Tag: dentist

Making the Most out of Water Flossers

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Did you know that water flossers can be used as a suitable alternative to dental floss? It’s true because water flossers can clean between your teeth in areas that would typically require the use of dental floss. Furthermore, they are often heavily fortified to ensure that further outside influence does not occur.

When you’re ready to improve your oral health care, make sure that you know what you are doing and the products that you are using. Due to the varying effectiveness of water flossers, speak with our dentist about product recommendations and suggestions before using any product. It is also beneficial to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on product packaging, as it indicates a highly reliable product for cleaning your teeth.

Water flossers are helpful in situations where previous treatments may hinder the use of traditional dental floss treatments. If you wish to rinse out all areas between teeth but have dental bridges, implants or dental crowns in place, a water flosser may be able to still do the job effectively. Water flossers can even lower your risk for gum disease and tooth decay by effectively eradicating plaque and debris between teeth.

For assistance with your smile and caring for it year-round, please contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS to set up an appointment with us at our office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, by calling us at 804-781-1919. Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team want to make your smile a success.

Find Answers to Questions About Children’s Dental Care Here

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Do you have questions about how to properly and effectively care for your child’s smile? If so, you’re not alone. Many people also have questions. Children’s dental and smile care can be confusing and even overwhelming! Because it’s very important to care for your child’s teeth and gums, our dentists, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick, are happy to help you find the answers to your questions. To help you do so, we would like to share the answers to the following commonly asked questions:

Q: How often should I clean my child’s teeth and gums?
A: It’s recommended to brush your child’s teeth every morning and night. It’s also recommended to floss your child’s teeth once a day, but this is only recommended if your child’s chompers have all erupted from the gums and the teeth are tightly knit together. If your child is still missing teeth, there is still enough room between the teeth for the toothbrush to clean the area as you scrub.

Q: What oral hygiene tools should I use to clean my child’s smile?
A: It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is child sized. This tool can help you properly clean the teeth. It’s also best to use swallow-safe toothpaste if your child tends to swallow the paste as they brush, and it’s best to use fluoride-free toothpaste if your child is under the age of 3.

Q: How often should I take my child to the dental office for a checkup?
A: You should bring your child into our office every six months, starting six months after their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday.

Do you have additional questions that weren’t included in this blog? If so, our dental team at the dental practice of Paul R. Stanovick, DDS is happy to help you! We will be thrilled to tell you all about children’s dental care in Mechanicsville, Virginia, so please don’t hesitate to dial 804-781-1919 now. We look forward to helping you!

Remember Your Oral Hygiene Basics

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As we get older, time seems to fly by faster as we let little things slide. If we allow our oral hygiene slip during our busy lives, then we can be setting ourselves up for painful and costly consequences in the future. That is why, our dentist, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick with Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is here to remind you the simple basics of oral hygiene practices.

Here is a compiled list of the basics of oral hygiene basics:

– Visit your dentist every 6 months to have your teeth professionally cleaned.
– It is important to improve your oral hygiene and improve your life. This can be accomplished by eliminating bad habits and your life such as smoking.
– To help wash away debris in your mouth, mouthwash is useful.
– A healthy diet can go a long way in improving your oral hygiene.
– Be sure to floss every day with a reliable dental floss product. This is important to clean out debris from between your teeth.
– Do not forget to visit your dentist for routine checkups and examinations of your teeth and gums.
– Brushing twice daily is important for keeping your smile safe and free of damage.

If you follow these steps, then you can’t go wrong in doing your best to keep your smile in pristine shape. Our dental team cares for your oral health, which is why we are always happy to help you in any way we can. If you have questions about your oral health or need an appointment, please call us at 804-781-1919. We look forward to hearing from you.

TMJ Pain Can Be Reduced and Treated

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Does your jaw hurt when you laugh or talk? If so, you could be experiencing TMD. To help you learn more about the joints in your smile, our dentists, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick with Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is happy to provide you this article.

Temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is a strong joint in your jaw that is a concern among many adults. However, in recent cases, TMJ is also an increasing concern among teenagers too. TMJ is the most complex joint in the human body and is responsible for talking and chewing or the movement of your jaw. When there is a problem associated with your TMJ, this could lead to the development of the temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD.

There are factors that contribute to TMD such as injuries, improper dental alignment, bruxism, stress, chewing on hard substances, and other habitual behaviors. Signs you could be suffering from TMD include tender jaw muscles, pain when yawning or chewing, headaches, dislocation of the jaw, a locked or stiff jaw, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw, or pain in your joints. If you have any of these symptoms, please call us right away to begin treatment.

If you need help with your TMJ pain and need to be treated, then feel free to call 804-781-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists. We are happy to answer your questions and concerns pertaining to your TMJ.

