It’s not easy to choose a new dentist. With so many options, how can you know you’re making the best decision for you and your family? A little research goes a long way — and we’ve got five tips for helping you make the right choice. Keep reading to learn how to select an excellent dentist in Beachwood today!
September 16, 2015
Tobacco use is rampant in the United States. Roughly 42 million people are habitual tobacco users. Of this number, many will develop conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema and more. Tobacco is enjoyed by people in several different ways including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (“dip”), or cigars. Nicotine is highly addictive, which explains why so many people are tobacco users. We’re here to tell you that it’s in your best interest to kick the habit while you still have time. You see, it isn’t just your overall health you’re putting at risk, it’s your oral health, too. Our Beachwood, OH office wants you to know that your oral health is very important and tobacco use can leave it in bad shape. Bad oral health has a major impact on your overall health. As the Beachwood dentist of choice for residents in the area, Dr. Hornstein has firsthand the effects tobacco has had on many patients. He and the rest of our dental staff want you to live your life free of tobacco and with the best oral health of your life.
July 15, 2015
It’s no secret that your body changes when you’re pregnant. Hormones rising and falling, morning sickness, aches and pains, and more can make you feel like your body is out of control. Many patients aren’t aware of how hormonal variation during pregnancy can effect oral health. At the Center for Advanced Dentistry (CFAD), our skilled team will explain the ins and outs of the changes in your oral health while pregnant. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, call to schedule an appointment at our Beachwood, OH office to review oral health and discuss recommended changes to your hygiene routine.
Oral Health Changes While Pregnant
The change in hormone levels puts women at high risk for gum disease, specifically a form of gingivitis referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Thorough at home hygiene and regular six month dental cleaning may not be enough to prevent this form of gingivitis. If you notice inflamed, bleeding or swollen gums, gum sensitivity when eating or drinking, or excessive bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth, call CFAD immediately. Depending on the severity, we may recommend more frequent cleanings through the course of your pregnancy. Gum disease during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term birth and underweight babies as well as potentially compromising the baby’s and your immune system if infection enters the blood stream.
Another oral health change noticed while pregnant is the “pregnancy tumor.” The name is quite misleading. A pregnancy tumor is not cancerous. The changes in your body make the mouth’s soft tissue more sensitive to irritation from plaque buildup or foreign debris. These red lumps usually appear on the gums between teeth. If they are extremely painful or impede eating, we may recommend removal, but the tumors typically clear up on their own after you give birth.
Dental Care for Baby from the Dentist Shaker Heights Trusts Most
Did you know your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the 3rd and 6th month of your pregnancy? A healthy diet is essential to a healthy pregnancy, but did you know that eating well can help your baby develop stronger, healthier primary teeth? Your baby needs a lot of vitamins and minerals throughout the pregnancy, but their developing teeth especially need large amounts of Vitamins A, C and D, calcium, protein and phosphorous. Taking a prenatal vitamin as prescribed or recommended by your physician can help you absorb a large percentage of these necessary nutrients, but eating high fiber and protein, and calcium rich foods will provide your baby with more of the necessary nutrients for growth, especially for developing healthy teeth.
Most necessary dental health care is perfectly safe for pregnant and lactating mothers. However, elective procedures should be postponed until after your pregnancy. In the case of dental emergency, more complex restorative procedures may be necessary, but should always be performed in conjunction with your physician.
The whole process, from design to placement, usually takes only two or three appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Hornstein will examine your teeth, take impressions, and prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel to make sure your porcelain veneers fit flush against the teeth and evenly with the gum line without appearing bulky. We will also fit you with temporary veneers, which give will give you a feel for your new smiles. Even the temporaries are a stunning change. Your family and friends will know something is different about you, but will not know exactly what it is. That is what a subtle yet dramatic change in your smile does for your appearance.
During the final appointment, the dentist will make adjustments if necessary and then place your final restorations, so you will leave with a magnificent smile.