Take Care of Your Smile

 While we live in an interesting time right now and things might be changing rapidly for you. Don't stop learning and growing, and taking care of your smile. It is so important that your smile is healthy because if you are not taking care of your smile, your overall health can suffer. 

It is easy to let certain habits go when you are at home all day or working from home. So, how can you continue with healthy smile habits when your schedule is disrupted?

1. Brush your teeth and floss as soon as your feet hit the floor. You don't want to get other things in the way and sidetrack you. 
2. Pack healthy snacks to keep by your side. It's easy to eat whatever when your kitchen is right next to you. So, pack healthy snacks. Or ensure you have healthy fruits and vegetables set aside for you to consume during the day. They are great for your smile. 
3. Drink water! Drinking water is a fantastic way to keep your smile healthy. It rinses food from your teeth. This ensures that food does not stick to the enamel on your teeth. 
   

While these habits are not new, they are great reminders to keep your smile healthy in time, when things have changed drastically for some. For more information on keeping your smile healthy, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team!

5 Ways To Enhance Your Smile

Summer is approaching, and it is time to get your healthy on. While eating better and working out, another strategy and item you should consider is your smile! Your dental goals will depend on what your cosmetic dentist suggests. 

Several procedures can be done to improve your smile. 

1. Veneers - They can improve the look of damaged or stained teeth. 
2. Composite fillings are a very safe way to replace cavities with non-toxic materials. But they also ensure that you preserve the natural appearance of your smile. 
3. Crowns and Bridges - while these may be more expensive and take more time to improve your overall smile, they might be worth it to restore your smile to a shape, color, and size, building a beautiful smile. 
4. Teeth whitening. While this is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures, it can ensure you have the beautiful smile you seek without invasive treatment. 
5. Enamel Bonding - the material used is moldable and provides a restorative look to your smile. 

If you are looking for cosmetic dental procedures but are unsure where to start, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today. 

Do You Love Your Smile?

Your smile is so important, and the health of your teeth and gums matters. But when you look in the mirror, are you happy with your smile at the end of the day? If the answer is no, contact our offices today so that we can help you improve the look and health of your smile. Having a smile that you don't love can impact not only your self-esteem but also your work relationships, goals, and the life you are living. 

When we share our smiles with the world, we pass on something good, kind, and loving to the world around us. However, we want to ensure we have the correct information on what is needed to improve our smile. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist can ensure you have the information you need and want to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today.  

Brushing Your Teeth

 

You should brush your teeth at least 2x a day, but you should also consider brushing your teeth under these 5 circumstances. We all know how important brushing your teeth is; there is no other way to remove food from the surface of the teeth and gums. Without brushing, the food on your teeth turns into acid. This acid then wears down your tooth enamel causing cavities and other problems. 

Here are 5 circumstances that might occur when you want to brush your teeth:

1. First thing in the morning 
2. A meal that is high in carbohydrates 
3. After you have drunk soda or alcohol 
4. Before you go to bed, remove any leftover food debris on your teeth at night. 
5. After you consume a dessert 

Having a healthy smile is critical for so many reasons. If you have concerns about the health of your smile, contact us today at Dr. Judy Strutz and schedule an appointment.

Causes of Tooth Loss and Options for Preventing It

 

Are you worried about losing your teeth? It can be problematic in lots of ways. Not only can it decrease your self-esteem and desire to smile, but it can also negatively impact your health. 

Here are 5 causes of tooth loss and ways to prevent it:

1. Not visiting your dentist regularly. You want to schedule those 6-month dental visits to ensure that you do not have problems impacting your smile and that any issues are caught on time. 
2. Flossing. Your gums need you to floss to ensure they are the healthiest they can be. 
3. Brushing at least 2x a day. Food that sits on your gums increases the risk of losing a tooth or having another major dental problem. Brushing when you consume high-carbohydrate meals and brushing 2x a day can help keep your smile healthy. 
4. Drink water. We know you hear it all the time. However, water is the best way to rinse food from your teeth between brushing sessions. 
5. Take care of problems quickly. If you are feeling pain or if your gums are bleeding, contact your cosmetic dentists to talk through options. 

The health of your smile is so important. Don't let problems creep up on you. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today!

