Family Dentistry

Why You Should Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Why You Should Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Having a bright, healthy smile can be a major confidence booster.

Professional teeth cleaning at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is one of the most effective ways to achieve a healthy smile. Not only does it help to remove surface stains and discoloration, but it also helps to promote overall oral health.

Professional teeth cleaning at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can brighten your smile and improve your overall health.

Firstly, it is important to understand what professional teeth cleaning entails. During a professional teeth cleaning, a Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums. We’ll also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and give your smile a brighter appearance.

One of the main benefits of professional teeth cleaning is that it can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. By removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, a professional teeth cleaning at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can help to prevent the development of gum disease.

Another benefit of professional teeth cleaning is that it can help to improve your overall oral health. During the cleaning, our Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or other issues. By catching these issues early, we can help you take steps to address them before they become more serious.

In addition to improving your oral health, professional teeth cleaning can also have cosmetic benefits. By removing surface stains and discoloration, a professional teeth cleaning can help to brighten your smile and give you a more youthful appearance. This can be particularly beneficial if you have stained or discolored teeth due to factors such as smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, or other staining foods.

Finally, it is important to note that professional teeth cleaning at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry is a relatively quick and painless procedure. While some people may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning, it is generally well-tolerated and does not require any anesthesia or other sedation.

Professional teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining good oral health and achieving a bright, healthy smile. By removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, it can help to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. Additionally, by removing surface stains and discoloration, it can give you a more confident and youthful appearance. If you have not had a professional teeth cleaning in a while, now is the time to schedule an appointment with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo Utah.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Dry Mouth Can Cause Dental Problems

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Provo

A decline of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common problem, especially among older men and women.

Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, it can cause tooth damage. Saliva is needed to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acids that can cause plaque. Extensive tooth decay can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

  • Dry, red or grooved tongue
  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
  • Sticky feeling in the mouth
  • Saliva that seems thick and stringy
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing
  • Changes in taste
  • Difficulty wearing dentures (Mayo Clinic)

Contributing conditions include medications and treatments, reduction in the body’s power to metabolize medication, chronic health problems and poor nutrition.

For example, chemotherapy medication can curtail saliva production and radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage salivary glands, decreasing saliva production.

Other medical conditions include diabetes, stroke, or yeast infection in the mouth.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Provo) are some of the medications that can result in dry mouth.

It is common for allergy-prone Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.

The following can also contribute to dry mouth:

  • Snoring or breathing through the mouth
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Tobacco use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
  • Recreational drugs

If you are plagued with dry mouth, it’s critical to pay special attention to your dental health. The first step is to talk to a professional. Call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hammond.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Can I have my Utah cake and eat it too (and still have healthy teeth?)

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Can I have my Utah cake and eat it too (and still have healthy teeth?)

Eating sweets and maintaining healthy teeth can be a tricky balance.

While it’s always tempting to indulge in sugary treats in our Orem area, too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems.

With a few simple strategies, you can enjoy your favorite Utah treats and still maintain healthy teeth.

The key to preventing tooth decay in Utah is to limit the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar. When you eat sweets, the sugar combines with the bacteria in your mouth to form an acid that can erode your tooth enamel. This acid attack can last for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating. The more frequently you consume sweets, the more time your teeth are exposed to this acid.

Eating sweets at bedtime can lengthen the amount of time sugary acid can impact your teeth. For this reason, we recommend you avoid eating sweets in bed. Make sure to brush before you hit the sack to ensure your mouth is clear of bacteria-feeding sugars that can contribute to tooth decay and other oral problems.

To minimize the impact of sugar on your teeth, it’s best to eat sweets as part of a meal rather than as a snack on its own. When you eat with a meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which can help neutralize harmful acids and rinse away food particles. Eating sweets with a meal also limits the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar, and hopefully reduces the amount of sugar you need to be satisfied.

Another strategy for maintaining healthy teeth while eating sweets is to choose sweets that are less harmful to your teeth. Sticky, chewy candies and sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time, like lollipops, are the worst offenders when it comes to tooth decay. Sweets that dissolve quickly are a better choice, as they spend less time in your mouth.

If you do indulge in sweets, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth afterward. This will help remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated on your teeth. If you’re unable to brush and floss after eating sweets, try rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or water or chewing sugar-free gum to help increase saliva flow.

Regular dental checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry are another important strategy for maintaining healthy teeth. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can identify and treat any oral health issues before they become more serious problems. We can also provide guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene and make recommendations on the best foods to eat for healthy teeth.

