Dental Hygiene Archives - Limestone Dental Associates

Posted on March 3, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Reinvent Your Smile

Have you ever seen a restored antique car? The before and after images are remarkable. Before the car is often rusty, with chipped paint, and broken parts, after the car has a gleaming paint job and in working condition. Car restoration is careful work; it means patience, skill, and knowledge. But the outcomes are unbelievable.

Porcelain veneers can have a similar effect on your teeth. Teeth are susceptible to staining, chipping, and other “wear and tear.” Just like antique cars they may need to be restored to their original gleaming beauty.

Make your teeth new again with porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers could be your path to a beautiful smile. This is the perfect treatment for people with teeth that are stained, chipped or have gaps. Since this is a permanent treatment, it’s important to have all the information about this treatment option.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.” These veneers are custom made to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.

Four Ways Porcelain Veneers Reinvent Your Smile

It’s no secret that as we age and grow we are constantly reinventing ourselves, our smiles are no exception to this reinvention. This is especially true when your smile reveals cracked or stained teeth.

This is where porcelain veneers come into play. They provide a simple solution to reinvent your smile in multiple ways without needing various different procedures. Here are four ways that porcelain veneers can reinvent your smile.

Whiter, Brighter Smile. An unfortunate reality of our society is that we love to eat and drink things that stain our teeth. After years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, or eating highly pigmented foods your teeth may be an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. If you’re looking for an easy way to whiten your smile for good, veneers may be a good fit for you. According to the National Institutes of Health veneers are largely stain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.
Disguises a Crooked Smile. Slightly crooked or gapped teeth are usually treated with braces or other orthodontic treatments, but most adults with crooked teeth do nothing because they don’t want to go through the embarrassment of braces. Fortunately, these problems can be helped with veneers as well. Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth – so although they don’t change their positions, they do camouflage minor orthodontic problems once they’re applied. Your natural teeth may still be gapped or crooked, but nobody will know aside from you and your dentist.
Natural Looking Smile. Everyone wants their smile to look natural. When applied well porcelain veneers provide a smile that is both beautiful and natural looking. Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and natural teeth. That’s also why it is so important to find the best cosmetic dentist possible when you choose veneers, the better the dentist, the more natural the results.
A Stronger Smile. Enamel is strong, but not indestructible. Your enamel may still be worn down from overzealous tooth brushing or eaten away by highly acidic foods and drinks. While enamel cannot grow back it can be replaced. Veneers are an excellent treatment for teeth with enamel abrasion or enamel erosion. One of the most notable characteristics of porcelain veneers is their sheer ability to withstand years of wear and tear even though they are composed of the thinnest dental porcelain. Even though porcelain veneers are super-thin, they are also incredibly strong. The composition of veneers makes them resistant to developing chips and cracks.

These are just a few of the many ways that porcelain veneers can restore and reinvent your smile.

If you think porcelain veneers are for you or are interested in more information contact Limestone Dental Associates to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you reinvent your smile.

Posted on February 15, 2018August 31, 2018 by Matt Baran

Tooth decay is incredibly common but also very avoidable!

Dental care statistics don’t paint a pretty picture. 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had a cavity, while 26% suffer from untreated tooth decay. An indicator of overall dental health, tooth decay can be caused by diet, hygiene habits, genetic predisposition, or lack of ongoing preventive care (regular dental check-ups). So what can the average person do insofar as dental care tips to prevent tooth decay?

Our answer to that question goes back to the causes of tooth decay. While there’s nothing any of us can do about our genetic predisposition, the good news is that prevention of tooth decay depends on personal care and habits.These dental care tips at home can help you and your kids to become more aware of the factors leading to dental decay, and how to make the best of your dental toolbox!

3 Dental Care Tips To a Healthier Smile

Tip 1: Be aware of the foods and drinks that can hurt teeth

This isn’t to say these foods should be eliminated wholesale. What we suggest is that, especially for the dental care of a child (whose development is still in process,) families make an effort to teach about a teeth-friendly diet.

