Protect Your Teeth and Gums: A Dental Health Guide For Adults

Dentists today are more successful than ever before at preserving, repairing, and replacing teeth. It’s not impossible to achieve that picture-perfect movie star smile. Whether it’s whitening your teeth a few shades, fixing broken teeth, or learning what it takes to receive a complete smile makeover, local dentists weigh in on the latest trends and advancements.

10 Tips for Healthy, White Teeth

•  Make regular appointments with your dentist every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned. 
•  Teeth are porous and can soak up stains like a sponge, after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, or eating soy sauce, berries, or curry, drink a glass of water to help wash away stains before they set in.
•  Fibrous foods like apples, celery, carrots, spinach, broccoli and lettuce actually work to remove stains by exfoliating teeth before the stain molecules have time to set into the teeth’s molecules.
•  Try naturally whitening your teeth by eating strawberries, rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth, or mixing lemon juice and salt. 
•  Drink through a straw whenever possible.
•  If you smoke, quit.
•  Brush with baking soda at least once a week.
•  Eat more fruits and veggies. Make huge salads. Avoid fast food and processed food as much as possible. Avoid constant snacking. All of this will help give you brighter, whiter teeth with fewer cavities.
•  Invest in an electronic toothbrush, such as Sonicare. 
•  Gargle with apple cider vinegar in the morning and then brush as usual. The vinegar helps help remove stains, whiten teeth, and kill bacteria in your mouth and gums.
 


According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 50 percent of Americans said someone’s smile is the first facial feature they notice, and a staggering 80 percent of all Americans are not satisfied with the appearance of their own smile. Respondents were seven times more likely to have smile enhancement procedures than facelifts.

One of the most common complaints from dental patients is that their teeth are discolored and not bright enough. Professional in-office whitening procedures such as BriteSmile, Zoom! and laser bleaching can whiten teeth dramatically in as little time as an hour. Other whitening options include at-home treatments such as custom-fitted bleaching kits, foam trays, whitening strips, and whitening toothpaste.

“So many people are interested in getting their teeth whitened today. You see it almost everywhere you look,” says Dr. Windmiller of Windmiller Distinctive Dentistry in Stillwater. “The dental industry has actually had to change their standards of what is white. The grading has been changed because what was white in the past doesn’t pass for white today.”

Time and efficiency are the major advantages of in-office procedures. For those with more time on their hands, there are dentist-supervised home whitening kits, with noticeable results in as little as two weeks.
 

MORE REASONS TO SMILE


The main difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist, according to www.mynewsmile.com, is that a cosmetic dentist will perform a smile design consultation. Cosmetic dentistry is a “self-esteem service.” Common aesthetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshaped, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. They also can be used to change the overall shape of teeth.

Dr. Jody O’Brien of O’Brien Dental Care in Shakopee specializes in all aspects of cosmetic and general dentistry including TMJ treatment, dental implants, Invisalign, and veneers. Dr. Jody has been in practice since 1996, honing her expertise in both cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Through tremendous advancements in dental techniques, she is able to utilize neuromuscular procedures and provide patients with an optimum bite, healthy joints and muscles, and beautiful, natural-looking smiles.

Dr. Nancy Norling of Minneapolis, an accredited fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, is dedicated and committed to enhancing smiles. Described by patients as “truly an artist,” providing “one of the greatest experiences in personal service ever received,” Dr. Norling is a board member of the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and dedicated volunteer with AACD’s “Give Back A Smile program,” restoring the broken and damaged teeth of survivors of domestic violence. She was recently recognized with a Partners in Peace award for her continued support and dedication to the program.

When patients leave Dr. Norling’s office with an improved smile, they leave not only with an attractive new look, but also a boost in confidence and self-esteem. And while she’s proud to make a difference in her patients’ lives, she’s reluctant to take sole credit.