Your Smile Matters

 

Your smile is significant and the key to your health. Having a healthy smile is beneficial not only for your body but your mind as well. Here are 5 benefits of a healthy smile, 

1. When your teeth and gums are healthy - you smile more. The more you smile, the more endorphins are released. 
2. Smiling helps to reduce stress. The less stress you have, the better you will feel. When stress is happening while you can't control the stress, taking a deep breath and smiling can be the key to reducing the stress that you feel. 
3. Increase in productivity. The happier we are, the more we smile and can get done. 
4. Smiling is a gift not only for you but the people around you. 
5. Fight illness. We all are trying to avoid getting sick. When we smile more, we are less likely to get sick. 

If your smile is not as healthy as you want it to be, contact us today!

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is often referred to as periodontal disease and impacts many Americans across the nation. It can be caused by the foods you consume or not drinking water. Many patients may also experience gum disease if they do not brush or floss regularly. Periodontal disease is when the inner layer of bone and gum pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets. The pockets can collect food particles causing an infection and eventually more significant problems.

While most people start by having a slight problem called gingivitis, it can lead to periodontal or gum disease if it is not adequately taken care of. 

If you notice signs of gingivitis like your gums are bleeding, you will want to floss, brush and visit your cosmetic dentist as soon as possible to improve your smile's health. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team for more information, questions or to schedule an appointment.

Take The Time

We know how busy you are but your smile matters. Last month we wrote about three of the top reasons why tooth loss can occur. The number one rule is because of periodontal decay. So often, patients are busy and forget or don't brush and floss regularly. Or maybe you cannot commit to your regular cosmetic dental visits—whatever the reason, we want to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. We can do that by seeing you at least 2x a year for check-ups and quickly taking care of any problems that might arise in between. 

We will begin by updating your health history and ensuring that we are aware of anything that has changed since your last visit. From there, we will start analyzing your smile so that we can provide the best treatment options for your smile. Now is the time to be sure you have a smile that can last a lifetime and avoid tooth loss. 

Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team to schedule an appointment. 

Your Smile Is Our Success

We love our patients and want to ensure that we provide the best care we can for you. If you are experiencing dental problems, concerns, periodontal disease, bleeding gums, or any other area of dental worries you want to discuss with us, feel free to call and schedule an appointment today. 

We know you are busy, and sometimes you might experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. Please let us know what we can do to help your experience as we want to be sure that we know you as a person. Our number one priority is the health of your smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact
Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today and have a healthy smile for the future.

3 Reasons for Tooth Loss

Are you concerned about losing your teeth? Or having a tooth fall out because of dental decay? Knowing the top 3 causes can help you prevent this situation from occurring. While there are incredible advances in dental procedures, not being in this situation is ideal for our patients. Here are the top 5 reasons:

1. Gum disease is the number one problem that causes adults to lose a tooth. Gum disease can destroy the supporting bone that helps to keep your teeth in place. Flossing and brushing regularly is the key as well as visiting your dental cosmetic dentist. 
2. Not getting dental care. Regular dental care is key to keeping your smile healthy. 
3. You have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, you will want to visit your doctor if you are experiencing problems with high blood pressure before it becomes a problem. Please let our staff know at your visit, however, if you are at risk or experiencing high blood pressure. 

We are here to help. If you have concerns about the health of your smile, contact us or schedule a visit with Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. 

Do You Love Your Smile?

A study conducted by the Oral Health Foundation found "found that more than half (55%) of those interviewed were highly positive about their smile while nearly one in five (18%) displayed an even greater love for it." But what about the rest?

Everyone else falls into the category of not loving their smile, being embarrassed by it, or feeling that their smile could use some improvement. So, where do you fall? 

Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today if you don't love your smile. Schedule an appointment to talk about healthy, beautiful options that can make your smile radiant and help you to fall in love with it all over again! A beautiful smile is worth 1,000 words. We can help you achieve that. 

Do You Have Dental Questions?

We often get asked dental questions from patients. If you have a dental question, feel free to call or schedule a consultation to discuss your unique dental situation. First, however, we wanted to provide answers to the top 4 questions we get asked:

1. How often should I schedule an appointment with my cosmetic dentist? You want to schedule a dental cleaning appointment 2x a year. Your other meetings will be scheduled as needed depending on the procedure you are having done. 
2. How much do cosmetic dental procedures cost? This will depend on a variety of factors. It is best to schedule a dental consultation so your unique treatment needs can be addressed. The cost of all treatments will be discussed before any work is completed. 
3. How long does a cosmetic treatment take? Each procedure is unique depending on your needs. While some will be completed in a few hours, others may take longer.
4. How often should I brush and floss? There is only one way to remove food from the surface of your teeth and keep your gumline healthy. Brushing and flossing are the keys. While you consume food throughout the day, usually 2x a day is enough. However, if you eat a high carbohydrate meal, you might want to brush after to remove food from sticking to the surface of your teeth. 

