Blog
The Truth Behind Tartar
While we all seem to know a lot about plaque, the overall population knows a lot less about tartar. Tartar is a hardened, yellow substance on your teeth. Tartar is formed when plaque is not removed from teeth and is left to harden. Once tartar hits, it is big trouble for your teeth. Teeth become harder to brush and floss once tartar hardens on your teeth. Even worse, tartar can cause harm to your gums. If any tartar hardens above the gum line, then it will cause irritation and damage to gums, which leads to gum disease. To fight against … Continue reading
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Scott Siemen
Dr. Siemen was born in Connecticut but moved to Paxton when he was 6 years old. His interest in dentistry began at the age of 16 because his grandfather was a dentist. This left a lasting mark on him that led to his entrance and eventual graduation from Tufts Dental School. After becoming a dentist, Dr. Siemen found that his favorite part of dentistry was the moment a patient sees their smile makeover for the first time. The happiness and excitement that is radiated after a moment like that made Dr. Paxton feel satisfied and confident in his passion for … Continue reading
Staff Spotlight: Susan Folsom
Susan is a Registered Dental Hygienist with a passion for helping people. She entered dental hygiene school right after high school, because she had fallen in love with being a dental assistant while in high school. She has been with Paxton Dental Care for 17 years and loves that she can interact with people one on one on a daily basis. She loves the social aspect of talking to her patients as much as the clinical aspect of cleaning their teeth. She says that, “Helping people have healthier mouths that in turn leads to healthier lives make me happy!” Here … Continue reading
Staff Spotlight: Lindsey Powers
Lindsey is a Registered Dental Hygienist with a passion for oral health. She went into dentistry because, she wanted to help others, “I went into dentistry because I wanted to take care of people and make a difference in people’s lives,” Lindsey said. While Lindsey has always been keen on helping others, she also has a knack for science and the human body that uncovered her passion for dentistry. But, even as a child she knew that she wanted to be a dental hygienist. Her favorite part of her job is seeing patients come so far with their dental health. … Continue reading
The Myth About Teething That Must Be Dispelled
When your bundle of joy starts to teeth, it can mean some serious sensitivity, pain, and grumpiness, but there are some things that have been associated with teething that are incorrect. Teething Causes Diarrhea MYTH! This myth is believed by many parents because they think that the excess saliva is somehow affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Research has shown, however, that there is no connection between increased saliva flow and diarrhea. Why the diarrhea might actually occur is because of an exposure to new bacteria. Teething babies will put anything in their mouths to help ease the pain, and by doing … Continue reading
What You Should Know About Breastfeeding and Oral Health
In honor of August being National Breastfeeding Month, we wanted to share the link between breastfeeding and oral health. During pregnancy many women experience changes in their teeth and gums. Increased teeth sensitivity as well as bleeding and swelling gums is common in pregnant women. While these symptoms are painful, teeth and gums go back to normal after the baby is born. After the child is born, breastfeeding has an oral health benefit for the child. A study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that children who breastfeed are more likely to have properly aligned teeth. Similar … Continue reading
Everything You Should Know About Teeth Whitening
Have you ever thought about whitening your teeth? Teeth whitening products are currently in high demand; this is because people see their smile as one of their most important features. It impacts their social life, dating life, and could even affect how they are perceived at work. So, if you have been thinking of brightening up your pearly whites, here is what you need to know. There are a few different methods involved in teeth whitening. Here are two different procedures that you might try. Method 1: Bleaching procedures Whether you use an at-home kit or go to the dentist, … Continue reading
What Steph Curry Can Teach Us About Mouthguards
It is no surprise that most high school and middle school sports teams require mouthguards. Mouthguards help to protect teeth and that protection is key when a soccer ball is being kicked at your face, or when an elbow is thrown on the basketball court while grappling for a rebound. It makes a lot of sense that mouthguards are often required gear for athletes. Golden State Warriors, leading scorer, Steph Curry is pretty fond of wearing his mouthguard. While it is not required in the NBA to wear a mouthguard, you won’t catch Curry on the court without one. Often … Continue reading
Waterpik Water Flosser
Have you ever flossed before? Hopefully the answer to that question is yes. But, have you ever flossed with a Waterpik® Water Flosser? The answer to that question is probably no. Take a look at the Waterpik® Water Flosser, this is a new development in flossing that is more effective and is recommended by Paxton Dental Care. A Waterpik® Water Flosser uses the force of water to get in between teeth and clean your gums. Instead of ripping off a piece of floss and awkwardly stuffing your hands into your mouth at a strange angle to floss, try a Waterpik® … Continue reading
What Sports Drinks Are Doing To Your Teeth
While many people drink sports drinks, thinking that it will improve their athletic prowess, it is actually hurting their oral health. Sports drinks are packed with acid. Repeatedly exposing your teeth to the acid in sports drinks will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Energy drinks are even worse on your teeth. A 2012 study found that after just five days of repeated exposure to sports drinks, the damage to enamel was very evident. The authors of the study found that energy drinks caused twice as much damage to the enamel as sports drinks did. It is reported … Continue reading
