Tag: Oral health

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.

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.

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.

The 101 on Tooth Care

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Assuming that everyone knows the basics of oral health care – and keeps a firm grasp on them to boot – is usually a safe assumption to make. However, the truth is that not everyone knows what needs to be done in order to care for their teeth. If they did, the amount of cavities filled and root canals performed here at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS in Mechanicsville, Virginia, would drop dramatically.

So let’s return back to the basics and take a 101 class on tooth care.

Brush, brush, brush!

Remembering to brush twice a day seems like a simple thing to keep in mind, right? Well, it’s still hard for some people to stick to this. However, if you want to clean your teeth to the best you possibly can, then you have to brush at least twice a day. Doing this gets rid of the plaque, food, and other debris that easily gets stuck between your teeth. Without regular brushing, this will cause cavities, so it’s important to do all you can to clean it up.

Flossing is key

A whopping four in ten Americans floss on a regular basis, which is defined as once a day. That’s a bit ridiculous, especially when you realize the fact that flossing cleans the areas of your teeth that can’t be reached by your brush.

Hopefully this was a good refresher course on tooth care. If you still need help, call us today at 804-781-1919.

Tooth Restoration Services Can Enhance Your Smile

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Our team at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS has seen and treated nearly every type of tooth abnormality or dental damage imaginable. Whether the issues with your smile are caused by oral accidents and injuries or are simply the product of bad genetics and environmental factors, we have a wide variety of tooth restoration services to improve your smile.

Tooth restoration services can enhance your smile. Here are some of the most popular ones we offer:

– Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are extremely sturdy covers cemented into place to completely cover teeth. They are often used to protect teeth from further damage, and to restore teeth to their suitable size, shape, look, and color.
– Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic upgrade for teeth that consists of bonding hard shells to the fronts of teeth to conceal blemishes and to upgrade the look of your smile.
– Dental Fillings: Dental fillings, often consisting of resin-based composite fillings or dental amalgams, are typically used to provide durability while chewing, to prevent tooth fracture, and to avert or fill in cavities.
– Teeth Whitening Treatments: Teeth whitening treatments are cosmetic upgrades for your teeth remove stains and bring back your regular tooth color or upgrade to brighter and whiter teeth.

For any of our tooth restoration procedures, Paul R. Stanovick, DDS can be reached by calling us at 804-781-1919, or stopping by our office in Mechanicsville, Virginia. You can schedule an appointment with Drs. Stanovick and Stanovick, by calling us during normal operating hours. We can reestablish your smile and help you attain the oral health you deserve.

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!

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!

Don’t Forget to Add These Smile Friendly Thanksgiving Foods to the Menu

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While you are cooking up a storm this Thanksgiving holiday, Dr. Paul R. Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our team in Mechanicsville, Virginia, hope you include some smile-friendly fare on your menu. Most people are familiar with heart-healthy food choices, but smile-friendly food choices are not as well-known, yet both are vital to good health. Following are some smile-friendly choices we hope you include in your family’s bounteous spread.

— Chewing cheddar cheese lowers acid levels in the mouth and stimulates saliva production, both of which promote good oral health. Cheese also has calcium and protein which aids tooth enamel.

— Crunchy foods like apples, raw carrots, and celery can help clean plaque off of your pearly whites. They also contain fiber, which stimulates both the gums and saliva production which help wash away plaque.

— If you want to build tooth enamel, in addition to cheese, eat plenty of leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and almonds, which contain calcium. And meat, eggs, and fish supply the body with phosphorous, which also helps tooth enamel.

— If you have eaten and can’t brush your teeth, chewing sugarless gum helps remove bacteria in the mouth, which prevents plaque from building up on your teeth.

— Drinking milk after consuming sugary foods can help neutralize the acid created by bacteria which forms into plaque.

— Polyphenols, which are compounds found in both black and green teas, slow down bacterial growth that can cause cavities and gum disease. Drinking these teas are also good for fighting bad breath.

As you can see, you can help your family enjoy the holidays while protecting those hard-earned smiles. Remember to brush and floss no matter how busy you are, and keep those twice a year dental cleanings and checkups. To schedule a visit for you or a family member, please call 804-781-1919 today. Dr. Paul R. Stanovick, Brant Stanovick and the rest of our team at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS wish you and yours a healthy Thanksgiving!

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.