Well Baby Exams Can Make Future Checkups Easier

Once a baby’s teeth start to arrive, you need to take steps to keep those teeth healthy. Within six months of their first tooth’s arrival, parents should bring their child in for a “well baby exam.” Your St. Louis, MO dentist, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell, can welcome her youngest patients for this initial appointment, which focuses on helping them feel comfortable in new surroundings. This early meeting creates a chance to look over your child’s development, while also creating a welcoming, friendly atmosphere for them. By the time they turn three, they can start to enjoy care in the form of routine dental exams and cleanings, which help to keep them safe from oral health problems. (more…)

Quiz: Life During Invisalign Treatment

One exciting perk you can enjoy during Invisalign treatment is the ability to correct alignment flaws without drawing attention to your orthodontic appliance. When patients are concerned that metal braces are the only option open to them, they can worry about the impact this treatment will have on how they look. With Invisalign aligners, you fix problems with gaps and spacing by using removable, clear plastic aligners. This approach can offer more convenience in your daily life, and you can reduce the number of appointments you need through the duration of treatment. If you want to see how Invisalign can help you, your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office can talk with you about starting your treatment. (more…)

The Trouble With Tea (And Coffee)

Teas typically contain less caffeine than the usual cup of coffee, and your favorite beverage can be ideal for unwinding during an afternoon break. Unsweetened tea can be refreshing, while keeping your sugar intake low. With all that said, there is one concern you should hold onto when it comes to drinking tea – you may be affecting the color of your smile. Too many cups of tea, or coffee, can result in a buildup of staining particles in your enamel, which can ultimately dull your smile. Your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office can help you address this with a professional whitening treatment. If you want to avoid future stains, moderation and consistent preventive dental care are both important. (more…)

Cosmetic Work Can Lead To A Better Smile Before The Holidays

As we near the end of the year, your family may have already started making plans for holiday gatherings. These events may bring together people you see infrequently, and they can encourage everyone to take – and share – photos. Because the holidays can be such a social time, many people who are interested in cosmetic dental work can be especially interested in making changes in time for these events. Your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office is ready to discuss these treatments with you. After studying your smile, and talking to you about what you want to improve, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell can help you find the right approach for successful changes. (more…)

Enjoy Smile Support From A Mouthguard Made Just For You

A mouthguard designed to fit anyone’s smile can be uncomfortable for you, and offer less protection against dental trauma. Fortunately, you can seek a custom mouthguard at your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office. By using advanced imaging technology to map your smile, a precisely constructed mouthguard can be made for you, or a family member. This protection can be important for people who engage in physical sports, but guards can also be made for people who need to protect their teeth against the effects of nightly bruxism, or teeth grinding. If nothing is done to keep your smile safe from grinding, dental damage can occur. (more…)

Taking Home A Whitening Kit Provided By Your Dentist

If you take home a whitening kit from your local pharmacy or grocery store, you may see results that fail to meet your expectations. These store bought products, and toothpastes that promise extra whitening results, can leave deeper stains behind in your enamel. A professional whitening kit from your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office can deliver more remarkable results by removing those stains that are harder to reach. The professional-strength gels provided in these kits can make for more striking improvements, and you can be impressed by how different your teeth look after just two weeks! (more…)

4 Reasons To Choose Water Over Soda At Your Next Meal

Staying hydrated matters if you want to maintain good overall health. Making an effort to drink more water can be good for your body, and it can be good for your smile – especially when you make a habit of replacing soft drinks with water at meals. While many people can enjoy the way soda pairs with their favorite foods, substituting water can help you limit your risk for tooth decay, and for dental discoloration. When you combine smart behaviors with effective brushing and flossing, you are more likely to receive good news about your oral health when you see your St. Louis, MO dentist for your next dental checkup. (more…)

What Kind Of Dental Problems Require A Root Canal Treatment?

Magnolia Family Dental in St. Louis, MO can provide the kind of regular preventive dental care that helps you avoid dental pain. Unfortunately, too many people decide to wait until something feels wrong before they will see their dentist. When you avoid routine visits, a problem can grow in severity until a root canal is needed. A root canal treatment is performed when there is an internal tooth problem that requires treatment. This can be needed whenever a cavity causes an internal infection, or as a result of a dental injury. Nitrous oxide can help you stay relaxed and comfortable during your procedure, and a natural-looking dental crown can be provided to support your tooth after your treatment is completed. (more…)

Bringing Kids In For Dental Care Before Summer Ends

Are you prepared for the start of the new school year? You can find yourself with a checklist of responsibilities to complete before the end of summer. If you want to make sure your child returns to school with a healthy smile, schedule a pediatric dental checkup with your St. Louis, MO dentist’s office. During every checkup they attend, Dr. Johnson-G’Sell will provide your kids with a thorough examination, and a careful teeth cleaning. These appointments can also focus on education for younger patients, who are still learning how to master daily oral care tasks. (more…)

A Chronic Teeth Grinding Habit Can Lead To Dental Woes

When a person habitually grinds their teeth, they can suffer problems in the short-term as well as the long-term. The consequences of teeth grinding in the short term include dental sensitivity, as well as muscle tension and discomfort in your neck and shoulders. You can also develop problems with your jaw joint (TMJ dysfunction), and experience permanent dental damage. This problem with frequent teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can be particularly damaging because you may grind your teeth throughout the night while you sleep. If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth, let Dr Johnson know. She can suggest a  special oral appliance that will keep your teeth safe, provide relief, and protect you against other problems related to bruxism.

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