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Why Are People Afraid To Visit A Saratoga Dentist?

Having a bad experience at a previous dental appointment will cause many people to be afraid of visiting the dentist. Consequently, that’s not the only reason people have anxiety when visiting a Saratoga dentist or anywhere else. There are actually many reasons why people avoid the dental office.

Why Are People Afraid Of Visiting The Dentist?

  • Parent Behavior: It is possible to learn anxiety from your parents? This means if your child sees your anxiety and fear of going to the dentist, they’re much more likely to be scared of the dentist as well.
  • Pain: Many kinds of dental procedures can cause some amount of pain.  If you don’t visit the dentist because you’re afraid of pain, it will eventually cause you more pain by ignoring dental problems. It’s a vicious cycle!
  • Fear of Needles:. A local anesthetic is necessary to help make patients comfortable during many procedures. This obviously creates a problem with those with a phobia of needles.  
  • Cost: It’s no secret, dental care can be very expensive. If a client has money problems, the thought of paying hundreds of dollars at the dentist is enough to skip the dentist.
  • Threats: Threatening your child with a dentist visit for not brushing their teeth can create fear. Instead, encourage kids to create good habits for oral hygiene by making brushing fun. Keep the dentist a positive place for kids visit.
  • Embarrassment: When a person feels embarrassed of their teeth or has low self-esteem, it can keep them from going to the dentist. Some issues may include bleeding gums or bad breath

We’ll Help You Get Over Your Fears: Visit Your Dentist Today

Your dental health is going to suffer if you do not get over your fear of the dentist. Even people with a near-perfect diet and incredible dental hygiene routines, will still develop dental problems. These include hardened tartar that needs to be removed to prevent cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other major dental problems.

Remember, prevention is always the least expensive and painful way to take care of your dental treatment. Dental cleanings may cause you to be uncomfortable or have tooth sensitivity for a very brief time. On the contrary, it does a great deal in preventing pain from major dental work.

Visit The Best Saratoga Dentist 

Unfortunately, anxiety will cause people only to visit the dentist when something is wrong. This means more invasive dental procedures will be needed. Some dental problems can be reversed like a Cavity, but you would need to catch any tooth decay early. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease, which can be linked to more health problems including heart disease and diabetes.

As said previously, avoiding the dentist will only cause you more problems over time. Hopefully this will encourage you to take care of your anxiety sooner than later. We recommend visiting your Saratoga Dentist at Alpenglow Dental every six months. To schedule your next dental cleaning, give the top Saratoga dentist office a call today at (801) 614-2464. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

Finding a Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry

When you need a new dentist in Saratoga Springs, you want more than just someone to clean your teeth. Because your dental health is such a big part of your overall health, it’s important to find a dentist that has your best interest in mind. Not only do you want to have a top dentist that is involved, but you want to feel comfortable and safe at your next dental visit. Here’s how to find the best Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry to fit your needs:

 

Finding A Top Rated Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry

We all know that having regular dental visits is key to your dental health, so start looking into what works best with your dental care needs and your lifestyle. Here are some important things to consider when picking a dentist:

  • Is the Dental office close by and easy to get to and from your home and work?
  • Does the dental clinic have convenient office hours?
  • Is the Dentist in your dental network?
  • Do you need interpreter services for any doctor-patient communication?
  • Is the dentist a member of the American Dental Association? 
  • Do they provide emergency dental services?

Searching For A Low Cost Dentist? 

The Best Saratoga Dentist Near Me 

Now that you’re actively searching for a new dentist, you’ll notice advertisements in the newspaper, in the mail and online. Many different social media sites also have patient reviews of Saratoga dentists near you.  When searching for the right dentist, it’s important to remember what you want your dental health to be.

  • Use the ADA Find-A-Dentist tool: Search by name, location, and specialty.
  • Check out online reviews: More often than not, a dentist with many great reviews could be what you’re looking for.
  • Ask a friend or relative: If a family member loves their dentist, check them out!
  • Check with Your Local Health Dept: If you don’t have benefits or can’t afford dental services, your local health department can help you find care. 
  • Visit their websites: Once you have narrowed the search, you can learn more about their complete dental care on additional social media sites.
  • When comparing, ask for estimates on some common procedures such as x-rays, oral exams, teeth whitening, dental cleanings, and fillings.

