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The Power of a Smile

Smiling Lady Atlanta GA Do you view smiling as an involuntary response or a conscious choice? If you are only smiling when something makes you laugh or brings you joy, you may be missing out on some of the most powerful benefits of smiling. Consider forcing yourself to smile more and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.

While our job at Pure Dental Health is to take care of your teeth, we certainly want our patients to know what they can get in return when they choose to show off their teeth and smile. You may be surprised to learn that smiling does more than make you look better, it can also support your mood, your health and even your longevity!

What Can Smiling Do for You?

The act of smiling triggers certain hormones, endorphins and other natural responses in our bodies that are remarkably positive from head to toe. Here are some top reasons why you should make the decision to smile today:

  • Relieves Stress
  • Boosts Your Immune System
  • Reduces Pain, a Natural “Feel Good”
  • Elevates Overall Mood
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Makes You Look Younger and More Attractive
  • Creates Successful Persona
  • Makes others smile (smiles are contagious!)

What’s Holding You Back?

There’s scientific studies and evidence to prove these amazing benefits of smiling. If you are hesitant to smile due to the condition or appearance of your teeth, please let us know. At Pure Dental Health, we offer a full menu of restorative and cosmetic dental services to ensure you never hold back your smile again. In fact, we have services to address the following dental concerns:

  • Missing teeth
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Diseased or decayed teeth
  • Stained teeth

Whatever it is that is causing you to hide your smile, we can help. Call our Buckhead office today to schedule your visit.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Justin Scott

Pure Dental Health
2285 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 203
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (678) 666-3642

Dental Sealants

If there were an easy fix to protect your teeth in order to successfully and easily (and without any pain!) prevent cavities and tooth decay, would you be interested? Well, let us talk about dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, plastic coverings that are painted onto the surfaces of the back teeth in order to “seal out” damage from decay. Dental sealants are only available through your dentist’s office, and are typically applied after a thorough dental cleaning when the teeth are at their cleanest. This simple dental treatment has the ability to protect the premolars and molars for up to four years, making it well worth any out of pocket investment. At Pure Dental Health we are proud to offer dental sealants to patients of all ages as a preventive measure in promoting optimal oral health.

As we eat, food particles inevitably become trapped in the back teeth. The premolars and molars have rough surfaces for the specific purpose of chewing and crushing food for easy digestion. However, it is these rough surfaces that are filled with deep grooves and pits that trap food and invite plaque and decay to invade the mouth. Germs and bacteria use the sugars in foods to produce acids inside the mouth. Over time, these acids eat away at the tooth enamel and cause a cavity to form in the tooth. Dental sealants have the single minded function of sealing out tooth decay. Dental sealants “seal out” food particles from becoming trapped in the premolars and molars so that acids do not collect in the grooves and depressions and eat away at the enamel. Having dental sealants applied to the teeth is one of the most cost-effective and beneficial means of dental prevention. They save money for patients by avoiding fillings, crowns, or other costly dental treatments and repairs to restore decayed teeth.

Pure Dental Health is proud to offer dental sealants to patients of all ages. Not many years in the past, dental sealants were only offered to children and adolescents as their teeth developed. However, dentists today understand the high impact that dental sealants play in the preventative measure of oral health, and now offer dental sealants to patients of all ages. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you protect your smile for years to come

Posted on behalf of Dr. Justin Scott
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Pure Dental Health – Atlanta Dentist
2285 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 203
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (678) 666-3642

Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever noticed that you tend to chew only on one side of your mouth? Does eating a bowl of ice cream or drinking a large glass of ice water cause a jolt of pain in? Or do you let your morning coffee cool way down before you try to enjoy it? If you answered yes to any of these questions because of the reaction your teeth have – you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity, and it is having a negative effect on your life.

Teeth that are highly sensitive to hot and/or cold temperatures should be brought to your dentist’s attention. While the majority of cases of tooth sensitivity are caused by common factors, there are many cases that a highly sensitive tooth can be an indicator of a serious oral health issue. Having your dentist give a proper evaluation will determine the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth.

