Belmont Dental Group

If your dental and oral health isn’t where it should be, then get the care you need right away. Poor dental health can quickly lead to poor overall health. Start taking better care of your mouth today by reading through the following resources. 

• To read more about how the cosmetic dental industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry, visit this webpage from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

• Get more information about porcelain dental veneers by reading through this webpage. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this cosmetic treatment, how long veneers will last, and more.

• For more tips on how to care for your oral health following oral surgery, read through this detailed article. You’ll learn tips for how to minimize discomfort and recovery after your dental treatment.

• The American Academy of Periodontology provides a list of signs and symptoms of gum disease. Make sure your gums are healthy by reading through this list today.

• Find out how porcelain veneers could improve your dental health by reviewing this WebMD.com webpage.

If your smile is in need of cosmetic dental enhancement, consider enlisting the knowledge and expertise of Belmont Dental Group. Our exceptional service and cutting-edge technology set us apart. We serve Belmont and Cambridge, Massachusetts, so call (617) 209-4058 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.

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Your mouth harbors a wide variety of bacteria that can increase your risk of infection after an oral surgery. Many patients find it difficult to properly brush and floss directly after oral surgery, which further increases the risk for surgical complications. Therefore, it is important to follow your dentist’s aftercare treatment plan. For tips on how you can reduce the risk of infection and minimize the length of recovery, read on.

• Use Medications as Directed

If your dentist writes a prescription for pain medication or antibiotics, follow his or her prescription plan thoroughly. Both of these types of medication are designed to help you recover quickly and completely. Also, be sure to take all of the medication prescribed, as this can help reduce future risk of infection.

• Let Your Body Rest

If you want your immune system to focus on healing, it’s best to let your whole body rest. This will allow your body to use all of its resources on basic functions and healing. Get plenty of sleep and relaxation, and avoid exercising heavily, bending over, or lifting heavy objects in the days following your oral surgery.    

• Apply a Cold Compress

Cool temperatures can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. Therefore, apply a cold compress to the side of the face where the surgery occurred. Apply the compress for 20 minutes and then pull it away for another 20 minutes; alternate continually in the days following your oral surgery.

• Don’t Dislodge the Blood Clot

As you recover, a scab will form over the incision sight. Dislodging the scab can expose nerves to air, saliva, and anything that enters your mouth, which can be extremely painful. Therefore, avoid spitting, blowing your nose, consuming hot foods and liquids, drinking with a straw, and brushing around the scab. For more on how to avoid dry sockets talk to your oral surgeon.

If you’re in need of oral surgery, choose Belmont Dental Group. Our office is the place to come for relaxing dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dental solutions, and superior oral surgery services. For more about our practice, visit our website or call (617) 209-4058.

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Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells designed to treat a variety of superficial dental abnormalities. The veneers are made of durable dental porcelain and used by cosmetic dentists to create a uniform, white smile. If you choose porcelain veneers for your smile restoration, your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth, determine how many caps your smile needs, and choose a color for the veneers. Approximately two weeks later, after the veneers are manufactured, you’ll return to have the veneers bonded to your teeth.

• Tooth Stains

Porcelain veneers can help you achieve and maintain a permanent bright white smile better than professional teeth whitening treatments. This will allow you to continue enjoying your coffee, wine, and fruit juices.   

• Small Teeth

Some people develop small adult teeth that make their face look out of proportion. This can not only affect the way you look, but it can affect the way you speak as well. Veneers can add length and bulk to the teeth, creating a more natural and symmetrical dental appearance.

• Misshaped Teeth

If your teeth are misshaped due to cracked or chipped teeth, you could be at a greater risk for tooth decay. There are several cosmetic options that can repair your chipped teeth, decreasing your risk for cavities. Veneers are one of those options, and it’s the best option for people who have several misshaped teeth.

• Gaps Between Teeth

If you suffer from gaps in between your teeth that are disrupting the appearance of your smile, making brushing more difficult, and trapping food particles, talk to your cosmetic dentist about veneers. Your dentist will use two veneer caps that are larger than your original teeth on either side of the gap to close the space.