Don’t be afraid to call or visit the top dentists on your list before making a decision. You’ll also be able to see if the office is welcoming, comfortable and neat. So when it comes time to choosing a dentist Saratoga Springs, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.

 

What Should I Look For In A Saratoga Dentist?

  • Can your dentist help you prevent dental health problems through dental health instruction?
  • How do they handle Dental emergencies after hours?
  • Is the Dental office familiar with your dental plan? Do they offer low-cost payment plans for dental treatment?
  • Will they place your medical and dental history in a permanent file?
  • Where did the dentist go to school and where were they trained?
  • Does the dentist have an approach to preventive dentistry?
  • How often does the dentist attend continuing education workshops?

For anyone looking for an affordable dentist with anxiety, make sure the dentist understands your dental concerns and answers any questions you may have. Overall, you want to choose a dentist that wants you to be comfortable and have excellent dental health. This is a dentist that will help you make the best dental care decisions that can lead to a better you.

 

Picking The Best Dentist Saratoga Springs Has To Offer

A dentist is your oral health care partner with it comes to your teeth.  Overall, you should find someone who is caring, experienced and has your best interest in mind. For a suitable dentist in the Saratoga area, give Alpenglow dental a call today to find out if they are a good fit. Not only are they close by and have great hours, but they also provide top quality dental care. To learn more about their dental practice, Call Alpenglow Dental for a Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry that’s right for you today at (801) 768-4600.   

 

 

 

 

What to Look For in a Saratoga Springs Dentist

What To Look for in a Saratoga Springs Dentist

Put forth some effort and take some time when choosing a dentist; don’t wait until the emergency! Below are some things to consider when looking for a Saratoga Springs dentist.

 

Dental Office Hours and Location

Most people would prefer a dentist close to work or home. This makes it more convenient to schedule visits and to arrive promptly. Also, you will want a dentist office that is open at your most available days and times to schedule an appointment.

 

Price

What insurance plans does the dentist take? Are there payment options available? Will the dentist provide referrals to specialists if needed? Similarly, be aware that different dental practices have varying costs. If possible, get estimates of the work that will need to be done. There will probably be out of pocket expenses even if you have insurance.  

 

Level of Comfort

One essential thing to consider when choosing a dentist is how comfortable you feel with that person. Are you able to talk with them and ask questions? Does the dentist listen, take time to validate and understand your concerns? Do you feel comfortable being open about medicines, and expressing anxiety? Are you able to ask questions about a procedure?

 

Emergency care

Find out what happens if you have an emergency, either during normal office hours or at night or on a weekend. A dentist should not refer you to a hospital emergency room. You should be able to contact your dentist (or a suitable substitute) at any time by calling an answering service, cell phone or pager.

 

Licenses and Certifications

Make sure the dentist office has dentists that are licensed, certified and have the proper training for the necessary procedures. Most state dental boards have a website where you can verify this information.

 

How To Find a Saratoga Springs Dentist

Below are some tips on finding dentists.

Ask Around:

Close friends and relatives are great resources. They can share with you their experiences of the dentist and office staff. You could also ask these types of questions:

    • Does the dentist communicate treatment options well?
    • What is the wait like?
    • Do you feel comfortable speaking with the dentist?
    • How is the staff at handling emergencies?
    • Is it fairly easy to schedule an appointment, or do you have to call far in advance?
    • How are payments and insurance handled?

Places to call:

You can reach out to the company that provides your dental insurance. They can tell you the dentist offices in your area that are covered in your network. Also, they can provide you with contact information so you can do your research.  There may be other pertinent information they can share such as if they accept new patients.

When it comes to finding a Saratoga Springs dentist, you want your mouth to be in good hands. I guess I could also say you want to have good hands in your mouth. Either way, the dentists of Alpenglow Dental in Saratoga Springs have it handled. Call our Saratoga Springs dentist office today for all your dental needs (801) 768-4600.

