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All About Hybrid Dentures

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What Are They?

A hybrid dental implant before it's placed in the patients mouth.

A hybrid denture before it has been placed.

Occasionally, we have a patient that’s been wearing dentures for so long that their mouth is a complete disaster. Their face has sunken in, their dentures can’t function properly, and it’s nearly impossible for them to eat. This is the result of a bone atrophy commonly known as facial collapse– which is a side effect of dentures. If you’re in this situation, hybrid dentures may be your solution. Hybrid dentures replace your missing teeth and gums, as well as the bone in your mouth. The hybrid is anchored to your mouth using dental implants.

Types

A completed hybrid implant.

Hybrid dentures look and work just like your regular teeth.

There are two types of hybrid dentures we place– fixed and removable. Both types will be anchored by six to ten dental implants. While they do replace missing gum tissue, they don’t rely on any tissue support and are entirely supported by implants. This makes them very comfortable and natural-feeling, all while being extremely stable.

 

 

Fixed

When we place a fixed hybrid denture, screws hidden inside your teeth anchor the restoration to the implants. The screws are then covered with resin so they’re completely invisible and inaccessible. However, they CAN be taken out by a dentist.

Removable

Removable hybrid dentures use the same process as fixed, but they’re anchored by fewer implants. As a result, they’re much easier to remove and replace– if needed.

Implant Specialist

There’s not a recognized specialty in dental implants, so no dentist can actually be a dental implant specialist. Yet, some dentists have had so much advanced post-graduate training, that they’re technically specialists without the title. Dr. Burba took the 3i Institute for Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry (IIRD) courses and has extensive experience and expertise in this clinical area. You can rest assured you’ll be under the best care with Dr. Burba.

Make an Appointment

If you’ve lost bone structure in your teeth because of dentures, it can be disheartening and embarrassing. If you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for hybrid dentures, call our office or request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you and restoring your smile.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

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Pregnant? Congratulations!

A pregnant bare belly.

Being pregnant can be exciting, but it also brings on a whole new set of challenges. When it comes to your oral health, pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your chances of developing gum disease. If this occurs, it can have serious effects on your unborn baby. Luckily, there’s a number of things you can do to help reduce the risk. Here are 6 things you need to know about pregnancy and your oral health.

1.) Prenatal Care.

If your pregnancy is planned, one thing you can do for the health of yourself and your baby is to stay on top of your dental health before you get pregnant. That way, your pearly whites can be professionally cleaned, gum tissue can be examined, and any oral health problems can be addressed and treated ahead of time.

2.) Check With Your Doctor.

Routine dental care can be done at any time during your pregnancy, along with anything urgent. But, any elective dental procedures should be done after your baby is born.

According to the American Dental Association, having dental x-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Just be sure to let us know.

Additionally, before you have your dental appointment, talk to your OBGYN to see if they have any special instructions for you.

3.) Pregnancy Gingivitis.

When you’re pregnant, it’s important to pay even more attention to your teeth and gums. Pregnancy causes changes that put you at an increased risk for gum disease and for tender gums that bleed easily– a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling occurs at any time– contact us as soon as possible.

4.) Morning Sickness.

If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, try changing to a bland-tasting toothpaste. In addition, if you suffer from morning sickness and vomit frequently– rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse. If you brush right after, you’ll risk damaging your tooth enamel.

5.) Diet.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet while pregnant is key. Believe it or not, your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. We highly recommend a healthy diet that contains dairy, since it’s a great source of essential minerals that will help to develop your baby’s teeth, gums, and bones.

For the sake of your own dental health, try and avoid sugary snacks as much as possible. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy, but it’s important to keep in mind that the more frequently you snack– the greater your chances are of developing tooth decay.

6.) After Birth.

After you’ve had your bundle of joy, soon after delivery you should schedule an appointment to have your entire mouth examined and periodontal health evaluated.

From there, you can resume your normal dental care routine and continue to see us once every six months.

