Smiling is an art form. Hollywood celebrities will tell you that you need to practice to get the perfect smile – the one that captures an audience, and maybe, someone’s heart.

How can you get the best smile? Doesn’t it come naturally?

You can actually practice smiling. One way is to smile in the mirror with your teeth slightly parted, as if you are really excited about something. Right away, you should notice that this kind of smile shows more white teeth, because the lower teeth won’t be hiding behind the uppers, and your smile won’t look forced.

But, how about those sparkling smiles . . . the ones that glimmer and shine in pictures. To get a more sparkling smile, wet your teeth just before the photo. You can add more shine by putting a spot of gloss in the center of your lower lip.

Other tips from Hollywood experts include:

• Avoid smiling too broadly if you have a full upper lip. If you’re upper lip is thin, smile so that the bottom edges of your upper teeth touch your lower lip. The visual impact of the upper teeth combined with the lower lip will take attention away from the thin upper lip.
• If your upper teeth are irregular at the bottom, or if some upper teeth are too long, smile so that the lower lip hides the bottom edges.
• Lipsticks with berry and red shades and blue undertones, as well as bronzers that look browner than gold make smiles appear whiter.

It is also interesting to know that your smile depends on your face shape, much like hair styles. In general, people with oval faces look good with any type of smile. Those with longer, or more vertical, faces look better with smiles that highlight the horizontal parts of the teeth. For rounder faces, a longer-looking grin looks best. However, a wider smile will help a square face to appear oval and balances out a heart-shaped mug.

However, if you teeth are dingy, there is no way to really cover this up. The best way is to get it professionally whitened from a cosmetic dentist.

If you are searching for the best smile, consider visiting our cosmetic dentistry, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a family dentist that can give you the kind of smile movie stars will die for.

Tags: Dental Care, dental care tips, dental hygiene, Dentist, Tooth whitening, Whitening

The water bottle industry has seen a surge in consumption. As more and more people become health conscious, bottled water is used to refresh and replenish because it is portable. Although many love drinking bottle water, it’s been getting a bad rap lately. It turns out that bottle water can also contribute to dental problems, specifically tooth decay.

Bottled Water Usually Lacks Flouride
Family dentists as well as pediatricians are concerned that children who only drink bottled water will not get the recommended fluoride to keep teeth safe from cavities. However, drinking the old fashion way — using tap water—will protect children’s teeth.

For people who think they are safe because they drink mineral water should also be concerned. Some mineral water will strip the fluoride as well.

What You Can Do About Water and Dental Health
Some dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste or supplements, but it’s also important not to get too much of the mineral, as it can cause tooth discoloration. The best option is to make sure you use a fluoridated tooth paste, and that you drink water that contains fluoride.

There is bottled water that specifically puts the fluoride back into it. But if you are addicted to drinking bottled water, than you should make sure to switch it out with tap water once in a while. One tip is to fill your plastic water bottles with tap water then place them back into the fridge. Your family, on the go, won’t notice it.

If you have questions about oral health, especially in children, contact us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a family dentistry that provides dental care for patients of all ages. We are the best source for all your Plymouth area dental needs!

Tags: Children, dental care in children, Dental Health, dental problems

As teeth whitening are becoming more and more popular, the age group of people who want to get their teeth whitened is getting lower and lower. Today, teenagers are becoming more interested in teeth whitening. However, at what age is too young to get this type of treatment.

You should wait for whitening procedures until at least the age of 14. This is because the tooth’s pulp needs to be fully formed to cause less tooth sensitivity.

If your teen gets their teeth whitened, they will have to consider some of these things . . . all teen related and could cause parents some arguments.

• Drink soda and coffee through a straw to prevent discoloration of the upper, front teeth.
• If your teens wear braces, they need to wait until the braces are off. By meticulously keeping your teeth clean while you wear braces can prevent their bi-product of discoloring your teeth or causing cavities.
• With guidance and supervision, your family dentist, especially if they have experience in cosmetic dentistry, some bleaching can be performed prior to having whitening treatment.

Your teen may decide to go ahead and do it themselves and go out to the pharmacy to get an over-the counter whitening treatments. But, your teen also needs to know that over-the-counter tooth whitening products can have many adverse effects such as:

• Damage gum tissue and cause tooth sensitivity.
• TMJ problems due to ill-fitting trays.
• No improvement to the tooth color due to type of tooth stains.

For these reasons and others, tooth whitening needs to be performed under dentist supervision.

The teenage years are tough and looking the best can help increase confidence and social lives. If you have a teen seeking advice about their teeth, contact us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a family dentistry but also experts in the area of cosmetic dentistry. We provide top whitening treatments and an environment that is welcoming to patients of all ages.

Tags: Children, dental care in children, Tooth whitening, Whitening

Athletes are in good physical shape usually. Most take healthy lifestyle seriously so they can be the best in their sport. However, athletes are considered to be in a high risk population for poor dental health specifically with tooth decay and dental erosion.