Searching For a Saratoga Dentist Near Me? Here’s 4 Helpful Tips

Do you ever feel like you don’t know where to start when trying to find a dentist? Especially when you have over 20 dental offices to choose from. What do you search for? A dentist near me? A top Saratoga Dentist? Emergency? Dentistry near me? Or perhaps the best dentist in Saratoga Springs? Many people start with their insurance company and obtain a list of dentists in your network.  Other people rely on family and friends for great reviews of local dental offices. Most often we see people who would rather go to a great dental office even if it costs a little more. Knowing what to look for helps with your search of a Saratoga dentist. Here a few questions to ask when doing your research:

Is The Dental Office Affordable?

Most dental offices will be similarly priced. Important information to find out would do the dentist office work with your insurance company? How much will your insurance cover? And does the dentist offer a payment plan for larger and more expensive services?

Does it have a Convenient Dental Location & Hours?

How close is the dentist office? Is it near your home or near work so it is convenient to go to dental appointments? Finding a local “dentist near me” is very important when it comes to keeping up with your dental health. A dental office close by and with convenient hours is definitely worth finding. If the office is too far away and hard to get an appointment, I would pass.

Do They Have Great Dentist Reviews & Reputation?

This is probably one of the most important questions. How are companies reviews? Don’t be afraid to go online and compare reviews and ask around.  The more you know about each dentist office, the better off you’ll be. Don’t waste your time with dentists that are not honest, too expensive and don’t have any experience. If you care about your teeth and overall dental health, so will a good dentist.

Are They An Emergency Dentist?

How do you know if you have a dental emergency or not? It is best to search on their website or call to find out. Inquire how quickly they can get you in for a dental emergency. Most dentist offices save spots for dental emergencies and can quickly get you in. There should be nothing stopping you from calling to make a dental emergency appointment if you can answer yes to any of these questions. Besides, you don’t want to put it off and let the situation get worse.

 

Typically dental emergencies include a knocked out tooth, loose tooth, chipped or cracked tooth, an abscess or facial pain and swelling.  Generally speaking the best solution for a dental emergency is finding the best dentist near you that has emergency dental hours. A dental emergency can cause a time of panic or anxiety, but the best thing to do is stay calm and look for a resolution. Typically this means a local dentist that will have late hours. If you are located in Saratoga Springs and looking for a “dentist near me”, Alpenglow Dental is a great option.

 

Alpenglow Dental is the top providers in Saratoga Springs for customized Emergency Dental care. Alpenglow is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm. Likewise, their doctors understand the urgency of getting either yourself or a loved one out of pain. As a result, they will make the situation the most positive experience possible for you and your family. Do not hesitate to call their Saratoga Springs location with your Dental Emergency. So, if you are searching for a Saratoga Dentist near me, you will find great search results, as Alpenglow Dental is one of the best dentists around. Give Alpenglow Dental a call today at (801) 614-2464 for all your dental needs.

 

Find The Top Dentist in Saratoga Springs

There seems to be a mixed opinion of going to the Dentist Office in Saratoga Springs, and most everywhere to be more exact. The larger consensus of people seems to not like going to the Dentist. Although, it is very important to see a dentist regularly because the dental hygiene care and education you receive can improve your overall health. You are only hurting yourself in the long run if you put off getting your yearly dental cleaning.  Most importantly, your mouth affects so much of what you do. After all, you speak with your mouth and eat with your mouth and you can’t forget to take care of one of the core factors in your mouth, your teeth. Taking care of your teeth can be a tedious task, but it always pays off.

After you acquire a few good basic dental hygiene tips, it’s beneficial to put them into practice. Brushing your teeth and gums, flossing twice daily and using a mouth wash will aid you in good oral health. These quick and basic steps will not take long and it will help prevent cavities, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. Most importantly, next time you visit a dentist in Saratoga Springs, you have less to worry about. Once you find the right dentist, you can rest with ease that your oral health is in good hands. Below you will find some helpful tips on how to find the best dentist for you.

