Sudden Tooth Pain? Here's What Might Be Causing It

Are you impacted by sudden tooth pain that is causing you pain when you eat or drink? Here are five reasons that it might be happening, 

• Eating cold food. Sometimes, when you eat really cold food, your teeth wear down over time, exposing the soft inner part called dentin. 
• If you are stressed, you might grind your teeth. Or, when you are sleeping without knowing, you could be grinding your teeth. A night guard might minimize the problem. Scheduling a dental visit with Dr. Strutz and her team can help identify the problem and come up with the best solution for you. 
• Have you started a new workout program where you are training heavily? Dentists have found that individuals training for a triathlon or other events like that can sometimes have dental pain. While they are not 100% sure of the cause, if this impacts you, scheduling a visit with your cosmetic dentist can help ensure you do not have something more serious impacting you. 
• Nerve damage. While this is not necessarily common, nerve damage in your brain's nerves may cause pain when engaging in day-to-day activities such as eating or brushing your teeth. 
• Unfortunately, receding gums can happen over time. As more of the gum recedes, exposing more of the tooth can cause problems. This might also indicate a more significant problem. So, visiting the dentist is essential if you are experiencing pain or noticing your gums receding. 

For more information or options for tooth pain, schedule a visit with Dr. Judy Strutz and her dental team. 

Aging and Dental Health

You might notice changes in your body and your smile as you age. We want to be sure you catch any problems that might crop up before they become a problem for you. As you age, you are more susceptible to periodontal disease. You might experience a decline in your overall gum health, or your gums might be bleeding when you floss. No matter the problem or concern, the sooner you schedule a dental consultation, the better. 

More than 50% of adults over 75 have root exposure affecting at least one tooth. You deserve to have the smile you love! The remarkable thing is that over time, our dental opportunities for patients have changed with the times, and there are ways that we can support your gum and smile health. 

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

How Can You Tell If You Have a Cavity?

 Do you have noticeable sharp pain when you eat or drink? Or when you look at your smile, do you see a hole? You might also be experiencing pain in general when you are doing business. All of these could be a sign that you have a cavity. 

Various daily habits can cause cavities, which can become a problem that impacts your sleep, eating, or daily life. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help get you back on your feet. If you have a cavity and let it go for too long, you might end up with a situation that causes more pain and is more costly to fix. 

Cavities are not necessarily caused by one thing in one day. They are often created over time by a habit you have or an act you do often that wears down the enamel on your teeth. While brushing and flossing reduce the risk of cavities, once a cavity has formed, there is no way to get rid of it without visiting the dentist. 

However, visiting your cosmetic dentist can ensure your cavity is fixed, and you are back on the right track with your dental health. 

 

For more information or options for tooth pain, schedule a visit with Dr. Judy Strutz and her dental team. 

Summer Is Upon Us, Take Time To Improve Your Smile!

 Friends are out and about, it is the season of sunny beaches, BBQ’s with friends and warm weather activities. Instead of staying inside and hiding your smile from people, schedule your cosmetic dental appointment today. Unfortunately, millions of people say that their self-confidence is hindered because of dental related troubles. But this can stop now.

Cosmetic dental procedures are more common now than they were 20 years ago. And the dental procedures available to patients has come a long way. While it may not be done in one session and it may take some time to get your smile back under way, now is your time to shine.  People who have cosmetic dental procedures completed report not only higher incidences of self-confidence and feeling more like their old selves. Don’t way for another summer to pass you by while sitting on the sidelines. Get the healthy and beautiful smile you deserve.

There are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that may be the right fit for you. Once size does not fit all so it is critically important that you contact Dr. Judy Strutz and schedule your first cosmetic dental appointment in order to determine the best way to meet your smile needs. For more information about improving your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

Keep Your Smile Healthy

Our gums are sensitive and require us to take a gentle approach to brushing. While brushing is essential to keep your smile healthy, you want to be sure you do not brush too hard. Not taking care of your smile while brushing can lead not only to your gums receding but it can lead to a host of other dental difficulties.  

Here are 5 tips to ensure you are brushing correctly:

1. Don't get a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Not all toothbrushes are created equal. It is essential to have a toothbrush that can remove food from your smile but is not too coarse, as that can damage not only your tooth enamel but also your gums. 
2. Brush at a 45-degree angle. This ensures that the toothbrush bristles are hitting your teeth and gums when you are brushing. 
3. Brush in circles. Going around the mouth in tiny circles can ensure you hit all surfaces. 
4. Brush 2x a day. Brushing twice a day at least ensures you remove food plaque from your teeth and keep your smile healthy. 
5. Remember to brush your tongue. Bacteria can build up on your tongue, causing problems. Be sure to gently run the brush down your tongue and remove any build-up. 

While many factors can cause teeth sensitivity, if you are struggling with teeth sensitivity and have questions or concerns, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her office to schedule an appointment today!

Did you know dental health is the gateway to a healthy body?

Scientists do not know why but gum disease seems to increase the risk of dementia. So you want to keep your smile healthy and decrease the risk.

A healthy smile can be the difference between feeling great and struggling. Dental pain, cavities, or other dental problems can decrease your ability to get a great night's sleep. Less than 8 hours of sleep can drastically impact your mental capacity, focus, and attention to detail.