Make an Appointment

If you’re pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or just need a check-up– you can make an appointment here. We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

6 Foods/Drinks That Fight Bad Breath

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Woman covering her mouth.

Combat bad breath with food.

Most people assume that after they eat, no matter what they consume- it will affect their breath in a negative way.

While it’s obvious that eating onions and garlic will contribute to bad breath, lesser-known culprits are foods that are found in many people’s daily diets. These include starches, refined foods, and candies. They all increase plaque formation, which in turn makes your breath stink.

The good news is, there are actually certain foods and drinks that can help your body fight bad breath. Let’s take a look at seven of the best bacteria-busting foods.

1.) Citrus Fruits

First, citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C are great at getting rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath. This is because bacteria cannot thrive in environments that are high in vitamin C. In addition, citrus fruits have a high water content, which helps to hydrate your mouth and keep bacteria at bay. As an added bonus, vitamin C assists in fighting gingivitis.

2.) Water

Keeping hydrated is an essential part of fighting halitosis (the medical term for bad breath). This is because dry mouth creates an environment in which bacteria thrive. Water acts as a cleanser that encourages saliva production, which is crucial for cleansing your mouth of food particles and bacteria. The next time you finish your meal, follow it with a cool glass of h20.

3.) Ginger

Ginger isn’t only good for upset stomachs– it also has the effect of neutralizing bad breath. We recommend using pressed ginger combined with lemon juice mixed in equal parts with warm water. This creates a great natural at-home rinse to keep any bad odors away.

4.) Green Tea

Next, green tea is great at fighting bad breath because it’s high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight the growth of bacteria and also help reduce sulfur compounds. One downside of green tea is that it can stain your teeth. To reap the benefits of it without staining, green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement– or you can drink it with a straw.

5.) Leafy Greens

As a general rule of thumb, if a food is good for your overall health, it will be good for your dental health, as well. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale are great for your overall health as well as your oral hygiene. Green vegetables keep your internal pH levels balanced and alkaline levels low, which in turn help to prevent dry mouth.

6.) Apples

Finally, apples are a wonderful choice for keeping your oral hygiene in check. This is mostly because of their natural detergent properties. When you bite into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth and eliminating the food particles that cause bacteria in your mouth.

Make an Appointment

Calendar with a reminder to make a dentist appointment every six months.

While it’s not ideal, one of the best things you can do for your breath is to brush your teeth and tongue after every meal. When foods get trapped in the pockets surrounding your teeth, halitosis can develop as bacteria grows– which can lead to gum disease.

It’s also important to remember to see us twice a year for an appointment. If it’s time for your bi-annual cleaning, schedule it today.

 

 

 

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! In his free time, he often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Burba Dental Partners: Our Other Services

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At Burba Dental Partners, our passion is beautiful, durable dentistry.

Some dental offices only focus on cleanings and other basic, restorative work. While we have these services, we additionally offer a plethora of others. Since Dr. Stanley and Dr. Randy always like to provide their patients with a clear understanding of their care, we wanted to give you a detailed description of some our most popular procedures. Our goal is to give you a smile that looks as good as it feels!

Smile Makeovers

You too can have a stunning smile!

Are you someone who’s unhappy with their smile? Occasionally, our patients come in for a smile makeover knowing exactly what kind of smile they’re looking for. They even provide us with pictures. Other times, all they know is that they want to improve their smile– without knowing exactly how. Either way, we can help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed about.

There are essentially three types of smiles: youthful, sophisticated, and sporty. Within these frameworks, we can do any number of variations in shape, size, and color.

Once you’ve decided on the basic framework of your smile, we’ll work out other details, including the exact color. Take a look at some of the gorgeous smiles we’ve created! We know you’ll be happy with the result because we guarantee all of our smiles.

