Want a Picture-Perfect Smile? Here are Some Tips to Follow

Having that perfect smile is possible. But you will need to practice good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene will lead to a variety of issues. These can include bone loss, gum disease, strokes, infection, and more. Keep in mind that great oral hygiene can be achieved by practicing good daily dental habits, in addition to regular dental visits and screenings. Here are some tips to help get you closer to that picture-perfect smile!

Brush Properly

This is a good tip to help get your smile camera-ready. When brushing your teeth, you need to position the bristles near the gum line, at an angle of 45 degrees. Always keep your tooth surface and gum line in contact with the bristles of the toothbrush. Your motions should be up and down and back and forth. Brush gently. Being too hard and rough will cause bleeding. When cleaning the inside surfaces, follow the same guidelines. Place the bristles at a 45-degree angle and repeat the same brushing motions.

You can remove bacteria from your tongue by brushing the roof of your mouth and the surfaces of your tongue. ***Flossing is important. It allows you to remove food particles from between your teeth by reaching places a toothbrush cannot reach. You should floss at least once per day.

Stop Smoking

This is a lifestyle choice that not only lowers your risk of developing oral cancer or periodontal complications, it also protects your teeth’s appearance. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, tooth loss and gum disease. If you are the type of person who tries to mask the smell of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, you may use air fresheners, candies, teas, and coffees. These masking devices could cause ill effects that make your smile anything but perfect.

Stay Away from Soft Drinks, Coffee, and Alcoholic Beverages

Do not be fooled by the high level of phosphorous contained in these beverages. Although the mineral is necessary for a healthy mouth, a lot of phosphorous will deplete your body of calcium. As a result, you could suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, which doesn’t improve your smile. Drinking beverages that are full of additives like syrup, corn, and food dye can make your teeth discolored, regardless of how white they were originally.

You should drink milk to strengthen your teeth and enamel. This will help you get that healthy, picture-perfect smile. Water is another alternative that keeps the body hydrated longer than sodas and other sugary drinks.

Visit the Dentist for Regular Checkups

You should visit your family dentist at least twice per year. Doing so allows you to have a full hygiene treatment. At these appointments, you can have comprehensive exams taken with x-rays. This will help your dentist detect problems and possibly prevent future dental issues. The healthier your teeth are the more confident your smile will be.

Use these tips to maintain good oral hygiene. Caring for your teeth is the best way to protect your health and your smile. If you are having issues making some of these lifestyle changes, please consult with your family dentist. They will have more advice and tips to help you improve your oral hygiene and get that picture-perfect smile!

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Information About Sedation Dentistry

Admit it, everyone's worried and anxious when a major dental procedure is needed. People are afraid of the pain during dental procedures. If you are scared of the pain, you should talk to your Chandler dentist and bring up the option of sedation. You'll be glad you did!

What Is The Difference Between Braces and Invisalign?

Only the dentist determines whether you should wear an invisalign aligner or braces for malocclusions. Most of the time in severe malocclusion cases, the braces are required for a long period of time. Nowadays, there are lingual braces that are worn at the back of the teeth. Or there’s the ceramic braces that are color-matched so nobody can notice you are wearning one.

Struggling with Dental Problems? Here Are Your Solutions

Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist; however, most of these fears are based upon old concepts of dentistry. There are several methods that are used these days to lessen pain and discomfort.

For children, family dentists and pediatric dentists are specially trained to put children’s fears at ease. Consider these solutions to the most common dental issues.

Bad Breath

Most people that suffer from halitosis do so because of a dental condition. Bad breath can be caused by a dry mouth, gum disease, cavities, bacteria on the tongue and other issues. Many people opt for mouthwash and mints, but these solutions are short-lived.

Visiting a dentist can help to get at the root of the problem to effectively treat it.

Teeth Whitening

Among one of the most sought-after procedures is teeth whitening. Teeth can incur intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains can be relatively easy to remedy with at-home methods of teeth whitening; however, this depends on their severity. Intrinsic stains can be especially difficult to impossible to whiten without the help of a dentist.

Because of years of staining, it can be difficult to ascertain whether stains are intrinsic or extrinsic. A dentist will know for sure. With a dentist, teeth whitening can occur effectively in less than an hour. It can take weeks of at-home methods to accomplish what a dentist can do in an hour.

Tooth Decay

Many people get cavities. However, very few people know that everyone gets cavities at different rates.