Finding The Right Dentist For Your Cleaning

When it comes to finding a general family dentist, most often people tend to look for a cheap dentist, affordable dentist or how fast you can get in to see them. These attributes are not always the best things to search for. In other words, your oral health is worth the cost of finding a good dentist.

If you need to find a dentist, you may want to look for a top rated dentist near me, the top dentist in Saratoga Springs or the best dentist in Saratoga Spring. Also, other beneficial searches would be a highly rated dentist in Saratoga Springs, an affordable dentist in Saratoga Springs, or Saratoga Springs dentist. More importantly, it is smart to compare each dental website. You can compare the services they offer that you could potentially need. These services can include dental cleanings, bridges, crowns, dentures, emergency dental, fillings, and dental implants. In addition, you can search for cosmetic dentistry services like clear braces, veneers, whitening, and so much more.

What To Expect From The Best Dentist in Saratoga Springs

A caring family dentist will teach good dental hygiene. They will also schedule you for regular check-ups throughout the year. Along with making suggestions for toothbrushes and toothpaste, they will offer a fluoride rinse. Once a year you will also get a full dental exam including x-rays. Sometimes sealants are also recommended, which is a protective shield for your teeth that will be used to prevent further decay. These regular maintenance appointments are covered by most insurances. More importantly, having a great dentist in Saratoga Springs that cares about you and your oral health will be beneficial to your mouth as well as your wallet.

Rely On A Top Saratoga Springs Dentist

My recommendation if you are looking for a great dentist in the Saratoga Springs area would be Alpenglow dental. Being a reliable and affordable dentist who provides a full spectrum of dental services is important. With years of experience, great service, and being local in Saratoga Springs they are a great option for dental care. They also have many other locations around the Salt Lake Valley and will be able to help with your dental needs. Alpenglow Dental is a dental office that you can count on and will help you achieve total dental health. Call them today to set up your appointment at (801) 614-2464. Don’t forget to ask about their new patient specials and getting a free $50 gift card.

Finding the Right Family Dentist

 

 

Having a healthy, attractive smile gives you the boost of confidence you want and deserve.  Not only does it make you feel good about yourself, but it makes you feel good about your dentist too. It is not always easy to find a dentist that is affordable and meets your needs. It definitely doesn’t hurt to find one with personality too! Finding a family dentist to fit the needs of your entire family can be a challenge. Look for the following qualities to help find a dentist who’s right for you:

 

Highly Recommended– A “healthy” word of “mouth” makes for a healthy mouth. Recommendations are priceless when you’re looking for an affordable dentist. Ask your siblings, parents,  friends, neighbors, and people you work with about their dental experiences. Those that care about you will care about what you are looking for. Most people are happy to share their positive experiences. Generally, a good word will put you in good hands.

 

Positive Reviews- If you can’t get a recommendation, do some research and read the reviews. A respectable reputation is one of the best gages for finding a dentist. Family Dentists that have many positive reviews is generally a good place to start. Finding one that has a long history of good reviews is even better. Check out a few dentists so you get a good comparison. Don’t be afraid to ask around to see what others think of the dental practice you are looking into.

 

Stands Out – To guarantee you’ll be in good hands, you need to compare the Dentists in your area. Visit their websites to learn about each practice and their different policies. You may also call to speak to the dentist and office staff to find the right family dentist for you. You want to visit an honest family dentist that you and your family feel comfortable with. Here are some areas to take into consideration:

 

  • The training and education the dentists have received
  • How long they have been practicing
  • What areas the dentist specialize in
  • Office location, office hours, scheduling, and emergency care
  • Payment plans offered, fees and accepted insurance companies
  • The overall feel of the office and staff  

 

Focuses On Your Needs – Every patient has unique needs and each dentist is different. Most often patients want appointments that are quick and convenient, so it makes sense to visit a larger practice that can see a vast amount of patients at once. Some are focused on affordability, so finding a Dentist dentist who accepts insurance and payment plans is ideal. Others feel more at home with a single-practitioner family dentist, so they should look for a practice that is family-friendly.