Dental Implants

Another common procedure we perform is placing dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that supports a crown. It’s made of titanium and surgically placed into your jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. Once your custom-made crown is placed on the implant, it’ll function just like a natural tooth. You’ll be able to eat with the same efficiency, and no special dental hygiene procedures are needed.

The implants are placed in a two-step process. First, the root form is surgically implanted in your jawbone, just below your gumline. Then, bone grows in tightly around the implant during a process called osseointegration, which anchors it to the jawbone.

The final step is placing a crown on the implant– which completes the tooth restoration.

Invisalign

Finally, there’s a new option in orthodontics. No longer do you need bulky, uncomfortable metal brackets filling your mouth in order to straighten your teeth. With Invisalign, you can have a beautiful, straight smile in half the time of traditional braces.

First, Dr. Burba will take a detailed impression of your teeth. Three-dimensional images of the impressions are programmed into a computer that will manufacture a set of aligners designed specifically for you. When you get your first set of aligners they’ll feel like they don’t fit– which is intentional. The aligners are gently moving your teeth into a new position. After about two weeks, they’ll fit naturally. Then, it’s time for the next set of aligners. This process continues until your teeth are perfectly straight.

This new computerized method is much more accurate than other orthodontics. Because of that, Invisalign works in about six months to a year– which is half the time of traditional braces!

Make an Appointment

 

If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning– you’re due!

Keep in mind, these are just some of the things we offer. To see a full list, please visit our website. If you’d like to know if you’re a candidate for any of our services, but you aren’t ready to schedule an exam– we’d be happy to have you come in for a complimentary consultation with one of our doctors. Just give us a call, or visit our appointment page. We can’t wait to meet you!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! In his free time, he often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

 

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

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Diabetes

Over 9 million people in the United States have diabetes, and about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed every year. In fact, more than one in every 10 adults who are over the age of 20 have it. March 28th is the official American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day. Find out more about what you can do to protect yourself.

Do you suffer from diabetes?

What is it?

Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes can occur when your pancreas produces very little or no insulin, or when your body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, and as of now– there’s no cure. Additionally, the disease is directly linked to poor oral health.

What’s the correlation?

Your oral health affects your overall health in a big way. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes and you might be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with the condition. Research shows that there’s an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes. Other complications associated with it include heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

The progression of gum disease.

Not only are diabetics more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of it. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). All diabetics are at an increased risk for gum disease because they’re generally more susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, they have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

It’s manageable.

Stop tooth loss before it starts.

If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control. Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of living a healthy life. Additionally, diabetics need to manage their disease closely to stay healthy.

Make An Appointment

See us twice a year.

Always keep us informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is irregular.

The American Dental Association says that good oral health is integral to general health. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss properly and see us for regular checkups.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment–make one today!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Halloween Candy Buyback Event

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1st Annual Buyback

Have leftover candy? Donate it!

Here at Burba Dental Partners, we’ve decided to celebrate Halloween by doing our favorite thing– giving back to the community! We absolutely love finding ways to give back, and this year, we’ve found a way to help others AND pay you for your donation. That’s right, we’re going to buyback your leftover Halloween candy and donate it. On November 2nd, from 3-6 pm, we’ll be collecting your candy and buying it back from you– up to 10 pounds! It’s a great way to teach your kids about giving back to the community. Plus, they’ll get a little cash incentive. It’s a win-win.

Operation Gratitude

This year, we’re partnering with Operation Gratitude which annually sends 200,000+ care packages filled with food, entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation to Veterans, First Responders, New Recruits, Wounded Heroes, their Care Givers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home.

Their mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for civilians anywhere in America to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.

Every piece of candy you donate is a peice that isn’t in your mouth– rotting your teeth! All collected candy will be sent as a Halloween treat to our heroes. Don’t worry, we’ll send them a toothbrush too! 😉

Tricks and Treats

We’ll buy back anywhere from 1-10 pounds of your candy.

In addition to treats, we’ll have tons of fun prizes for you. Be sure to wear your costume and be in character. We can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with this year.