In most cases tooth sensitivity is caused by the dentin of the tooth being worn down or exposed. Brushing the teeth too aggressively can wear down the tooth enamel and can cause the gums to recede from the teeth. Both of these reveal sensitive nerves that experience a jolt of sharp pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Taking care to brush your teeth gently with circular brushing strokes will allow the gum line to heal and begin to lower back over the teeth. It is advised that those with sensitive teeth use toothpaste that is specifically designed to reduce sensitivity. The ingredients help to desensitize the teeth, but it requires regular usage before significant improvement is achieved.

Other ways to easily improve your tooth sensitivity is to adjust your habits. Avoiding acidic foods such as citrus fruits and drinks, carbonated beverages, and sugary drinks and foods can help relieve the symptoms of sensitive teeth. Also, if you have the habit of crunching on ice, you need to make the decision to stop ASAP. Crunching down on ice causes tiny cracks in the tooth enamel, which is damaging to anyone. However, those tiny cracks will further affect tooth sensitivity because temperature changes in the mouth will causes these cracks to expand and contract, exposing sensitive teeth even more.

Pure Dental Health is here in Buckhead to help you find relief from your tooth sensitivity. Call us today and let us help you find the relief you need.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Justin Scott
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Pure Dental Health – Atlanta Dentist
2285 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 203
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (678) 666-3642

Conquering Your Excuses for Flossing Your Teeth

Do you floss your teeth everyday?  If not, 2015 is the time to start this very healthy habit.  You may not realize it, but dentists agree that flossing your teeth everyday is just as important as brushing.  This is because dental floss can remove food particles from between the teeth that are not accessible with a toothbrush.  Despite this fact, many American children, teens and adults are not currently flossing their teeth everyday.  There are many excuses for not flossing your teeth.  Read on to find out how to conquer each of these excuses so you can safeguard your long-term dental health.

Time is one of the biggest excuses people use for not flossing.  However, investing in the one or two minutes it takes each day can save you from hours of time in a dental chair getting dental work such as fillings, crowns and root canals.  In addition to saving this time, flossing everyday can help you save money on expensive dental restorations.

Some people complain that their teeth are too close together to comfortably floss.  If this is the case, try dental floss that is waxed so it glides more easily between the teeth.  You could also use a threader or loop to help you find an entry point between the teeth.

Others complain that it hurts to floss their teeth.  If you experience pain when flossing, give yourself two weeks.  Make sure that you are not flossing too roughly.  A gentle touch is best.  If your gums still hurt and/or bleed when you floss after two weeks, it is time to see your dentist.  Your gum pain and irritation may be a sign of periodontal disease.  If this is the case, your dental hygiene becomes even more important.

Start out 2015 by resolving to floss your teeth everyday!  Experts say that it takes 21 days to form a habit so after three weeks, it should be easy going!

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

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What Do My Red and Swollen Gums Mean?

Are your gums red and swollen. Do they bleed easily when brushing or flossing your teeth. Are they pulling away from your teeth and exposing the roots? All these things are signs of periodontal disease: a chronic infection of the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. If not treated properly, periodontal disease can lead to serious dental health problems, including tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is currently the most common reason for tooth loss. So, what should you do?

If you have the symptoms above, it is important for you to see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the infection. If you have mild periodontal disease (Gingivitis), your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning and/or an anti-microbial rinse. If your disease is more advanced, he or she may recommend scaling and root planing. This is a very deep cleaning process that can be used to remove harmful bacteria from below your gum line. If your periodontal disease is extremely advanced (periodontitis), your dentist may prescribe stronger anti-microbial medications or recommend surgery.

