Waverley Dental Care http://blog.waverleydental.com Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 07 May 2012 20:09:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The Hardest things to find: A Good Plumber, Mechanic, and Dentist!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-hardest-things-to-find-a-good-plumber-mechanic-and-dentist/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-hardest-things-to-find-a-good-plumber-mechanic-and-dentist/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 19:54:12 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=77 No matter your age, your profession, or how busy your schedule might be, finding a good dentist is one of the most important things you can do. It can also be a struggle. So, how can you get started? What should you keep in mind as you look for a dentist for yourself and your family? Here are five things to consider.

Testimonials

Find out beforehand if the doctor you’re considering has any testimonials or before-and-after pictures you can see. Some states—Texas, for example—don’t allow testimonials, but others do and this can be a great way to get to know a dentist and his or her work. At Waverley Dental Care, we put a great emphasis on patient testimonials. It helps us improve daily in our patient/client satisfactions. Please check out our reviews, on Google Places, Yahoo! local, Yelp to name a few.

Experience

Knowing where a dentist studied, how long they’ve studied, what associations they’re a member of, and what awards they’ve one can all help you decide on a dentist. Typically, you can find information like this on a doctor’s web page, under the “About the Office” or the “About Our Team” page. If the practice you’re considering is a new practice, what does this mean to you? Are you comfortable with the dentist’s expertise and training? Here we continually take continuing education classes to stay on top of all the new techniques!!!

Technology

Whether you’re looking for general care or restorative care, finding a practice with cutting-edge technology can be important. Tools like digital radiography expose patients to 80% less radiation while laser dentistry can make periodontal therapy more comfortable than traditional therapy with a scalpel and stitches. What advanced tools are important to you and will encourage you to seek the care you deserve? Here at Waverley Dental Care, we have offered digital x-rays for over 8 years!! There has been a lot of talk on this topic since a recent study in the journal Cancer was published. This study was picked up by Yahoo, MSN and the AP. The study failed to discuss that the rate of radiation exposure for these patients were based on out-dated techniques, like analog film and out-dated x-ray tubes. We also have a dental CO2 laser, in which we can treat periodontal conditions, remove canker and cold sores, and even de-sensitized teeth!! If you ever had pain while eating ice cream, or get a cold sore the morning of a hot date…give us a call!! Please check out our website, and click the technology tab for more information.

Services

One of the most important questions to ask yourself as you look for a dentist is, what services do you and your family need? Do you already know that you need to have a specific procedure performed? For advanced surgical care, many dentists refer patients to a specialist, but some dentists have sought extra training and can perform these same procedures in their own office. Agian our office continually takes continuing education courses to update our skills. We have just added to our services the ability to treat patients who suffer from Sleep Apnea. In the very near future, we will be also be ready to place our own dental implants!!!

Comfort

If you have trouble sitting for long periods of time or you struggle with dental anxiety, finding an office that keeps patient comfort in mind can be very important. Some dentists do this through sedation dentistry, while others do so by advertising spa amenities. Here at Waverley Dental Care, we offer messaging dental chairs, aromatherapy, Ipods for listening, Sirius Satellite Radio, Wi-fi waiting rooms to name a few!!!

Give us a call to come in a check out our facilities!!!

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-hardest-things-to-find-a-good-plumber-mechanic-and-dentist/feed/ 0 April Is Oral Cancer Prevention Month!!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/april-is-oral-cancer-month/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/april-is-oral-cancer-month/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:59:46 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=68 During April, Let’s Focus on Oral Cancer Prevention

April is National Cancer Control Month, and you might not be aware of the fact that incidences of oral cancer are on the rise. Few people think about oral cancer, but it kills more people every year than brain cancer, cervical cancer, and testicular cancer put together. But the more you learn about oral cancer and its signs and symptoms, the better able you’ll be to get an early diagnosis and more effective treatment should oral cancer happen to you. Oral cancer responds very well to treatment in the earliest stages.

What are the risk factors for oral cancer?