When: Thursday November 2, 2017 3-6pm

Where: Burba Dental Partners

129 Highland Ave, Salem, Massachusetts 01970

What: 1st Annual Candy Buyback #operationgratitude

See you there!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

 

Meet The Burbas

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Drs. Randall and Stanley Burba

Between the two of them, they have a lot of knowledge.

They’re your favorite dentists, but how much do you really know about them? Find out more about the amazing doctor and son team– the Burbas!

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randall Burba, DDS

Dr. Randy Burba earned his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry from Providence College in Rhode Island, and in 1995 he earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He began his dental career alongside his father, Dr. Stanley Burba, in Salem, MA.

Dr. Burba is committed to providing his patients with exceptional care. For sixteen years he’s been practicing general dentistry in a family practice with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry. His high work ethic means that he won’t just rely on his years of experience. Additionally, Dr. Burba and his team offer state-of-the-art dentistry to their patients through a considerable amount of continuing education, and both Dr. Randy and Dr. Stanley are AACD accredited.

AACD Accreditation

AACD accreditation is the standard of excellence in the cosmetic dentistry field, and only around one out of every 500 dentists worldwide have attained this level.

The process of obtaining accreditation includes:

-An extensive written examination.

-An oral examination administered by the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

-Close-up photographic documentation of a broad range of cosmetic treatments performed on patient.

-A peer review of their artistic skills in delivering cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Randy has also held leadership positions in the AACD and he’s a past president of the New England Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the national AACD.

Advanced Training

Dr. Randy Burba doesn’t limit his advanced training to cosmetic dentistry. While Massachusetts requires 20 hours of continuing education each year, he routinely exceeds 100 hours, staying up with advances in implant dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment. Furthermore, he’s a graduate of the Dawson Academy in Florida, which teaches full mouth rehabilitation, complex restorative dentistry and occlusion.

Personal Life

picture of a camera- Dr. Burbas passion

His other passion is photography!

In his spare time– when he’s not treating patients, Dr. Burba enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, woodworking, photography and traveling.

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba, DDS

Dr. Stanley Burba was raised in Salem, MA, and still lives here with his wife, Janet, a hygienist in our office. He’s been serving the Salem community for over forty years! After graduating from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA, he received his Bachelors of Science from Northeastern University in Boston. He went on to attend Georgetown University School of Dentistry and received his DDS degree in 1965.

After graduating he held a position as an instructor in the Department of Crown and Bridge at Georgetown University Dental School in Washington, D.C. Then, in 1967, he left to serve our country in Vietnam and received a U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental Service. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and then a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Once he returned home from Vietnam, he went on to open his family dental practice in Salem. He is committed to providing valued patient care in an environment of trust and understanding. His passion for dentistry is displayed in his desire to continue offering the best in patient care. In addition, he attends continuing education courses every year to keep up with the advances in dental medicine.

Awards

– Georgetown University of Dentistry Clinical Diligence Award (1965)

– U.S. Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Dental service in Vietnam (1967)

– Fellow International College of Dentists (1987)

Personal Life

Dr. Stanley and Mrs. Burba have four kids: Randall, Elaine, Elizabeth and Deborah. Between their four children, they have a whopping ten grandchildren! During their free time they enjoy traveling, boating and spending time with their family.

Make An Appointment

Picture of a calendar and a toothbrush to remind people to schedule their dental appts

Schedule your appointment today.

If it’s been over six months since you’ve been in to see us, request an appointment today or give us a call to schedule 978-744-7575!

Suffering From TMJ? We Can Help!

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What is it?

Do you suffer from TMJ disorder?

TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint that connects your upper and lower jaw. When this joint is injured or damaged, it can cause a cycle of pain and spasms that can disrupt your ability to function normally.

Causes

There are a variety of causes that can contribute to the development of TMJ syndrome. They include: injury to your teeth or jaw, misalignment of your teeth or jaw, teeth grinding, bad posture, stress, arthritis, and chewing gum.

