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Salem White Spot Removal

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Have a smile you can be proud of.

Have you ever felt like covering your mouth while laughing, or trying not to smile because you’re self- conscious about the white spots on your teeth? We understand how you feel about your teeth can have a big impact on your self-esteem. The good news is, now you can achieve a smile that you can be proud of with very little effort and time.

Causes

White spots are actually pretty common and can come from one of three causes.

The first cause is fluorosis, which happens when you have an excess of fluoride in your system. It can occur from over fluoridated water, or from ingesting too much fluoride toothpaste while your teeth are still forming.

The next reason you might have white spots is called enamel hypoplasia. This stems from a number of different medical issues including high fever, malnutrition, or as a side effect of certain medications. There’s also evidence that prenatal smoking can be a contributing factor.

The final cause of white spots is from demineralization. This occurs when your tooth enamel loses minerals including calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions. In addition to white spots, it can also lead to osteoporosis or tooth decay.

The Solution

Teeth before icon (white spots visible.)

Before treatment with icon.

A pair of teeth with no white spots after being treated with icon.

After treatment with icon.

In the past, if you had white spots that you wanted to have removed, the treatment was invasive. That has all changed with Icon. Icon was developed in Europe and has over a decade of success. The process is simple. First, we treat the affected area with a pre-treated special gel. Next, we place another gel on it to dry your tooth. Once your tooth is dry, we’ll apply the Icon resin material. It penetrates the affected area, filling and sealing your tooth. When the treatment is complete, your white spots will be completely gone.

Pain-Free

For many people, fear keeps them away from the dentist. In those cases, often what could have been a quick, easy fix becomes much more complicated. Instead of a simple filling, they may end up needing a root canal treatment. But because of past traumatic experiences, they avoid the quick and easy fix.

With Icon, this isn’t an issue.

One of the best things about the procedure is that it’s completely pain-free. There’s no need for numbing since there’s no drilling. To top it all off, it’s all done in just one appointment!

Make an Appointment

If you’re suffering from embarrassing white spots, call our office to schedule an appointment. If you’d prefer, click here to request an appointment online. We look forward to treating you.

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.

 

The Importance of Fluoride

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Picture of a toothbrush "fluoride is nature's cavity fighter.

What is it?

Fluoride is commonly used in dentistry to strengthen enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. It helps to prevent cavities, so it’s sold in some kinds of toothpaste, and it’s also added in small amounts to public water supplies in the United States and many other countries. But, what exactly is?

Fluoride is a chemical compound of fluorine paired with another element. It contains compounds that are used in the prevention of tooth decay.

Cavity prevention.

If your toothpaste is fluoride-free, brushing and flossing alone isn’t enough to keep the cavities away. According to a recent study done at The University of Washington, fluoride has a huge effect on helping you avoid cavities.

While brushing and flossing do help, it’s fluoride that makes the difference in getting to the plaque and preventing cavities. If you don’t use some form of it, the plaque is inaccessible and you can’t reach it.

How does it work?

Cavities start to form in tiny cracks and crevices in your tooth enamel. Exactly how fluoride helps prevent cavities is not certain, but there’s some evidence that it may inhibit the enzymes that break down the tooth.

Scientists hypothesize that the fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in your teeth, which lead to fewer cavities. This is why it’s added to some kinds of toothpaste, and certain dentists may also give you a yearly fluoride treatment. Overall, experts believe it helps restore minerals to the enamel, which ultimately helps to strengthen your teeth.

Smiling latino boy portrait outdoors drinking water

Tap water is an important source of fluoride.

Water supply.

Besides buying toothpaste with fluoride and having yearly treatments done at your dentist, another way to get it is through your tap water. More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Are there any side effects?

While fluoride is a naturally occurring compound, it can still cause side effects when consumed in large doses. In the United States, the amount that’s added to water is very small– about  0.7 parts per million (ppm). That’s the maximum allowed amount, as of 2015– and it’s completely safe.

Dental fluorosis happens when you consume too much fluoride while your teeth are still forming under your gums. This results in white spots on the surface of your teeth. Other than the appearance of white spots, dental fluorosis doesn’t cause any other symptoms or harm.

It usually only tends to affect children under the age of 8, who don’t have all of their permanent teeth. Kids are also more likely to swallow toothpaste, which contains significantly more fluoride than fluoridated water.

Many people have claimed that it can cause other health problems. The truth is, aside from the occasional mild case of dental fluorosis, there’s absolutely no scientific evidence that fluoride added to local water supplies causes any health problems.

Make an appointment.

The American Dental Association recommends that you have a dental cleaning twice a year. If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning, it’s time for you to make an appointment. If you’d like a fluoride rinse, please ask!

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.

 

 

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.

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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What Is Oral Cancer?

Educate yourself and help stop the spread of oral cancer.