Some people have thicker saliva than others. While remaining hydrated affects how thick saliva is, it is not the only reason. People have different saliva because of genetics. The thicker the saliva, the more likely a person is to develop plaque and tartar.


Some people can get by with brushing twice a day while others have to brush more frequently. To be safe, brush three times a day. Floss frequently too. Visit a dentist to fill cavities before they get worse.

Tooth Erosion

Another downside to trying at-home methods of teeth whitening is tooth erosion. However, there are other causes of tooth erosion.

Anytime anyone drinks or eats something acidic, it eats at the outer portion of the teeth. People end up experiencing a greater amount of sensitivity and incur other problems, such as teeth stains and cavities.

Swish water around the mouth after eating and drinking. Avoid brushing or flossing immediately after eating or drinking to prevent further erosion.

Less-than-perfect Smiles

Some people are troubled by their smiles. Whether their teeth are crooked or are otherwise unsightly, there are methods for correcting a less-than-perfect smile.

Visiting an orthodontist can help to align teeth; however, many people opt for veneers. Cosmetic dentists frequently help people with full or partial veneers. Veneers are placed on the exterior of the teeth and can help adjust the appearance of teeth that are discolored, missing or are out of place.

Once dental problems are addressed, maintaining a healthy mouth becomes the priority. Do this by regularly visiting a dentist, drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, brushing two to three times a day and flossing the same amount or as needed. Problems can be easily fixed these days, but it’s far better to prevent problems from occurring.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Healthy Teeth Equals Healthy Heart

Photo Credits: tiverylucky of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Your oral health can play a significant part in the overall health of your body and, in particular, your heart health. 

A number of studies indicate that poor dental hygiene can be associated with a number of health conditions. 

The link between poor dental hygiene and heart disease has been confirmed a number of times. Family dentists can help to ensure your overall health through good dental hygiene. 

If you want to maintain a healthy heart throughout your life, commit to daily dental care and seeing your dentist regularly.

Bacteria and Your Heart Health

Studies suggest that bacteria from the mouth can move into the bloodstream and cause changes in C-reactive protein, a marker associated with inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. 

Evidence indicates that this bacterium is linked to endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart muscle, and other health problems. Rigorous dental hygiene can help to reduce the amount of bacteria that enters the bloodstream to prevent these health issues.

Gum Disease and Your Heart

The neglect of dental hygiene often lead to periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease. Some studies indicate that missing teeth and gum disease are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and clogged arteries in the legs. Taking care of your teeth daily can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and associated health problems.

Healthy Eating

Bacteria are not the only enemy of heart health. Eating a healthy diet is a critical factor in keeping your heart healthy. Unfortunately; loose or missing teeth can interfere with eating, and this, in turn, can affect your nutrition and your overall health. 

Cosmetic dentists can help to restore teeth, so that you can eat foods that improve your health, in addition to improving your appearance. Nutrition experts recommend eating the following foods to maintain heart health:

• Low-fat protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.
• Low-fat dairy products, such as fat-free milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses
• Legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas
• Increased amounts of vegetables of all kinds
• Increased amounts of fruit, fresh or canned in juice or water
• Nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, and soybeans.
• Reduced salt soups and prepared foods.
• Heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
• Margarine that is trans-fat-free or cholesterol-lowering.
• Whole-grain breads, pasta and quinoa.

Maintaining Oral Health For General Health

Experts recommend a number of actions to ensure that your good oral hygiene contributes to the health of your heart, including:

• Daily tooth brushing, at least twice each day
• Floss your teeth every day
• Ensure that your diet includes heart healthy foods and avoid in-between snacks.
• Replace toothbrushes every three months
• Get regular dental checkups
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis

Keeping your heart healthy does not happen by accident; it is accomplished by active steps that reduce risks and increase overall health. Talk to your dentist about ways to keep your heart healthy and strong through good dental hygiene.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Shumway Dental Care

3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286

(480) 659-7800

shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com 

Simple Pointers on Using a Mouth Rinse

Photo Credits: http://freedigitalphotos.net/

Oral health is crucial to a healthy and happy life. There are many times that people could have made a phenomenal first impression but failed, and all because of a smile that is unworthy of their great personality and talent.

However, this can be fixed, and simply; so, by rinsing with an antiseptic regularly. While it is true that some have let their oral health decline to the point that their family dentists are referring them to cosmetic dentists, most can forgo this step if they follow these simple tips:

For Adults

Healthy adults need to remember that rinsing in the evening is crucial, and especially after a meal that leaves food in one's teeth, such as corn. Corn breaks down into sugar, and sugar will lead to tooth decay. By getting to it early, one's teeth and gums will remain strong.