The risk factors for oral cancer include smoking and chewing tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV), although some people develop oral cancer despite having none of these risk factors. It is believed that genetics, too, plays a role in the development of cancers, including oral cancer, as well as dietary factors. Because there are so many various contributing factors, everyone should get checked by their dentist for oral cancer at their dental checkups.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

The symptoms of oral cancer include:

  • A flat, painless, white or red spot or sore.
  • A sore that bleed easily or does not heal.
  • A color change of the oral tissues.
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area.
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

It can be hard to see every spot in your mouth clearly, which is where your dentist comes in. He or she can take a look at any questionable areas and alert you if there’s a potential problem. Waiting until the symptoms become extremely obvious means wasting valuable treatment time that could save your life.

So why not make an appointment with your Waverley Dental Care for an exam during National Cancer Control Month? Set your mind at ease knowing that you’ve gone the extra mile for not only your oral health, but your overall health, too! Waverley Dental Care offers the most updated oral cancer detection device on the market in the Identafi Oral Cancer Screening unit. Please check out our website at www.waverleydental.com, and click the Technology tab for information. Also for further information, you can look at http://www.identafi.net

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/april-is-oral-cancer-month/feed/ 0 Say Cheese!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/say-cheese/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/say-cheese/#comments Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:08:50 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=65 Drink your milk! How many of us immediately revert to childhood memories of sitting around the dinner table with mom and dad upon hearing these words? What if, instead, our moms had insisted, “Eat your cheese!”? I imagine we’d all have fonder dinnertime memories, for one.

Well, it turns out Mom would have been doing us all a great favor if she’d been a little more generous with the cheese. Evidence indicates that eating cheese is beneficial for your teeth because it is low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphate. Research over the past decade suggests that cheese is not only an excellent source of calcium, which (as we all know) strengthens bones and teeth, but can also help balance the acidity levels (pH) in your mouth preventing decay.

Be Strong

While dairy products are chock full of bone-strengthening calcium, cheese goes the extra mile by coating your teeth with calcium. A single cube of cheese can increase plaque-calcium concentration by more than 100 percent! This coating aids in hardening and remineralizing teeth, which protects against cavities.

Keep the Balance

Cheese not only acts as a delicious source of calcium, but it goes another step in fighting dental caries by balancing the pH levels in your mouth. When starchy or sugary foods and drinks are consumed acids are produced, causing pH levels to drop. A low pH level encourages demineralization, softening teeth and making them vulnerable to decay. Once again, cheese steps in to save the day! Studies show that eating cheese helps maintain a safer pH level for your teeth.

It’s Gouda for You!

What’s your favorite kind of cheese? Is it cheddar, Swiss, blue, Monterrey Jack, brie, Gouda, or American? It’s been shown that just about any variety provides benefits to your oral health, so bring on the cheese and smile pretty!

Don’t forget to brush and floss regularly. Teeth cannot live on cheese alone.

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/say-cheese/feed/ 0 New Year, New Smile http://blog.waverleydental.com/new-year-new-smile/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/new-year-new-smile/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:39:43 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=63 January is a time when many people are thinking about fresh starts and life improvements. If that sounds like something you’re doing, have you considered a smile makeover from your dentist?

A smile makeover can help you add an extra sparkle to your smile, which, in turn, can help you improve the different relationships in your life, whether romantic, social, or on a professional. What’s more, studies have shown that patients with whiter, straighter smiles are perceived by others as more confident, attractive, and successful.

So with all this in mind, why not talk to your dentist about a smile makeover for January?

What Is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover can be one service or multiple services combined. One of the most common popular smile makeover services is teeth whitening. And just as there are different smile makeover services out there, there are also different companies that produce teeth whitening materials. Regardless of which your dentist offers, you can enjoy professional results that over-the-counter products can’t deliver, and typically in either in-office or at-home varieties.

But Teeth Whitening Isn’t the Only Option to Consider

Teeth whitening may be one of the most popular cosmetic options out there, but it’s not the only one. Many offices also offer porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, and orthodontic solutions like Invisalign and Clear Correct.

If you want to give your smile a makeover for 2012, call us at Waverley Dental Care to find out what we would recommend for you personally.

Transform your smile this January with a confident, dazzling smile makeover. You never know what opportunities a change like that might unlock.

