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Dental Associates Blog

Our Experts. Your Oral Health

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Jul 7
Online Dentist Reviews Provide Absolute Transparency

In a world where you--as a consumer--have an endless stream of information at your fingertips, it’s no wonder you turn to the internet to do research before making major decisions. Because of this information, you are a more knowledgeable consumer who expects a higher level of service, and we want to meet your expectations. You deserve to make an informed decision about your health care, and we’re determined to help you do that. That’s why we display doctor ratings and comments from patients on our website for the public to see. We supply this data through Press Ganey, the leading independent patient satisfaction firm. By sharing this information with you, we know it will provide value for you and your family’s health. The Press Ganey Survey Process After an appointment, patients receive an email with a brief survey about their experience at the clinic and with their dentist and staff. Patients complete the survey online with the link and access code provided. Press Ganey organizes the results and sends them to our clinics where they are reviewed. Our team members respond to feedback and implement changes that will improve future patient experiences. We post the doctor ratings and comments anonymously on our website for potential patients to see. Each doctor profile page* features an overall five-point rating for the doctor, nine ratings based on specific questions related to the patient’s interaction with the doctor, and comments from patients. In addition, we also post the overall patient rating for each of our clinics. * Doctors need a certain number of surveys returned before their results are statistically valid. Thus, some newer doctors many not have patient ratings and comments on their profile page (yet). Are you looking for a dentist to provide you and your family with exceptional, family-centered care? Find a Dental Associates clinic near you and see the patient ratings of the clinic and its dentists here: Dental Associates Locations

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xylitol tablets on a dark background
Jun 16
Xylitol Reduces Risk of Tooth Decay

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is one of the most common diseases in the U.S. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents, and 90% of adults also have some degree of tooth decay. Tooth decay is both preventable and treatable, and there are new products, including Xylitol, that can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay. What is Xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute found in the fibrous parts of xylitol plants. It is a white crystalline material that looks and tastes like table sugar. It’s been suggested that chewing gum containing xylitol can help to reduce the chance of tooth decay. The main benefit of chewing gum with xylitol is that it blocks the production of decay-causing acid on the teeth. The bacteria that accumulates on your teeth can’t use the xylitol to break it down into acid because xylitol is not pure sugar. In general, chewing sugarless gum can be a benefit to your teeth by increasing saliva flow in your mouth. The saliva helps to keep pH levels high, which means there will be less acid in your mouth to lead to tooth decay. Remember that anything with regular sugar or carbohydrates is known to promote tooth decay, so having an option for a sugar substitute is very beneficial. Overall, the dental community is promoting the use of xylitol to prevent dental decay. What Products Contain Xylitol? Xylitol can be found in products like chewing gum, candies and mints. Xylitol will only be a benefit to preventing tooth decay if it is listed as the first ingredient. You can also purchase xylitol in raw form to use as a sugar substitute in everyday cooking and baking.

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dentist and dental assistant examining a patient
Jun 2
Dental Associates Careers Provide Long-Lasting Opportunities

An organization’s success reflects in its people. Organizations are responsible for creating an environment that helps individuals leverage their skills and experience so that they feel good about what they do and what they accomplish on a daily basis, emanating in an environment of highly-engaged team members. And that’s who we are at Dental Associates. Every month, I have the privilege of signing anniversary letters for our team members. I’ve recently noticed that many of the letters I sign are for team members with extensive years of service. This prompted me to do some further exploring and what I found amazed me:

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x-ray image
May 17
Are X-rays Harmful?

Dental X-rays are an essential part of ensuring good oral health. Many think that X-rays are harmful because they use radiation to capture the image, and misinformation shared on the internet adds to the concerns. However, what patients may not know is that the level of radiation they are exposed to in an X-ray is actually quite low. In fact, just being out in the sun or flying in an airplane exposes you to higher levels of radiation than an X-ray. According to the American Dental Association, the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during an X-ray is minuscule in comparison to the amount of radiation patients are exposed to on a daily basis. In fact, in one year, you will naturally be exposed to 640 times the level of radiation that routine X-rays produce. *

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dental hygienist examining a patient
May 9
5 Common Dental Questions a Hygienist Hears