Acidic foods. Lemons and tomatoes and other foods high in acid can make your teeth susceptible to decay over time. Accompany your meal with plenty of water to wash the acids from your teeth.
Crunchy snacks, like chips. These types of snacks are filled with starch and simple sugars which can wreak havoc on your teeth. When you decide to indulge, be sure to brush and floss afterwards to remove the particles from your teeth.
Soda is your teeth’s worst enemy. This fizzy, acidic liquid dissolves your tooth enamel over time. Save it for special occasions and when you do drink, wash it down with water to minimize its effects.

Tip 2: Practice regular dental hygiene

The keyword here is regular; what you do every day is more impactful than what you do once in a while. When brushing, understand that rigor is not the measure of quality. In fact, vigorous brushing can wear away at your enamel if it has been compromised by bacteria. Try dividing your mouth into four sections and spending about 30 seconds on each. Hitting the hard-to-reach areas is key to discouraging plaque buildup.

Flossing may be even more important than brushing because it removes plaque from in between your teeth—where your brush can’t reach. Gently rub the floss against each tooth side in the gap. Be sure to wash off the plaque (if you’re using flossing picks) or use a new section of it for the next gap to avoid simply transporting the plaque from one area to another in your mouth. Flossing is your greatest shield against periodontitis, the #1 cause of tooth loss. It’s worth taking the less than two minutes a day to do it.

Tip 3: Make biannual dental check-ups a priority

These check-ups serve several purposes. Beyond being a checkup on your dental health, they also give your dentist the opportunity to clean your teeth of the plaque you can’t remove through brushing and flossing. Plaque is connected to systemic inflammation in your body. If it is allowed to build up, plaque activates the immune system chronically, causing premature aging. A regular dentist appointment gives you the chance to reduce inflammation, monitor the processes going on inside your mouth, and give it a thorough clean!

Personal care makes a big difference.

If we could highlight just one takeaway from these dental care tips, it’s that what you do every day matters. You can promote better dental health through your diet and hygiene practices. While dental caries are unfortunately common, it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. At Limestone Dental, we are strong believers in the ability of education to change people’s lives and improve personal health.

Get more dental care tips for kids at your child’s next pediatric dental appointment. You can give us a call at 302-239-0502 to schedule your next appointment with us at Limestone Dental! Or, click here to learn more about how to become a patient.

Posted on August 25, 2017August 10, 2018 by Matt Baran

Twice a year (at least) you come to our dental office in Wilmington for your dental hygiene visit.

During this appointment, we’re certainly focused on removing plaque, flossing diligently, and polishing your pearly whites. But what our patients may not know is that your bi-annual cleaning has a much bigger focus than simply getting your teeth clean.

Dental X-Rays Tell a More Detailed Story

Usually, at one of your two appointments a year your dental team will take low-radiation, digital x-rays. These images help both your hygienist and dentist in Wilmington get a much closer and detailed look into your oral health. Dental x-rays help catch any cavities that are not yet large enough for the naked eye to see. This is also when they’re the easiest to treat. The images even allow your dentist to see what’s going on below the gum line and into the jaw bone. X-rays can help diagnose an abscess or the beginning stages of bone deterioration that may affect dental health in the future.

We Don’t Only Look at Teeth

As hygienists perform their examinations and remove plaque buildup from teeth, they’re also looking for any decay or cavities that should be treated sooner rather than later. But that’s not all. Hygienists and dentists are trained to look for signs of a larger problem that may affect the whole body.

There is a strong correlation between oral health and several systemic diseases such as heart disease, oral cancer, and diabetes. Oftentimes these diseases will first show signs in the mouth. At your bi-annual dental cleaning, your team is looking closely for any signs that may indicate the possibility of any of those problems. Like most health issues, the sooner these are diagnosed properly, the sooner treatment can begin and the more successful it tends to be.

It’s Ok to Ask Questions

We believe in educating our patients, so questions at your appointments are always welcome. Besides, the more knowledgeable you are, the healthier your mouth tends to be. These visits are also an ideal time to talk about any changes you’ve noticed in your oral health, any concerns you may have, or perhaps about cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry that you’ve been considering for a while.