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/new-year-new-smile/feed/ 0 The Best Gift This Holiday Season….Keeping Your Teeth Healthy!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-best-gift-this-holiday-season-keeping-your-teeth-healthy/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-best-gift-this-holiday-season-keeping-your-teeth-healthy/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:57:54 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=60

Stuffing, rolls, pies, cakes…the holidays are a time full of carbohydrate-rich, sugary foods. This can really do a number on your oral health, but there are some simple ways you can help combat cavities while still enjoying Grandma’s pumpkin pie (or pecan if that’s your preference!).

If you can, eat those carb-heavy foods such as stuffing and rolls with a balanced meal consisting of some protein. This helps to counteract some of the acids produced when sugars and bacteria in the mouth come together.

Limit your consumption of sticky foods. These foods take longer to chew, meaning they stay in the mouth longer and increase cavity risk.

Carry a travel toothbrush with you to your Thanksgiving meal destination, even if you’re just going for the day. Can’t brush your teeth immediately after eating for some reason? Rinse your mouth out with water to remove as much debris and acid as possible.

And try not to graze so much. It’s easy to spend the entire day walking around a party eating snacks, but every time you pop something into your mouth, it creates acids. Spend some time NOT eating on Thanksgiving day to cut down on the buildup of cavity-causing agents.

By following these simple holiday dental care tips, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while still enjoying your Thanksgiving goodies. Happy holidays!

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/the-best-gift-this-holiday-season-keeping-your-teeth-healthy/feed/ 0 Happy Halloween!..and here’s how to avoid the cavities!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/happy-halloween-and-heres-how-to-avoid-the-cavities/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/happy-halloween-and-heres-how-to-avoid-the-cavities/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:37:06 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=57 You probably have memories of your own Halloweens when you were a kid. You know what that sense of anticipation feels like waiting for Halloween to come, and that giddy, nervous sensation as you stand on a neighbor’s porch, waiting for candy.

But you probably have memories of getting a filling, too. And though getting fillings is a much more comfortable experience now than it was in the past, you’d still like to see your own little one get through Halloween cavity-free.

So why not stock up on candy made with xylitol this Halloween?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. It has fewer calories and won’t raise blood sugar levels, making it perfect for patients with diabetes.

The greatest benefit xylitol provides, though, is protection from cavities. Unlike sucrose, which spurs decay and the growth of bacteria, xylitol promotes healthy pH levels in the mouth and makes it harder for bacteria to stick to teeth, preventing cavities in the process.

Where Can I Find Candy Made with Xylitol?

The best place to start is the Internet. Both Amazon and xclear.com offer a range of choices. You can also find xylitol candy for sale on websites that cater to customers with diabetes.

If you’d like to find something locally, you might try your local health food store or even your local grocery store. It may be harder to find xylitol candy than it is to find Milky Ways and Snickers, but with a little research and a little digging, you can find exactly what you need to make your child’s Halloween fun and healthy.

Have Any Questions About The Benefits of Xylitol?

If you’d like to know more about how xylitol is different from traditional sugar and what benefits it has for oral health, contact us at Waverley Dental Care or visit xylitol.org.

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/happy-halloween-and-heres-how-to-avoid-the-cavities/feed/ 0 Floss, Floss, Floss…Or Else!! http://blog.waverleydental.com/floss-floss-floss-or-else/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/floss-floss-floss-or-else/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:22:14 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=54

We know school’s back in session, and in addition to your already-full work schedule, you now have to plan meals, arrange car pools, sharpen pencils, and still find time for your sparkle-madness, hip-hop dance routine. Trust us, we know. But, as you can tell by the three (three!) exclamation points that follow the title of this article, we mean business. It’s time to bite the bullet, face the music, meet your maker… well not quite time for that… but seriously, flossing is serious.

