There is so much information out there, and with information floating around, there is bound to be misinformation at times. We want to be sure that you have the facts.

Here are 4 dental myths. 

1. Flossing only has to be done to remove items between your teeth. Flossing is essential to keep your gums healthy. Without flossing, your gums become inflamed, and periodontal disease becomes a reality. 
2. You only have to visit the dentist if you have pain or a problem with your smile. You want to visit the dentist regularly. This will help keep your smile healthy for the long run. 
3. Brushing only needs to be one time a day and can be done anytime. Brushing two times a day is what we recommend to patients. In the morning helps to fight bad breath and decay. Brushing before bed removes any food bacterias from your teeth and gums. 
4. I don't need to worry about my smile—your smile matters. Not only does it impact how you feel, but it also can affect your future. 

For more information on dental myths and problems you might face with your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. 

3 Ways To Improve Your Smile Today!

You deserve to have the best smile. Did you know that individuals who have a healthy, beautiful smile are more likely than their counterparts to apply for a new job? They are more confident and more likely to achieve their goals. This may seem weird, but think about how many times you walk into some place and instead of sharing your smile with everyone, you hide behind it, because you don’t find your smile looks the way you want it to.  So, here are 3 things you can do to improve your smile.

 

1.     Brush and floss regularly. Brushing and flossing is a simple way to remove plaque from building up on your teeth and your gum line. Having a healthy smile is only possible with continually and consistency brushing and flossing.

2.     Don’t chew on ice or other items that are not food. These items can cause damage to your teeth such as broken or chipped teeth.

3.     Get help. Schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. It is a great opportunity to sit down with an expert and analyze the overall health of your smile as well as creating a plan in order to reach your smile goals.

For more information on how to improve your smile and keep it healthy, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

Do You Take Time For Your Smile?

It may be the last thing you think of after a crazy busy day or in the morning when you are trying to get ready for your day, but keeping these 5 rules at the forefront of your brain can change your dental routine to improve the health of your smile.

1.     Always brush your teeth at least 2x a day. Your teeth deserve to be free of food debris getting in their way. You are really only committing to 4 minutes a day to this routine. You can do anything for 4 minutes a day.

2.     Floss isn’t recommended because you dentist is trying to trick you into spending 2.00 dollars on floss. It is relying the only way to keep your gums looking fantastic.

3.     Show it off. Your teeth work hard every day for you. Don’t hide them behind your lips, sharing your toothy smile more not only improves your mood but it also improves the day for others around you.

4.     Think about your teeth throughout the day and reward them by drinking water. Water helps to rinse leftovers from your teeth so you don’t get embarrassed when you smile in that business meeting with lettuce stuck to your teeth.

5.     Schedule and keep you dentist appointments. Your smile would like to be out friends too, but your regular dental commitments are a sure way to keep your smile looking awesome in order to do that.

Your teeth are really designed to last a lifetime, don’t cut their life short with unhealthy dental habits. For more information on improving your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

4 Cosmetic Dental Procedures That Can Save Your Smile

Life has a way of defining who you are as a person. But your smile does not have define what you share with the world. Individuals who are embarrassed by their smile, tend to have less self-confidence. They may shy away from social interactions afraid of rejection. Dr. Strutz and her team can help rebuild your smile and your self-confidence. Here are 4 cosmetic procedures that can save and restore your smile to a healthy version you love.

1.     Veneers. These are a thin covering that fits over the front of your natural teeth. They are matched to color and sized to fit in your mouth beautifully.

2.     Crowns. Crowns can fix broken or cracked teeth. A crown will fit naturally over your tooth and hold the structure together. This allows you to smile without anyone knowing that once that tooth was cracked or chipped.

3.     Fixed bridge. If you have missing teeth a fixed bridge can place a tooth in the space of the missing one. It stays in and does not need to be removed.

