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Posts for: October, 2019

Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out

By Smile Designers
October 26, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   wisdom teeth  
JulianneHoughSharesaVideo-andaSong-AfterWisdomTeethComeOut

Once upon a time, celebrities tried hard to maintain the appearance of red-carpet glamour at all times. That meant keeping the more mundane aspects of their lives out of the spotlight: things like shopping, walking the dog and having oral surgery, for example.

That was then. Today, you can find plenty of celebs posting pictures from the dentist on social media. Take Julianne Hough, for example: In 2011 and 2013, she tweeted from the dental office. Then, not long ago, she shared a video taken after her wisdom teeth were removed in December 2016. In it, the 28-year-old actress and dancer cracked jokes and sang a loopy rendition of a Christmas carol, her mouth filled with gauze. Clearly, she was feeling relaxed and comfortable!

Lots of us enjoy seeing the human side of celebrities. But as dentists, we’re also glad when posts such as these help demystify a procedure that could be scary for some people.

Like having a root canal, the thought of extracting wisdom teeth (also called third molars) makes some folks shudder. Yet this routine procedure is performed more often than any other type of oral surgery. Why? Because wisdom teeth, which usually begin to erupt (emerge from beneath the gums) around age 17-25, have the potential to cause serious problems in the mouth. When these molars lack enough space to fully erupt in their normal positions, they are said to be “impacted.”

One potential problem with impacted wisdom teeth is crowding. Many people don’t have enough space in the jaw to accommodate another set of molars; when their wisdom teeth come in, other teeth can be damaged. Impacted wisdom teeth may also have an increased potential to cause periodontal disease, bacterial infection, and other issues.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed; after a complete examination, including x-rays and/or other diagnostic imaging, a recommendation will be made based on each individual’s situation. It may involve continued monitoring of the situation, orthodontics or extraction.

Wisdom tooth extraction is usually done right in the office, often with a type of anesthesia called “conscious sedation.”  Here, the patient is able to breathe normally and respond to stimuli (such as verbal directions), but remains free from pain. For people who are especially apprehensive about dental procedures, anti-anxiety mediation may also be given. After the procedure, prescription or over-the-counter pain medication may be used for a few days. If you feel like singing a few bars, as Julianne did, it’s up to you.

If you would like more information about wisdom tooth extraction, please call our office to arrange a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Wisdom Teeth” and “Removing Wisdom Teeth.”


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See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent

By Smile Designers
October 16, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene  
SeeHowWellYoureRemovingDailyPlaquewithaPlaqueDisclosingAgent

You brush and floss every day to rid your teeth and gums of disease-causing plaque. But while “showing up” is most of the battle, the effectiveness of your technique will win the war.

So, how good are you at removing plaque? One quick way to find out is the “tongue test”—simply rub your tongue along your teeth: they should feel smooth and “squeaky” clean. Surfaces that feel rough and gritty probably still contain plaque.

For a more thorough evaluation, your dental hygienist may use a product during your regular dental visit called a plaque disclosing agent. It’s a solution applied to your teeth that dyes any bacterial plaque present on tooth surfaces a certain color while leaving clean surfaces un-dyed. The disclosing agent shows you where you’re effectively removing plaque and where you’re not.

These products aren’t exclusive to the dental office—you can use something similar at home if you’d like to know how well you’re doing with your hygiene before your next visit. You can find them over-the-counter as tablets, swabs or solutions. You may even find some that have two dye colors, one that reveals older plaque deposits and the other newer plaque.

You simply follow the product’s directions by first brushing and flossing as usual, then chewing the tablet, daubing the swab on all tooth and gum surfaces, or swishing the solution in your mouth like mouthwash for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can then use a mirror to observe any dye staining. Pay attention to patterns: for example, dyed plaque scalloping along the gum line means you’ll need to work your brush a little more in those areas.

The dye could color your gums, lips and tongue as well as your teeth, but it only lasts a few hours. And while plaque disclosing agents are FDA-approved for oral use, you should still check the ingredients for any to which you may be allergic.

All in all, a plaque disclosing agent is a good way to occasionally check the effectiveness of your plaque removal efforts. By improving your technique you may further lower your risk of dental disease.

If you would like more information on learning how effective your oral hygiene really is, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Plaque Disclosing Agents.”


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Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

By Smile Designers
October 06, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: teeth whitening  
HeresWhatYouNeedtoKnowAboutTeethWhitening

Getting a smile upgrade doesn’t necessarily require extensive dental work. You might be able to change your appearance for the better with teeth whitening.

This technique employs a bleaching solution that brightens dull enamel, the outermost layer of teeth. It isn’t a permanent fix, but if cared for properly your brighter smile could last two years or more.

Here’s what you need to know about this proven smile brightener.

