep your teeth healthy, get in touch with Dr. Morrissey at Boones Ferry Dental. You can give us a call at (503) 683-7484 or visit our office in Lake Oswego, OR.

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5 Foods Containing Calcium

The human body is made up of certain elements that work together to help the body do what it needs to do. In order for the body to survive, it needs a full, proper nutrient-rich diet. Those nutrients include folic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins such as A, D, C, B1, B6, B12. It is important to know about foods containing calcium.

One of the most important nutrients a body needs to survive is calcium. The body uses calcium to strengthen bones and teeth. Calcium is also important for muscle contraction, and cell signalling through channels and nerve reactions. So it plays a vital role in your growth and structure.

The average body requires a minimum of 1000 mg every day. Women over the age of 60 and those of childbearing years will need more. When you eat something, make sure it is also contains vitamin D and C which helps the body absorb not only calcium, but iron and a bunch of other minerals as well.

Foods Containing Calcium

Listen below are some foods containing calcium:  

1.Milk

Yes, your mother was right in forcing you to drink milk when you were a child. Milk is one of the best foods containing calcium. It contains approximately 300 mg of calcium in one cup, which is enough for your daily needs.

2.Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruit are also a rich sources of calcium. One small orange contains almost 52 mg of calcium. You can also drink orange juice to get your daily intake of calcium.

3.Spinach

Many of us grew up watching Popeye grow stronger from eating a can of spinach. Spinach is not only packed with iron, but also contains almost 245 mg of calcium in one cup. So Spinach is a very good source of calcium for everyone. Because this is a plant based source of nutrients, it’s important to have vitamin C or D to help your body absorb the nutrients it needs.

4. Cheese

Perhaps the most loved out of all of the above, cheese contains a large amount of calcium, 205 mg in just one ounce. Unfortunately, cheese usually also contains a high amount of fat, so choosing a skim milk cheese or lighter cheese will let you get your calcium without worrying too much about your waistline.

5. Tofu

Tofu is a surprise addition to the list. Tofu is enriched with calcium and has many other health benefits. It contains over 350 mg of calcium per 100g. Tofu is made from soy milk which is curdled and then pressed into small blocks for eating. It is rather tasteless, but can be crumbled up or grated and mixed in with a lot of your favorite recipes to increase your daily calcium intake.

Weak teeth can lead to dental issues like broken or chipped tooth. It is important to take care of your teeth so that you can lead a healthy life. Make these foods containing calcium a part of your routine and you will bid adieu to a lot of dental issues.

Talk to Dr. Erica Bronitsky today by giving us a call at (503) 563-7434.You can also pay Bronitsky Family Dentistry a visit at 17952 SW Blanton St. Aloha, OR 97007, or use our online form.

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Questions To Ask When Looking For A Local Dentist

What Should I look For In A Dentist Near Me?

For most of us, finding a new dentist is a matter of necessity after we’ve moved to a new place, changed insurances, or haven’t been to the dentist in awhile. For some of us, we’ll stay with the same family dentist forever unless a negative or undesired experience compels us to think about changing dentists. Whatever the initial reason is, looking for a new dentist can feel like walking in the dark if we don’t know what to look for! At Priti Naik DDS in Vienna, we believe we’re a unique dental practice raising the bar in family and cosmetic dentistry. If you’re looking for a new dentist in the area, here are a few questions to make your choice one you’ll be happy with for a lifetime!

How Accessible is My Dentist?

Can you make your appointment on the way back from picking the kids up from school and grabbing groceries for dinner? Was your last dentist open six days a week?

Location, location, location!

Located just off of Route 7 and minutes from Freedom Hill Elementary School, Kilmer Middle School and Marshall High School, our office is a convenient stop for patients and their families. After your visit, grab a bite to eat or try on a new pair of jeans at the Tysons Corner Mall.

And hours, too!

Have you ever rushed to the post office after work, just to find it closed? At Priti Naik DDS we’re open SIX days a week with availability to take same-day appointments in case a loved one has an unfortunate dental emergency.

Is The Dentist Near Me Better Than The Rest?

