Tag: dentist office

How Acidic Foods Can Harm Your Oral Health

Let’s be honest: foods with high acidity can be scrumptious. They also eat away at your tooth enamel, creating tooth decay and cavities. Dentists call this dental erosion. That’s one reason why it’s important to limit the amount of acidic foods that you consume.

Some of the most common culprits include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and fruit juices. Citrus fruits are also highly acidic and can damage your teeth. You’ll also want to avoid foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Bacteria in your mouth can convert these sugars into harmful acids. Sour sweets, which contain both sugar and acid, can stick to teeth, leading to prolonged acid contact with tooth enamel.

So how does one continue to enjoy these foods in moderation? One tip is to never eat and drink them with other ph-balancing foods in a meal. Dairy and protein are great at neutralizing acids. Another thing to remember is not to brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic meals. Some teeth become hypersensitive due to acidic exposure and may be damaged by toothpaste. Instead, try chewing sugarless gum to help promote saliva production within your mouth. This will help clear the acids and prepare your teeth for brushing, which you can do as soon as 30 minutes after you finish eating.

If you would like Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS to give you an oral exam or professional cleaning, please contact our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, by calling us at 804-781-1919. Have a beautiful day!

Fun Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry

Are you aware that there is a cosmetic dentistry procedure for almost all types of issues and complications that may arise with your smile? Even if your teeth are badly damaged or even entirely missing, modern-day dentistry is intended not only to provide you with a functional smile but a beautiful one that can imitate the look of a natural smile to its prime perfection.

If you are simply looking to whiten your natural smile, one of your best options is a tooth whitening system. With a professional whitening treatment, the tint of your smile can be improved by up to ten shades. If you are left with any lost or missing teeth, dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures all replace missing teeth for a natural look that closely resembles real teeth.

Not all cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to only enhance the look of your teeth. Some can repair damaged teeth and correct minor malocclusions and imperfections as well. Dental crowns can conceal teeth down to the gum line for an upgraded look, as well as increased functions and an added layer of protection. Dental veneers can conceal the front of a tooth for a customizable look that can cover up stains and imperfections that brushing or whitening cannot correct. Dental bonding treatments can help defend teeth that have been chipped or cracked or those that are overly sensitive.

No matter which cosmetic dentistry service you choose, the real importance is the oral health benefits it can provide. If you would like Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS to bring you in for an oral exam to determine which treatment is best for you, please contact our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, by calling us at 804-781-1919. Come see us, and let us show you the benefits of a better smile today!

How to Save Your Smile After an Oral Emergency

Did you know that it may be possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out? As with many emergencies, preparation is key and how you handle the moments after an accident can determine the length and success of your recovery. Listed below are some common oral emergencies and tips you can use to save your smile:

A Tongue Bite or Lip Bite:

– Biting the inner areas of your mouth is common, but in some rare instances, stitches may be required. If you are bleeding, always use a gauze pad until bleeding stops.

Tooth Knocked Out:
– If you have suffered an oral accident that has left you with a tooth that was knocked out, it may be possible to save the tooth to be inserted later. Store the tooth in a tooth-saving product or milk and take it to your dentist immediately for reinsertion. Be careful not to touch the nerve endings or the root of your tooth.

Fractured or Damaged Teeth:
– Fractured or damaged teeth can often lead to excessive bleeding. Use a gauze pad to cover the wound until bleeding stops. If the tooth is loose, do not try to pull it out.

If you ever suffer an oral emergency, contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919. Come visit Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team at our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia at your earliest convenience. Let us help you find your healthy smile.

Chewing Gum and Its Oral Health Care Benefits

The oral health care benefits of chewing gum are often disputed as gum itself cannot directly do much for your smile, other than help brush away food particles that may cling to your teeth and gums. In addition, if you suffer from a temporomandibular disorder in your jaw or if the gum contains sugar, you could actually do more damage to your oral health.

The best use for sugarless gum is to promote the creation of saliva in your mouth. Saliva has known cavity-fighting properties including neutralizing harmful acids as well as helping to wash away bacteria and food particles. Studies have shown that by chewing sugarless gum for up to twenty minutes after mealtime can stimulate enough saliva to help prevent cavities and keep your smile safe.

Sugarless gum is also capable of helping prevent and treat individuals suffering from heartburn. Heartburn is caused when stomach acids travel up the stomach, often into the mouth. These acids can cause dental erosion and need to be dealt with whenever serious heartburn occurs. Saliva created by sugarless gum is an excellent tool in combatting the acid’s harmful effects.

Don’t delay in visiting our team at [practice_name] to check if your teeth need our help. To schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, please call us at 804-781-1919. A healthy smile is a happy smile!

Keeping Ahead of COVID-19

Providing a safe environment for treatment and control for infectious disease is always a priority at Paul Stanovick DDS. Our expansive reception area and large outdoor deck provides space to easily support regulations surrounding social distancing. The treatment rooms provide an extra layer of protection as they are sanitized between each patient and provide clean air through air purifiers located in each room. You will see some changes during your next appointment as we have added precautions to protect patients and staff. You will be asked to enter the building with use of facial protection and asked to wear it until you are in the treatment room. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the whole building for your use. You may notice that our magazine and children’s books have been removed from the reception area as they are harder to disinfect. We have installed plexiglass around our front reception area for added distancing between front staff and patients waiting for appointments. Air purifiers have been placed in every operatory with two larger purifiers in the front and back of the office. We have provided face shields, lab jackets and barrier gowns for all clinical staff. Our hours of operation will still remain Monday -Friday 8am-5pm. We are looking forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment and the safety precautions we are taking here at the practice. If you would like to make an appointment you can give us a call or text 804.781.1919. Thank you for your patience during these changing times and for your trust in us with taking care of your dental needs. Sincerely, Dr. Paul Stanovick, Dr. Brant Stanovick, and Staff.