Caring for your smile and body can help keep infection at bay. When you have periodontal disease or other bacteria, it can enter and cause endocarditis - inflammation of the heart.

Keep your body healthy, drink water, eat healthily, and don't forget to schedule a visit with your cosmetic dentist if you have concerns about your smile. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz for an appointment today.

Keep Smiling

 Did you know that prolonged stress can impact the health of your smile? 

If you are very stressed, you might spend your time grinding your teeth, leading to broken or cracked teeth. In addition, you might find yourself over time with face pain or problems with a swollen jaw because you are holding tension in your jaw. This can cause more stress as you try to navigate visits to the dentist, dental insurance and find care that supports your smile. 

However, scheduling a visit to your cosmetic dental professional can be beneficial. They can look at options for fixing broken or chipped teeth. Or maybe you want to talk about possibilities for decreasing the amount of time you grind your teeth. No matter where you are in this process, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her office to schedule an appointment today!

Are You Comparing?

 

Do you compare your smile to others? Do you wonder why you don’t have the results you want with your smile and yet others are able to flash their smile around town without hesitation? We live in a world where things are possible, however, you have to be willing to take a leap of faith. 

And if you are spending time wondering how to get the smile of your dreams, now is the time to act. No more reason to compare yourself to anyone because your smile is as unique as you are, and with a little help from your cosmetic dentist you can have the smile you deserve. 

While it may take time to achieve your results depending on your smile needs, a little bit of time spent with your cosmetic dentist will have you on the right track in no time. 

When comparing your smile to others have you always believed that you would never achieve the same results as that someone else? That’s not true because with today’s amazing technology and advancements in dental procedures achieving great results is possible. 

For more information or to schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. Start living your comparison-free life today!

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.  

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Your gums have an important job; they keep your teeth in place and provide a barrier to keeping the bacteria out. However, if you have problems with your gums, this is where you can develop periodontal disease. We want to ensure you are armed with the information you need to keep your gums healthy. Here are 5 things you can do, 

1. Brush regularly. You want to brush 2x a day at least. However, if you consume a high amount of carbohydrates or sugar, you will want to brush more frequently. 
2. Floss 2x a day. Flossing is the only way to keep food from staying in between your teeth and causing problems for your smile. 
3. Get regular dental check-ups.
4. Brush properly. You want to brush gently in slow circles. Move around your mouth, behind your teeth. This should take anywhere from 2 - 4 minutes. 
5. Choose the right toothpaste. Be sure to get a toothpaste approved by the ADA, and that contains fluoride. It will save your smile and your gums. 

Your smile and gums are so important. For more information on how to keep your gums healthy, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. 

Your Health

The holidays are finally here, and with it comes good food, drinks, and fun with friends for many. However, don't let the holiday season damage your smile because the foods you eat directly impact the overall health of your smile. Here is a list of some healthy food choices you might want to choose that allow you to keep smiling: 

1. Turkey. Turkey is high in protein; it is not only good for your teeth but good for your body in appropirate quantities. You do want to be sure to floss after. Turkey tends to get stuck between your teeth which can cause problems later on. 
2. Fruits. If you are doing a Holiday meal with friends and family, instead of snacking on some bread, reach for that variety of fruit plate. It will wash the carbohydrates from your gums. 
3. Plain vegetables. Charcuterie boards are a great way and easy to throw out fresh vegetables that are easy to grab and great for your smile. Cucumbers, broccoli, and some baby carrots will keep you smiling during the holiday. 

Your smile is valuable, so this holiday keeps smiling with healthy food choices and great dental habits; for more information on keeping your smile healthy. 

Don't Wait!

With things being so up in the air these last few months, you might have decided not to take a chance and visit your dentist. But your smile might need some support, and with all of the mitigation strategies that Dr. Strutz and her team have in place, they are working to provide you a safe place to get that done. The health of your smile is essential to the overall health of your body. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or you have a cracked or broken tooth, these can all cause problems later on that cost more money later on. 

A quick visit to Dr. Strutz and her team can ensure you are back on track and that your smile is healthy and ready to support you in your summer adventures. 

Toothpaste

 

Do you ever go to the store and wonder what the difference is between all that toothpaste? Do you wonder which one you should buy? Or which one is going to get your teeth the cleanest? While everyone knows that toothpaste is essential in keeping your teeth healthy, it can be a nightmare when trying to pick one out. Here are five things you can look for the next time you are shopping. 

1. You want to look for toothpaste that has the ADA seal. This will help ensure that you have a toothpaste that will do what it says that it's going to do. 
2. You want toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride penetrates the hard surface of the teeth, enamel and leads to less tooth decay. 
3. If you have teeth sensitivity, you want to stay away from toothpaste that whitens teeth. Instead, you might want to try a toothpaste that is explicitly for tooth sensitivity. 
4. Taste. This is important. You want a toothpaste that leaves your breath feeling fresh and clean but is a flavor that you can stand.

Toothpaste is essential in keeping your smile healthy in - between visits to the dentist. For more information on dental care or schedule your cosmetic dental appointment, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.