Monticello Family Dentistry

Has the thought of getting dentures been on your mind lately? At Monticello Family Dentistry our number one goal is always to help you preserve all your teeth, but in some cases other options need to be explored. Let’s take a dive into what dentures are. Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth. There are many different types of dentures: Full dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures, implant dentures. The dentist will help you decide, which denture is right for you.

Benefits of dentures:
• Improves mouth function
• Support for facial features
• Easy to clean, allowing for better oral health
• Increased self-confidence

Caring for dentures:
• Brush your dentures daily
• Use a soft bristled brush specifically made for dentures
• Rinse dentures after every meal
• Remove dentures at night
• Store dentures in water when not being worn
• Keep dentures away from curious children and pets

If you have missing teeth and still aren’t sure whether or not a denture is right for you or if you have other questions, Dr. Biorn and Dr. Block would be happy to discuss the right path for you.

 

What is a Dental Assistant? What is a Dental Hygienist? And what’s the difference? Both positions work under the supervision of a dentist, but they complete separate tasks. An assistant provides direct aid to the dentist during procedures. Whereas a hygienist works one on one with patients providing teeth cleanings and x-rays.

According to the American Dental Association here are the main roles of each position…
Dental hygienist:
• Perform patient screening procedures, including x-rays
• Teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene
• Removes calculus and plaque from teeth

The responsibilities of a dental assistant are the most varied in the dental office…
Dental assistant:
• Assists the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Takes dental x-rays
• Serves as an infection control officer, develops infection control protocol, and prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment
• Provides patients with oral care instructions following surgery and other procedures, such as the placement of restoration (filling)
• Takes impressions of patients’ teeth for models of teeth.

Both positions play invaluable roles in the dental office to help make your office experience great!

Gum Disease

Good dental health isn’t only about teeth, it’s also about your gums. Gum tissue is extremely important; it forms a seal around the teeth to keep them in place and forms a barrier against bacteria. Unfortunately, some people don’t take great care of their teeth. According to the CDC 47.2% of adults have some form of gum disease. What are signs that you have gum disease?

1. Bad Breath
2. Swollen Gums
3. Gum Recession
4. Tooth Sensitivity
5. Tooth Mobility

The bad news is sometimes gum disease can begin before your mouth shows any immediate symptoms. This could put you at risk of irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. Periodontal disease has also been linked to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, pneumonia, Alzheimer and cancer.

The good news is you can prevent periodontal disease with these easy steps.

1. Brush twice a day
2. Floss once every day!!!!!
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Eat your fruits and veggies
5. Visit your dentist regularly
6. Avoid tobacco use

Keep your gums healthy and your body will thank you!

Are you feeling apprehensive about visiting the dentist? You are not alone. According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 36% of the population struggle with dental anxiety, with an additional 12% suffering from extreme dental fear. Furthermore, a study done by the American Association of Endodontists, 41% of people would rather go swimming with sharks than get a root canal.

It’s normal for people to have anxiety about going to the dentist. However, letting your dental phobia stop you from going to the dentist can lead to negative consequences like….

• An abscess tooth
•  A broken tooth
• Gum disease
•  Cavities

In honor of Shark Week – Monticello Family Dentistry is here to help put your mind at ease. Going to the dentist regularly is only for your benefit. Here are five tips to help you take a bite out of your dental anxiety.

1. Find the right dentist – The right dentist can make all the difference in the world. You’ll feel calmer and more confident about the care you are receiving.
2. Bring a friend, family member, music or even a stuffed animal along to your appointment. Someone or something who will make you feel relaxed and at ease.
3. Use relaxation techniques. Picture your whole visit being a great success. Many people find it useful to practice some deep breathing techniques.
4. Let your dentist know. Tell us that you’d like to be walked through your entire procedure at the beginning of your appointment. Discuss a stop sign with our doctors, raising your hand for example if you need a break. Find out if your doctor thinks you’d be a good candidate for nitrous oxide.
5. Think EARLY – Schedule early and arrive early. Scheduling your appointment in the morning will prevent you from having to dwell all day about your upcoming appointment. Arriving early will give you enough time to take it slow and avoid unnecessary stress from rushing.

Remember we are here to help – We will do everything possible to make sure your visit is a great experience.

Your Mouth/Your Health
Did you know that your oral health is a contributing factor to good overall health? Research has shown that gum disease is linked to a host of illnesses that can affect your brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, pancreas and bones.
The Brain:
Periodontal disease can affect your brain in two ways. It can increase a person’s risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Lungs:
Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of developing pneumonia and bronchitis.
The Heart:
Bad oral hygiene can increase your likelihood of a heart attack by 2X.
The Kidneys:
Your mouth is a passageway for bacteria. Poor oral health causes infections to grow faster, increasing the kidneys’ workload.
The Pancreas:
Diabetics are at greater risk of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can distress the control of blood sugar which can lead to other complications with the heart and lungs.
93% of people with gum disease are at risk of diabetes. -AAOSH
The Bones:
Research has found a connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Good Oral Health Practices:
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss daily.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Drink more water.
• Avoid tobacco use.

Many of you have been asking about how Rio and her baby are doing…They are awesome! We all had a chance to meet her little guy last week and he is absolutely precious.  Congratulations Rio and Isaac on your new little man Talan!