 

If you are looking for a great Family Dentist, look no further than Alpenglow Dental. We offer several locations throughout the Wasatch front in Salt Lake County and Utah County to make it convenient for all residents in Northern Utah. We are a family friendly dental office ready to fulfill all your individual dental needs. Call our Salt Lake City family dental practice today at (801) 903-2501.

How regular dental checkups protect your teeth

Maintaining your oral health is vital to your overall health. Learn what you can expect from a Dental Checkup.

dental check up

Along with daily brushing and flossing, you can help protect your oral health by visiting your dentist for regular checkups. Most dentists recommended people receive a dental checkup every six months or twice a  year, but they may also suggest more frequent or even fewer visits, depending on your dental health history.

What To Expect at a Check Up

Usually, a dental hygienist (this is a person skilled in cleaning and polishing your teeth. A hygentist can also give you personal advice on the best way to keep your teeth clean.) will spend the most time with you during a dental check up. Not all dental offices are the same but a typical dental check up usually involves:

  • Cleaning and polishing. The hygienist uses a unique tool called a hand scaler or ultrasonic dental instrument. A scaler is used to remove or scrape tartar from the surface of your teeth. Once the tartar is removed, the appliance is switched to a rubber cup or brush to polish your teeth and eliminate any remaining plaque or stains.
  • Coaching. After the cleaning, your hygienist will discuss any noticeable dental problems that are specific to you, and show you how to better brush and floss your teeth to help eliminate those problems.
  • Examination. Your hygienist will examine your gums, mouth, and teeth, to identify any signs of ongoing issues (examples, a cavity, gum disease or even beginning signs of oral cancer). If any obvious problems are found, treatment will be discussed, or you may be referred to a specialist – like a periodontist (a dentist that deals specifically with gum disease) or an orthodontist (a dentist that specializes in straightening crooked teeth).
  • X-rays. A dental exam usually (at least yearly) includes X-rays of your teeth. An X-ray allows the dentist to see cavities deep inside your teeth that might not be visible otherwise. It can also show gum disease, deep decay or other dental issues. If you are seeing a new dentist, you might want to bring any x-rays done within the last year from your previous dentist.

Comprehensive Check Up

If you are seeing a new dentist or if it’s been some time since your last dental check up, you might need a thorough dental examination. This exam includes everything we’ve already discussed but could also include:

  • An intense exam of your head, and neck,
  • A discussion of your medical history,
  • A panoramic X-ray (a two-dimensional view of the upper and lower jaw).

How to make the most of out a Dental Exam

Many people do not realize their overall health is very closely related to your dental health, so it is vital to discuss any concerns or problems you are having with your dentist. Make sure to include:

  • Anything new health issue you have been diagnosed with since your previous dental visit (diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease).
  • Bring a list of all medication and your dosages or herbal supplement you take with you to your appointment. This will help the dentist as he reviews your health history and makes recommendations.
  • It’s important to let the dentist know if you have a fear of visiting the dentist or suffer from dental anxiety. This is a very common occurrence, and the dentist can help make your stay more comfortable.
  • If you have experienced any changes with your teeth or gums or noticed any problems on the inside of your mouth be sure to let the dentist know during your check up. The sooner a dentist is told about any pain, sensitivity, or suspicious areas in your mouth – the earlier it can be dealt with and treated.

If it’s been awhile and you’re overdue for a cleaning, please visit Alpenglow Dental https://alpenglowdentists.com/ website  to find a location near you and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Make sure your teeth are receiving the professional attention they deserve!

Tips for a whiter smile

Your teeth can make or break your overall appearance. A beautiful smile can make you attractive. It radiates self-confidence and poise. While a smile can make you appear inviting, a great smile conveys an engaging and warm personality, which excites every person you meet. Here are eight simple tips to restore the beauty and maintain the pearly white texture of your teeth.

  1. Create an illusion of your lipstick’s color.

Sorry, guys. This first tip is for the ladies. The hue of your lipstick can give off an optical illusion. If you use a light red or medium coral color, it will make your teeth glow in pallor. Lighter shades of red are likely to bring out a yellowish hue in your teeth.

