Having straight, nicely rounded teeth is definitely more attractive. The good news is, cosmetic dentistry has several ways to help get rid of that fang look. This includes veneers, reshaping, and contouring.

• Veneers can cover the pointy teeth to enhance its appearance.
• Contours can fill in gaps and chips to reduce the teeth’s pointy appearance.
• Reshaping can make the teeth appear more round and softer.

Not every dentist can do this type of work. You actually need to visit a specialist dentist to reshape your teeth without causing you health risk. Nevertheless, it’s best to find a cosmetic dental office that is knowledgeable in cosmetic dentistry. You may want to talk with them and ask for before-and-after pictures of some of their past clients to give you a good idea about the results.

A nice smile is easier to get than you think. Talk with a specialist dentist, such as ours, Dr. Jason McDowell, at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, to determine the best care for teeth and to finally get those rounded teeth instead of pointy ones. We are a Plymouth cosmetic dentistry that offers many types of cosmetic treatments including teeth whitening.

The Vitamins and Minerals That Are The Best For Oral Health
Many types of minerals and nutrients are good for the entire body. However, there are some there are specifically good for the teeth, mouth and gums.

• Calcium. Milk does your body – and teeth — good. We’ve all heard this before. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay.
• Vitamins B12 and B2. Mouth sores are indicators of the lack of this vitamin. You can find this in red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Vitamin C. If you lack Vitamin C, you will mostly likely get bleeding gums and loose teeth. Find this vitamin in oranges, red peppers and other red or orange fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough vitamin D because it helps your body absorb calcium. Burning mouth syndrome is a clear indicator of the lack of vitamin D. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Milk and eggs are good sources for this.
• Iron. Without iron, your tongue can become inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Some cereals are fortified as well.
• Vitamin B3.A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. Chicken and fish carry this important vitamin.

Aside from a good diet, you need to go to the dentist for regular check-ups. Visit Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa for your cleanings and also your cosmetic dental needs.

Today, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even states that tooth decay, if left untreated, can cause pain and infections that hinder eating, speaking, playing and learning. Because of this, the controlled addition of a fluoride compound to public water supplies is considered to be the best and most cost effective way to prevent cavities and fight tooth decay. But are you getting it? If you or your family are drinking water in bottles that does not contain fluoride, then most likely not

How does fluoride work?
Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which helps in repairing early decay before damage sets in. In fact, close to 150 million United States residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated tap water. This “benefit” provides an automatic defense against the harmful matter that causes oral health problems.

No one likes to get their tooth drilled to fix cavities and simply drinking more water that is fluoridated either in the store bottle or or a reusable water bottle or glass is a great way to make sure you get this extra cavity fighting power.

But, if you can’t get the fluoride in the water, what can you do? You may want to ask your dentist about varnish. Varnish, applied quickly and easily by a dentist, is one of the most concentrated products available commercially. Varnishes that contain sodium fluoride adhere to tooth surfaces when saliva is present, providing an excellent fluoride treatment.

If you suspect that you have a cavity, don’t wait. You should visit a general dentist, such as our office — Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Also, tell you family dentist if you don’t know whether your water is fluoridated. It will help your dentist determine if you are not getting enough fluoride to fight cavities and treatments that may remedy this.

Here are some trivia for your weekend!

Did you know that. . .

• George Washington had several dentures made of hippopotamus, cow, walrus teeth and elephant’s tusks!
• A $250,000 mechanical mouth developed by dental researchers can duplicate a year’s worth of chewing in 24 hours and take four bites per second!
• Tooth decay remains the most prevalent disease in the United States – the cold is the first.
• Athletic mouth guards have been credited with preventing many sports injuries each year. The total number of orthodontic patients has doubled since the 1970s.
• Cheese is good for your teeth! Certain cheeses, including aged cheddar, Swiss and Monterey Jack, have been found to prevent tooth decay.
• In the past, dentures were common wedding gifts in the British Isles because many people expected to eventually lose all their teeth and hurried the process along by having them extracted at an early age.
• Chinese medical books have indicated potential value in the prevention and treatment of tooth decay and gum disease with herbs – about 60 of them. These herbs may be added to toothpaste and mouthwashes in this country in the future.
• American’s best-known author of western novels, Zane Gray, was a dentist before becoming a writer.
• As crazy as it may be, there is a name for the soreness that results when you burn your mouth on melted mozzarella- it’s called “pizza palate”.
• Americans spent $322 billion on health care in 1982, and of that amount, dental care expenditures totaled $19.5 billion- only 6 percent of the nation’s total health care bill.