For more information about your dental needs or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today!

Chemo and Your Smile

Any cancer is life-altering, and being sure we are providing the most support we can for our patients, Dr. Judy Strutz 2010 began taking classes at UCL to learn more about Maxillo-Facial Prosthodontics. She wants to be sure that she helps her patients live their best lives. One of the ways that she does that is by providing a thorough cancer exam. The sooner oral cancer is found and treated, the more available treatment options. 

While evaluating the patient's mouth since her classes, she has been able to advance her skills and ensure that she is giving "hope to the hopeless." Dr. Judy Strutz and her team work to fully understand the unique situation a patient being treated for cancer or oral cancer is in. This way, they can provide the best treatment options and support. 

If you are worried that you might have oral cancer or to schedule a screening today, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

Summer Is Almost Over

While summer is approaching, don't forget to schedule your six-month cleaning and dental check-up. Unfortunately, we often can let these essential items go to waste when life gets busy. However, they are critical not only to the health of your smile but the health of your entire body. 

A quick check-up and cleaning can identify any significant problems that might be happening with your smile before they become a major problem. For example, did you know that "your smile is our success?" We want to be sure that you have the smile you love because that makes us smile. A quick cleaning and check-up with Dr. Judy Strutz and her team can keep you on track! 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

5 Common Dental Problems You May Be Facing

Your smile is critically important to us, and we want to be sure that if you are experiencing any of these dental problems or concerns, you contact your cosmetic dental office today for help. Here are 5 of the most common dental problems, 

1. Bad breath. While we all have bad breath occasionally, if you are experiencing this regularly, it may be due to an underlined problem. 
2. Receding Gums. We are all busy, so having an opportunity to brush and floss as often as we should be causes the problem. However, the best way to fix the problem is to get the facts. A quick visit with Dr. Strutz and her team can identify how bad the problem is and give you treatment options. 
3. Sensitive teeth. Have you been trying to avoid some of your favorite foods like ice cream or fresh strawberries because it causes pain? Don't skip out on life's pleasures. We can help. 
4. Cracked or broken teeth? This can be a self-esteem nightmare. But you do have options. 

Do you have other concerns or questions about your smile? Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team for more information on flossing or other dental tips. 

How To Floss The Right Way

Flossing is essential to the health of your smile. But, unfortunately, there is a right and a wrong way to floss your teeth. Here is some information on how to floss your teeth the right way:

You want to use strong floss that doesn't break when you put it between your teeth. You can break off about 18 or so inches of floss and then hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, pulling it so that it is taught and doesn't have to give. Floss 2x a day. You want to remove any food built up between your gums. While flossing more than that is not going to hurt your smile, flossing at least 2x a day is critical. 

You want to be gentle and place the floss between two of your teeth, gently gliding it up and down not to damage your gums. Your smile is important, and flossing can keep it healthy for a lifetime. 

Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team for more information on flossing or other dental tips. 

The History Of Dentures

Did you know that dentures date all the back to 2500 B.C.? While they looked and felt very different back, the purpose was to fix missing teeth. Back then, however, they were made out of animal teeth. We are fortunate that the procedure has been perfected over the years, and now the options are better. 

Over time the types of materials that are used have shifted drastically. For example, wood teeth were utilized throughout history while not as popular in the U.S. During the 18th century in the U.S., most people would use animal teeth, ivory, or human teeth. Fortunately, in the mid-1800, porcelain became an option and, later on, was replaced by early plastics. 

While dentures have changed over time, the opportunity to fix your smile and keep it healthy for a lifetime has not. Do you have broken or missing teeth and are looking for options? Your smile matters and our goal is to ensure you have the best, healthiest smile possible. For more information, contact Dr. Strutz and her team today!

Top 10 Myths About Permanent Dentures

Have you been looking for a solution for your smile but are concerned about getting dentures because of what you have heard? We can help you get your questions answered, so you have the facts. Here are the top 3 myths about dentures:

1. Dentures are uncomfortable to wear, and people will know. While that may have been the case some time ago, dentures have changed. There are lots of options and possibilities. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Strutz and her team can help you have an opportunity to sit down and talk about your concerns surrounding this. 
2. Dentures are too expensive. While cost is something that can be a problem, there are options. And before you say they are too costly, taking an opportunity to talk to Dr. Strutz and her team can help you determine options. 
3. You don't have to visit the dentist once you get dentures. Unfortunately, this is not true. We still want to be sure that you are not experiencing any problems. 