4.     Fillings. Fillings are actually the most common type of restoration. They fill in an area where you have had a cavity. Instead of smiling and seeing a black piece of something in your tooth, now there will be a filing that matches the color of your natural teeth.

Restoring your smile is a great holiday gift to yourself that has the potential to change your future. When you love your smile, you are more willingly to share it with the world. For more information on dental restorative procedures, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today.

Will My Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures?

Sometimes insurance companies will cover cosmetic procedures. Generally not whitening procedures, but they may cover some other cosmetic procedures depending upon the particular procedure and your particular plan.

You may feel the discolored fillings are cosmetic and need to be replaced, but there may be signs of wear or decay that could mean a crown or a replacement filling may be needed and this procedure could be covered by your insurance. "The same is true of changing an amalgam filling to a composite in order to improve the health of your smile, it comes along with the cosmetic benefits of a tooth colored filling," states Dr. Strutz .

 It is important for you to know, if your dentist is recommending a procedure, if it is purely cosmetic or if there is another reason behind the decision. This can help you reap the benefits of using your insurance to improve the overall look of your smile.  If you are not sure whether a procedure is covered by your insurance plan you can call the dental office and ask, or check with your insurance company.

4 Ways Saliva Helps Your Smile!

We have all heard how important it is to drink water for body health. Here's why it's important for your smile too.

1.     Being hydrated keeps saliva flow going.

"Saliva is necessary to keep oral health in tip-top shape as it provides natural cleansing for your mouth," says Dr. Judith Strutz.

2.     Saliva means less debris and particles will stick to teeth and cause decay.

         a. Water is not only an important source for your body, it is fantastic for your smile. Saliva helps to remove food particles from your teeth in between brushing. Food that stays on your teeth causes buildup, which can cause cavities or decay. Less debris also means a brighter, whiter smile.

3.     More saliva also reduces bacteria that can cause periodontal disease.

         a. Periodontal disease is caused from the buildup of bacteria that cause inflammation and bleeding around your gums . The more water you consume, the more saliva you produce, and the salvia then washes food and other particles from the teeth, decreasing the amount of bacteria that stays stuck to your teeth for long periods of time.

                    

4.     Hydrated gum tissue looks and feels better

         a. Water ensures your gums look and feel healthy. As your mouth dries out, your gums begin to stick to your lips becoming uncomfortable. Water helps reduce this problem and allows your mouth and teeth to function in the proper manner, and gives you that beautiful cosmetically appealing smile that we all want.       

So drink up!

4 Tips to Fixing Occlusal Wear

Keeping your smile at its best means doing some basic things like brushing and flossing and seeing your cosmetic dentist on a regular basis. It may also mean watching for the signs of occlusal wear and taking steps to protect your beautiful smile.

1. Wear an occlusal guard if you brut, clench or grind your teeth.

            a. Wear on your occlusal surfaces can happen slowly over time. If you are feeling sensitivity or your teeth are beginning to wear down due to grinding or bruxism it is recommended you wear a night guard. "The dentist in two simple visits can fit you for an appliance which will have you feeling like your old self in no time," Dr. Judith Strutz.

2. When nerve tissue is impacted, crowns may be needed to replace tooth structure

            a. Unfortunately over time, you can begin to wear down the crowns of your teeth from continual use. If you begin to feel sensitivity it is recommended you be assessed to determine what steps can be taken to fix or restore your tooth structure. This can be a problem that leads to a more serious problem. It is important to take care of any discomfort right away.

   

3. Many times tooth colored fillings can be placed to restore the tooth's natural shape

            a.  Many times there is an option for colored fillings in order to restore the tooth’s shape and so your smile looks natural and has a white and polished look to it.

   4. Sometimes occlusal wear is due to bite issues that an occlusal analysis can correct

            a. Our bite is critically important to our teeth. You may find that you are wearing down your teeth or are cracking or breaking teeth due to your bite being off. If this problem lasts too long, you may find that you begin to develop jaw trouble or more serious problems.