This is a great way to transition into the topic of dental health before, during and after pregnancy. Did you know that pregnancy can cause changes in your oral health even in the healthiest women? That’s why it is so important to go to the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. We have heard so many myths about dental care while pregnant such as:

1. It’s unsafe to see the dentist while pregnant.
2. You lose a tooth with every pregnancy.
3. Babies take all the calcium from your teeth.

 

We would like to set the record straight. Below are a few obvious and not so obvious tips about how to care for your teeth when pregnant.

Before:

• Visit your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
• Changes in hormones from pregnancy can make your teeth and gums extra sensitive.

First Trimester:

• Continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day.
• Check your dental insurance to see if you receive additional cleanings. Some insurances will cover 3 or 4 cleanings during your pregnancy.
• Changes in your hormone levels can cause puffy gums and inflammation. This is called Pregnancy Gingivitis.
• Avoid brushing your teeth after morning sickness and instead opt for rinsing your mouth out frequently with water or salt water. This will help reduce the acid from harming your teeth enamel.

Second Trimester:

• Stop whitening(bleaching) your teeth while pregnant.
• Sometimes women may get small temporary growths in their mouth while pregnant.

Third Trimester:

• Avoid dental treatments during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy.
• Be diligent with your home care – brushing and flossing.

Nursing/Post-Partum:

• X-rays, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide are all safe while breastfeeding.
• Start brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and water when they come in to avoid “baby bottle tooth decay.”

A COVID-19 Update
Dear Patients,
We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.
The last couple months has given us an opportunity to reinforce what we have always done when it comes to sterilization and infection controls, as well as implement additional steps to make sure that every patient can be assured a safe, healthy, and comfortable dental experience. We have followed the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by implementing the following and have also identified some ways in which you can help ensure a safe and healthy environment.

What we are doing:
• We will be reviewing screening questions prior to or at your appointment time.
• Each patient will have their temperature taken at check-in.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the office.
• Each team member will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The common areas are being wiped down regularly.

What you can do:
• If you have a fever or feel sick, please let us know. We will reschedule your appointment for 2 weeks later.
• Use hand sanitizer when you check in to the office.
• Please leave family members at home to limit the number of people in the office.
• When you arrive, remain in your car until your exact appointment time. This will help allow you to be seated directly into your treatment room.
• If you experience a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days after your appointment please call and let us know.
• Tell your friends and family about your visit. We will provide the same healthy environment for them to have any necessary treatment completed.

We are very excited to announce that our practice will be opening this week for a wider spectrum of dental care. Our team is now reaching out to patients who have had to cancel their appointments due to the shutdown to confirm new appointments that promote social distancing mandates and protect our most vulnerable.
Rest assured, Monticello Family Dentistry, as always, will place the health and well-being of our team and our patients first. We will continue to reach out and update you on a regular basis through various forms of contact. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or go to our website (www.monticellodentist.com) for up to date information during these times.
We look forward to seeing you all again and catching up with you at your next appointment.

Stay Healthy,
Monticello Family Dentistry

According to colgate.com, “February is an important month to kids’ dental care because it marks the observance of the American Dental Association’s (ADA) National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). What started in 1941 as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, this month has progressed remarkably over the years. The ADA held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. After the observance became a week long event in 1955, the program was extended to a month-long celebration in 1981 – known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.”

Monticello Family Dentistry recommends teaching your children the importance of good oral hygiene at a young age. Developing good oral hygiene early can help kid’s teeth stay healthy for a lifetime. Also make it fun!

1. Calcium
2. Vitamin D
3. Potassium
4. Phosphorus
5. Vitamin K
6. Vitamin C
7. Vitamin A

Check out this detailed blog from Delta Dental of California about why each Vitamin and Mineral is so important to your mouth and how you can add them to your diet.
Link: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/vitamins-and-minerals.html

When you’re a kid brushing your teeth might seem like a chore. As an adult trying to make sure your five-year-old is doing it well can be an even bigger pain.

Below are some of our favorite, fun, and FREE tooth brushing apps for kids that can improve your child’s brushing and flossing habits.

1. Brush DJ

This app plays two minutes of your kid’s favorite music from your device or the cloud, so your kid can show off those dance moves while brushing. Added features include videos on how to properly floss your teeth, and reminders for your next dentist visit.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Disney Magic Time by Oral-B

Kids can brush their teeth with their favorite Disney characters. Your child will be rewarded with stickers after each successful two minutes of brushing. They can also track progress with stars and milestone badges on the Brushing Calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Brush Up

Robots and digital stickers will make Brush Up a winning app with your kids. As a parent, you will love the fact that it actually teaches kids how to brush better. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Toothsavers

This app tells the story of an evil sorceress who afflicts everyone with cavities leaving Tooty and the Toothsavers with no option but saving the teeth of everyone in the kingdom. Your kids have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell. For every day your kids brush in a row, they’ll unlock a new Toothsaver to brush with. Brush for 30 days and they’ll have the chance to defeat the evil sorceress herself!

 

 

 

 

 

5. My Bright Smile By Colgate

With the My Bright Smiles app, your kids learn to brush twice and floss daily by playing five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s your favorite app?