Our Location:

Nashua, NH Dentist
Nashua Smile Makers
76 Allds Street
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 882-3727
Dentist in Nashua, NH Call For Financing Options

Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.

My Blog

Archive:

Tags

My Blog

Posts for: June, 2018

By Nashua Smile Makers
June 20, 2018
Category: Oral Health
ArtificialSweetenersCouldHelpYouReducetheRiskofDentalDisease

We’re all familiar with “naughty” and “nice” lists for food: “nice” items are beneficial or at least harmless; on the other hand, those on the “naughty” list are not and should be avoided. And processed sugar has had top billing on many people’s “naughty” list for some time now.

And for good reason: it’s linked to many physical ills including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As a favorite food for oral bacteria that cause dental disease, sugar can also increase your risk for tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.

Most people agree that reducing sugar in their diet is a great idea health-wise. But there’s one small problem: a great many of us like sugar—a lot. No matter how hard we try, it’s just plain difficult to avoid. Thanks perhaps to our ancient ancestors, we’re hard-wired to crave it.

But necessity is the mother of invention, which is why we’ve seen the development over the past half century of artificial sweeteners, alternatives to sugar that promise to satisfy people’s “sweet tooth” without the harmful health effects. When it comes to dental health, these substitute sweeteners won’t contribute to bacterial growth and thus can lower disease risk.

But are they safe? Yes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency has approved six types of artificial sweeteners for human consumption: acesulfame K, saccharin, aspartame, neotame, sucralose and rebaudioside A. According to the FDA any adverse effects caused by artificial sweeteners are limited to rare conditions like phenylketonuria, which prevents those with the disease from safely digesting aspartame.

So, unless you have such a condition, you can safely substitute whatever artificial sweetener you prefer for sugar. And if dental health is a particular concern, you might consider including xylitol. This alcohol-based sweetener may further deter tooth decay—bacteria can’t digest it, so their population numbers in the mouth may actually decrease. You’ll find xylitol used as a sweetener primarily in gums, candies and mints.

Reducing sugar consumption, couple with daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, will certainly lower your risk of costly dental problems. Using a substitute sweetener might just help you do that.

If you would like more information on sweetener alternatives, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Artificial Sweeteners.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Nashua Smile Makers
June 10, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   veneers  
VivicasVeneerstheMakingofaHollywoodSmile

What's an actor's most important feature? According to Vivica A. Fox, whose most recent big-screen role was in Independence Day: Resurgence, it's what you see right up front.

"On screen, your smile and your eyes are the most inviting things that bring the audience in" she said. "Especially if you play the hot chick."

But like lots of people, Vivica reached a point where she felt her smile needed a little help in order to look its best. That's when she turned to a popular cosmetic dental treatment.

"I got veneers years ago," Ms. Fox told Dear Doctor magazine in a recent interview, "just because I had some gapping that probably only I noticed."

What exactly are dental veneers? Essentially, they are thin shells of lustrous porcelain that are permanently attached to the front surfaces of the teeth. Tough, lifelike and stain-resistant, they can cover up a number of defects in your smile — including stains, chips, cracks, and even minor spacing irregularities like the ones Vivica had.

Veneers have become the treatment of choice for Hollywood celebs — and lots of regular folks too — for many reasons. Unlike some treatments that can take many months, it takes just a few appointments to have veneers placed on your teeth. Because they are custom made just for you, they allow you to decide how bright you want your smile to be: anywhere from a natural pearly hue to a brilliant "Hollywood white." Best of all, they are easy to maintain, and can last for many years with only routine care.

To place traditional veneers, it's necessary to prepare the tooth by removing a small amount (a millimeter or two) of its enamel surface. This keeps it from feeling too big — but it also means the treatment can't be reversed, so once you get veneers, you'll always have them. In certain situations, "no-prep" or minimal-prep veneers, which require little or no removal of tooth enamel, may be an option for some people.

Veneers aren't the only way to create a better smile: Teeth whitening, crowns or orthodontic work may also be an alternative. But for many, veneers are the preferred option. What does Vivica think of hers?

"I love my veneers!" she declared, noting that they have held up well for over a decade.

For more information about veneers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.


0 Comment(s) Permalink
By Nashua Smile Makers
June 05, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Oral Hygiene  

Are you ready to find out how your oral care routine measures up?

Oral Hygiene

 

Did you know that dental issues such as cavities and gum disease, which affect millions of Americans, could be prevented with the proper dental care? The dental care you perform each and every day can greatly impact your oral health. Our Nashua, NH, dentists Dr. Salvatore Guerriero and Dr. Salvatore Colletta want to make sure you understand how to care for your teeth and gums to prevent problems from happening to you.

Brush and Floss Every Day

You can’t play fast and loose with this rule if you want to maintain a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing regularly is crucial to reducing plaque and tartar buildup, the two reasons why people develop cavities and gum disease. Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure that you are hitting every surface of your teeth.

Stay Away from Sugar

Do you know how much sugar you are consuming in a day? If you were to check the labels of the foods and drinks you are enjoying each and every day you might be surprised to discover that they contain quite a bit of sugar. Plus, if you can’t seem to wean yourself off sodas or sports drinks then you could be putting your smile at serious risk for cavities. Reduce your sugar intake to protect your teeth.

Stay Hydrated

Instead of drinking soda what you should be enjoying is water. Okay, so it’s not as fun as drinking a sweet soft drink but it will keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce plaque buildup. Plus, you’ll be amazed at the wonderful long-term health benefits of drinking enough water every day.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Everyone should visit their Nashua, NH, general dentist every six months, even if there aren’t any issues going on. Some dental problems can be present and never manifest symptoms, so the only way to detect these problems as soon as possible when they are easier to treat is to come in for a routine checkup and cleaning. Plus, our cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup to reduce your risk of developing problems in the future. Preventive dentistry could actually save you money in the long run.

Nashua Smile Makers is dedicated to keeping your smile healthy. We know you are, too! So, let our Nashua, NH, family dentists help you maintain that beautiful smile by coming in twice a year for your dental cleaning. Call our office today to schedule a cleaning with us or to talk to us about other dental services you are interested in.


0 Comment(s) Permalink