Playing Sports May Affect Your Dental Health
It may seem like a joke to say that athletes’ health may be in danger due to their oral health However, it is true. If you are in sports, for pleasure, in a league or as a job, you need energy. Most often, athletes will turn to liquid energy and foods with a high calorie value, particularly those containing sugars. These type of choices lead to dental problems.

Things like sports drinks are used for rehydration and electrolytic replacement during or directly after highly aerobic sports. Power bars or sports type of bars and snacks are also used during exercise. A deterioration in oral health of athletes has been suggested which is believed to be related to a high intake frequency of these type of products as well as the frequency of intake.

Also, the way the beverages and food is taken in also causes issue. The risk for dental erosion is believed to be particularly high as acidic drinks are most often consumed during this physical condition.

Talk With Your Dentist About Being An Athlete
If you are an athlete, you may want to talk to your family dentist, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, about the best way to prevent tooth decay and erosion. He basic prevention program for an athlete may include:

1. Dietary advice including appropriate use of sugar-free products
2. Fluoride treatment both at home and at the office.
3. Dental hygiene instruction – maybe using a water pick or other devices.

Taking care of your body can sometimes be challenge. For the athlete, it seems to come easy. However, some athletes may appear healthy from the outside, but a look into their mouth will tell you a different story. Better oral health also means better overall performance in sports.

Tags: dental care tips, dental hygiene, oral hygiene, teeth

Plaque is the evil villain of the teeth world. It seems to be a constant fight to keep plaque off of teeth. What is the real secret?

It seems like it would be a secret but keeping plaque off your teeth isn’t complicated but consistency is key. It boils down to the fact that basic good habits equal healthy teeth –it’s simple . . . for most people.

What is plaque? Same as cavities? No.

Plaque is a sticky mix of bacteria and the substances they secrete. Bacteria produce adhesive chemicals called mucopolysaccharides. Bacteria live in this film on the teeth.

If you are a good brusher, you can remove it easily. This slimy layer is fragile and easily removed by tooth brushing. Similar to the film left on an aquarium or in the shower, it can be wiped easily with a sponge. But, if this film is left longer, then it’s a different story. If left on the teeth, the bacteria in tooth plaque are free to release acids that damage tooth enamel. Regular acid assaults on enamel can wear holes in teeth which most people know as tooth decay. Worse, if nothing is done to remove it, plaque can harden — creating tartar or calculus on your teeth.

The secret to healthy teeth really is simple science: brushing and flossing. Creating a habit will be the best way to keep your teeth healthy. Of course, you need to go to the dentist to get regular cleanings. There are areas of your teeth which you will have a difficult time reaching – a dental hygienist has the tools to get those hidden areas clean.

Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa is a family dentistry that can help you in general dentistry as well as in area such as cosmetic dentistry or any kind of restorative treatment. Visit us online or come by our family friendly office. You can even make an appointment right from our website.

Tags: dental care tips, Dental Health, dental hygiene, dental problems, plaque

Like a helmet, sealants are placed on top of teeth to protect them from tooth decay.

A sealant is an invisible coating that the dentist applies to the tooth surface. It acts as protection against bacteria and the plaque deposits that cause cavities.

Sealants are typically applied to the hard-chewing molars at the back of the mouth. The sealant is painted on and bonds quickly, taking less than a minute before it becomes permanent.

But are sealants needed?

When combined with regular brushing and flossing, sealants are an easy way to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
There are many benefits to using sealants. They are:

• Invisible – Sealants are invisible to everyone but your dentist. It’s highly unlikely that even you will be able to notice them.
• Strong and Durable – Sealants can last up to 10 years before they need to be touched-up. You do need to avoid eating certain foods like Carmel, which may pull the sealant out.
• Worry and Hassle-free – Sealants can be applied in one.

Sealants are typically applied to the hard-chewing molars at the back of the mouth. Before painting on the plastic sealant material, your dentist will clear the teeth of bacteria. The tooth surfaces are then roughened with an acid solution. The sealant is painted on and bonds quickly, taking less than a minute before it becomes permanent.

Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa is a family dental office that not only offers general dentistry but also cosmetic dentistry as well. You can conveniently make a dental appointment online.

Tags: Dental Care, dental habits, oral hygiene, tooth decay

If you want to try a revolutionary whitening procedure that will turn your yellow teeth up to eight shades whiter within a single visit to the dentist’s office, Zoom! is a proven and effective way to almost instantly give you a beautiful smile.

Home teeth whitening procedures can be bought at grocery stores or pharmacies but are usually costly and ineffective. However, Zoom! treatment is a proven way to give you a white smile.

If you are not into pain or a mess, Zoom! is a painless, one hour procedure that you can schedule at your convenience. A secret to this procedure is that a light is then used to activate the gel’s whitening potential. Patients are happy with this treatment because it is instantaneous and guaranteed.

You can Zoom! really anytime and is the perfect teeth whitening procedure for a special event coming up like a wedding or a reunion. But this whitening is also convenient for those who are unhappy with past treatments and want long-term teeth whitening.