Oral cancer, a.k.a cancer of the mouth and upper throat, kills about one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people that are newly diagnosed, about 40 percent won’t survive longer than five years. In addition, those who do survive can suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral cancers is particularly high since the cancer is often discovered late in its development.

Why Do We Have Oral Cancer Awareness Month?

Because the death rate is so high, it’s important we dedicate an entire month to educating the public about the risks. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in April, and it’s a national screening campaign to end oral cancer. Awareness in the American public is low, and without education– the problem won’t get any better.

The purpose of the campaign is to remind everyone that regular cancer exams by your dentist, remain the best method to detect oral cancer in its early stages. The Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Oral Medicine, the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, just to name a few– have all joined the Oral Cancer Foundation in its campaign to educate the public about knowing the risks.

Risks

Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer– along with early detection and treatment, may be the key to a complete recovery. There are a number of things that contribute to the onset of oral cancer, but the top three are tobacco, alcohol and HPV.

Tobacco

Tobacco can wreak havoc on your mouth.

Cigarette smoking puts you at a higher risk for developing mouth cancer, since tobacco smoke contains chemicals that have been proven to contribute to oral and esophageal cancer.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for a healthy mouth.

All forms of alcohol can cause or contribute to mouth cancer. Alcohol, particularly when used in addition to tobacco, has been recognized as an important risk factor for almost 50 years.

HPV

Young people are increasingly at risk for oral cancer due to HPV.

Finally, genital HPV, also known as the human papilloma virus, is a very common sexually transmitted disease. It usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself, but it can cause serious illnesses, including oral cancer. In fact, HPV is responsible for approximately 60% of all oral cancers.

As a result, the fastest growing demographic of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals. If you have HPV, you’re 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of this terrible disease can help with early detection, and ultimately save lives. The following are all signs you could have oral cancer:

-A white or red patch in your mouth.

-A feeling that something is caught in your throat.

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

-A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.

-Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.

-Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth.

-Swelling of your jaw.

-Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you need to see us for an exam right away. Usually, these symptoms don’t mean cancer, but you need be sure. An infection or other problem can cause the same symptoms– but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Get Checked

We can’t stop this virus from spreading, but we do hope to save lives with professional involvement and public awareness. While the death toll is high, when cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment related health problems are greatly reduced.

If you’ve never never had an oral cancer examination, there’s no better time to schedule one than this month. When you do, be sure to ask that this examination be made a routine part of all of your future dental check-ups. Make your appointment 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.

15 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

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img_7768

 Teeth
They are strange little things
Always biting
Leaving their crescent, jagged mark
Everywhere
Tough bone, made to last
They say a smile on your face
Is the most beautiful accessory
A person can have
But no perfect smiles are without
Teeth

Our teeth are wonderful, fascinating things! Their main purpose is chewing, or breaking down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Let’s take a look at 15 facts about your pearly whites that you might be surprised to hear!

#1

33-percent-of-people-are-born-without-wisdom-teeth

Are you one of them?

#2

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Wow! That’s why you have to be so careful with them.

#3

Our ancestors had to improvise.

Our ancestors had to improvise.

#4

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You should have all of your adult chompers by your teenage years.

#5

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Flossing your teeth does all of that? Who knew?

#6

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That’s a lot of missing teeth! Be aware of your surroundings.

 

#7

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Healthy teeth require a lot of toothpaste!

#8

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Make sure it’s always sugar-free! Sugary gum is terrible for your teeth and makes you much more prone to cavities.

#9

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Among these are 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom). Most people have their full adult set by the time they reach their teenage years.

#10

img_8513

They’re already there, they’re just waiting to pop through.

#11

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If this happens, put it in milk and get to us immediately.

#12

img_8512

Did you know?

#13

img_8511

Even harder than our bones.

#14

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This is an eye opening statistic. Make sure you’re bringing your child in for their first appointment, by their first birthday.

#15

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Now You Know

We hope you’ve learned something about how wonderful your pearly whites really are, and how important it is to take care of them. If it’s been over 6 months since you’ve come to see us, make your appointment today.

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

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.

Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

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“I Know How To Brush My Teeth.”

Your entire family can benefit from these tips.

Your entire family can follow these simples steps to healthier teeth.

You might think you’re doing everything right. After all, brushing your teeth isn’t exactly hard. What you don’t know is, unless you’ve been shown the proper way to brush– you’re probably doing it wrong. In fact, most people aren’t caring for their teeth properly.

Are you making any of the following mistakes?

Brushing too hard.

img_4750

Brushing too hard is something a lot of people are guilty of. When it comes to your teeth, rough is not better. A soft massage of the gums and teeth is enough to effectively clean them without damaging your enamel.

Brushing too long/too frequent.

toothbrush_purple_no_attribution_required_pixabay_592103_3888x5184

Just like brushing too hard, you also don’t want to overdo the time you spend on cleaning your teeth. You should only brush twice a day, for two minutes. Doing it any more frequent than that will harm your teeth and wear away the enamel.