Symptoms

-Pain in your face and/or neck.

-Worn down teeth.

-Clicking and popping of your jaw joint.

-Trouble opening and closing your mouth.

-Ringing in your ears.

-Headaches.

-Earaches.

TMJ Dentist

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right) specialize in treating TMJ.

Although there’s no recognized dental specialty in TMJ, the dentists at Burba Dental have been treating TMJ for over 40 years. In particular, Dr. Stanley Burba has some impressive credentials and education.

Dr. Burba studied at the Dawson Academy in Florida. Founded by Dr. Peter Dawson, this continuing education academy for dentists focuses on TMJ therapy.

He also took several classes from another well-respected TMJ expert named Dr. Frank Spear, a prosthodontist who runs a training institute in Seattle.

Finally, both Dr. Stanley Burba and Dr. Randall Burba have taken further courses on TMJ treatment, including from the PAC Live Institute and other experts.

Treatment

We’ll start by getting you out of pain, and finish by correcting the problem.

Finding a dentist who will treat TMJ disorder is sometimes difficult because it’s so complex and requires highly specialized skills and equipment. The first thing that needs to be determined is exactly what’s wrong and what’s causing your pain.

At Burba Dental, we have a special machine called the T-Scan Occlusal Analysis System by Tekscan. This system uses a highly sophisticated piece of diagnostic equipment, the T-Scan sensor. You bite down on the T-scan sensor and the computer will analyze your bite data and display it graphically. This data is extremely helpful in determining the cause of your problem. We’ll use this information to help diagnose you and set up your treatment plan.

Phases

Your treatment is usually done in two phases. During phase one we’ll focus on getting you out of pain. We’ll accomplish this by using moist heat, pain medications, and/or a temporary orthotic.

Phase two is centered on a long-term solution, and treatment varies from person to person. Sometimes we’ll use a long-term orthotic to move a displaced disc into its correct position. Other times, we may need to do some dental work such as implants, crowns, or bridges to restore your bite to normal. In the most severe cases, we’ll need to fully reconstruct your mouth.

Schedule a Consultation

It’s important to remember that everyone’s case is unique. If you think you might be suffering from TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment. We’ll get you on the road to recovery right away. If you have any further questions about if and how we can help you, please schedule a complimentary consultation to ask those questions before you commit to a full examination.

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Why Are Visits To The Dentist So Important?

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Twice A Year

We’ll make you comfortable.

There’s a major reason why the American Dental Association, and your dentist, recommend that you come in for a cleaning/exam every six months. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you need additional help, we may even suggest you come in and see us even more frequently, until we can get your issue under control. In addition, in-between your exams, it’s important for you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as you can.

What To Expect

Cleanings don’t hurt, so there’s no need to be nervous.

At a typical checkup and cleaning appointment, we’ll perform an examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Dr. Burba will be looking for any signs of gum disease, loose, broken or cracked teeth, a damaged filling, or tooth decay. He will also look for any signs of oral cancer.

Once a year you’ll need X-rays taken, and if you’ve been experiencing any pain– we’ll examine your head and neck, your bite, and the movement of your jaw.

Finally, we clean, polish, and floss your teeth– leaving them fresh and beautiful.

Benefits

Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your overall health.

There’s a number of benefits that come along with seeing us regularly. Since there’s a strong correlation between your oral health and your overall health, taking good care of your mouth means taking care of your entire body.

For example, gum disease can increase your risk of serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes– just to name a few.

Deep Cleaning

We clean the places you can’t reach with just a toothbrush and floss.

You might think you don’t need regular cleanings, but we have specifically designed tools to clean your teeth much better than you’re able to at home. During your cleaning, we’ll remove plaque from hard to reach areas, and get rid of any buildup that has occurred since your last cleaning.

Prevent Gum Disease

We can catch gum disease before it spreads.