Since periodontal disease is progressive in nature, it is important to diagnose it and treat it as soon as possible. Ignoring the signs of periodontal disease will only lead to more serious dental health problems. The best way to treat periodontal disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be done by practicing good daily oral hygiene including thorough brushing and flossing. However, certain factors such as smoking and pregnancy can put you more at risk for periodontal disease. Smokers and women who are pregnant may need to visit the dentist more often for professional dental cleanings to prevent periodontal disease. For more information about preventing periodontal disease and the available treatments, talk to your dentist today.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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Canker Sores and Your Dental Health

A canker sore is a small shallow lesion that develops on the soft tissue of the mouth.  Canker sores are also referred to as “aphtous ulcers” and are not contagious.  They are, however, painful and can make eating, drinking and even talking difficult.  In most cases, canker sores go away on their own within one or two weeks, without medical treatment.  However, if you have a particularly large canker sore or recurring canker sores, this may be a sign of a problem with your oral health or your overall health.

There are two different types of canker sores:  simple canker sores and complex canker sores.  A simple canker sore is one that may appear three or four times a year and lasts for about a week.  A complex canker sore is larger, deeper and more painful and takes longer to heal.  In some individuals, this type of canker sore is a reoccurring problem.

The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown, however, stress or injury are thought to be the causes of most simple canker sores.  Canker sores can also be caused by other underlying health problems such as an impaired immune system, vitamin deficiencies or other nutritional problems, Celiac Disease or Chrohns Disease.

In most cases, canker sores will heal on their own, without medical intervention.  However, rinsing with warm salty water or with an antimicrobial mouthwash may help with the pain and speed the healing.  Dabbing the sore with a  Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide is another simple remedy that can be used to treat a canker sore.  However, if you have reoccurring canker sores or a canker sore that is unusually large and does not heal quickly, it is a good idea to seek treatment from a doctor.  If your canker sore is complex in nature, your doctor may prescribe an antimicrobial rinse, a corticosteroid ointment or a medication to help with the pain and inflammation.

Getting adequate nightly rest and managing your stress level can go along way in preventing canker sores.  Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help to ward off these painful sores.  If you would like to get more information about canker sores and the available treatments, talk to your dentist today.

Posted on the Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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Today’s Dentures

Today’s dentures are not like the dentures of the past. In the past, many denture wearers complained of uncomfortable, loose-fitting dentures that had the appearance of false teeth.  For these reasons, this tooth replacement system left a lot to be desired.  However, with today’s advanced technology and manufacturing processes, today’s dentures look more like natural teeth, are better-fitted and are more comfortable to wear.  That is good news for the large percentage of Americans with missing teeth.

The Dentca CAD/CAM denture system represents the greatest advancements in denture technology.  The computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing system provides for a faster, more cost-effective method of manufacturing dentures that takes the margin of error out of the process.  Dentures manufactured using the Dentca system require one visit before final denture delivery as opposed to the five visits required by dentures manufactured the conventional way (by hand). As a result, a patient’s chair time is reduced from three hours to only forty-five minutes.  And, using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing reduces the processing time from approximately thirty days to approximately ten days.

Unfortunately, tooth loss remains a problem for a large population of American adults despite advances in dental technology and dental hygiene.  To avoid tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist for regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups and to seek prompt treatment for any dental health issues, especially periodontal disease.  It is also important to practice good daily oral hygiene at home.

If you are currently wearing dentures and are unhappy with their fit or appearance, or are in need of a new pair of dentures, visit a certified Dentca dentist in your local area.  After a thorough evaluation, your dentist can determine whether or not the Dentca denture system is right for you.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

 
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Healthy Eating Habits for Improved Dental Health

Have you ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat?” While this popular saying is not literally true, it does make a good point: what you eat has a major affect on your overall health. This is especially true when it comes to your dental health. So, if you want avoid costly and painful dental problems in the future, develop health eating habits in the present.

