Tag: dentist

Learning About Gum Disease

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Gum disease can be a serious problem for your oral health, and your overall health. That is why it is important to know the symptoms of gum disease like persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and bleeding gums. Understanding the causes of gum disease can help you to reverse the condition and restore your healthy smile.

Our staff at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is thrilled to talk with you about gum disease and the leading causes of it, so you can identify the symptoms and get help in dealing with it. Some of the causes are:

-Eating sugary foods or foods that stick to your teeth
-Pregnancy, which can also increase the risk of gum disease
-Using any tobacco of any kind, which can lead to oral cancer
-Diabetes, cancer, and other serious illnesses that can put you at a higher risk for gum disease
-Plaque and tartar buildup, when it is left untreated and unchecked
-Missing your semi-annual dental checkups
-Neglecting to brush and floss each day
-Neglect getting the fillings you need when you have cavities

If you are experiencing any of these conditions, please call our office right away at 804-781-1919 and make an appointment to see Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick. Our friendly and professional team is prepared to help you win the fight against gum disease and help you achieve positive oral health.

Dental Checkups Look for Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer can be frightening to think about, but it is still important to check for regularly. If you discover cancer in your body early, the better the odds are greater at overcoming it. That is why, our team here at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is happy to talk to you about oral cancer.

Oral cancer can begin in your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor or roof of your mouth and even in your throat. Despite their series of possible locations, there are symptoms to watch out for such as red or white patches, pain, tenderness, sores or irritations that won’t go away, a lump, difficulty swallowing or chewing, difficulty in talking, and even a change in your dental alignment.

Did you know, during your regular dental exam every six months, your dentists, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick will check you for signs of oral cancer? Well, it’s true! That is one of the many vital reasons your regular dental checkup should not be skipped. If you do find something suspicious or painful, make sure to call our office right away to schedule an appointment, so we can treat it right away.

If you have any questions about oral cancer or think it may be time for you to have a dental check-up, please call us today at 804-781-1919 to set up an appointment. Our caring and professional staff is happy to assist you in any way we can to help you with your oral health.

How to Save Your Smile After an Oral Emergency

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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

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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!

Men’s Oral Health: The Smile-Harming Risks You Might Face Each Day

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As a man, there are certain things you need to worry about each day to keep your life in tip-top shape. However, you might not know that your smile should be one of those things. Sadly, there are a few smile-harming risks that can put your teeth and gums in grave danger. To help you prevent and fight these things, our Paul R. Stanovick, DDS dental team has some tips and information for you.

Unfortunately, medications have side effects that can cause dry mouth, which is a common dental issue that can cause severe dental problems, like tooth decay. If you don’t produce enough saliva on a regular basis, the bacteria in your mouth will not be washed away and it can attack your teeth and gums. So, if you suffer from dry mouth, please remember to chew sugar-free gum regularly, avoid drinking alcohol, use alcohol-free mouthwash, avoid smoking, and sip on water throughout the day.

Tobacco is another substance that can destroy your oral health. This is because it can promote and cause oral cancer and gum disease. If you do happen to use tobacco products and you can’t find a way to quit the habit, the best thing you can do for your smile and oral health is to visit your dentist every six months so you can keep your teeth and oral tissues as healthy as possible.

The last thing that can harm your smile is playing sports without the protection of a mouthguard. No matter which sport you play, there is a chance that the ball, a player, or a hard object can hit your mouth and result in oral injury, such as chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. So, the best way you can protect your smile is by wearing a mouthguard while you are active.

Call our office today at [phone] if you have any questions about how to maintain a top-notch smile and oral health in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick are always happy to help you with all of your oral health needs!

Laser Dentistry: Facts

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Did you know that lasers have been used in dentistry for decades? However, recently laser dentistry has become more and more common. One of the main reasons for this is simply that patients tend to feel less anxious with a laser than they are with other dental tools. Laser dentistry also offers a number of other benefits.

Lasers have been used broadly since the mid 1990’s. Laser dentistry is a popular choice because patients tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable when a laser is used instead of a drill. Lasers also allow dentists to be more precise. This means dentists can reduce damage done to nearby areas during treatments. Patients can also expect to heal more quickly and should experience less bleeding during and after a procedure.

Laser dentistry can also be used in a number of treatments. For example, tooth decay can actually be removed with a laser. Lasers can also be used to prepare your enamel, or the protective outer layer of your teeth, for having a filling placed. Lasers can also be used during the setting and curing of fillings. Gum disease and root canal therapy can also be done with lasers.

Do you have any more questions about the care you could receive from our team? Are you interested in learning more about whether you’re a good candidate for laser dentistry? Would you simply like to set up an appointment with our dentist, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick? If so, we invite you to give Paul R. Stanovick, DDS a call at 804-781-1919. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Oral Cancer Screening: What You Should Know

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You know that it’s important for you to visit your dentist every six months if you’d like to keep your teeth healthy and strong—but do you know what actually happens during these treatments? Typically, we’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and inspect your pearly whites for signs of trouble—such as oral cancer. This cancer screening is very important, but do you know what it actually entails?