Regular visits to see us can help to prevent the onset of gum disease. Gum disease doesn’t just harm your oral health– it can affect your entire body. One of the biggest reasons you might develop periodontal disease, is by neglecting your oral health, and missing dental visits. The good news is, even if you’re more susceptible to gum disease than others– we can usually help you prevent it through regular cleanings and proper oral hygiene.

Detect Oral Cancer

Your visits could be life saving.

By seeing us twice a year, you’re giving yourself the best shot at catching the early warning signs of oral cancer. If we do detect any symptoms of the disease, we’ll recommend you begin treatment immediately to improve your chances of beating it quicker. If oral cancer is detected early, it’s curable.

Save Money

Regular check-ups save you time and money in the future.

In addition to their health benefits, regular checkups can even be good for your wallet. Finding and treating minor problems like cavities, can spare you the expense of future complicated procedures including extractions, crowns, or root canals.

Cure Side Effects

Knocking out one problem can fix another.

Sometimes dental problems have side effects, and Dr. Burba will be able to correct more than one issue at a time. For example, bacteria in your mouth can not only cause tooth decay, but it’s also responsible for bad breath. Conquering tooth decay will help you get rid of your mouth odor as well.

Make An Appointment

Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning every 6 months!

By visiting us twice a year, and practicing good oral hygiene daily, you’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy, and prevent diseases.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment, request one today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Sugar and Your Teeth

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Sugar, Sugar

We know it’s tasty, but it hurts your pearly whites.

Everyone knows eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, but many aren’t exactly aware of how and why it happens. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and do damage to your teeth. Each acid attack lasts for around 20 minutes, but the good news is– it’s avoidable.

What Are The Effects?

According to the American Dental Association, your mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria. Some are helpful, but others can actually feed on the sugars you eat, and create acids that destroy your enamel. Tooth enamel is the shiny, protective outer layer of your teeth that keeps them healthy. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids that cause a hole in your teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of your tooth, causing pain and even eventual tooth loss.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

That’s a lot of sugar for one drink!

 

Sugary drinks, including fruit drinks, sports drinks, sweetened waters, sugary teas, energy drinks, and sodas, have been recognized as the primary source of added sugars in American diets. Sugary drinks don’t make you feel full, so you eat the same amount of food as before– but with a lot of extra sugar calories on the side.

When you have a craving for one of these drinks, try choosing a healthy alternative, like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice with no added sugars.

The Remedy

To avoid having a mouth filled with cavities, we have several tips to prevent them.

Stimulate Saliva Flow

Make sure it’s sugar free!

In addition to cutting down on sugar, stimulating saliva flow is recommended. Chewing sugarless gum, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet that are high in fiber, are great ways to accomplish this. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products also contain calcium and phosphates that strengthen your teeth, and they’re much better choices than something high in sugar or starch.

Brush and Floss

Always brush after you eat or drink something with lots of sugar.

It’s important that you stay on top of your oral health by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s even more crucial to brush after you consume sugar. Whenever you eat or drink something sweet, make sure you brush your teeth right when you’re finished. However, if whatever you have is acidic– wait at least a half hour before brushing or flossing.

Use Fluoride

Let fluoride do the work for you.

According to The American Dental Association, you should be using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to not only prevent tooth decay caused by too much sugar, but also reverses it in its early stages. The ADA also recommends professional fluoride treatments from a dentist.

In addition, you should try and introduce tap water into your routine. Fluoride is added to your tap water source and it doesn’t affect the appearance, smell or taste of your drinking water, but it does give you the benefit of helping to prevent cavities.

Finally, rinse your brush off before you add your toothpaste to avoid washing away the added fluoride.

Stay On Top Of It

Vigilance is the key to preventing the negative effects of sugar on your teeth. Limit your sugar intake, and always brush after eating anything with a high sugar content. Choose healthy foods and drinks that strengthen, instead of damage your teeth. Include regular appointments to see us and you’ll keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.