When you smile and you are unhappy with your stained teeth due to eating and drinking common food and beverages such as coffee and wine, then you should consider Zoom! Now is the perfect time to restore your smile with Zoom! Whitening.

If you have questions about teeth whitening or about Zoom! then visit our family dental office at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We offer many types of treatments including cosmetic dental work. You can make an appointment online as well.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Smile, teeth whitening, Tooth whitening, Whitening

Your teeth seem to fall out easily and regularly when you were younger. Most adults can remember the days when teeth brought in money – from the tooth fairy. But teeth play an important part in our lives, and they not only let you eat stuff like apples, they also help you talk.

Unlike your heart or brain, your teeth weren’t ready to work from the day you were born. Although babies have the beginnings of their first teeth even before they are born, teeth don’t become visible until babies are about 6 to 12 months old.

There are 20 primary or baby teeth. When a child gets to age 5 or 6, these teeth start falling out, one by one. A primary tooth falls out because it is being pushed out of the way by the permanent tooth that is behind it. By the time most people reach 12 or 14, most people have lost all of their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth.
Between the ages of 17 and 21, four more teeth sometimes referred to as wisdom teeth usually grow in at the back of the mouth. When these come in, adults have a complete set of 32 teeth.

To keep your teeth healthy so you can still have those 32 teeth when you are in your 80s or 90s, you need to make sure you take care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing will help you prevent tooth decay but you also need to visit your family dentist for general cleanings.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, a Plymouth family dentistry that can teach you about dental health and also give you the whitest smile possible.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, dental care routine, dental hygiene, dental problems

Chicken, chicken, chicken! That’s what some people feel like when they are confronted with a dental appointment. Almost 98 percent of the time, they will cancel the appointment out of fear of seeing the family dentist.

Dental Phobias Are Common
Being afraid of the dentist is not uncommon. Numerous children and adults have a fear of visiting the dentist. This is mainly because people equate dental visits with pain, discomfort, expense, and other negative associations.
Roughly 75 percent of adults in the United States experience some form of dental phobia, with cases ranging from mild to extreme. However, there is a small percentage of people who are SO afraid of the dental drill that they avoid going at all — even id they know they are having a dental problem.

Most people who are afraid of the dentist wait until they are in extreme pain and need to visit the emergency room for treatment. Emergency visits for people with dental problems usually require serious invasive treatment. The treatments are sometimes sudden and painful and then the dental fears are reinforced creating a phobia . . . the cycle continues.

Ways To Get Over a Dental Phobia
Just as dental phobia can occur through a number of ways, there are many options to help those who need it. Most treatments come in the form of behavioral techniques. One common method, positive reinforcement, involves dentists praising the patient for coming in and getting their cleaning. Hearing praise and knowing they are doing something good for their bodies help them understand why they are there.

Some dental fears are caused by a bad memory from a previous dental visit, fear of the unknown or fear of pain. There are techniques dentist uses to relax patients with anxiety including using general anesthesia to mild sedation, both of which calm the patient. For example, nitrous oxide or otherwise known as laughing gas — sometimes used in children — helps calm nerves and relaxes the patient.

See a Dentist You Can Trust
If you had a bad experience with a dentist and need to see a practice that is known for its good bed-side manners, visit Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that will help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Come see our office space that is designed for you and your family. Check it out online, where you can even make an appointment.

Tags: Dental Care, dental care tips, dental problems, Dentist

Bad habits are hard to break. Some people bite their nails when they are bored or thinking. Others will bite on the end of a pen or a pencil or maybe the side of their mouth or lips. It all seems rather innocent but these types of habits can negatively affect your dental health.

Most people do not realize they are virtually ruining their teeth without even knowing it. If you bite your nails (which is terrible for your nails and fingers too), you can actually damage your teeth. There are other bad habits you should break – or you may just break your bank fixing your teeth.

Here are top 3 bad habits that may affect your dental health:

• Biting on pencils and tops of pens.
  This is a common habit. Some people have a habit of holding objects — such as pens, pencils, or eyeglasses — between their teeth when concentrating on a project. Biting on a pen or a similar object can cause your straight teeth to shift or even crack and affect existing dental work.
• Using teeth as a tool.
  We all do this sometimes but it’s BAD. When scissors aren’t handy or a bottle opener isn’t handy, many people use their teeth to break off a tag on clothing, rip open a package of potato chips, or even unscrew bottle tops. Teeth are not bad for these types of jobs. Using your teeth as a tool is a threat to dental health and can damage dental work or cause your teeth to crack.
• Nail biters can ruin their teeth.

  You can always spot nail biters because of very short nails and maybe some problems with chips in their teeth too. Biting your nails doesn’t just harm the appearance of your hands — it can also damage your teeth and become an oral hygiene issue. Nails are hard and can actually cause your teeth to move out of place and cause tooth enamel to splinter.

If you are a habitual nail biters or chewer on pencils and have already chipped your teeth, seek the help of a family dentist, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, before more problems occur. We are a Minnetonka family dentistry that can help you restore your teeth to the way it looked before you started on your bad chewing habit.

Tags: bad dental habits, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental care tips, dental habits