At our Wilmington dental office, we recommend that our patients see us at least twice a year for their dental cleanings to prevent any oral health problems from becoming more difficult to treat if left alone, and ideally to keep them from happening to begin with.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental appointment, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today.

Posted on February 27, 2017August 9, 2018 by Matt Baran

Cheek biting is a common habit and is actually very similar to nail biting.

Typically brought on by stress or when nervous, biting the inside of the cheek — or the lips or tongue — can be painful, and in certain cases, concerning for the dental team at our Wilmington dental office. We’re here to explain why and offer up some of the best ways to stop.

Identify the Cause

Before we discuss why biting any of the tissues in your mouth is bad for you, we should identify why it happens in the first place. If you catch your cheek in between your teeth while chewing and talking only on occasion, there’s probably nothing to be too concerned about. However, if this happens to you chronically, or if you nibble on your cheek constantly throughout the day, there may be reason for concern.

Why Is It Bad?

First, any continued trauma to oral tissues can result in painful mouth sores which can become infected. Infection in the mouth is never a good thing and can actually be quite serious. Second, if you bite yourself quite often while eating, you may suffer from a misaligned bite (malocclusion). Malocclusion can lead to more serious problems like chronic headaches, a sore jaw, TMJ (temporomandibular disorder), and shifting of teeth. When your teeth don’t fit together neatly, there’s a greater chance of your cheek, lip, or tongue finding its way in between them causing you to crunch down on it (Ouch!).

Ways to Stop

No matter what the cause may be behind biting your cheeks, there are a few tips you can try to help stop it.

Figure out when you do it. If your lip or cheek biting is a result of stress or nerves as opposed to a bad bite, start paying attention to when you’re doing it and work to either avoid those triggers or work to consciously stop yourself.
Find a support system. Sometimes, you may not realize you’re biting so often. Talk with trusted friends or coworkers about trying to stop the habit and ask them to help you identify when you do it.
Do something! Another common reason behind biting is boredom. If you find yourself nibbling away while watching TV, get up, get active, and do something!
See your dentist. If you believe your bite may be contributing to your chronic biting, talk with your dentist in Wilmington for advice on how to help.

If you suffer from chronically biting your cheeks, lip, or tongue, schedule an appointment at our dental office in Wilmington. We’ll check any active sores you have for infection and help treat them if necessary, and work with you to determine not only what’s causing you to bite so often, but also the best ways to help you stop.

Accepting patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin and beyond.

Posted on January 24, 2017August 9, 2018 by Matt Baran

At our dental office in Wilmington, we’re in the business of helping each one of our patients get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile.

We’ll even often give advice on what you can do at home to protect your dental health. But humans aren’t the only ones that can benefit from at-home dental care. Just like people, pets also rely on good oral health for overall wellness. To achieve this, follow our pet-friendly tips.

Choose the right tools

An important part of your pet’s dental care is similar to your own. We’re talking about brushing teeth. And just like we recommend you choose a toothbrush that’s right for you, you need to choose a brush that’s appropriate for your pet. There are toothbrushes designed just for dogs and cats and can be found at many pet stores. But a clean piece of gauze wrapped around a finger will work pretty well too. When it comes to which toothpaste to use, don’t use your own. Human toothpaste can cause stomach problems in animals. Instead, ask your vet for a recommendation.

Use the right technique

The technique behind brushing your animal’s teeth is not unlike brushing your own. Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and gently massage in a small circular motion. You may want to focus more attention on the cheek side of the teeth as that’s where the most tartar tends to accumulate. You don’t need to brush your pet’s teeth as often as you brush you own, however. Two or three times a week is typically standard.

Stay Aware

Animals can get gum disease too, and you should know the signs that something may not be right. Keep an eye out for:

Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Swollen gums
Loose teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your vet.

While we can’t help keep your pet’s smile in top shape, following the tips above and visiting your vet regularly can do wonders in ensuring your furry loved ones are healthy. When it comes to your pearly whites, we’ll be more than happy to see you at our Wilmington dental office. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Welcoming (human) patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin and beyond.