  1. Brush your teeth first thing in the morning and before you hit the sack at night.

Ideally, you need to brush your teeth after every meal. However, like most people who lead very hectic schedules, that thing may seem difficult to comply. Understandably so. Thus, experts advise that you should brush your teeth twice a day, at these two crucial times: right after you get out of bed in the morning and before you get into bed at night.

Saliva dries up at night. Without saliva, there’s nothing to fend off the cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. By brushing before going to bed, you will be cleaning these undesirable elements off your teeth and gums. Bacteria and plaque will build up as you sleep; thus, it’s equally important to brush your teeth in the morning.

  1. Learn to floss without using a mirror.

Practice flossing even with your eyes closed. It’s important that you learn to floss without using a mirror as a visual guide so you can quickly adapt to whatever environment you’re in. With practice, you’ll be able to floss while in your car during a traffic stop or while sitting at your desk in your free time.

  1. Don’t forget to gargle mouthwash.

Stay fresh and keep your breath minty with mouthwash. Pick one that’s alcohol-free. Alcohol tends to dry out your mouth, making it prone to bacterial incursion and plaque buildup.

  1. Experiment with baking soda.

Did you know you can use baking soda to remove the stains on your teeth? For just once a week, you can use this as an alternative to regular toothpaste. Using baking soda every day might cause your gums and other sensitive tissues in your mouth to feel raw.

  1. Apple cider vinegar has incredible whitening effects on your teeth.

You can do this during morning right before you brush your teeth. The vinegar as a stain-removing effect as well as bacteria-killing properties.

  1. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too.

Get a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria and plaque on your tongue. If that’s not available, you can still use your toothbrush to banish the undesirable elements.

  1. Change your toothbrush every 2 or 3 months.

Make sure you get a new one every 2 or 3 months. If you’re regularly using your toothbrush, it will become less efficient at removing the plaque and bacteria beyond 2 or 3 months.

These tips for a whiter smile will only go so far. If they’re not enough, and you still want whiter, more beautiful teeth, get in touch with Alpenglow Dental Office. Contact us at (801) 878-1700 to schedule an appointment.

 

Affordable Dental Care in SLC

Do you know what a dental abscess is? It’s an infection usually occurring in the mouth, jaw, throat or face. It starts out as a tooth cavity, arising from poor oral health, which, in turn, results from failure to observe proper dental hygiene and timely oral care. A dental abscess can be very painful as the tissues become inflamed due to the spread of bacteria into the gums, throat, tongue, and jaw.

Signs of tissue inflammation may include an accumulation of pus at the infection site. As more discharge is collected, it will become increasingly painful. To relieve the pain, the affected tissue has to be drained of the pus.

This oral infection may become life-threatening if the tissue is swelling looks to block the airways and cause difficulty in breathing. A dental abscess can also cause nausea, fever, vomiting, and excessive sweating. If you’re experiencing this oral problem, seek help immediately. For affordable dental care in SLC (Salt Lake City), come to Alpenglow Dental Office. We’re here to help you.

What are the Causes of Dental Abscess?

dental abscess photo

Dental Abscess Photo by Spider.Dog

Like many causes of dental problems, a dental abscess results from bacterial infection. The growth of bacteria from a cavity or tooth decay triggers infection of the sensitive tissues and delicate bones in the neck, jaw, or face. Immediate, appropriate dental treatment will suppress further bacteria growth, which contributes to the development of a dental abscess.

One of the leading causes of bacterial buildup is poor dental hygiene. If you want to avoid this oral condition, you need to brush and floss often. Don’t forget to see your dentist regularly too; at least, once in every six months. Smoking and alcohol consumption also contributes to the formation of plaque on teeth that leads to a dental abscess. Your diet and medication, if you’re taking any, can also play a role in causing the infection. As the bacterial infestation on your teeth increases, it may spread to the gums and delicate tissues in the mouth.