Side note: this does not apply if you have braces. They require more frequent cleaning.

Not brushing long enough.

On the flip side, make sure you brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Research shows the average time people spend brushing their teeth is only 45 seconds. Not enough! Anything shorter than that won’t give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to attach to the enamel on your teeth.

Not replacing your toothbrush.

If you’re healthy, every three months– or 200 uses, is a good time frame to replace your brush. However, if you’re sick, it needs to be replaced as soon as you’re feeling well again. If not, your toothbrush can actually reinfect you at a later date.

Also, remember the phrase “if it starts to fray, throw it away”. If this occurs before your three months is up, replace your brush right away. Frayed bristles won’t clean your mouth properly.

Always have a few back up brushes stashed away for when that time comes.

Forgetting to clean your tongue.

Don't forget your tongue!

Don’t forget your tongue!

Your tongue is not something you should be ignoring when you brush your teeth. In fact, you should reprogram your brain to think of brushing your teeth as actually brushing your teeth, tongue and gums. All three need to be cleaned for optimal oral health.

Your tongue is a virtual petri dish for germs. If you don’t clean it, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Expect bad breath, and bacteria build up. We recommend a tongue scraper if your brush tickles your tongue, or you don’t like the feeling.

Using the wrong technique.

If your gums are bleeding after brushing and flossing, you may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

The correct way to brush your teeth is in circles, and not back and forth. A circular motion is more gentle and effective at cleaning your teeth.

Side to side wide strokes can scrape the soft tissue lining between your teeth and gums, causing them harm.

Finally, be sure to tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush close to the gum.

Flossing after brushing.

Always floss before you brush.

Always floss before you brush.

Lots of people make this mistake. You brush your teeth and then you floss. So, what’s the problem? You’re doing it in the wrong order. Always floss before you brush. If you don’t, you risk leaving leftover particles of food in your mouth. In addition, flossing before brushing exposes areas that need the fluoride in your toothpaste.

Just Ask!

Come see us twice a year.

If you’d like us to show you the proper way to brush and floss, next time you’re in our office, just ask and we’ll be glad to demonstrate.

If you change your dental hygiene habits, we promise you’ll notice a difference. You’ll see your teeth will be stronger and healthier than ever before.

Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings with us every six months.

 

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

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.

5 Steps to Fresher Breath

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Woman covering mouth

Does your breath stink?

Are you constantly worried your breath is bad?

Afraid to get too close to someone, in case your mouth stinks?

You have one chance to make a first impression, we’ll make sure it’s a good one.

It’s to get bad breath–unfortunately. It’s not always easy to get rid of.

What’s causing your bad breath

To fix the problem, we first need to figure out the cause.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria that breed inside your mouth. This bacteria spreads and multiplies, finally breaking down to proteins which cause an odor to be released from the back of your tongue and throat. Yuck!

Let’s fix it

Here are a few of our favorite tips for keeping bad breath at bay.

1) Brush after every meal

Food for thought: Your food supply is also the bacteria’s food supply.

Leaving food particles in your mouth causes plaque, which leads to bad breath. When you floss and brush after every meal, these bacteria will no longer thrive.

2) Clean your tongue

The surface of your tongue is rough and home to a potentially gross smelling combination of dead cells, food debris and bacteria.

Brush your tongue with your toothbrush, or—even better—buy a tongue scrubber. A tongue scrubber is a small device designed to scrape the surface of the tongue. This eliminates even more bacteria.

3) Schedule regular appointments

One of the most common causes of bad breath is not scheduling regular dental appointments. This seems to get overlooked because, as we know, time flies. Our main priorities might not be our dental appointments–even if that practice is detrimental to your dental and overall health.

The professional cleaning process removes tartar from the teeth–which if left untreated could lead to periodontal disease–and identifies any infected areas potentially causing bad breath. Not only will you notice a difference, but your friends and family will too.

4) Wet your whistle

Chewing sugar free gum can help to eliminate bad the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Chewing sugar-free gum can help to eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath.

When combating bad breath, keeping your mouth wet is important. Saliva contains oxygen, and oxygen deters bacteria growth. Saliva is naturally anti-bacterial and helps to wash away bacteria.

Another way to eliminate the bacteria that cause stinky breath is to chew sugar-free gum. If none is available, sugar-free, non-sticky candy works well too.

5) Know your food

You may not realize it, but the foods you eat make an impact on your breath. We’ve all been too close to someone who’s just polished off a tuna sandwhich. Run. Run far, far away.

Even red meat can cause bad breath. Meat easily gets stuck between your teeth, breeding bad breath bacteria.

You’re not alone

Bad breath affects around 80 percent of people around the world. Some, chronically.

Don’t be known as the guy with dragon breath. Follow these tips and schedule regular cleanings every six months. If you do, we guarantee you will notice a favorable change.

 

Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time

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

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.