Posted on January 16, 2017August 9, 2018 by Matt Baran

As you probably already know, there are several types of mouthwash available — some minty, some a bit fruity, some that claim to kill germs, and some that protect against gum disease and gingivitis.

But do we really need so many? At our dental office in Wilmington, we know choosing a mouthwash can be overwhelming, which is why we’d like to explain the differences between them so you can pick the right one for you.

Problem: Bad Breath & Oral Infection

Solution: Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most recommended choice for those battling bad breath or fighting off an infection. These types of mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which is incredibly effective at killing dangerous bacteria and bad breath. However, if antiseptic mouthwash is overused, the teeth may become discolored.

Problem: Not Enough Fluoride

Solution: Fluoride Mouthwash

While most people receive a sufficient amount of fluoride through their tap water or toothpaste, some individuals can benefit from an additional supply. This is when a fluoride mouthwash may be recommended. Fluoride mouthwash can help make teeth stronger and protect them from decay. It’s definitely not appropriate for everyone, especially those under six, but your dentist in Wilmington will be able to help determine if it’s right for you.

Problem: Just a Bit of Bad Breath

Solution: Cosmetic Mouthwash

Similarly to antiseptic mouthwash, cosmetic mouthwashes can help freshen breath. What makes them different, however, is they really don’t help protect teeth or fight off bacteria. If used in addition to brushing, a cosmetic mouthwash can be effective at giving you a burst of freshness, but that’s about it.

Mouthwash Alone Isn’t Enough

Even if you choose the mouthwash that helps your specific dental concerns, swishing with it once or twice a day isn’t enough. In order to really help your mouth get and stay healthy, mouthwash should only be used as an additional step in your oral hygiene routine. Keep brushing twice a day, maintain flossing at least once a day, and don’t forego checkups with your dentist in Wilmington.

Still have questions about which mouthwash is right for you? Schedule an appointment at our Wilmington dental office. We’ll be happy to help.

Welcoming new patients in Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin and the surrounding areas.

Posted on October 10, 2016August 8, 2018 by Matt Baran

Dental hygiene is the at the very core of keeping teeth healthy.

At our dental office in Wilmington, we’re excited to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month and highlight our amazing hygienists throughout the entire month of October. Hygienists are dedicated to helping you and your smile look and feel its very best.

What do Dental Hygienists Do?

Dental hygienists usually work alongside a dentist to provide additional support for patients who are in the office for everything from a routine cleaning to advance treatment procedures. They make it a priority to help keep teeth clean through up-to-date education and training. Hygienists have different duties depending on what state or region they’re licensed to practice, but you can usually find them doing some, or all, of the following:

Getting to Know You: They will usually start out by asking patients about their oral health routine, reviewing health history, performing an oral cancer screening, and getting a blood pressure reading.

Cleaning Your Teeth: Hygienists will ensure teeth are clean by removing plaque buildup from teeth.

Protecting Your Smile: Sometimes, hygienists will also help a patient’s smile by applying fluoride treatment and/or sealants to keep teeth protected even after patients leave the dental office.

Teaching You the Ins and Outs of Dental Care: Educating patients is what hygienists do best. They enjoy teaching patients all about the importance of eating well, along with talking about proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Assisting Your Dentist: Hygienists are also trained at taking oral impressions to give the dentist a clear look at what is going on inside a patient’s mouth. This helps in deciding what treatment techniques will work best.

Education and Training

At our Wilmington dental office, we always salute hygienists and the excellent work they do. In order to help patients stay healthy, hygienists usually attend a community college, technical college, dental school, or university program to obtain an associate degree. Some universities even offer a four-year program. Most hygienists earn an associate degree after two years, before taking a state, local, or regional licensing test.

When you visit the dentists in Wilmington, please be sure to say thank you to your hygienist for helping keep your smile happy and healthy. And don’t hesitate to ask questions. They are always happy to teach you special tips and tricks about how to keep your oral and overall health in good shape.

Accepting new patients from Wilmington, Pike Creek, Hockessin.

Take a Virtual Tour