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Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

Not All Dental Habits Are Good Ones

October 25, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 9:50 am

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell twice a year. For the most part, getting in the habit of completing these simple tasks will keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, there are a few less-than-desirable oral habits that can override your good habits and compromise your dental health!Here are some tips to help you avoid those dental habits that can damage your teeth:1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture. Be careful when eating popcorn too!

Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw!!2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”

Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip.

Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!3. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them.

Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellabout custom mouth guards.4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive.

Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly

Though you may brush and floss everyday, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good.

Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask one of our team members the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results and have more reasons to smile!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oh, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook!!

Take Extra Care Of Your Teeth This Month!

October 18, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 10:20 pm

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, WE LOVE OCTOBER. Why, you ask? Well, it’s no secret that October ushers in pumpkin-carving contests, frightful haunted houses, spiced apple cider, spooky costumes, and yummy treats.

But, did you know that October is alsoNational Dental Hygiene Month? It’s true! This month of sweets and treats is also a season for learning more about, and celebrating, your own oral health!

Here are four useful, easy tips from the American Dental Hygienists Association to help you keep your mouth clean!

1. BRUSH…

for 2 minutes, twice a day. Studies have shown that following this guideline is the most important step we can take to reduce plaque buildup, oral diseases, and other problems including cavities and gingivitis.

2. FLOSS…

daily. Floss is able to reach those places your toothbrush can’t! We know this is the hardest guideline to follow, but we promise it will pay off. Keep some floss in your purse, briefcase, or backpack so you always have it on hand. Your oral health will improve and you won’t be stuck helpless when that stubborn piece of black pepper gets stuck in between your front teeth!

3. RINSE…

with mouthwash. Brushing and flossing loosen up and remove bacteria from your mouth, but mouthwash kills that leftover bacteria that your toothbrush might not have caught. Fight gum disease!

4. CHEW…

some sugar-free gum after eating. It’s clinically proven to stimulate saliva and improve oral health!

So, have fun at those Halloween parties and enjoy (a little bit of) your trick-or-treat candy—but don’t forget about your dental hygiene!

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions about the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong!

Happy October!

At Our Practice, Your Smile Is A Work Of Art

October 11, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 11:51 pm

Answer: The Principle of Divine Proportion

DID YOU KNOW THAT HIGHLY SKILLED COSMETIC DENTISTS LIKE DRS. BRADLEY AND DR. BOSWELLoften use Leonardo da Vinci’s “Principle of Divine Proportion” when designing new smiles? It’s true.

When it comes to smile design, many factors must be taken into account including the patient’s age, lifestyle, and physical characteristics. In addition, there are other truisms associated with your teeth themselves that Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell and the rest of Lake Oconee Dentistrymust consider—including the fact that our teeth tend to get shorter with age as they wear.

Much like a fine oil painter working on a canvas, our doctors take their artistic inspiration and experience and transforms them into awesome smiles. In some cases, procedural and design techniques include tooth lengthening or shortening. Veneers are also considered sometimes to widen your teeth or broaden a smile. Crowns can bring subtle, yet totally different dimensions to a patient’s facial proportions. Most people are surprised with the stunning difference even the smallest of adjustments can make. It’s a fusion of science and art.Just for kicks, take a few minutes, look into a mirror and ask yourself the following questions:> Can I draw a vertical line from my pupil to a corner of my mouth?> Does my face divide horizontally into thirds?> Does the lower third of my face divide into thirds again (from nose to chin)?> Does my face divide into fifths vertically (5 times the width of one eye)?

It’s exciting to see mother nature’s “divine” and intricate connections to artistic principles!

Cosmetic dental procedures are absolutely worth the investment in altering or restoring the ideal proportions for your own physical characteristics. There’s nothing more fulfilling for our team, than witnessing the often life-changing transformation that takes place for many of our patients through smile makeovers.Have you ever wondered how your life would change if you fixed your smile? How would your self-confidence be affected? What would that newfound confidence do to your relationships or career? If you’re curious, come in and visit with us.Chances are, after we’re finished, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Also, be sure to click on the logo below to like us on Facebook and keep up with everything going on in our practice that directly affects you and your family’s oral health. Thanks!

Improve Your Smile With Clear Aligners

October 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 9:23 pm

INTERESTED IN STRAIGHTENING YOUR TEETH WITHOUT having to commit to all the metal? Here at our practice we offer Invisalign, and it may be just the thing for you! With this state-of-the-art solution to crooked teeth, you can have the smile you’ve always dreamed of through a process that is practically invisible!The word “invisalign” may sound familiar, but what exactly IS it?

Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that you switch out approximately every two weeks. These aligners are individually manufactured to fit your smile through Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell’s exact calculations so that your teeth will gradually shift into place. This creates a smile that truly fits your personality and facial features.