Find out if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers by calling Belmont Dental Group at (617) 209-4058. We are experts in the field of cosmetic dentistry, and we offer Invisalign, dental implants, tooth whitening, inlays and onlays, veneers, and more. To see a complete list of the cosmetic dental treatments we offer, visit our website or call us today.

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The foods you eat produce powerful bacteria that can tear through tooth enamel and oral tissue. Once the bacteria infects the oral tissues, gum disease develops, causing oral discomfort, inflammation, and tooth loss. Therefore, it’s imperative that you visit your dentist regularly and have gingivitis treated as soon as symptoms develop.

• Dental Decay

Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque contains acidic bacteria that can break down oral tissue around the teeth and dissolve tooth enamel. As the disease-causing bacteria festers, the teeth may begin to develop cavities. If the bacteria eats away at the enamel so much that the bacteria reaches the root of the tooth, a root canal surgery may become necessary. Root canal surgery can compromise dental durability and overall dental health.

• Chronic Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath is usually a sign of gum disease, but it is also an unfavorable problem that can make others want to avoid your company. If you notice that you can’t seem to get rid of bad breath odors with routine cleaning and rinsing, contact your general dentist right away.

• Gum Recession and Oral Pain

If gum disease is allowed to persist, gum recession and oral pain will ensue. These symptoms may be accompanied by frequent bleeding and tender, inflamed gums. As the oral bacteria spreads, the oral bones could start losing density, which can lead to slight tooth mobility.

• Tooth Loss

As acidic bacteria eat away at the oral tissues, the gums recede even farther until they can no longer hold the teeth in place. When the oral bones become brittle and the gums recede several millimeters, the teeth become loose and can fall out. Once the teeth begin falling out, cosmetic smile restoration becomes challenging. Ultimately, expensive and invasive cosmetic dental procedures will be needed to restore your smile and oral health.

If you’ve noticed blood after brushing or flossing or are experiencing chronic bad breath, call Belmont Dental Group. We are dedicated to preventative dental care and patient education. Call us at (617) 209-4058 and let us help you achieve optimal dental health. If you suffer from dental phobias, ask about our sedation services. 

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According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is a $2.75 billion industry. Perhaps that’s because cosmetic dentistry offers so many physical and emotional health benefits. If you’re one of the millions of adults who wish they had a straighter, whiter, and better-looking smile, look below to see what cosmetic dentistry could do for you:

• Increased Confidence

Crooked and discolored teeth can keep you from feeling great about yourself. People with a less-than-perfect smile tend to talk softly, avoid certain social situations, be less aggressive in the workplace, and avoid cameras. If you have crooked teeth or unsightly stains, look to cosmetic dentistry for the smile restoration you desire. Veneers, crowns, tooth whitening, and other treatments can give you the confidence you need to enjoy a happier, fuller, and more active life.  

• Healthier Teeth and Gums

Overlapping teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing extremely difficult. If the brush bristles can’t reach the entire surface area of a tooth, the enamel will collect plaque and tarter, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you can’t get floss in between the teeth easily, you could develop gum disease. Cosmetic dental treatments such as Invisalign and veneers can improve the position of the teeth, making it easier to clean and care for them.

• Better Overall Health

When your teeth and gums are healthy, your body is more likely to enjoy optimal health. Dental conditions such as gum disease can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, upper respiratory problems, inflammation, immune deficiency, hypertension, and more general health complications. Cavities and gum disease can also increase your risk of tooth loss. If you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth could shift and cause premature dental deterioration. This can limit the types of foods you can enjoy, which may limit the quality of nutrition your body receives.

If you desire cosmetic smile enhancement, call Belmont Dental Group to find out which cosmetic dental treatment we recommend. Our quality dentists are certified and experienced at treating crooked, colored, chipped, misaligned, and missing teeth. To schedule your consultation, call (617) 209-4058 today.

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Mom will forever remember the first appearance of her baby’s teeth.  Children compare themselves to each other, pointing out the higher status of getting their adult teeth.  The loss of permanent teeth is synonymous with advancing age.  Teeth indelibly mark the passage of our lives.

The great mystery in this progression is the shedding of the milk teeth, marked by the appearance of The Tooth Fairy. 