If you’ve ever wondered what type of toothpaste to use or why your gums itch, you’re not alone. Many of the patients I see have similar questions about their dental health. These questions are great and I’d like to share some of them with you so you can be better informed about your overall oral health too! Why Do My Gums Bleed or Itch? Bleeding or itchy gums may result from inadequate brushing or flossing. When the bacteria on and in between your teeth is not removed with proper daily oral hygiene habits, it can settle under your gums and lead to inflammation. However, sometimes patients’ mouths are simply more prone to bacteria buildup because they have restorations like fillings, crowns or bridges that attract bacterial plaques due to their nature. Poorly-contoured restorations and crowded or tilted teeth make it harder to clean your teeth, resulting in bacterial build-ups. Patients with chronic inflammation and increased pocketing under their gums offer bacteria a place to hide. This is why it’s so important to get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year because your dentist and hygienist can remove this bacteria buildup and take preventative measures against infection. Bleeding gums are also common during pregnancy, as hormonal changes often result in tender gums. Be sure to see your dentist regularly during pregnancy because proper oral health helps ensure a healthy baby. To learn more, read our Dental Care During Pregnancy. Why Do I Have Calculus and Tartar Buildup? I Brush and Floss Like I’m Supposed to... Even if you brush and floss daily, there’s still potential for calculus and tartar buildup. Calculus is hardened plaque made from a combination of protein materials in our mouth such as saliva. There is a large salivary gland under the tongue, and if your saliva contains high levels of minerals, it can compound into tartar and calculus faster. This is why some patients have buildup of calculus along the backside of the anterior (front) teeth. So even though you may be brushing and flossing, your saliva may happen to have certain properties that can result in more calculus and tartar than the typical mouth. Talk to your dentist to learn more about your specific case. What Are My Cosmetic Dentistry Options? Cosmetic dentistry options come in a wide variety, with teeth whitening being the most popular. In-clinic whitening treatment provides a quicker, more predictable and more intense whitening. At-home teeth whitening treatment, with either custom-made trays or one-size-fits-all trays, provides a less intense option. However, it’s important to take care of any restorative care necessary before considering any whitening treatments. For example, if a patient has a lot of tooth decay, we would hold off on whitening because the acidity in the whitening agents would likely aggravate the decay and cause sensitivity. Also, decaying teeth are often discolored, and restorations will improve the decayed tooth’s overall appearance. For those who have misshapen, chipped, or stained teeth, dental veneers are a good option. They are custom-made thin shells that fit over the top of your teeth create the appearance of whiter, straighter teeth. What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use? You should choose a toothpaste that can help you the most for your individual mouth. For example, if you are very prone to tooth decay, I would recommend that you use a toothpaste with sodium fluoride (an anti-cavity ingredient) to help prevent rapid decay. If you are prone to rapid plaque buildup or tartar, I would recommend a tartar control toothpaste. Your dentist or hygienist can help you find the toothpaste with a property that will be most beneficial to you. Also, if you use a mouthwash, be sure to check the ingredients to see if it has an anti-cavity active ingredient, as mouthwashes without this ingredient are not effective in preventing tooth decay. Does Whitening Toothpaste Work? Whitening toothpastes have limited whitening abilities. They typically only remove the most superficial surface stains and can sometimes be made of abrasive materials that are harsh on enamel. Whitening trays or in-office whitening procedures are the fastest, most effective, and safest way to whiten teeth. Make sure to discuss with your dentist which option is best for you before starting any whitening treatment.

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chewing gum pieces on a blue background
Apr 26
Does Chewing Gum Actually Help Clean Your Teeth?

Chewing gum is tasty and fun to chew, but did you know that chewing sugarless gum has dental benefits too? The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes that sugarless gum indeed helps to prevent tooth decay, especially after eating. Studies have found that chewing sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva in your mouth, which can help dilute sugars and food particles. The saliva can neutralize and rid your mouth of harmful acids that are produced when the bacteria on your teeth breaks down the food you eat. If this acid is not removed, then over time it can break down tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. In general, chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. This increase in saliva also carries more calcium than regular saliva, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel.

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model of teeth with braces on them
Apr 22
Braces Do More than Just Straighten Teeth

When you hear the word “braces,” you probably think of the dental treatment that will straighten teeth. While this is absolutely true, orthodontic treatment with braces also provides other important benefits that are often overlooked. Properly aligned teeth can help improve appearance and boost a patient’s self-confidence, but did you know misaligned teeth that are not corrected can cause bigger issues over time? Teeth that are aligned properly have a reduced risk of future dental issues and are easier to maintain with your oral hygiene routines of brushing and flossing.

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model of teeth on a table with an x-ray image and a dentist reviewing the x-ray
Apr 18
Sedation Dentistry

Fear of the dentist is all too common and we see many patients who are too scared to have the necessary dental treatment done. However, many aren’t aware that IV sedation (sedation through a vein) provides an extremely safe option to offset that fear. Additionally, those who have a severe gag reflex or don’t react well to numbing agents can benefit and turn what used to be torturous appointments into improved dental experiences.

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