Signs of Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is painful. It involves some swelling and appears red in color on the face and mouth. In its advanced forms, symptoms may include vomiting, fever, chills, and nausea. It is reported that some patients experience diarrhea too.

Other common symptoms of a dental abscess include dental cavities and gum inflammation. The affected areas may feel tender to the touch. There may be likely pus present in the infected portions. Some patients also suffer from difficulty in opening their mouths; difficulty in swallowing and, in worse cases, problems in breathing has also been reported.

Seek Dental Care

If you believe you have a dental abscess, reach out to a dentist as soon as possible. You need to have it evaluated and treated before it gets worst. Don’t wait for the infection to worsen and cause intense, unmanageable pain Why wait for nausea, chills, and fever to set in? Seek immediate care before the intolerable pain and other symptoms come.

When you need affordable dental care in SLC, come to Alpenglow Dental Office. We treat a broad range of dental problems using state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive treatments to ensure your optimal oral health.

To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (801) 878-1700.

Utah Family Dentist

Do you think you know what it takes to have beautiful, healthy teeth? Brush, floss, and see Utah family dentist every 6 months. Avoid using your teeth to open a bottle cap. Stop chomping on hard ice. All these things are elementary and basic common sense when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Sounds simple, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, those aren’t enough. There are still a couple of important things you need to learn when it comes to your teeth. Here are 4 uncommon truths about your pearly whites:

  1. Your teeth needs a whole troop, not just a best friend.

If you think you only need a toothbrush, you’re very wrong. While a toothbrush is your teeth’s best friend, your pearly whites need a whole troop of friends.. In addition to your toothbrush, you also need dental floss and antibacterial mouthwash is highly recommended. But the most important defense of them all is your saliva. Our natural disinfecting agent rinses the cavity-causing bacteria off your teeth, gums, and tongue.

Tooth decay happens when bacteria feeds on the sugar in our food and drinks. During this process, acidic substances are produced, which corrodes the enamel of your teeth. Saliva rinses it out of your mouth to neutralize the corrosive effect, and promote the re-buildup of enamel.

However, achieving that cleansing effect with saliva can be difficult for people experiencing dry mouth syndrome. With the decreased production of saliva, there is also the lessened buffering effect to counter the caustic forces of sugar. Simply put, if you have less saliva in the mouth, you’ve got a real oral problem. When faced with dry mouth, keep your water bottle handy.

  1. Sweet Snacks and Sugary Beverages Can Hurt Your Pearly Whites.

If you think calories are the worst thing that could come out after binging on that huge piece of chocolate cake, you are wrong. When you indulge on your sweet little things, the sugar in it is what gets to your teeth. Whether it’s a glazed donut or a bite-size candy bar, you’re setting up an attack on your teeth. Sugar itself is not what rots your teeth— but it makes things much easier for the things that do rot your teeth.The more sugary sweets you have, the more bacteria produce acids disintegrate the enamel.

Sugar increases the risk of plaque buildup on your teeth. Eventually, this will lead to the softening of the enamel and thereafter tooth decay. So go easy on the sugar, and take care of your teeth daily to keep that plaque away.

  1. Don’t Swallow the Toothpaste.

Yes, this one! Not only is it quite unpleasant, the habit of gulping toothpaste may result in getting too much fluoride in your system. Excess fluoride can contribute to a number of medical conditions, and sometimes can even cause stains on tooth enamel through fluorosis.

The rule is don’t swallow, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to rinse off the toothpaste immediately after brushing. You can let it stay a bit longer. The sustained contact with fluoride makes for a more effective preventive measure against tooth decay. In fact, many dental procedures involve letting the fluoride-based gel or paste sit on the teeth for as long as 30 minutes.

  1. Your Dental Health Says a Lot about Your Overall Health

Can you believe dental problems are closely linked with serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease? Several studies revealed that gum disease is associated with the risk of heart disease and premature births.

Remember that dental health is an important part of your overall health. If you’re looking for a Utah family dentist, get in touch with Alpenglow Dental Office. We’re here to help you achieve healthy, beautiful teeth that will last a lifetime. Contact us at (801) 878-1700 to make your appointment.