Also, let us not forget that a good oral rinse (or gargle) is important for fresh breath. For those who are single (and for those who want to keep the romance in their committed relationships) stinky breath is a major turn-off.

In fact, it is such a big deal that several films cannot help but advocate for adults - particularly men - to maintain this habit. One such flick is the upcoming title "The Red Canoe," starring Garett Metcalf, a romantic-comedy-drama about a young man who inherits his father's handmade canoe, and so much more!

For Kids

Kids can follow the same rules as adults when it comes to their hygiene, but it is important to make sure they use lower strength of a stringent mouthwash. For one, the classic Listerine will not only run the risk of turning them off from ever wanting to use it ever again, it can also be too harsh for their mouths and stomachs.

Just like regular flossing and brushing, a good rinse should be part of a child's daily routine. One proponent of this is New York City businessman, David Katz. Mr. Katz noticed while studying for his undergraduate degree that many of his classmates had not adopted this simple habit, resulting in their breath being the equivalent of a City Sewer line. The result was that a disproportionate number of them had already had a root canal. Prior to this, he thought that only the elderly underwent such procedures.

For Diabetics

Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease. Because of this, they must be extra diligent. Just as they need to avoid sugar for the good of their overall health, they must also realize that their healthy habits need to extend to what many consider to be a personal hygiene matter.

Naturally, diabetics also want fresh breath and a great smile, but this goes beyond vanity, because poor oral health has a correlational effect on one's coronary, circulatory, and other systems.

The key takeaways are as follows: everyone has different needs, but everyone should be taking their oral health seriously. The approach changes with age and other factors, but the need remains throughout for good daily habits.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://mychandlerdentists.com/.

DIY Remedies for Simple Dental Issues

Photo Credits: artur84 of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Dental issues can strike when least expected. For instance, it can be late at night on a weekend and can't reach your dentist right away, and you have an excruciating toothache, or your gums are bleeding. While it may seem strange, these things do happen and are rather common dental emergencies.

In most cases, however, you don't have to cut your vacation short, or seek for an ambulance to rush you to a dental clinic. 

There are things you can do when you can't reach family dentists that will help you manage the dental problem before you can arrange to see your dentist. 

Here are some do-it-yourself home remedies you can apply to relieve common dental issues:

1. Dab some clove oil onto your aching tooth

Food particles, bacteria, and naturally occurring acid accumulate with time and form a sticky film called plaque that coats your teeth. The acid in the plaque gradually eat away the enamel and eventually cause cavities. If the decay has reached the nerves of the tooth, the pain is always very excruciating.

Toothache may also arise due to a tooth filling that has become loose, a pocket of infection that has affected the gum line, also known as an abscess, or a sinus. You can relieve the pain by using some clove oil. What you need to do is dab the clove oil directly to the affected part or in the cavity. Clove oil is known to have bacteria-fighting properties and a numbing effect that can relieve the pain.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide solution to kill bacteria

Bacteria encourage tooth decay. Using hydrogen peroxide solution to fight bacteria can reduce pain and offer temporary relief in the event you are having a toothache that is accompanied by foul taste in the mouth, or fever. However, just like other home remedies, it may only be a stopgap measure intended to provide relief as you wait to see family dentists. This solution is only for rinsing your mouth— you shouldn't swallow, but spit it out.

3. Oil Swishing  to reduce cavities and bleeding gums

This is an old age practice capable of reducing cavities and bleeding gums including bad breath. Oil pulling helps clean your mouth and eliminate harmful bacteria that contribute too many kinds of dental problems like cavities or tooth decay.

A tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil can be used in this case. You only need to swish gently the oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes and spit it out. You may want to use salty water because it provides more antibacterial action; doing this every morning on an empty stomach can help fight bacteria and relieve simple dental issues.

4. Pepper and salt for extreme sensitivity

There is nothing as disturbing as an extremely sensitive tooth. It is an awful experience because you cannot take something hot or cold. When you mix salt and pepper, it offers a great way to calm down the extreme sensitivity since it has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can deal with simple dental issues using do-it-yourself remedies, and remember that an ounce of prevention coupled with a little forethought can be regarded as worth a pound of cure. When you do a better job of managing conditions in your mouth, you are likely to have less dental emergencies. Always consider visiting family or cosmetic dentists to address the cause of the dental problems you're having. Dental care is important to your health.

 If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://mychandlerdentists.com/.