Know your options. Enamel whitening is usually obtained in one of three ways: a dentist performing the procedure in-office; at home using custom trays created by a dentist; or at home with an over-the-counter whitening product. The in-office option is the most expensive—but since dentists use a stronger bleaching solution, your brighter tint may last longer and dentists can control the degree of whiteness better.

Know your preferences. That last point is important if you’re looking for a particular look. Teeth whitening can give you a dazzling “Hollywood” smile or one that’s a bit more subtle. It all depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Because of their advanced techniques and equipment, you may have better chances getting the look you want from your dentist rather than by doing it yourself.

Know your limitations. This type of teeth whitening won’t work if the staining originates within the teeth—for that you’ll need an invasive procedure only a dentist can perform. You’ll also want to be careful with any whitening if you have dental work like crowns, veneers or fillings: the bleaching solution won’t alter these materials’ color, which could make them stand out beside whitened natural teeth. And if you have diseased teeth and gums, those need to be treated first before any cosmetic procedures like whitening.

Teeth whitening is a great way to take years off a smile. Even if you plan to whiten your teeth at home see your dentist first for a complete examination and helpful tips on products and techniques.

If you would like more information on teeth whitening, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Important Teeth Whitening Question…Answered!”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • November (3)
        • Pros and Cons for Flossing Before Brushing and Vice-Versa
        • The Major Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
      • October (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
        • Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Know the Facts Before you Go Abroad for Dental Care
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • August (3)
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
      • June (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Things to Watch Out for to Protect Your Oral Appliance
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
      • May (3)
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
      • April (3)
        • Why Bear a Chipped Tooth?
        • A Dental Exam Could Uncover an Eating Disorder
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • March (3)
        • We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
        • A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
        • Preventing Dental Disease Starts with Assessing Your Unique Risk
      • February (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Provide Better Fit and may Stop Bone Loss
        • Timing is Everything When Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
      • January (3)
        • Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • November (3)
        • Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
        • What Athletes Have to Tell Us About Oral Health
        • Consider a Removable Partial Denture as a Temporary Solution After Tooth Loss
      • October (4)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Certain Factors May Raise Your Risk and the Intensity of Gum Disease
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
      • September (3)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
        • The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
      • August (3)
        • Partial Dentures: an Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Restorations
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
      • July (3)
        • Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
        • 4 Diet Changes You Should Make for Better Oral Health
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • June (3)
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
        • How to Clean Your Oral Appliance
      • May (3)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
      • April (2)
        • Don't Let Sports or Energy Drinks Rob you of Your Teeth's Enamel
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • March (2)
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
        • What Is A Baby Tooth Worth?
      • February (3)
        • Your teeth and jaws under pressure
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
        • How Teeth Whitening Brings Out Tara Lipinski's Winning Smile
      • January (3)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Root Decay in Your Later Years Could Endanger Your Teeth
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Give Yourself the Gift of a New Smile
      • November (3)
        • Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
        • Be Thankful for Good Oral Health
        • Fix Your Smile Discreetly
      • October (3)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Oral Health Can Prove Challenging in Your Senior Years
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (2)
        • Is Your Smile Too Gummy? Here's How We Might Be Able to Improve it
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • August (3)
        • Find and Treat the Actual Source of Tooth Pain to Relieve it
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • The Benefits Of Same Day Crowns
      • July (3)
        • You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • A Mouthguard for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
      • June (3)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • The Importance of Having a Family Dentist
        • Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Encourage Your College-Bound Child to Practice Good Oral Health Habits
      • April (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Word Quiz on Oral Hygiene
      • March (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Dental Implants: a Durable, Life-Like Solution for your Tooth Loss
      • February (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Restore a Flawed Tooth in as Little as One Visit with Composite Resin
      • January (3)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Non-Prescription Pain Medication can Manage Most Post-Procedure Discomfort
      • November (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Eat Your Greens
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • Wellness Dentistry
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • July (18)
        • Dental Veneers and Smile Makeovers
        • The Purpose of Sports Drinks Are Being Misunderstood And Our Children Are At Risk
        • 5 symptoms that shouldn’t wait for your next scheduled check-up
        • Wednesday Morning Meal Ritual
        • Tooth Whitening with Sinsational Smile
        • It’s Not Just Dental Cleaning
        • A Healthy Recipes for Kids Dental Care
        • Chisel Your Way to Beauty
        • Needles Cure Phobia of Needles
        • Worst Food for Your Teeth
        • Healthy Recipes for Kids Dental Care
        • Cosmetic Dentistry is not just for Vanity
        • Essential Oils
        • Prenatal Dairy Consumption
        • Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea & Snoring
        • Floss or be Flaccid
        • The Benefits of Straight Teeth
        • How You Can Benefit from New Dental Technology

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Gresham, OR Cosmetic & Family Dentist
Smile Designers
1867 NW Civic Drive Gresham, OR 97030
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