If you choose not to floss, and we all know you do (studies show that 73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss – grocery shopping! FOR SHAME!), here’s what happens inside your mouth:

  • Food debris piles up between your teeth – even if your teeth appear too close together for this to happen.
  • Plaque – a biofilm that develops naturally on teeth – hardens between teeth. This can happen in just 24 hours, and after 10 days, plaque becomes rock-hard and can only be removed by a professional.
  • The hardened plaque release toxins that eat away enamel and gum tissue.
  • EAT AWAY ENAMEL AND GUM TISSUE
  • Left to fester, the toxins create cavities and infections in your mouth.
  • Bad breath takes over.
  • Gum disease sets in.
  • There is no cure for gum disease.

So why should you floss? Let’s recap. Flossing removes food debris and plaque, prevents cavities, prevents bad breath, prevents gum disease, prevents tooth loss, prevents bone loss, prevents all the complications associated with gum disease, including elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. Can flossing save your life? Believe it or not daily flossing can lengthen your lifespan by six years!

Not sure about how to floss? When you have your appointment at Waverley Dental Care, please ask us for demonstration. Don’t be embarrassed; it’s the kind of thing they dream about. You can also watch the video below, and share what you learn with your family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and random strangers you meet in elevators and while stopped at traffic lights. Studies show that bacteria from gum disease can spread through saliva, so also share what you’ve learned with the milkman (or milkwoman) and any other persons with whom you swap spittle.

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/floss-floss-floss-or-else/feed/ 0 Can a I get a buzz cut and whiter teeth today? http://blog.waverleydental.com/can-a-i-get-a-buzz-cut-and-whiter-teeth-today/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/can-a-i-get-a-buzz-cut-and-whiter-teeth-today/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:17:08 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=52 The History of Teeth Whitening

Remember when people rode around in horse-drawn buggies and went to the barber for their teeth whitening needs? No? Yes, indeed, the barber once did your hair and your dental care. Sounds pretty convenient, right? Well, once you find out how it was done, you’ll be glad you go to the dentist for teeth whitening.

The Quest for Whiter Teeth Begins

The ancient Egyptians were known for their beautification techniques, and they certainly sought after whiter teeth. Around 4,000 years ago, they used a paste of wine vinegar and ground pumice stone to whiten their teeth. The mixture was brushed on with frayed sticks (yes, like very small tree branches). The whiter your teeth, the wealthier people thought you were.

If brushing your teeth with sticks doesn’t sound fun, at least the Egyptians had it better than the Romans. Ancient Romans used urine for teeth whitening. Luckily, people later discovered that it was the ammonia in urine that whitened the teeth, and that practice was abandoned.

And that brings us to the barbers. Before dentists, barbers took care of everyone’s oral health. There weren’t many dental remedies at the time, so barbers fixed most issues by pulling problem teeth. They also provided teeth whitening, using metal files on the teeth before applying nitric acid to wear away stains. Not only was this process incredibly uncomfortable, but it damaged the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to tooth decay.

The Dawn of Modern Teeth Whitening

Then, in the 1980s, dentists stumbled upon a new technique. They noticed that the hydrogen peroxide used to treat gums also caused teeth whitening. Trays and gels were developed specifically for teeth whitening, and now we don’t have to use sticks, ammonia, or metal files anymore. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure today. At Waverley Dental Care we offer a wide array of teeth whitening procedures, from one hour techniques, custom made trays, and pre-formed one size fits all trays.  Please give us a call, and we will be happy to give you a free whitening consult!

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/can-a-i-get-a-buzz-cut-and-whiter-teeth-today/feed/ 0 Summer Sports Drinks: Are the risks worth feeling like Mike? http://blog.waverleydental.com/summer-sports-drinks-are-the-risks-worth-feeling-like-mike/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/summer-sports-drinks-are-the-risks-worth-feeling-like-mike/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:21:00 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=48 I had some family visiting over the last several weeks, and my 13 year old nephew was in the mood the play some hoops. So I decided to take him to our local court, and show him a thing or two.   While we were at the courts, he was telling me how his friends and him enjoy drinking Gatorade and other sports drinks, even if they’re not playing sports.

We all know soda is bad for our teeth. You may have even done one of those experiments in third grade where you place a baby tooth in Coke overnight and witness the horrifying consequences. Well researchers have done a similar experiment with popular fitness drinks and with startling results. According to a study published in the AGD’s journal General Dentistry, energy drinks can cause 3 to 11 times more enamel erosion than soft drinks.