Enjoying sweets doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy teeth. By limiting your sugar intake, choosing sweets that are less harmful to your teeth, brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your friendly dentist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry for regular checkups, you can indulge in your favorite Utah treats and still maintain a healthy smile.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Orem Area

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

4 Important Reasons to Floss Every Day in Our Orem Area

Maintaining good oral hygiene in the Orem area is essential to overall health and wellness. Your teeth and gums are the foundation of great personal health.

Most of us in the Orem area brush our teeth twice a day. This is good practice and makes for a good start to your oral health. However, many people overlook the importance of flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, if not more so.

Here are four good reasons why flossing your teeth is so important:

Flossing Removes Plaque and Food Particles

Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-laden film that forms on teeth and gums. It’s a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. While brushing can remove some of the plaque from the surface of your teeth, it can’t always reach the areas between your teeth. Flossing is a convenient way to remove plaque and food particles from these hard-to-reach areas.

Flossing Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing the plaque and food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection. It can also help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

Perhaps most importantly for most of us, flossing can help prevent bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and unpleasant. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce foul-smelling gases. Flossing can help reduce bad breath by removing the food particles and bacteria that can contribute to the problem.

This single benefit alone makes flossing worth the effort, but we have one more big one…

Flossing Saves Money

Flossing is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent more serious oral health problems. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular flossing, you can avoid expensive dental treatments down the road. This can save you both time and money in the long run.

Come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry for a quick check-up and we can help guide you with a prevention plan that includes regular flossing. We can also recommend useful tools that will help you maintain good oral health within your lifestyle. For example, there are many new products on the market today that make flossing a lot easier and much more convenient.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. It can help prevent cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Seven Ways You Can Break Your Teeth And How To Protect Them In Utah

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Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Seven Ways You Can Break Your Teeth And How To Protect Them In Utah

Your teeth are among the most important structures in your body. They are responsible for tasks such as biting, chewing, and speaking.

Unfortunately, there are many ways in which you can accidentally break your teeth. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and long-term disability.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we want you to be careful with your teeth. Let’s discuss the top seven ways you can break your teeth, so you know what to watch for and when to be the most careful with your oral health in mind.

1. Biting on Hard Objects

Many people have a habit of biting on hard objects, such as ice, pens, or pencils. While this may seem harmless, it can cause significant damage to your teeth. Biting on hard objects can cause your teeth to crack, chip, or even break. To avoid this, try to break the habit of biting on hard objects and stick to chewing on food.

2. Using Your Teeth as Tools

Using your teeth as tools is a common way people break their teeth. For example, using your teeth to open a bottle, tear open a package, or even cutting a piece of tape for that birthday gift can cause damage to your teeth. Always use the appropriate tools for these tasks and avoid using your teeth.

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause significant damage to your teeth. Grinding your teeth can cause your teeth to become worn down, cracked, or broken. If you grind your teeth, talk to your Utah dentist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry about getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

4. Eating Sticky or Hard Foods

Eating sticky or hard foods such as chewy caramel or piece of hard candy can cause your teeth to crack or break. If you regularly eat these types of foods, try to chew them on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting too much pressure on one tooth. Avoid biting those hard candies, too. They taste great, but they can cause a lot of damage.

5.Playing Contact Sports

Playing contact sports such as football or hockey can increase your risk of breaking a tooth. Broken teeth can occur from personal contact, contact with the ground, or contact with equipment. Even soft equipment such as an inflated ball can cause damage. Make sure to wear a mouthguard while playing to protect your teeth from impact.

6. Ignoring Dental Problems

Ignoring dental problems such as cavities or gum disease can lead to weakened teeth. Weak teeth are more prone to breaking. Make sure to visit your Utah dentist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry regularly to keep an eye on your oral health and to address any dental issues before they become a problem.

7. Getting Into Accidents

Finally, accidents can happen and they can often result in broken teeth. Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or running into a bar at the playground, make sure to seek dental care as soon as possible if your teeth are damaged. Quick reactions to damage can help ensure the best chances of saving a tooth and limiting damage.

There are many ways in which you can accidentally break your teeth. We encourage you to be aware of these risks and take steps to avoid accidents.

Remember to visit your dentist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry regularly for checkups and address any dental issues promptly to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Keeping You Comfortable

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Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

sleep dentistry Orem

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we make a conscious effort to help our patients feel comfortable. Though our chairs are cushy as can be, we are not only talking about physical comfort. We are talking about emotional comfort. In other words, peace of mind.

