Teeth that are too close together can look crowded, an issue that can throw off the symmetry of your smile. Poor dental alignment also creates potential issues for your dental health. Some people will experience aches and pains in their face and jaw from a misaligned bite. Teeth that overlap can also be more difficult to clean effectively, making it more likely you will need restorative dental work in the future. One way to address problems with overlapping teeth is to straighten them with Invisalign. At our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office, Dr. Johnson can discuss the use of these clear aligners to permanently shift your teeth and fix spacing flaws. At the end of your adjustment, you can feel better about your smile while also enjoying oral health benefits! (more…)
What Can I Do If My Teeth Start To Appear Dull?
It can worry you to look in the mirror and see a smile that seems dull or discolored. The gradual accumulation of particles that stain enamel can be difficult to fully prevent, even when your oral hygiene routine has kept you safe against cavities. With that said, poor habits can lead to more pronounced (and unwelcome) changes. Your St. Louis, MO dentist can talk with you about keeping up with a smart routine that helps you preserve the quality of your smile. You can also learn about the benefits of a professional teeth whitening treatment, which can produce results that go beyond what you could see from a store bought whitening kit. (more…)
Is It Time To Let Your Child Brush And Floss On Their Own?
It can be hard to know when it is right to trust your child with new responsibilities. Even if they are eager to do more on their own, they may need time to mature and develop before certain tasks are manageable. One responsibility kids can take on at a relatively early age is the responsibility to care for their teeth. While you can be eager to see them take on this task (and others) on their own, you need to be sure they are coordinated enough to clean their teeth effectively. They should also understand why this task matters, and take it seriously. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office works with parents and kids. During our pediatric dental exams, we can support your efforts to help your kids learn more about oral care by offering guidance and lessons in addition to providing preventive services. (more…)
Stopped Scheduling Dental Exams? 3 Reasons To Start Again
Are you past due for your next oral health checkup? Patients are told to stick with semiannual appointments, meaning you should try to avoid going more than six months without a review. If you no longer schedule checkups, or if you are still looking for a dentist in St. Louis, MO, your long break can have consequences. Until your next professional teeth cleaning, any calculus buildup on teeth will remain in place, which raises your risk for dental decay and gum disease. If these problems already affect you, they can worsen gradually without treatment. Dr. Johnson-G’Sell is ready to help those who need to restart routine checkups, and those who need to find a new practice! (more…)
Can Stress Turn Into An Oral Health Issue?
The toll stress takes on your emotional and physical well-being should not be ignored. While people often recognize the importance of stress management for their general health, they may not realize that it can also help them maintain their oral health. When you control your stress levels, you control your risk for developing teeth grinding issues, which protects you against problems with jaw pain and dental damage. Lowering your stress can also help you stick to a daily routine that is better for your oral health. During regular checkups at our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office, we offer consistent smile support through routine dental evaluations and cleanings. At these appointments, we can talk with you about matters like teeth grinding, and also help you understand the role stress may be playing in your struggles to maintain a healthy smile. (more…)
Tips For Protecting Your Baby’s First Teeth
The arrival of your baby’s first teeth marks an important milestone, but it also creates a new responsibility for you. Even as they first start to arrive, teeth are vulnerable to problems with decay. Gently cleaning your child’s first teeth will help them avoid difficulties with cavities, which helps prevent potential issues with the development of their oral structures. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office is here to help you take care of your infant’s developing smile. Within six months of their first tooth’s arrival, or by their first birthday, your child should come in for a “well baby exam.” This affords Dr. Johnson the opportunity to check on your child’s initial dental developments, and creates an opportunity for your baby to grow comfortable in this new environment. (more…)
Are You Doing Enough For Your Smile Each Morning?
Some people are more eager than others to leave their bed and start their day. Even if you struggle to stay away from your snooze button, it is important that you make time for your smile each morning. One way to do this is by thoroughly brushing your teeth to clear away the harmful microbes that have built up in your mouth overnight. Another is to enjoy a healthy breakfast that limits your consumption of sugary products. Our St.Louis, MO dentist’s office is here to help patients prevent problems with their oral health. While routine dental cleanings and evaluations have a part to play in keeping you cavity-free, remember that your daily behaviors also matter! (more…)
Contact Your Dentist About A Loose Dental Filling Or Crown
A dental filling or dental crown that feels loose, appears broken, or causes discomfort is a concern. If you find yourself experiencing problems with a restoration, reach out to your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office. Dr. Johnson-G’Sell can evaluate your tooth and determine how to make sure it remains safe. The replacement of an older filling or crown will help keep your tooth safe, and ensure that you are able to bite and chew without issues. If you are replacing a metal restoration with one made from a more cosmetically pleasing material, this work can also make a difference in the quality of your smile! (more…)
Good Oral Health Habits Today Can Have Long-Term Benefits
When it comes to matters like diet and exercise, people often focus on the long-term benefits of good habits. You should know that your current approach to oral health care can also be important for your future well-being, and in ways that may surprise you. Complications from poor periodontal health may impact you later in life by raising your risk for physical problems while also raising your risk for tooth loss! Any problems you have with cavities will lead to the permanent destruction of dental material. At our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office, you can look forward to important preventive care during every routine dental exam and cleaning. This support, along with smart behaviors between visits, can help you sustain a healthy, lovely smile through the years! (more…)
We Can Provide Dental Care To Kids And Their Parents
Making sure you and your kids are cared for is not always easy, but it is important. Especially at an early age, children require considerable attention and support from their parents. During this period, you can have an active role to play in managing their dental and general health, but you still need to make time for your own needs. Our St. Louis, MO dentist’s office can help parents make sure they take care of their kids’ smiles, and their own. We offer regular dental exams for adults as well as pediatric dental exams. We can also help you develop an understanding of what your kids might need from you at home by offering helpful tips and information on caring for their teeth and gums. (more…)