Here’s what went down:
Scientists immersed cavity-free teeth in a variety of popular beverages and let them fester for 14 days, which equals about 13 years of normal beverage consumption. As you can imagine, all the beverages tested caused pretty significant damage to the tooth enamel, but certain players stepped up to the plate and really knocked it out of the park. In order of ferocity:

  • Lemonade
  • Energy Drinks
  • Sports Drinks
  • Fitness Water
  • Iced Tea
  • Cola

Were the results what you expected? If you’re like most dental-conscious people, you probably would have grabbed a Vitamin Water over a Coca-Cola any day. Alas! Fitness waters, energy drinks, and sports beverages actually contain more additives and organic acids that advance tooth erosion. These organic acids are especially damaging because of their ability to breakdown calcium, which is an essential ingredient for strong teeth and gums.

In addition to tooth decay, these drinks can contribute to staining and hypersensitivity caused by softened tooth enamel. To minimize the impact these drinks have on your teeth, limit your intake, drink with a straw when possible, and rinse your mouth out with water after drinking sugary or acidic beverages. Sipping your Gatorade throughout the day may exacerbate the problem, since you’re exposing your mouth repeatedly to teeth-eating acids.

One more thing…

Don’t brush your teeth! WHAAATTT??? You exclaim, obviously shocked that dental experts would ever give you advice that contradicts everything you’ve come to believe about oral hygiene. Settle down. We’re not saying don’t brush your teeth ever – just don’t brush them promptly after chugging your breakfast of Red Bull and Life Water. The abrasives in toothpaste can actually cause more damage because of the softened state of your acid-exposed tooth enamel. Wait at least 45 minutes before brushing and consider rinsing with water to flush away excess sugars.

P.S.
If you’re concerned about tooth decay, stains, or sensitivity, gives us a call at Waverley Dental Care. Certain pro-active dental treatments and oral hygiene products can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent bacteria from scoring points on the home team (your mouth).

]]> http://blog.waverleydental.com/summer-sports-drinks-are-the-risks-worth-feeling-like-mike/feed/ 0 Do I have Oral Cancer? http://blog.waverleydental.com/do-i-have-oral-cancer/ http://blog.waverleydental.com/do-i-have-oral-cancer/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 17:43:05 +0000 admin http://blog.waverleydental.com/?p=38

Why are we discussing cancer on a dental newsletter? Because dental health affects your overall health, and your smile is your dentist’s business. Oral Cancer is a little discussed cancer that is on the rise, despite the overall decline in cancer rates. Why? Awareness. Many people simply don’t talk about oral cancer. Your dentist wants to change that.

Every year, almost 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Of these cases, 70% are discovered in the disease’s later stages. As many as one fourth of those diagnosed didn’t even participate in the risky behaviors commonly attributed to the disease, such a tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption.

But did you also know oral cancer is highly curable if found early? This is why it’s so important for you to visit your dentist for routine checkups every six months.

Regular Visits Can Save Your Life

There’s never been a better time to call your dentist and schedule your next regular dental visit than National Cancer Control Month. Cancer screenings can be conducted quickly and easily, and are a part of your regular six-month checkup.

What is your dentist looking for? Common signs of oral cancer include:

  • A flat, painless, white or red spot or sore.
  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
  • A color change of the oral tissues.
  • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area.
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

Though some symptoms may be easily identifiable as they progress, spotting early signs of oral cancer takes a well-trained eye.  We at Waverley Dental Care use advanced technology, from an Italian company called trimera. They make a special light called Identafi, which with various wavelengths, illuminates the tissue to check for changes in gum, cheek, and tongue tissue. You can check out their website at  www.trimira.net/identafi. Your dentist may use special light from ViziLite or  VELscope, which work in almost the same way.

Just think, at your routine office visit, your dentist might do more than fill cavities; he might save your life.

For more information on oral cancer, or to support life-saving research, visit The Oral Cancer Foundation.  Remember to follow your dentist’s advice on prevention and detection of oral cancer. If you see anything suspicious, please do not wait, and call us at Waverley Dental Care for a screening.

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