Is your care really in the best hands if your dentist hasn’t continued their education since they first graduated dental school? At Priti Naik DDS we’re not just any local dentist in Vienna–we’re a modern foundation for learning and advancing our skills through patient education and keeping up-to-date with the latest in modern dental technology. Treatment in everything from restorative to cosmetic dentistry are more advanced, which has a number of unique benefits:

• Our multidisciplinary staff makes every appointment convenient! We have both an Endodontist to perform root canals and a Periodontist for gum grafting and dental implants in-office!

• Patients spend less time waiting on traditional X-rays or dated treatment techniques, which means less time is spent per appointment and less appointments are needed per treatment.

• Treatments such as root canal therapy and dental implants are more accurate and precise, which allows appointments to be painless and gentle and encourage faster healing.

 

A Personal Touch At Priti Naik DDS

No matter if your dentist is your neighbor next door or holds countless certifications, the biggest difference in choosing a local dentist is finding a dental practice that cares about you and your family. At Priti Naik DDS, our commitment to our community is obvious. Whether we’re helping your youngest giggle through their first dental exam or fitting your teenager for trendy, custom Invisalign braces, we’re happy to be the local dentist in Vienna your family feels at home with. Has it been six months since your last appointment to the dentist? Give us a call and get to know our friendly staff!

Learn More About Your Dentist in Vienna!

At Priti Naik DDS, we’re glad to have the best treatments available in family dentistry and conservative care for all of your family’s needs. Whether you’re looking for gentle root canal therapy for a nagging toothache, or need immediate care for a dental emergency, our staff places your care and comfort before anything else that we do. When we’re able to straighten teeth more quickly with Invisalign clear aligners or preserve more of your natural tooth with custom dental veneers, our patients feel more comfortable and positive about going to their six month checkups. If you’re looking to book your next cleaning or exam in Vienna, give us a call at 703-288-1800. We’re excited to care for you and your family.

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10 Simple Ways you are Damaging Your Teeth

A bright smile can make you look younger, happier, and more successful. A healthy smile helps you chew, speak, and act with confidence. Teeth are vital, and there are a number of simple mistakes you might be making that cause severe damage.

Here they are:

1. Chewing on Ice

It is cool, comforting, and sugar free—so why is chewing on ice cubes so bad for your smile? The hard, cold cubes can cause serious cracks and fracturing even to both natural and artificial crowns, even porcelain.

2. Snacking on Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is often considered a healthier option to candy, but still most dried fruit compounds can damage the teeth. Raisins, cranberries, mangos—they are all highly acidic, sticky, and sugary.

3. Swirling Wine

It brings out the flavor of the wine, but also coats your teeth in eroding acids. Red, fizzy wine is even worse because it erodes and stains teeth.

4. Brushing Too Hard

This is another one most patients don’t realize they are doing. You can brush too hard and damage your gums and enamel. To avoid this, use a soft bristle brush and focus on proper technique instead of violently scouring away the bacteria. If the bristles on your brush start spreading out not long after you started using it (a toothbrush should be changed every three months), then you’re probably brushing too hard.

5. Improper Toothpick Use

These useful dental tools help remove particles stuck between teeth. But, if you are not careful, toothpicks can lacerate the soft tissue and damage tooth roots. A splinter can also get lodged in the gum tissue and cause infection. Instead of relying on toothpicks, carry dental floss with you instead.

6. Enjoying too Many Oranges, Limes, and Lemons

Though high in vitamin C, these foods are also highly acidic. Sucking on limes and lemons can weaken enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and staining.

7. Drinking Tea and Coffee

Your morning routine isn’t complete without your hot cuppa, but few people realize just how bad these hot beverages are for teeth. The caffeine in coffee dries out your mouth, putting you at greater risk of decay. Also the dark pigments quickly stain teeth, especially if you are drinking it once, twice, or three times every day.

8. Teeth Grinding and Other Focusing Habits

People often clench their teeth or chew on pencils or fingernails when they are anxious or trying to focus. This puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth and can cause microfractures or wear them down to nubs.

9. Swimming

Chlorine is linked with enamel erosion, and swimming too often in a pool with high chlorine can lead to breakdown of the enamel and tooth sensitivity.

10. Neglecting Routine Appointments

The worst thing you can do is stop visiting the dentist. Just because your teeth feel healthy and strong does not mean you can skip out. Regular visits will help keep you ahead of many dental problems so you can keep smiling bright.