Here are four ways we are devoted to your peace of mind:

  1. Judgment-Free Atmosphere: Our considerate dental team is here to help you, regardless of the state of your teeth. We have treated every imaginable dental issue, and understand and empathize with every patient.
  2. Pain-Free Dentistry: From topical analgesics to laughing gas sedation, we will eliminate or minimize pain as best we can.
  3. Patient Comforts: We will provide warm towels, heated and massaging chair covers, dark glasses to block out light, and even aroma therapy neck cushions, all in an effort to have your dental visit be as close to a spa visit as it can be!
  4. Communication: We have established a reputation as effective and caring communicators. Procedures are thoroughly explained and all your critical questions are answered prior to treatment.

If you have postponed dental treatment for any reason, we encourage you to give Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT a call. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to us for general and restorative dentistry, as well as a host of cosmetic dentistry options. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7038

Why A Water Flosser Might Be A Good Idea

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Provo should I use waterpik?

Water flossers have been around for more than fifty years, and there have been at least that many studies on their effectiveness. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we’re using this space to present what is known about water flossers, and whether they’re better than ordinary string floss in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.

Dental Floss

First of all, the main benefit of standard dental floss – string floss – is that it passes easily between the teeth to remove food debris and plaque. It is easy to use, inexpensive, readily available, and a very efficient way of removing plaque.

On the down side, some people find it hard to reach certain areas of the mouth, like way in back. It can cause minor bleeding, and gum sensitivity. People with agility issues may find it hard to use.

Water Flossing

Water flossers use pulsing water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. A special machine directs a jet spray that can be very effective. They too are easy to use, and in addition to cleaning your teeth can also massage the gums.

They’re great for people with braces and other dental work. The stream of pulsing water makes it easy to get those areas that are harder to reach with string floss. They are also an excellent solution for people with issues like arthritis.

On the other hand, water flossers can be expensive. You need to find a place to store them when not in use. And they require electricity.

The Bottom Line

It isn’t necessarily an either/or situation. The best dental health routine at home may well be to floss, brush, and water floss – not necessarily in that order. The sequence in which these are done comes down to your personal preference. To put it another way: whatever works!

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we think the most important thing, by far, is that you establish a dental health routine that you practice every day. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for regular checkups. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

General and Family Dentistry in Provo

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Categories: Dental Implants, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

general and family dentistry Provo

When you do an Internet search for a dentist, you may comes across the terms “family dentist” and “general dentist.” You mean there’s a difference? At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we’re going to explain.

There is indeed a difference, but it’s a subtle one. The main differenced is in the age of patients. A family dentist, as the term makes plain, can treat everyone in your family, from children to parents, and on through their parents.

General and family dentists are both concerned with the dental health of their patients. That means treating issues involving the teeth and gums. There is a strong emphasis on good oral hygiene.

A family dental practice is a one-stop practice. That saves parents from having to take your ten-year-old to one dentist, and your sixteen-year old – and yourself – to another.

Above all, family dentists are able to focus on the unique dental needs of children. Not only does a family dentist understand how young teeth change as children grow; they also respect the fact that a lot of kids are afraid of going to the dentist, and take that into account – not only with the approach to young patients, but to the very appearance of the office.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we specialize in general and dentistry. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our practice for cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

ArticleID 8617

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Prevent Mouth Sores Utah County

When people get mouth sores, one of the things they can do while waiting for it to heal is evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. Here are some tips from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT that can help minimize the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

  • Eat Soft or Pureed Foods: Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food. Plenty of adult dishes fit the bill. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies are good choices.
  • Keep Your Meals Bland: It might make for boring eats, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.
  • Keep It Cool: Only eat meals served at room temperature or chilled.
  • Use a Straw: This way, whatever you are drinking can avoid contact with the mouth sore altogether.
  • Moisten Dry Foods: You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, our specialty is dental health. We offer complete general and cosmetic dentistry. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our practice for dental implants. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

Provo oral cancer screening

Checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT include a screening for oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. The conditions is pretty much about as serious as it gets; this is why we prioritize it at our practice so much. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 39,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year.

Consider this sobering news from the Oral Cancer Foundation:

“The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).”

The main risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. This includes all forms, not just cigarettes. Those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also at higher-than-average risk, as are those with HPV.

Early detection can make a difference in treatment outcomes. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we understand how important oral cancer screenings can be. Patients from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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