Your smile matters and our goal is to ensure you have the best, healthiest smile possible. For more information, contact Dr. Strutz and her team today!

5 Problems You May Experience If You Have a Tongue Tie

5 Problems You May Experience 

Are you an adult with a lip or tongue tie? Being an adult comes with its concerns, trials, and tribulations. Having a lip or tongue tie should not be one of them. Here are 5 things you may be experiencing that could impact your life differently depending on the severity:

1. Speech problems. While you may be able to say most sounds, it can be a problem to say, T, d, z, s, TH, R, and L. Making it embarrassing or causing self-esteem problems. 
2. Poor oral health. When your tongue cannot move the way it should, it can cause problems moving your tongue freely around your mouth, clearing food away after you eat. 
3. Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea is severe, and if you are impacted by it, you should consult a doctor. If you know or suspect that you have a tongue tie contributing to the problem, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and set up a consultation. 

While you probably have been impacted in other ways, these symptoms can range from minor to severe. But, no matter the problems you encounter, Dr. Judy Strutz and her team can perform Adult Laser Surgery and get you back to living your life. 

For more information, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today!

6 Tips to Taking Care of Your Smile When You're Busy

I know how busy you are, and you may not have the time to take care of your smile the way you want to. But a healthy smile is critical to your overall health. Here are 6 tips and tricks for taking care of your smile on the go, 

1. Drink and keep water on you. Water is a great way to prevent bacteria from building up and rinsing carbohydrates and other foods from your smile when you do not have a toothbrush. 
2. Be Proactive. Schedule your regular visits with your periodontist, cosmetic dentist, and hygienist to take care of your smile. And if something is bothering you, be sure to schedule and visit as soon as possible. 
3. Consume high water fruits and vegetables. Your smile can't get enough! 
4. Dental care matters. Don't forget to brush and floss 2x a day. If you fail to floss, place it in an easy place to get to or that you go to every day. 
5. Toothbrushes matter. If you can find an electric toothbrush, ask Dr. Judy Strutz and her team for a recommendation. You want one that is going to do the best job. 
6. Take time to get problems fixed. For example, if your gums are bleeding, schedule a visit. If you have another dental concern, take an opportunity to visit with Dr. Strutz and her team to come up with the best plan for you. 

Your smile is essential to your overall health! So keep it in great shape. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today for more information on your smile. 

3 Reasons You Should Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist

There are probably 100 reasons we could come up with why you should visit the dentist if you have not seen them lately. However, Dr. Judy Strutz and her team want to ensure you have the healthiest smile possible. Visiting regularly can ensure your dental plan is in place and no problems are cropping up. Here are 3 reasons why your smile might have a problem and why it's essential to schedule an appointment. 

1. Visiting the dentist at least every six months can allow an opportunity for any problems to be taken care of quickly. However, often issues arise over time, and without proper dental care, you risk a minor problem becoming a significant problem. 

2. Check-up! We all need some a check-up now and again. Our smile can have little things that crop up where cleaning can make all the difference.  

3. Hidden problems. We don't always know what is going on with our smiles. An opportunity to have a dentist look at the inner workings of what is going on can ensure minor hidden problems that could turn into something significant if not taken care of. 

Your smile matters! Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team for more information about your smile or schedule an appointment today. 

Get Your Smile On Track

 You have probably been told for years that brushing your teeth 2x a day is essential to keep your smile as healthy as possible. But do you know why dentists recommend brushing at night and in the morning? Here are 5 reasons why brushing before breakfast and after dinner can help you keep a healthy - beautiful smile. 

1. When you brush in the morning before breakfast, it helps to protect against the acidic nature of the food we consume. 
2. Brushing provides a saliva boost. The more saliva you have in your mouth, the more opportunity you can keep from having food stick to your teeth. 
3. After dinner and before bed, brushing ensures you do not have food that sticks to your teeth overnight. The longer that food stays on your teeth, the more likely it will damage your enamel. 

 

Your smile is essential, and a healthy smile is critical. If you have concerns about your teeth or have not visited your cosmetic dental office, schedule an appointment today and get your smile back on track.