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. 

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!

Don’t Leave Your Smile Vulnerable

You deserve to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Do not leave your smile vulnerable to cavities, periodontal disease or missing, cracked or broken teeth. Taking time to visit your cosmetic dentist and receive a consultation on your smile, can ensure you are on the right track. Nowadays, grabbing a soda and candy bar for lunch may be the norm for you. However, that amount of sugar can impact your smile.

There are so many choices you can make during the day. If you are going to consume sugar or a high carbohydrate meal, instead of waiting until bedtime to brush, you might want to consider brushing your teeth or rinsing with water to remove some of the food particles from the surface of your teeth. The longer these items are glued to the enamel on your teeth the more damage that is done.

If you find you are struggling to have a healthy smile you love, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. They can help evaluate and work with you on a plan to get your smile back in order. It is critically important you have a healthy smile because if not it can lead to other more detrimental problems later on.

For more information on improving the look of your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team!

Do You Use A Water Flosser?

While using regular floss to keep your smile healthy is essential, taking an opportunity a couple of times a week to use a water flosser or water pic can enhance your overall dental health. Water flossers are easy to use and can reach difficult spots between your teeth. 

The water pushes food that may be stuck between your teeth that you didn't get with floss free from your smile, removing the risk of buildup and plaque. Adding a water flosser to your regular dental routine decreases the risk of gingivitis or other gum-related problems. When flossing, it can be easy to miss the food and other items between your back teeth or other hard-to-get areas. 

Water flossers are gentle on your gums. If your gums are bleeding when you floss or experience other dental problems, a water flosser can reduce the issues you encounter. Water flossers can also remove buildup in the periodontal pocket if you are already struggling with periodontal disease or the start of other dental-related problems. 

While a water flosser should not be the only dental floss you use, it can benefit and improve your smile's overall health.  For more information contact Dr. Judy Strutz, and her team 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!

A Healthy Smile

We get busy, and our smiles take a backseat. However, it is so vital that we take care of our smile. Once we have a problem, it can change quickly, creating an infection that impacts our entire body. But when we schedule our regular cosmetic dental appointments, we can be sure that everything is taken care of quickly. 

Your teeth should last you a lifetime, but over the years of consuming high carbohydrate meals, not drinking enough water, and too much caffeine can negatively affect your smile, impacting your overall self-confidence. So Dr. Judy Strutz and her team make it a priority to get your smile back on track. As well, having oral health problems can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and respiratory infections, as well as other health concerns. 

If you have questions or concerns about your smile, you will want to schedule a cosmetic dental appointment immediately. Waiting can, unfortunately, have a devastating impact on your smile. Dr. Judy Strutz and her team can help get your smile on track. 

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!

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 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!

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. 

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!

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. 

New Year!

 

It's a new year, and with that comes new opportunities, new goals, and new learning that is coming your way. So step into the year with a smile that can last a lifetime. But, unfortunately, maybe your smile has taken a hit health-wise this year with everything going on. But now you can change all that. Take time to visit Dr. Judy Strutz and her team to develop a plan for your smile and get it back on track. No time to wait, and there is no reason to wait. A healthy smile is a healthier you. 

Having a healthy smile goes well beyond dental health. It is how we communicate with others and ensure we can consume healthy food. When you have a smile you don't love, it can lower your self-esteem or impact how often you smile and talk with others. No matter what the dental problem you are facing, you deserve more. Contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today to schedule an appointment. 

5 Steps You Can Take To Improve Your Smile!

You may be wondering what you can do from the comfort of your home to keep your smile healthy. Even if you visit the dentist every six months, you still want to take steps to ensure your smile in-between visits. Here are 5 easy steps you can take to keep your smile healthy because a healthy smile can last a lifetime. 

1. Brush. This sounds like a no-brainer, but brushing 2x a day is the only way to remove plaque and buildup from your teeth. 
2. Floss. Flossing ensures that your gums stay healthier than if you didn't floss. Sounds cheeky, right, but the truth of the matter is that if you don't floss, your gums don't have a way to fight the food buildup that happens. 
3. Drink water. I know, I know. You've heard it a thousand times. But water is not only good for your body, but it's essential to your smile. 
4. Eat Fruits and Vegetables. Yep, you guessed it. The water content in fruits and vegetables keeps food from sticking to your teeth. 
5. Drink water. Right, I already mentioned that, but this one pertains to after meals. Drink water after high carbohydrate meals. This is the best way to remove food from the surface of—your teeth after meals. When food builds up, it attacks the plaque on your teeth, causing problems. 

Your smile is essential, and your health is dependent upon the health of your smile. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. 

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. 

Take Time For Your Smile!

Your teeth put up with so much it is time to give back and take care of your smile. This might include a deep brushing and flossing session. Or maybe you treat it to some new mouthwash that you haven't tried before. You could get crazy and schedule that six-month dental appointment that you have been putting off. Whatever decision you go for, know that your teeth do so much, and you want to take care of it. 
Your overall dental health impacts not only your self-confidence but your overall health.  So, now is the time to stop, take a minute, and take care of your teeth. 

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

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. 

The Impact Of Sugar On Your Smile

Did you know that sugar is dangerous for your smile? It's not just the sugar on the teeth that causes the problem. The larger issue is that it creates the perfect environment for sugar to attack your teeth. When you consume foods with sugar in them, it breaks down to acid. The acid then attacks the enamel of the teeth. 

Once this occurs, you begin to have problems with cavities and tooth decay. The problem is you can't avoid this process once you have consumed the sugar item because it mixes with the bacteria in your saliva. The situation is not hopeless; however if you are going to consume foods with sugar in them, be sure to brush your teeth. 

For more information on the impact of sugar on your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team. 

Do You Have Concerns About Your Smile?

It can be so challenging with so many other things going on right now to take care of your smile. You might be worried about visiting the dentist due to COVID-19. Or maybe you have dental anxiety in general. However, please know that Dr. Judy Strutz and her team are here to help you address any issues or concerns that you have with your smile. 

They are taking mitigation strategies and ensuring that they clean down everything, wear protective gear, and limit the number of visitors that are in the office when you stop by. 

We take our job seriously, and we want to be sure that you are not stuck in a bad situation where your smile because you do not have the care you need. No one should have a smile they don't love sharing off. And you should not be in dental pain due to the times that we are living in. We want to be sure you have the high-quality dental care you need. 

If you have further questions about something with your smile, please contact Dr. Strutz and her team. 

Protect Your Smile This Holiday

 

It can be easy to overindulge in a sweet treat or a treat that is high in carbohydrates this holiday season. The temptation of apple pie, pumpkin-flavored drinks, and sweet buttery croissants are cooked and ready for you to eat. No problem. However, you might want to protect your smile. 

Did you know? 

That the higher amount of carbohydrates in your food the, more likely you are to have dental decay if you do not take care of it. The problem with carbohydrates is that they stick to the enamel of your tooth. As it stays on your teeth, it turns into sugar. Once this occurs, you can get cavities, and cavities left untreated turn into other problems that you do not want to have to deal with. 

Protect your smile by following these few short steps, 

1. Brush your teeth after eating. 
2. Eat foods with minimal carbohydrates and sugar before bed. 
3. Take care of any dental concerns right away. 
4. Drink water. When you drink water, it will remove the food from the surface of your teeth. 

 

These 4 tips may not protect you from all dental problems, but they will minimize the risk. For more information or strategies to protect your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.