While you may think oral cancer is fairly rare, did you know that more than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with the issues each year? Fortunately, this disease can usually be treated successfully—but the odds of a successful treatment increase greatly if the problem is identified early. One part of recognizing this problem involves asking a number of questions. We may ask you about whether you smoke or drink and how regularly you do so.

Our team will look for white or red areas in your mouth or for unusual sores. We’ll also inspect your face and tongue for unusual bumps. Afterwards, we’ll examine your mouth, neck, and jaw. While this may seem unnecessary, our team can recognize bumps and abnormalities that can’t be found by touch alone. We may also feel inside your mouth, including your cheeks, and inspect your lymph nodes, lips, and the hinges of your jaw.

If you’re interested in learning more about an oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact Paul R. Stanovick, DDS at 804-781-1919. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you schedule an appointment with our dentist, Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick. We’re excited to hear from you soon!

Dental Veneers Can Enrich Your Smile

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Dental veneers can enrich your smile. Even if you have been unable to enjoy your smile for a very long time, in just a few short visits, you can find yourself basking in the glow of a brand-new smile and a brand-new outlook on life. Whatever form of treatment or cosmetic dentistry you are looking for, our office wants to give you the exact wish that you desire.

Dental veneers can work wonders on even the worst of oral profiles. Here is a list of some common benefits they can provide:

– When done by the dentists at our office they are near-impossible to differentiate from natural real teeth.
– With the proper care, dental veneers can last over a decade.
– Dental veneers are extremely thin yet extremely durable.
– Since veneers can be custom designed and crafted for each individual tooth, they can correct a variety of flaws including misalignments, stains, discolorations, cracks, chips, breaks, faults, and other damage that may have occurred.
– Veneers require less enamel to be removed than with dental crowns or caps.
– Dental veneers can blend seamlessly with your mouth as they can be custom-designed for nearly any shade of tooth.

With our cosmetic dentistry and dental veneers, we want to make your smile as amazing as we can. If you would like to set up an appointment with Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick, please call us at 804-781-1919, or stop by our office in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Come see what veneers can do for you!

Do You Want Your Dream Smile this Christmas? Here Are Some Tips

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Christmas is a bright time of year, especially because of the countless Christmas lights and the spotless snow. To make the season even brighter, you need a pristine smile. Having a bright and brilliant smile will help you have the confidence you need to talk, laugh and smile while you open your gifts and go to family parties.

To help you achieve the smile of your dreams this holiday season, our Paul R. Stanovick, DDS dental team encourages you to do the following things:

-Keep up on oral hygiene: Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It’s also recommended to floss your smile and rinse your mouth at least once a day. In addition to brushing, flossing and rinsing, you need to visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup. So if you’re due for your professional dental cleaning, schedule an appointment now.

-Take advantage of teeth whitening: For a stunning and beautiful smile this holiday season, take advantage of teeth whitening. There are many treatments available, but if you want a beneficial and successful treatment, talk to your dentist about a professional whitening treatment.

-Don’t open your presents with your teeth: Using your teeth as tools could damage your smile more than you know. This is why we ask you to avoid opening your Christmas gifts with your teeth. Doing so can chip and fracture your teeth.

-Get a smile makeover: If you’re embarrassed by your smile, now is the time to consider a smile makeover. There are many treatments available that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, like dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, dental veneers and more. Call our office now if you would like to know what we can do to enhance the appearance of your smile.

If you’re interested in any of our cosmetic dental treatments in Mechanicsville, Virginia, please feel free to call our office today at 804-781-1919 and schedule an appointment with your dentist, Dr. Paul R. Stanovick or Brant Stanovick. We also encourage you to call our office and talk to our team if you have any questions about how to achieve your dream smile this Christmas. We are here to help you in any way we can!

Do You Have Cancer? If so, Here Are Some Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile

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Did you know that your chances of infection increase during cancer treatment if you have an unhealthy smile? Well, it’s true, which is why it’s best to take care of your smile before you begin chemotherapy or radiation.

Some things you can do to ensure a strong oral health are:

-Visit your dentist: It’s best to treat all of your dental issues before you begin treatment. By treating the areas of concern, you will likely reduce the chances of having dental side effects when you undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

-Brush regularly: It’s very important to brush your teeth twice a day with an extra-soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you need a softer brush, you can soak your toothbrush in warm water.

-Floss: Do your best to floss once a day. This will help remove plaque from between your teeth, which will help prevent gum disease. If your gums are sensitive or sore or if they are bleeding, avoid flossing those areas and move on to flossing the other teeth.

-Avoid using tobacco: Tobacco products are very harmful to your body, especially your mouth. So, it’s best to avoid using tobacco products. Also, if you stop using these products, your body will likely heal faster.

-Rinse often: It’s recommended to rinse your mouth at least once a day. However, please use rinse that does not contain alcohol. Rinsing will help you deeply clean your smile and will help reduce your chances of having decay and infection. It will also protect your teeth from the acidic particles that live in vomit.

Doing these things will help you prevent additional issues that can cause infection and troubles. If you have any questions or if you would like to learn more about how to care for your smile when you have cancer in Mechanicsville, Virginia, please call our office today at 804-781-1919. Drs. Paul R. Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our friendly dental team are happy to help you!