If you are looking for a family dentist, consider coming to our dental office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. You can even make an appointment online.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light – this ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore a person’s smile.

Other things that dental bonding takes care of include:

• Repair chipped or cracked teeth.
• Improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
• Close spaces between teeth.
• Repair decayed teeth.
• Make teeth look longer and change shape of the teeth.
• An alternative to amalgam fillings.
• Protect a portion of the tooth’s exposed root.

Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured, bonding usually can be done in a single office visit unless several teeth are required to work on.

Another advantage is that a small amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is normally not required.

There are some disadvantages though. Although the material used in dental bonding is stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures and can chip and break off the tooth.

If you are confused on the type of cosmetic dentistry you need to get, consider talking with the staff of Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Minnetonka cosmetic dentist office that works with different types of treatment, including professional teeth whitening, and can steer you in the right direction.

Many people are surprised to find out that the TMJ joint is the only joint in the body that acts as a two-sided hinge, which means that any stress or misalignment will cause problems on the other side. This dental health problem can be extremely painful.

TMJ dysfunction or TMD occur because of its association with the tri-geminal nerve. This nerve is associated with the chewing function of the upper and lower jaw, and with the eyes and ears. The pain associated with TMD is a chronic, dull, pain and pressure – both types sends pain straight to the spine.

Other painful effects of TMJ dysfunction include headaches, eye pain, sinus pressure, dental pain and even neck and shoulder pain. Many people with TMJ Dysfunction complain about facial pain too.

If you have TMJ Dysfunction you may experience some of these symptoms:

• Excessive wear on teeth caused by stress of bruxism and grinding.
• Clicking & popping of the TMJ joint caused by lack of cartilage at the rear hinge point.
• Grinding sounds caused by irregular bone surface at rear hinge point.
• Headaches and migraine headaches.
• Dizziness caused by lack of blood flow to brain when blood vessels are obstructed.
• Severe pain in the mouth, jaw, neck, ear and teeth as well as all over the head caused by pinching of nerves due to extreme misalignment of TMJ.
• Ringing in the ears caused by pressure on the ear canal.

It is possible to have TMJ dysfunction for a long period of time without actually realizing it. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with a family dentist, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. As a Plymouth family dentistry that focus on preventative and restorative dentistry, we can evaluate your condition and find a solution for your right away.

Talk to any family dentist, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, and they will tell you it’s important to brush with fluoride toothpaste to carefully remove any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces and your retainer too. Without brushing daily, food and plaque can stain your teeth. A fluoride mouthwash maybe recommended, which can get into places in your mouth that a toothbrush can’t.

Caring for Retainers
Braces get quite a bit of attention when it comes to general maintenance. But retainers are just as important to brush — leaving your entire mouth feeling fresh.

A retainer in your mouth can collect food particles, saliva and other items that may carry or breed germs. Within time it will leave a bad odor in your mouth and cause bad breath. Surprisingly, a dirty retainer also can cause yeast infections, bacterial endocarditis, upper respiratory tract infections, wound infections, meningitis and gastrointestinal infections. All these problems can occur because of an unclean retainer.

Here are some basic steps in cleaning your retainer:

• Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Make sure you inspect it too.
• Once a day or at least once a week, you need to disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser, such as Efferdent or other brand name solutions. Add the cleanser to a cup full of warm – but never hot – water. Ask your dentist for recommendations on a dental product.
• Thoroughly rinse the retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth.
• Make sure you take your retainer to the dentist for a professional cleaning if you are unable to remove all the plaque. You may need a replacement.

If you have questions about cleaning your teeth, braces or retainers, contact our office. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that works with patients of all ages. Visit our office online or stop in and take a peek at our family-friendly office and meet our great staff.

Fluoride treatments are an important part of healthy teeth for everyone. Family dentists not only stress regular fluoride treatments, but many public schools offer fluoride treatments for all school-aged children.
Many adults use and encourage their children to use a fluoride rinse, but many children may not be getting all that they need from the rinses.

How do you really know if your child is getting enough fluoride?