Invisalign can help with:

  • Crowded Teeth—when there’s simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally.
  • Widely Spaced Teeth—with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. If teeth are missing, this can also be caused by the other teeth shifting to fill extra space.
  • Crossbite—when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned.
  • Overbite—when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. This is typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth.
  • Underbite—when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth.

However, Invisalign isn’t necessarily the perfect solution for everyone. There are many factors that our experienced team must evaluate to determine what the best solution is for you including your bite, the position of your back teeth, whether or not your canine teeth and premolars need rotation, and whether or not your new smile will need vertical movement. So, come in and spend a few minutes in consultationwith us. We’d love to have that visit with you.

For many people, Invisalign IS a great tool for accomplishing a gorgeous smile.

If you have a friend, family member, or coworker who you think would be a good candidate for invisalign, send them our way! We appreciate your passing along the good news!

As always, THANKS for being our valued patients and friends.Click on the image below to LIKE our Facebook page:

Vote For Us!!

September 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog — @ 7:07 pm

Dealing With A Toothache?

September 27, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:07 pm

DO YOU HAVE A TOOTH THAT HURTS WHEN YOU CHEW OR WHEN YOU EAT SOMETHING TOO HOT OR TOO COLD? Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we understand that toothaches are no fun. Sometimes a simple toothache may be caused by a number of minor factors—including sensitivity. But if you’re unsure, or if the pain continues, it’s probably a good idea to visit with us. We have a great deal of experience treating toothaches. Come in and see Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell or a member of our team as soon as possible so the problem doesn’t get any worse.

Toothaches are often caused by dental cavities, a cracked tooth, an exposed root, or even gum disease. However, issues with the jaw-joint can also cause toothaches. Through a simple x-ray procedure,Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswellcan help determine the cause so that the issue can be treated.

As temporary relief for a toothache before you are able to visit our office, rinse your tooth with warm water and make sure that nothing is lodged between teeth. Apply an ice pack and/or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling.

Don’t let a toothache bother you any longer—come see us! You have the decision-making power to take control of your lifelong oral health each day.

Feel free to learn more about our practice on our website or our Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you there!

The Benefits A Smile Will Bring You

September 20, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 5:52 pm

ARE YOU NEWLY GRADUATED, stuck in a mid-life crisis, starting a new career, or re-entering the dating scene? No matter what change your life may be going through, having an unforgettable smile may be just the thing to help boost your confidence and get you feeling unstoppable.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistrywe know that flashing a smile is one of the best ways to turn someone else’s day around…But guess what—smiling not only brightens other people’s days, it also benefits the smiler!

Here are some reasons we should smile!

  1. It Makes You More Attractive: It is no secret that we are drawn to people who smile. There’s something remarkably irresistible about someone who isn’t afraid to flash those pearly whites.
  2. It’s Contagious: A simple smile has the ability to brighten a whole room and draw people to you. The world would be a happier place if everyone kept smiling!
  3. It Can Change Your Mood: Even when you feel down, smiling can trick your body into changing your mood! Try it the next time you’re not having the best day.
  4. It Boosts Your Immune System: When you smile, your immune function improves due to increased relaxation.
  5. It Relieves Stress: We all know what it’s like to look stressed and overwhelmed…but did you know that putting on a smile makes you look happier AND actually takes away some of that stress!?
  6. It Lowers Blood Pressure: The physical act of smiling causes a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Test it out at home if you don’t believe us!
  7. It’s A Natural Drug: Studies have shown that smiling actually releases endorphins, serotonin, and natural pain killers.
  8. It Makes You Look Younger: The muscles your body uses to smile actually lift the face, making you appear younger and healthier!
  9. Smiling Makes You More Successful: Smiling in a job interview is much more likely to land you the job! People who smile appear more confident and approachable—and they end up being the ones that get promoted!
  10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive: Try this—put on a smile, and then think about something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard to feel quite as down when you’ve got a grin on your face, huh? When we smile our body sends us a message saying “Life is Good!” Worry, stress, and depression problems can be greatly helped through smiling.

So, the long and short of it is: SMILE! Don’t let insecurities about your teeth hold you back any longer! If you are uneasy about smiling, talk to Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell about the many options available at Lake Oconee Dentistry. We can have you proud and confident about your smile in no time!

Contact our practice today. Your unforgettable smile awaits you.

We Let YOU Be Part Of The Team With The Intra-Oral Camera

September 13, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:55 pm

HERE AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, OUR TEAM TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN utilizing the most advanced technologies available in caring for your oral health.

One of the neat things about today’s technologies—especially in the case of using an intra-oral camera—is that YOU can be involved in the process of diagnosing the health of your teeth.

