Gum Health Affects Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

gum disease increases diabetes risk Provo

There is a link between type 2 diabetes and gum disease, which is another reason to have regular cleanings and checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Diabetes affects the way the body uses glucose (blood sugar). Scientists have known for a long time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. For diabetics, maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related issues.

Diabetes affects the ability to fight off bacteria that can cause gum infections. It can also affect the ability to control blood sugar. People with diabetes are at greater risk for:

  • Gingivitis, which is mild gum disease
  • Periodontitis, which is advanced gum disease
  • Thrush, a type of fungal infection
  • Dry mouth, which can increase the risk of infection, cavities, and mouth sores

If you have diabetes it is critical that you control your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor. It’s also essential to brush twice a day and floss at least once.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we can treat gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for complete general dentistry. Please call us today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup!

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 7024

Why Improve Your Smile?

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Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry

oral health Provo

Would you like to improve the appearance of your smile? With cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, transforming your smile has never been easier.

Cosmetic dentistry is a term that refers to dental techniques that enhance the appearance of your smile. We can make teeth brighter, in better alignment with each other, or without the chips or cracks that have detracted from them for as long as you can remember. We can even replace a tooth that is missing with one that is indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

  • Teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening surpasses any product you’ll find at the grocery store.
  • Porcelain veneers. Thin shells of medical-grade porcelain are attached to the front of your teeth to cover imperfections like stains, chips, or gaps.
  • Clear braces. Invisalign clear braces straighten teeth and fit like a mouth guard. They can be removed for meals and when you brush your teeth.
  • Dental implants. State-of-the-art dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw, where the fuse with bone to form a rock-solid support for an artificial tooth.

Does any of this sound too good to be true? Well, seeing is believing! Cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo can transform your smile into something spectacular. Patients from American Fork and Lehi also come to our office for our general dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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 8542

The Rate of Bone Loss After Extraction Can Be Slowed or Stopped With an Implant

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Categories: Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

bone loss after tooth extraction A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

The alveolar bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better.

Unfortunatley, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo help to prevent bone loss. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to us for comprehensive general dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment!

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 8267

Improve Your Smile for Yourself (And Those That Look at You)

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long-term tooth replacement solution Provo

Losing one or more of your natural teeth impacts your smile, and your ability to bite and chew. But with dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, you can regain your smile and the ability to eat just about anything.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are anchored into your jaw. They are solid foundations for artificial teeth. Because they are physically attached to your jaw,  they also prevent the loss of bone that usually accompanies tooth loss.

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, a conventional dental bridge or dentures are certainly better than nothing. But because they are not solidly anchored to your jaw, they do not provide full biting and chewing function. This is, of course, a major drawback.

This is what makes dental implants so brilliant. They don’t look any different than natural teeth, and better still, they feel and function the same. Once the implants are in place and the jaw has fully healed, most patients report full chewing power. That means they can enjoy just about any food they choose.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we provide single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. They look great! People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health! Call to schedule an appointment with 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 8279

Aesthetic Dentistry Solves Difficult Oral Problems

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

solve tough dental problems ProvoDo you fear that your smile is beyond repair due to damage or neglect? Rest assured, that may not be true. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we use restorative dentistry to improve smiles every day.

Here are some tough dental problems we routinely solve:

Tough Problem 1: Insufficient Bone for Dental Implant
Solution: Bone Grafting

Dental implants are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement. But before you can get one, you need to have enough healthy bone to support it. Bone grafting is a fairly simply procedure to promote the growth of new bone.

Tough Problem 2: Tooth Damage or Loss
Solution: Restorative Dentistry

We can address multiple issues by restoring your teeth and mouth to a functional and aesthetically pleasing state. It might involve filling cavities, restoring or replacing missing teeth, or repairing damage with a crown. Our goal is twofold: restoring your natural smile, and preventing future dental health problems.

With cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo there is always hope for your smile! Patients from American Fork and Lehi also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call us to schedule an appointment 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 7516

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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gum disease treatment Provo

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adult Americans, yet many people are surprisingly under-informed about it. In this blog post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we share some basic facts about gum disease.

  • In its earliest and most treatable stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. The more advanced form is called periodontitis.
  • More than half of Americans who are thirty and older have periodontitis. That equals nearly sixty-five million people.
  • The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and have a dental checkup twice a year.
  • Gum disease has few symptoms in its early stages. You could have it but be completely unaware.
  • Tiny amounts of blood in the sink when you brush is not normal. If you see a little blood when you brush and floss, make an appointment with us right away.
  • Improved brushing and flossing, along with using an antiseptic mouthwash, is often enough to successfully treat gingivitis.
  • Advanced gum disease affects bone and ligaments, in addition to the gums. It requires more aggressive treatment, such as deep cleaning, but it too can be reversed.
  • Gum disease has been linked to more serious health conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.

These are frightening facts. It reminds us of the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

To put it another way: guard your dental health with regular brushing and flossing, and regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We treat gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call to schedule your next checkup 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 7386

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

gum disease exam ProvoPeriodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. It is also treatable, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Gum disease is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental exams are the best way to prevent gum disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

Gum disease may be one of the best examples of prevention being the best medicine. With regular brushing and flossing, and checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, you can prevent gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for complete general dentistry services. Call to schedule an appointment with 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 7464

Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Provo

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we address the unpleasant topic of halitosis, also known as bad breath.

While poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis, many elements can contribute to it, or even make it worse. One of these is the lack of saliva, or xerostomia.

Saliva and Oral Health

One of the functions of saliva is moistening the teeth and gums and removing odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel stability.

Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby shielding the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against cavities and infections.

Most of us have a dry mouth now and then, like when we’re anxious or under stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can result in additional oral and physical health problems.

If you are coping with either condition, be sure to tell us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We’ve helped patients throughout American Fork and Lehi discover the source and guide them on treatment. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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 7334

Save Your Breath

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

bad breath treatments Provo

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, talk to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health. Schedule an appointment 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

 

The 4 Stages of Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

four stages of gum disease Orem

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It’s a progressive condition, and is easily treatable in its earliest stages. From Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, here are the four main stages of gum disease.

Gingivitis

The main symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums that cause discomfort while brushing and flossing. You may notice bad breath on occasion. Gingivitis is often caused by the buildup of bacteria on teeth and the gum line.

Early Stage Periodontal Disease

This means an infection has spread beneath your gums, allowing harmful bacteria to begin harming the bone holding your teeth in place. An aggressive treatment plan can prevent it from getting worse.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

Moderate periodontal disease involves more advanced care. Surgery can reshape your gums and close pockets between the gums and teeth to reduce plaque buildup. This may sound intimidating, but the prognosis can be good.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

Flap surgery is common for this stage and involves cleaning the actual roots of your teeth by scrubbing behind your gums. Weakened bone can be smoothed or shaped to avoid bacteria from collecting.

Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, can prevent gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi rely on our care, and also  come to us for general dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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 8543