Fortify Your Smile with Fluoride Treatments

July 20, 2014

Shutterstock Pretty Woman SmileYour tooth enamel is the strongest natural substance in your body, but it can still fall prey to acid-causing bacteria if not cared for properly. Knowing how to protect your smile from tooth decay is one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best. At Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, my team and I offer a comprehensive selection of general and preventive dentistry solutions that help keep your families smiles safe from cavities, including fluoride supplements.

How Does Fluoride Affect Teeth?

Over the course of each day, the hard enamel of your teeth is attacked by bacteria that thrive within the mouth. The starches and sugars in the food we eat are, in turn, consumed by these bacteria. The bacteria then produce acid that is capable of eroding tooth enamel, leading to decay. While brushing and flossing are certainly integral steps in protecting your smile, regular visits to my office for checkups and professional cleanings are crucial as well. It is during this kind of general checkup that we may suggest fluoride supplements.

Fluoride effectively replaces minerals lost each day, fortifying your teeth and further protecting them against damage. While small amounts of fluoride can be found naturally in tap water and some of the foods we eat, topical application of this compound directly to the teeth has been shown to be most effective in cavity prevention. If you have more questions about how fluoride works to keep your smile healthy, give me a call or send me an email; I’d love to help!

Strengthen Your Smile with Fluoride

At Complete Dental Care, we strive every day to provide our patients with the preventive tools and treatment they need to maintain optimal oral health. We look forward to doing the same for you! Contact our office in Burlington, MA today to schedule your visit and to learn more about how fluoride plays a pivotal role in the health and appearance of your smile. Our family-friendly office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

How Does Smoking Affect My Oral Health? Vital Information from Dr. Kostas

June 23, 2014

shutterstock_175855586While it is common knowledge that tobacco use can cause your teeth to turn yellow, many patients don’t realize that there are a number of other serious problems directly associated with smoking cigarettes. From my patient focused dental office in Burlington, MA, I strive to not only help my patients achieve optimal oral health and wellness, but to provide them with important information that can help them make informed decisions as well. Today, I’d like to explore some of the lesser known effects of tobacco use.

More Than Bad Breath and Stained Teeth

Discoloration of the teeth and foul breath are common among longtime smokers, though the real threat posed by tobacco use may not be as readily apparent. The nicotine and additives in cigarettes can lead to inflammation of the salivary gland openings located on the roof of the mouth. When the pH balance within the mouth is disrupted, the patient’s chances of developing gum disease are increased. Add to this the inherent dangers of increased plaque and tartar buildup, and you have a recipe for advanced periodontal issues down the line. With periodontal disease come the increased risks of tooth loss, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and even some forms of cancer.

The risk of developing oral cancer itself is a prime motivating factor for quitting smoking, as tobacco users are significantly more likely to suffer from this aggressive disease. If you notice any abnormalities of any kind – including white or red patches in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, unusual pain or tingling, or ulcers that do not heal – it is important that you contact my office for an evaluation. My goal is to ensure your lifelong oral health and comfort, and I will always provide you with the information and tools you need to achieve just that.

Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body

Over the past several years, more and more studies have concluded that there is a definitive link between oral health and overall physical wellness. When your teeth and gums are in great shape, your chances of maintaining good systemic health are considerably higher. If you’d like to learn more about how smoking affects your oral health and how treatment at my office can help you keep your smile shining brightly, contact my office in Burlington, MA today. My staff and I happily welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

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