There are ten foods that are particularly good for your dental health including the following:

1. Kiwi
2. Green Tea
3. Celery
4. Cheese
5. Raisins
6. Onions
7. Sweet Potatoes
8. Shiitake Mushrooms
9. Sesame Seeds
10. Water

Each of the foods listed above contains certain vitamins, minerals or cleansing properties that makes it beneficial to your dental health. There are also some foods that you should avoid altogether or limit your consumption of if you want to protect the long-term health of your teeth and gums. These include the following:

1. Foods or beverages containing artificial preservatives
2. Foods or beverages containing artificial sweeteners
3. Foods or beverages containing high fructose corn syrup
4. Foods or beverages containing refined sugar
5. Foods or beverages containing refined flour
6. Foods containing partially hydrogenated oils

All the foods listed above contribute to a more acidic state in the body. This acidic state in the body increases bacteria and creates inflammation. The bacteria and inflammation can, in turn, cause periodontal disease and tooth decay.  Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.  If not treated properly, it can lead to serious dental health problems including tooth loss.  In fact, periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in America today.  Tooth decay (dental caries) is also a common problem in the United States today, especially among children.

In addition to eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, oral hygiene is also an important factor when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  This includes brushing thoroughly, at least two times per day and flossing thoroughly at least one time each day.  If you would like to get more information about how to improve your dental health through proper nutrition, talk to your dentist or a licensed nutritionist today.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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What is Your Tooth Sensitivity Trying to Tell You About Your Dental Health?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem faced by many people everyday.  You may feel that zing when you drink your coffee in the morning or enjoy your ice cream in the afternoon.  Maybe brushing and flossing is a little bit painful.  So what does this mean in terms of your dental health?

Tooth sensitivity is caused when the tooth’s dentin loses its protective covering.  This can cause hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort when you chew, drink cold or hot liquids or breath through your mouth.  Some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity include tooth decay, a cracked tooth and tooth roots that are exposed as a result of overly aggressive tooth brushing, gum recession and periodontal disease.

So how can you prevent tooth sensitivity?  The best way is to practice good daily oral hygiene including brushing your teeth thoroughly (but not too aggressively) at least two times per day and flossing your teeth thoroughly at least one time per day.

If you have tooth sensitivity, you may also try desensitizing toothpastes.  If this does not ease your sensitivity,  your dentist may recommend an in-office procedure where a fluoride gel or special desensitizing agent is applied to the affected teeth.  Finally, if your gum tissue has been lost, exposing the root, your dentist may recommend a surgical gum graft to cover the root and reduce the sensitivity.

If you are experiencing severe and persistent tooth sensitivity, it may being trying to tell you something important about your overall dental health.  If so, schedule an appointment with your dentist so he or she can diagnose the source of the problem and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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Dry Mouth: More Than Just a Nuisance

Dry mouth is a common problem and can be a real nuisance.  But, did you know that it is actually a real medical problem?  The medical term for dry mouth is Xerostomia.  This term refers to dryness in the mouth due to either reduced saliva or the absence of saliva.  Although it is considered a nuisance by most, dry mouth or Xerostomia can also have a negative affect on your oral health.

Dry mouth can lead to serious dental health issues because the saliva in your mouth has the important job of preventing tooth decay.  Saliva prevents tooth decay by limiting the growth of bacteria in your mouth and by washing away food particles.

If your body is not producing enough saliva, you may notice symptoms such as dryness in your mouth, sore throat, bad breath, cracked lips, an altered sense of taste, difficulty swallowing and more.  In many cases, dry mouth is a side effect of a medication.  In this case, changing the medication or altering the dose may eliminate or reduce the problem.  Aging, cancer therapy and nerve damage to your neck and head can also cause Xerostomia.

If you are experiencing dry mouth, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist.  Your doctor may recommend changing your medications or altering the dose of medication you are currently taking.  Your doctor or your dentist may prescribe medication to stimulate saliva production.  Your dentist may also fit you for coverings filled with fluoride to wear over your teeth at night, to protect them from cavities.

Whatever you do, do not dismiss persistent dry mouth as simply a nuisance.  If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, talk to your dentist or doctor today about how you can deal with this problem and safeguard your long-term dental health.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

 

 
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