Tag: teeth

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.

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.

Get an Oral Cancer Screening as Part of Your Checkup

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As part of your dental checkup, you can have an oral cancer screening. Cancer is a serious threat to your health. That is why it is important to get checked regularly.

Our dentist, Drs. Paul and Brant Stanovick in Mechanicsville, Virginia, cares about your oral health, and your overall health, which is why we have provided you this information on oral cancer screenings and why they are essential.

There have been reports that claim over 42,000 Americans alone will be diagnosed with oral or throat cancers this year. In fact, the five-year survival rate is on average 64 percent! It is also known that the earlier you can diagnose cancer, the better your chances are for overcoming it, making it essential get checked regularly. You should get screened regularly to catch it as early as possible.

Between your dental checkup times, there are signs you can watch out for that could be symptoms of oral cancer, such as:

-Patches in your mouth or throat: If you see white, red, or speckled spots inside your mouth, this could be a warning sign you have cancer.
-Inflammation: If you see any swelling in your mouth or gums, along with any lumps or bumps you can’t explain, this could be a sign of cancer.
-Throat pain: If your throat feels like something is stuck in it, or if you feel pain when breathing or swallowing, it could be a tumor living in your throat.
-Sensitivity in your gums and throat: If you are experiencing any numbness or pain and tenderness in your mouth, throat and even neck, be sure to get checked out right away for the safety of your oral health.
-Lack of movement: If you have difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, moving your jaw or tongue around, you could be experiencing oral cancer.

If you are experiencing any of these warning symptoms, be sure to call us for an oral cancer screening.

Our dental team is happy to provide you with high-quality care and answer any oral health questions you may have. To make an appointment at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS, please call 804-781-1919 and talk to a member of our friendly staff. Our dental team looks forward to your call

Information About Tooth Hazard Treatments

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Never be afraid to seek out new ways to improve your oral health. As much as you may want to change your smile from time to time, it is important to remember that restorations will not always be there to give you a smile makeover if an oral accident or injury occurs. In addition, dental damage could severely hinder your health and potentially cause damaged beyond easy repair. Although this is rare, it is a good idea to be prepared for any severe tooth hazards that may come your way.

To help keep your smile safe, it is always important to avoid tooth hazards hours in the form of tongue piercings. If you’re not sure what a tongue piercing is, it is a piece of mouth jewelry, often made of metal and inserted directly into your tongue. Lip and tongue rings are dangerous, although tongue rings can cause nerve damage if inserted incorrectly. In addition, choking hazards are also present with mouth jewelry, and the risk for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and endocarditis can occur.

Mouth guards are highly effective tooth hazards prevention tools that function as oral appliances designed to keep your smile safe. Once mouth guards are in place, they can help prevent damage to your teeth and gums that often arise due to blunt trauma or oral accidents and injuries. In addition, mouth guards can be customized for your exact dental impression by your dentist or can be purchased pre-formed at a local store.

Never chew on ice. By chewing on ice, you can easily damage your teeth. Even though ice is natural and sugar-free, you may not think it can damage your teeth, but can easily chip or crack teeth. In addition, it can lead to toothaches and potentially even knock teeth out. This is because dental trauma can often exist by biting into products that are too hard for your teeth. Even if your teeth were once able to bite into these products, they may have weakened over time and are no longer capable of doing so.

Are you finally beginning to understand the oral health benefits of tooth hazard treatments? To learn more about tooth hazard treatments, or to schedule, an appointment with your dentist at Paul R. Stanovick, DDS, call Drs. Paul Stanovick, Brant Stanovick, and our entire team at our dentist office in Mechanicsville, Virginia at 804-781-1919.  With tooth hazard treatments, we will make sure you receive the smile you’ve always wished for.

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!

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!

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.

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.