Here is an easy checklist to determine if your child is getting enough fluoride as part of their dental hygiene.

• What is the source of your water? Not only does your child need topical fluoride, but he also needs to ingest fluoride to help in the development of strong, healthy adult teeth. Some cities treat tap water with extra fluoride, as do some bottled water companies. There are many children only drinking from bottled water that does not contain fluoride. Parents are thinking they are helping children stay away from harmful bacteria, but instead, they are creating a dental nightmare.
• When using a fluoride rinse, does your child follow the directions? You child needs to swish vigorously for the length of time suggested by the fluoride rinse manufacturer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully each time your child uses a fluoride rinse. You can use an egg timer or have them count in their head.
• Does your child know not to eat or drink after using a fluoride rinse? Remember what the hygienist tells you after the office fluoride treatments? There is to be no eating or drinking within 30-60 minutes of a fluoride application. Why? Eating or drinking can interfere with the effectiveness of the product.
• Are regular dental cleanings and exams in your child’s schedule? Your child should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and fluoride treatment.
• How often does your child use a fluoride treatment on a regular basis? One of the best ways to teach your kids about the importance of fluoride treatments and good dental care is to show them how adopt good hygiene by brushing, flossing, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis.

Fluoride treatments are an essential part of staying healthy. It is important for children to visit their family dentist every six months for a professional fluoride treatment. If they complain, remember to tell them about the yummy fluoride flavors they can pick from.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We offer a comfortable office environment for all our young dental patients.

You notice an increase in your tooth sensitivity. You will wince with heat and cold on your teeth.

• Check for receding gums. Improper brushing or gum disease can erode enamel – this will cause the gums to recede. If you see V-shaped notches near the gum line – this can indicate abrasion of the enamel due to excessive brushing. Some people do not know that overuse of a toothpick can cause notches of eroded enamel between the teeth.
• One thing to look for is chipped fractured teeth that may cause the dentin to be immediately exposed. Also, chronic teeth clenching or teeth grinding can cause the grinding surface of the molars to become flat.
• You may want to review your eating habits for sugar consumption. Exposure of the teeth to sugar can produce an acid that erode the enamel — a common cause of enamel loss.

Get a dental exam if loss of tooth enamel is expected. A family dentist can easily detect soft spots in the enamel by an exam. A simple X-ray can confirm the loss of enamel.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We can detect problems with your enamel as well as give you options for cosmetic dentistry. We are a Minnetonka family dentistry that also specialized in teeth whitening as well as restorative dentistry. Give us a call for a consultation.

• Grapefruits aren’t just for breakfast anymore. According to researchers at Pace University, grapefruit extract in toothpaste can kill oral viruses.
• More Americans go to a female dentist, according to a recent survey by the American Dental Association. The survey reports that the largest percent of practicing dentists were in the 35 to 45 year old group. This survey clearly shows the rapid inclusion of female professionals as dentists over the past 15 years.
• Are you a wine drinker? According to a study at Guy’s Hospital in London, the acid in wine was shown to erode the enamel on teeth. A wine taster had been exposed to so much wine that only the fillings were protruding in some of the subject’s teeth. Any individual who tastes or drinks wine often should clean his or her mouth at least twice a day. Teeth whitening has become popular due to stains, like wine, that can be very resistant.
• Routine dental radiographs may be an effective tool in preventing strokes! Unfortunately, stroke victims usually receive no warning of the impending stroke, but dental radiographs can help spot potentially dangerous calcium buildups in the carotid arteries near both ends of the jawbone. These buildups can choke blood flow to the brain and are a cause of strokes!
• Music soothes the soul…and this goes for dental patients too. The American Dental Association recommends that patients listen to music in the dentist’s office as a form of distraction. A combination of music and an anesthetic during dental procedures can reduce the patient’s blood pressure and pulse rate more than an anesthetic alone. It has also been noted that patients who listen to music at the dentist office tend to have lower levels of stress. Many family dental offices are aware of this and have included this into their dental office environment — such as our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa.
• An athlete is 60 times more likely to incur damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. It is estimated that mouth guards professionally designed by dentists prevent approximately 200,000 injuries

If you are seeking a new family dental practice, consider visiting our office. We have a relaxing environment for general dentistry and also offer cosmetic dentistry too.