Vikings paid a fee for the use of the tooth as jewelry.   Taken into battle, the wearer had increased power. To this day, Scandinavians pay the child for the first tooth.  In modern day Belgium, a mother wears a pendant bearing a tooth from each child.

 The Medieval English would burn the tooth, lest a witch use it to cast an evil spell on the child.  Baby teeth have been planted to aid the growth of the new tooth.  Destroying the tooth by burning meant the child would not have to search for the lost tooth in its afterlife.  

What would the Tooth Fairy do with those teeth anyway?  It has been postulated they become the stars in the endless sky.  Perhaps they are ground into fairy dust and used to fly.  Stacked like stones, the fairies may build castles.  My favorite is that the fairies plant them to grow children; indeed baby teeth can be a source of stem cells.  Growing a child from a tooth might be a real possibility.  It would be the child’s younger twin!

In the Middle East, a child might toss a tooth up to Allah, in hopes of a better tooth growing in.  In the South of India, it is buried to help grow the new tooth.  Turkish children throw the tooth on the roof of the house.  Asian children throw an upper tooth onto the roof, and bury a lower tooth under the house. 

In the lowlands of Scotland, the tooth is taken by a white fairy rat.  Fatina, a small mouse, is the Patron Tooth Fairy of Italy.  Spanish and Hispanic cultures similarly have a rodent tooth fairy named Ratoncito Perez or similarly.

Delta Dental Company’s survey finds the going cost of a baby tooth today is $2.10.  But in July 2011, UPI reported the going rate was $2.60.  It comes as no surprise to us dentists that the ‘authorative’ Delta survey is far below the real market cost.  By the time most dental insurers actually pay for the tooth, the child may be out of college.  But I digress…

Our culture, like others, has a deeply embedded Tooth Fairy.  E.  Arnold wrote a play, ‘The Tooth Fairy’, in 1927.  In 1949, Lee Rogow wrote a wildly popular story by the same title.  By the 1980’s, marketing had come to the Tooth Fairy in the form of pillows and dolls.  Cutesy tooth containers featuring Disney characters or Winnie the Pooh make welcome gifts. 

On April Fools, Day, graduate students in Physics often publish mock scientific papers.  My favorite this year is “Non-detection of the Tooth Fairy at Optical Wavelengths”, E. Armstrong, Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego.  

Parents can download a Certificate of Delivery from the Tooth Fairy at dltk-teach.com

Children’s author Rosemary Wells has written several delightful books on the subject of teeth.  She should not be confused with the recently deceased Dr. Rosemary Wells of Northwestern University Dental School.  Dr. Wells, widely published on Tooth Fairy literature, maintained a grand museum of Tooth Fairy memorabilia. 

Allow your child believe in the Tooth Fairy for as long as possible.  It’s good to hold hands with the happy memories of one’s innocent age.

Dr. Jim Nager is a practicing dentist and resident of Belmont, and a Clinical Instructor at Harvard.  Questions of a general nature can be sent to drjamesnager@gmail.com.

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Even though most people understand the importance of proper dental hygiene, gum disease remains common. Gum disease, the inflammation and infection of a mouth’s gums, eventually destroys tissue, periodontal ligaments and tooth sockets. Gum disease is caused by long-term plaque build-up that irritates and inflames the gums, and is one hundred percent preventable. The following four tips can help prevent gum disease.

1. Good Oral Hygiene:

The best prevention against gum disease is good oral hygiene. Routine brushing and flossing removes plaque that causes gum disease. All dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once.

2. Regular Dentist Visits:

To prevent gum disease, you should regularly visit your family or cosmetic dentist. Gum disease is often painless, so you won’t know you have it. Regular visits to your family dentist will help monitor your teeth and routine cleanings will remove hard to reach plaque.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet:

It’s important for you to eat healthy foods, not just for your general health but for the health of your mouth. Foods high in calcium and Vitamin D strengthen teeth and bones, while whole-grain foods and those with Vitamin B maintain healthy gums. Chewy foods or food and drinks high in sugar cause the most damage to teeth and gums.

4. Don’t Smoke:

Smoking is bad for your health and your mouth. People who smoke have a higher risk for gum disease, and gum disease treatments are less effective on smokers.