Our intra-oral camera is an amazing handheld device that combines an extremely bright light source with a tiny, high definition video camera. Most intra-oral cameras look a lot like a writing pen, and when moved around inside your mouth, they give our team the ability to see enlarged, detailed images of the surfaces of your teeth, the condition of your gums, and other valuable information about the tissues inside your mouth.

Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell or a team member will use this tiny device to capture close-up pictures of your teeth that we often display on a monitor. Intra-oral cameras don’t cause any type of pain, discomfort, or ill side effects. They help us see tarnished or corroded fillings, decay, bleeding gums, plaque, or hairline fractures in your teeth, in real time, as you sit comfortably in our dental chair!

If you’re interested in seeing the images, an intra-oral camera allows you to see what Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell and our team see. It’s not only quite fascinating for many of our patients, but it also helps you better understand the recommendations we make. You’ve heard the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”Recently, an intra-oral camera was used on an episode of The Doctors:

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we place great importance on each long-standing relationship we have with you, our valued patients. Thank you for the trust you place in us. If you have any questions about intra-oral cameras—or any other matter related to your oral health—please don’t hesitate to ask.

No matter where you are, you can also check out more about our practice by visiting and LIKING our Facebook page:

The Tooth Fairy Does Exist!

September 6, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 7:37 pm

DID YOU KNOW THAT FEBRUARY 28th AND AUGUST 22nd ARE NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAYS? Yes, this tiny-winged, mythical creature actually has TWO of her own daysof celebration…crazy, huh!? It might sound odd that the Tooth Fairy even gets one day of observance, but it’s actually for good reason!

Unfortunately, the next time most of us lose a tooth it will probably be in a brawl or nursing home. However, for all the children out there who have yet to lose their baby whites, these days are meant to celebrate the right of passage that losing baby teeth brings—and of course the little lady who’s smart (or crazy!) enough to collect them from under our pillows.

So, how did the tooth fairy come to be anyway? Well, for starters, losing teeth as a child can sometimes be a traumatic experience! A little bit of blood is all the excuse a child needs to shed some tears, regardless of whether or not there is actually any pain involved. Seeing their own little tooth in their hand and inspecting the new hole in their smile isn’t always enough to dry their eyes.

That’s where the tooth fairy comes into play…

It’s much easier to be excited about losing a tooth if you know it’s going to be exchanged for cash while you’re sleeping! The tooth fairy replaces that fear and trauma with hope and excitement. It’s starting to make sense that she deserves some holidays, isn’t it?

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we care about yours and your children’s oral health. Make sure to exercise proper oral careso that those teeth and gums stay healthy and strong! Besides, rumor is that the tooth fairy gives even better prizes for healthy teeth!Now we’d like to hear from you! What was the going rate for teeth when you were a child? What do you give your kids today in exchange for those pearly whites? Let us know in the comments section below!Happy Brushing!

Fight Cavities By Avoiding Plaque And Tartar

August 29, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 5:50 pm

WHEN MOST OF US HEAR WORDS LIKE sticky, bacteria, acid, and decay we tend to cringe a little…and with good reason! Unfortunately, all of those words are characteristics of plaque and tartar—two terms that you’ve probably heard us use when we visit with you about dentistry!Don’t worry, there’s no need to panic—we have some handy tips on how to avoid plaque and tartar. But first, let’s back up a little. In order to figure out how we can best prevent plaque and tartar we need to know exactly what they are, right?

The best way to understand plaque is to think of it as a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria (and other unfriendly materials) that coat the surfaces of your teeth. When sugars and starches come in contact with plaque, an acid is created that can attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities, decay, and/or gum disease.

Tartar, on the other hand, is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. For most of us, tartar deposits begin to build up faster as we age. Unlike plaque, tartar bonds quite strongly to tooth enamel and can only be removed by a dental professional like Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell. Prolonged tartar buildup can cause a tooth’s enamel to break down, resulting in decay and/or cavities.

So… in order to avoid cavities we have to avoid tartar, and in order to avoid tartar we have to avoid plaque. Here are some recommendations from Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell on the best ways to fight plaque and tartar buildup.

  • Floss once a day.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride and fights plaque.
  • Use a quality toothbrush and remember to replace it every three months, or as soon as the bristles have worn down.
  • Add a mouthwash to your routine to provide longer protection even after you’re done brushing.
  • Eat well-balanced meals.
  • Brush after snacks.
  • Visit Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell regularly for oral exams and cleanings so that any tartar buildup you might have can be removed.

Take care of your teeth and fight cavities! Your bank account and smile will thank you. And since avoiding plaque altogether is impossible, don’t forget to schedule your regular dental appointments with us so we can help brighten your smile and keep your teeth healthy for life!

Don’t forget to join us on Facebook by clicking on the image below so you can keep up with everything going on in our practice, and so we can get to know you better. We look forward to connecting with you there!

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