Call our office today at (503) 649-5665 or come in to Bronitsky Family Dentistry for a visit at 17952 SW Blanton St. Aloha, OR, 97007. We can schedule an appointment with with Dr. Erica Bronitsky and help you keep your teeth on track.

 

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6 Ways to Prepare for Allergy Season

Spring and summer divides people into two categories: those who greet the warmer weather with excitement and look forward to the fresh flowers, and those who suffer from incapacitating allergies brought on by the showers and flowers. Perpetual sneezing, and rubbing itchy and watery eyes—these allergy symptoms are downright inconvenient.

At Ear, Sinus and Allergy, we don’t want you to stay trapped indoors all through your allergy season. We want to help you enjoy it.

Major Culprits for Spring Allergies

Peak time for seasonal allergies in North Carolina often goes from March to August. Here are the most common factors contributing to local allergies:

• Mold
• Grass
• Trees
• Flowers

Tips to Conquer Spring Allergies

Here is what you can do to cut down on allergens:

1. Install Fresh Air Filters

Home improvement and repair stores can provide specialized allergy filters. You can place these on your air conditioning unit and eliminate pollen infiltration. This will make living indoors more comfortable during peak allergy days.

2. Shut the Door

The fresh air feels good, but also carries pollens indoors. So close your windows and outside doors. This is especially true for high-pollen days. Also, take your shoes off at the front door, so you don’t track in as much pollen. Recirculate the air inside your car instead of venting it from the outside.

3. Wash Up

Pollen and other allergens cling to you hair, hands, clothes, and body. They also transfer to other areas like your sofa or pillow. So wash your face and hands when you come in from outside, and wash your hair before bed. Also wipe down your dog to get rid of allergens that might cling to fur.

4. Check Pollen Counts

Just as you check the weather and traffic reports daily, you can also check on a pollen forecast. There are several resources, like the National Allergy Bureau’s website, that give you a daily ranking of mold, pollen, grass, and weed levels. On days when pollen levels are high for allergens you are sensitive to, make a greater effort to stay indoors. The worst days are often when it’s dry and windy. The best time to venture outside is immediately after a heavy rainstorm.

5. Wear a Mask

On days when you mow the lawn or plan to be out in the garden, wear a NIOSH-rated filter mask and sunglasses. This will minimize your contact with pollens and protect you from severe allergy symptoms.

6. Medications

Talk to our ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician Dr. Bruce Jones about your allergies, symptoms, and possible solutions. He can prescribe the best allergy treatment for your unique needs. Some options might include a nasal spray, oral antihistamine, decongestant, or a combination.

For more information about allergies contact us at (828) 438-1930 or visit our Ear, Sinus and Allergy Center at 1190 Drexel Road, Valdese, NC.

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How Can Cleaning Prevent Gum Disease?

You’ve heard the saying before, “A healthy mouth is a happy mouth.” But, what exactly does that mean? After all, brushing our teeth is a daily habit that we all do. Still, you can’t help but wonder if the recommended bi-annual dental cleaning is really necessary and if it’s worth the cost to get it done? What is the big deal with a professional dental cleaning, anyway? Professional dental cleanings do so much more than simply give you a cleaner smile. The plaque and debris that build up on your teeth over time can cause more damaging and costly dental […]

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Missing Teeth And The Only Option | Stellar Dental

Summer is approaching and brings with it a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether you play sports or work in the yard, dental accidents can happen. But, accidents aren’t the only cause of missing teeth. Dental decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss as well. Regardless […]

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Why Can’t I Smoke After A Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth extracted always prompts a multitude of questions concerning the aftercare of the extraction site. But, one of the most common concerns involves smoking or using a straw. Both these activities require a sucking motion, which is best avoided during the first 24 to 48 hours following tooth extraction.
Continuing tobacco use immediately after a tooth extraction puts you at risk for a condition called “dry socket” as well as other concerns. The healing process is a critical ...

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5 Tips for Protecting Your Teeth This Summer

Summer! It might be your favorite time of the year for indulging in fun and sun, but it is also a time where dentists see an increase in dental problems. Seasonal foods and activities can damage your teeth if you are not careful. At ICC...

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Got Enough Calcium for Healthy Teeth?

Calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bones and strong teeth. In fact, teeth and bones store 99% of the body’s calcium reserves, where it promotes structural support. The mineral is also found in blood, muscle, and even the liquid between cells. In these other areas, calcium […]

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The Smile Institute

Can I Still Play Sports While Wearing Dental Braces?

Summer is approaching and with it comes a plethora of outdoor activities, including sports. If you wear dental braces, there are certain precautions you should take. Conventional dental braces can poke and scratch at the inside of your mouth. They can also sustain damage during sports or direct contact activities. But that doesn’t mean you need to limit your activities or avoid doing the things that you love and enjoy. With the right plan in place and the right protective mouthguard, you can continue to play sports while wearing your dental braces
.

How Can a Mouthguard Help Me When I Play Sports?

A mouthguard can help prevent injury to the inside of your mouth while you engage in the activities you love. There are different kinds of mouthguards to choose from. Finding the right one is vital to provide the comfort and protection you deserve.

What Kind of Mouthguard Should I Use?

There are several different types of mouthguards available and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Retail ready-to-wear models are often the most cost conservative, but there is a trade-off. Since they are not customized to fit your mouth, they may fit too loosely or too snugly. A one-size-fits-all device, whether for youth or adults, is not always the best choice to protect your precious smile.

Aside from retail mouthguards, there are also the boil and bite variety. This type of mouthguard offers some type of customization, but it’s usually limited. The mouthguard requires that you boil it in water for several minutes and then bite down and hold for a few minutes. This creates your bite impression on the mouthguard while it’s still hot and moldable. The problem is that if you place it in your mouth while it is too hot, you could end up burning your mouth.

One of the best types of mouthguards is the professional orthodontic mouthguard. It generally costs more than the other two types, but is of a higher quality and provides you with the best fit and comfort for the price.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Orthodontic Mouthguards?

Much like any other type of insurance, every dental insurance policy differs from the next. To determine if your dental insurance policy will cover an orthodontic mouthguard, contact them directly for clarification.

Do you have more questions about orthodontic mouthguards? Give The Smile Institute a call today at (617) 860-6333 to schedule a consultation. Your dentist and our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your situation.

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Boones Ferry Dental

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism You Can’t Afford to Miss

You might not be familiar with the term, but bruxism is a common problem and you are probably familiar with the behavior. It is the persistent grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It often occurs in patients with anxiety issues or sleep disorders, like apnea. It has a wide range in severity, and can wax and wane over the course of a lifetime. But if you have it, you should talk to Dr. Morrissey for a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Why is Bruxism a Concern?

The masseter (cheek muscle used to chew) is one of the strongest in the human body. It can exert up to 600 pounds of force per square inch. Imagine what that kind of constant pressure could do. It could easily wear down the structure of teeth causing fractures of flattening, reducing teeth to nubs. It could also cause joint and muscle problems, or more severe temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders).

Causes of Bruxism in Adults

One of the leading triggers for teeth grinding is anxiety. And if you already grind your teeth day and night, stress can make the condition worse. Also, there are those who grind their teeth regardless of anxiety. Some do it because of dental problems or poor alignment of teeth. Another contributor could also be sleep apnea. New research shows that those with partial breathing obstruction during sleep often have bruxism. The action of clenching the jaw and grinding teeth works to open the collapsed airway. So before you can seek treatment, the dentist needs to figure out the underlying cause of your grinding.

How do I Know If I Have It?

Most people do not even realize they are grinding their teeth, even when it is an ongoing habit. This is because the majority who suffer from bruxism often grind their teeth at night while they sleep. So, for proper diagnosis, Dr. Morrissey will ask some detailed questions and look for several signs and symptoms of the condition.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

These might include:

• Exhaustion from lack of restful sleep
• Recurring headaches
• Consistent neck or jaw pain
• Ear pain, not from an ear infection
• Receding gums
• Teeth sensitivity
• Teeth that are flat or fractured
• Loosening teeth
• Beginnings of jaw joint disorders
• Locked jaw that doesn’t fully close or open

People who occasionally grind their teeth don’t have anything to worry about. However, those who suffer from constant teeth grinding should seek professional help from Boones Ferry Dental. Call our office today at (503) 683-7484 or visit us at 5775 Willow Ln., Lake Oswego, OR, 97035 to speak about your case.

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