Things Dental Bonding Can Do

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Are you interested in helping your teeth and smile with dental bonding? If so, you could be on your way toward the top-notch goals you desire! Dental bonding is a great treatment that involves your dentist, Drs. Paul or Brant Stanovick, covering your tooth with special dental resin. Your dentist will shape the resin to make it look like a natural tooth. Then, he will harden it. It’s best to schedule an appointment to see if this is the right treatment for you. While you wait for your appointment, our dental team is happy to list the things dental bonding can do for you. It can:

-Enhance the appearance of an unattractive tooth

-Fill spaces between teeth

-Treat broken or chipped teeth

-Improve severely stained teeth

-Treat cracked teeth

-Fill small cavities if needed

-Protect exposed tooth roots

-Help your tooth within one quick visit

-Treat your tooth without invasive dental procedures

-Help your tooth for many years

-Provide natural-looking results

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about dental bonding in Mechanicsville, Virginia, please reach out to Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at your earliest convenience. All you need to do is dial 804-781-1919 and we will be more than happy to help you. We look forward to your phone call!

Exciting Games for Kids about Dental Health

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Good dental care begins in the home. It helps to find ways to engage your children in fun activities about dental health. Here are some ideas for younger children:

Taste Test:

Gather edible items which are sweet, sour, bitter, salty or savory. Tell your child to stick out their tongue in front of a mirror and point out the bumps on the tongue. Tell them that these bumps are called taste buds and that they help them know what food tastes like. Have them try each food and ask whether the food is sweet, sour, salty, bitter or savory. Review the right answers with them at the end.      

Proper Brushing:

This is a fun artsy way to teach your child about the reason behind brushing your teeth and proper brushing techniques. Sketch an outline of a tooth on a dark piece of construction paper. Then give your child an old toothbrush with a bit of white paint and ask them to cover the entire tooth with their “toothpaste”. You can help demonstrate different techniques like brushing up, down, sideways and circular motions to make sure that the entire tooth is white.

Supermarket Collage:

When you feed your child healthy food, you might get some resistance. But do they really know what’s good and bad for their teeth? Write on one side of a piece of paper “Good Foods” and on another “Foods that can hurt my teeth”, and draw a line in the middle. Then gather some supermarket fliers from the mail. Help your child to cut out various foods and glue them on one side or another.

If this is the time for a dental checkup in the Mechanicsville, Virginia area, you can call Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919 for an appointment with Dr. Paul or Brant Stanovick.

Seven Ways to Conquer Bad Breath

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If you are looking for ideas on how to conquer your bad breath, you’ve come to the right place! Did you know that bad breath is most often caused by bacteria? Here are seven keys to winning the battle against bacteria:

Brush and Floss: Your oral hygiene routine is critical to keeping your teeth and mouth free of bacteria. Brush twice a day and floss every night.

Care for your Tongue: Your tongue harbors a great deal of odor causing bacteria, especially in the back of the mouth. When you are brushing your teeth, brush your tongue as well, or buy a tongue scraper.

Cleanse Your Dentures: If you have dentures, please remove them at night and soak them in a denture solution while you sleep. You can also rinse them quickly after meals.

Try Antiseptic Mouthwash: While cosmetic mouthwash is designed to temporarily freshen your breath, antiseptic mouthwash can actually help kill the bacteria responsible for it. Mouthwash is an excellent supplementary tool to brushing and flossing.

Stimulate Your Salivary Glands: Saliva works on and off the clock to cleanse your mouth. Increase its flow by chewing on carrots, apples, sugar-free gum and even sucking sugar free candy.

Quit Smoking: If you smoke, bad breath is the least of all the evils you may experience. Give it up for a healthier life. We know this can be difficult, but we also know you can do it!

Visit the Dentist: Semiannual checkups with Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick can keep your mouth healthy and free of bacteria.

If none of these solutions seem to be working, a visit to Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia can help you determine the source of your halitosis and help you treat it. Call us at 804-781-1919 to make an appointment. We’re eager to see you!

How Acidic Foods Can Harm Your Oral Health

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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!

Toothbrush Care 101

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You can brush all you want, but if your toothbrush isn’t cared for, your teeth won’t get clean! Here are a few fixes to common mistakes people make.

Store your toothbrush on its own in open air. If you must store it with other toothbrushes, make sure the heads don’t touch. Also, don’t use anyone else’s toothbrush. Ever. Cross-contamination spreads bacteria and potentially disease or infection, and can be very damaging to your oral health.

Many people brush too hard. Brushing harder does not remove more plaque or food particles, and can damage your enamel and gums–and your toothbrush. Use gentle pressure! Also, be sure to find and use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as hard bristles can damage and wear away tooth enamel.

A toothbrush only lasts 3-4 months! This means you can get a new toothbrush every season of the year! If you are using an electric toothbrush, remember to replace the head. Look for a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is granted to products that pass rigorous testing and have proven safe and effective. By choosing a toothbrush with this seal, you will be improving your opportunities for a successful smile.

For more information on simple health habits for a happy smile, contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919. And if you are in the Mechanicsville, Virginia area, be sure to contact our office for a dental exam! Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team will be happy to help your smile reach its full potential.

Fun Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry

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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!

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.