20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Dental Intra-Oral Imaging

Taking the Guesswork Out of Decision-Making

Dr. Ushma Patel works with each patient to form a bond of teamwork. The intra-oral miniature video camera allows you to have a clear, magnified image of the interior of your mouth. This easily lets you view the areas of your teeth that have problems so you can make informed decisions about necessary treatment. Patients have been very pleased to work together with Dr. Patel for their best oral health. 

When you are considering cosmetic changes, SNAP™ Dental Imaging lets you see your new smile before any work begins so you can move forward with confidence. We take a digital photo of your smile, and then Dr. Patel creates the simulation of your new smile that can be achieved with a variety of techniques, such as veneers or whitening. Within five minutes, the computer makes the transition and displays the side-by-side images of your current smile and your desired smile. What could be easier than that?

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Dental Implants

What Problems Do Missing Teeth Cause?

You may think an unattractive appearance is the only problem with missing teeth. But there are other issues you may not have considered. 

You do not obtain as much nutrition from your food as you do with a full set of teeth. Other teeth may start to loosen or shift as well, resulting in additional tooth losses. Your speech may not always be clear, which can be embarrassing. Your face can appear sunken not only because of the gaps, but because of bone loss that begins as soon as the tooth is lost. Finally, your overall health may take a change for the worse as chewing becomes more difficult. Favoring softer foods over healthier choices often results in weight gain.

We recommend dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. They look completely natural and function to let you eat whatever you like. You will once again recapture a beautiful smile.

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Dental Smile Makeovers

A New Smile for You

There is no reason to put off having the smile of your dreams. With the latest advancements in smile makeovers, they are now more affordable and less time consuming than ever! We offer the best care for your dental health as well as state-of-the-art makeover treatments. Come into our office and let us show you what veneers, bonding, crowns, and whitening can do to put a new smile on your face!

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
  
"Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com