To prevent gum disease, make an appointment with Belmont Dental Group at (617) 209-4058. We realize the leading cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease, so we take special care of our patients. Our highly trained dentists serve patients from the Belmont or Cambridge area.

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Most people spend less than a minute brushing their teeth once or twice a day, but the foods they eat produce powerful bacteria and acids that can tear through enamel and gums. Once the bacteria infects the oral tissues, gum disease develops, causing severe oral discomfort, inflammation, and, eventually, tooth loss. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of periodontal disease:

• Bloody, Inflamed Gums

Bleeding, swollen gums that become inflamed after brushing or flossing is the first sign of gum disease. This stage is known as gingivitis, and it has the fewest side effects. However, if not treated right away, minor symptoms will quickly turn into devastating dental problems. Painful, bloody gums, persistent bad breath, and slight tooth discoloration are all symptoms of gingivitis. To prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth properly at least twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your dentist. He or she can help you catch early signs of gingivitis.

• Receding Gums

If you let your gum disease persist, moderate periodontitis will develop, which can lead to gum recession. As the gum line recedes, your teeth will become loose. You may even lose one or more teeth. These symptoms are often accompanied by frequent bleeding and tender, inflamed gums. As the bacteria causing the gum disease spreads, you will start to lose oral bone density, which could lead to slight tooth mobility as well.

• Tooth Loss

In the late stages of gum disease, the gums will receded completely and teeth will begin to fall out. Leftover teeth will appear longer, jagged, and severely discolored. At this stage, 50% of the oral bones will have also diminished, too. Eating solids foods will be uncomfortable, and it will be difficult to salvage the teeth and restore the oral tissues.

If you are noticing signs of gum disease, call Belmont Dental Group. We’ll work quickly to determine if scaling and root planing are necessary. Call us at (617) 209-4058 to learn more.

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The links below provide some great information on how to take care of your teeth properly. Belmont Dental Group provides both cosmetic and general dentistry in the Belmont area. We offer high-tech service as well as comfortable care to ensure you are taken care of. To find out more of our services, visit our website or call us at (617) 209-4058.

• If you are unsatisfied with your smile, consider adult orthodontic treatment. Check out this website to get answers to your questions about wearing adult braces.

• Limit the amount of time you spend in the dental chair by practicing proper brushing and flossing. Check out this article for useful guidance.

• Did you know that there are the benefits of whitening your teeth? Read through this article to find out.

• Learn how to properly brush your child’s teeth by using the techniques and tips in this article from Colgate.com.

• Did you know that certain foods can help you fight bacteria growth in your mouth? To find out which foods you should increase in your diet, check out this article. 

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Periodontal disease is a destructive condition that can damage your oral tissues and teeth. If this condition is not caught early and treated, mildly invasive treatments will be required to restore the mouth’s health. Here’s a look at common periodontal treatments:

1. Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is also known as a gum lift, and it is a treatment used to a “gummy smile.” The purpose of crown lengthening is to expose more of the tooth when enamel erodes due to gingivitis. During the treatment, excess gum tissue is removed and reshaped so as to expose more of the natural tooth, providing a fuller, more natural-looking smile. The other advantage to this procedure is the creation of a more aesthetically attractive gum line.

2. Pocket Reduction Surgery

Severe gum disease causes major tooth discoloration, tarter buildup, and brown gums. Pocket reduction surgery is used to clean and remove infection from beneath the gum line so as to restore the smile. Dentists use ultrasonic and hand instruments to lift the gums away from the teeth and remove tarter buildup and bacteria around the roots. Your dentist may also use an antimicrobial liquid to destroy more bacteria colonies, allowing the gums to heal completely and remain healthy.

3. Gum Grafts

Mild and severe periodontal disease can wear down oral tissues, making the mouth appear unbalanced. Gum grafts can restore symmetry to the gum line after gum recession has occurred. Gum grafts raise and restore the gum line, helping the teeth look more natural and function properly once again.  During the treatment, the dentist removes a thin strip of oral tissue from the palate. He or she then stitches the strip over the site where gums have receded.  

If you’re suffering from gum disease, call Belmont Dental Group at (617) 209-4058. We offer these treatments and a variety of others to restore the appearance and health of your smile. 

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