“I have a great team behind me. I believe in surrounding myself with professional and caring people who really listen to and respect our patients while having fun at the same time. Our clinical staff goes the extra mile to make a visit to our practice a positive experience.”
 

QUALITY PATIENT CARE


At Lifelong Dental Care in West St. Paul, Dr. Stacy Roszkowski works with both adults and children, realizing that adults want the best technology, an informed, experienced dentist, and the highest quality care; while kids want to be comfortable and respected. Patients appreciate the convenience of before or after work or school appointments, in-office digital x-rays (using less radiation than conventional film x-rays), and mercury-free dentistry.

Patients needing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, corrective jaw surgery, oral cancer care, cosmetic procedures, or treatment of defects or injuries to the mouth, teeth, jaws, or face can trust the board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Dakota Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with locations in Eagan, Lakeville, Owatonna, and Shakopee. With specialized knowledge in pain control and advanced training in anesthesia, the Dakota Valley oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide quality care with maximum patient comfort and safety in a state-of-the-art office setting.

Whether you’re looking for a compassionate and knowledgable general dentist, a skilled cosmetic dentist, or an experienced surgeon, don’t settle for less than the best. Taking care of your teeth can do more than boost your self-confidence. “More and more studies are showing a strong correlation between a healthy mouth and overall general health,” Dr. Windmiller comments. Recent research suggests there might be an association between gum disease and health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. An investment in your dental health, he says, could result in a longer, healthier life.
 


Stacy Roszkowski, D.D.S., Lifelong Dental Care 

A dental practice can provide the most advanced technology and a dentist with years of training and experience, and yet—if that dentist isn’t empathetic and compassionate—their patients aren’t going to want to return. That’s not the case with Dr. Stacy Roszkowski and the dedicated staff of Lifelong Dental Care in West St. Paul, offering comprehensive dental services including cosmetic, restorative, and preventive care. They make sure that patients receive plenty of TLC during their appointments.

“Our patients deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” she says. And when patients meet with Dr. Roszkowski, named a topDentist, they can expect not only compassionate care, but a highly- skilled dentist  who regularly attends advanced training courses to stay abreast of the lastest techniques.

1525 Livingston Ave.
West St. Paul, MN
651-457-4888 • lifelongdds.com
 


Dr. Geetha Damodaran, Birch Lake Dental

Since 1995, Dr. Geetha Damodaran of Birch Lake Dental in White Bear Lake has been providing patients with smiles they are proud to share, yet she realizes that many patients must overcome the roadblock of anxiety in order to schedule that first appointment.  “We hope our friendly, warm, and relaxing atmosphere is comforting to everyone we see,” she says of the ambiance at her office, where services range from family dentistry to restorative, preventive, and cosmetic procedures.

Along with a team of caring, skilled professionals, this dedicated dentist works with patients to outline a treatment plan and establish the goals they’ll achieve together. “Communication and long-term relationships are important to us,” she says. “Let us know what’s on your mind. Ask questions. We’ll help you realize an investment in your smile pays dividends for a lifetime.”

4641 White Bear Parkway
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-429-0404 • www.birchlakedental.com
 


Drew Spencer, D.D.S., Edina 5-0 Dental, P.A.

Dentistry is the perfect blend of art and science. Achieving gratification through helping others, though, is the most rewarding part of the job for Dr. Drew Spencer of Edina 5-0 Dental. Whether he’s updating worn silver fillings with CEREC restorations, replacing teeth with dental implants, straightening teeth through Invisalign, veneering teeth with Lumineers, or whitening teeth with Zoom! laser technology, he knows that a smile makeover can have a huge impact on someone’s self-esteem. 

It’s easy to see why Dr. Drew, selected as a topDentist by his peers, is so popular with patients. Visits are not only personal but fun.

“I love my job,” he says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” 

3948 West 50th Street,
Suite 205 • Edina,MN   
952-922-8111 • 952-922-2125   
drew@edina5-0dental.com