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(706) 453-1333 1011 Parkside Main,
Greensboro, GA 30642

Become An Expert In 30 Seconds

June 17, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 2:59 pm

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE… We all love teeth, right? You love them because they help you nourish yourself without using a blender, and they certainly make your smile less creepy than it would otherwise be.

At Lake Oconee Dentistry, here in Greensboro, we don’t just love teeth—we love YOUR teeth. Your teeth, your smile, and your complete oral health are interesting and important to each member of our team. Our doctors know that you will likely never share our level of enthusiasm for great oral health (nor would it be normal for you to do so). However, modern science continues to connect the dots between your oral health and your overall health. So it’s not only important to be concerned about how your teeth affect your appearance, but it’s also important to understand all of the things that go on inside your mouth.

In part, that’s why we’ve implemented (and integrated) a number of social media tools to help us stay connected with you, our valued patients. Any dental practice can make claims about how satisfied their patients are by launching a static website with a bunch of “filler” information.Boring. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we’ve created a dynamic online environment where we can interact with you and learn how to serve you better—and have a little fun along the way.

Fun? A dental practice… fun? YES! What’s cool about connecting with us through social media is that it’s honest, transparent, and spontaneous. The best way to BE ASSURED you’re with the right dentist is by getting to know us in this untraditional, and “un-staged” way. The fact is, we all prefer associating with people we ENJOY being around. It’s just human nature. YOU’LL get to know our practice culture better, and WE’LL get to know YOU better too.

So, stay in touch with us. Ask us questions. We promise to be responsive.If you haven’t had a chance to LIKE our Facebook page, now would be a great time BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGE BELOW:

Thanks again, for being our valued patients and friends.

Beautiful Smiles Through Cosmetic Veneers

June 9, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 2:41 pm

ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH YOUR UNEVEN AND/OR DISCOLORED SMILE? Have you noticed small chips or cracks in any of your teeth? Well, don’t worry—Drs. David and Patti Bradley and Dr. Boswell can help! Dental veneers are an affordable and reliable solution to imperfect smiles, and here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we’re highly experienced in cosmetic veneer treatments.

Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which the surface of the tooth is covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain composite to protect the tooth from additional damage, and give you the beautiful smile you desire. In fact, veneers can solve most, if not all, of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Uneven Tooth Alignment: Through the years your teeth can become uneven as a result of grinding, or wear and tear.

Wide Spacing: Veneers can (if needed) add an extra layer to widely spaced teeth, filling in those gaps, and giving you a more symmetrical smile.

Worn Enamel: Over time, the thin protective layer of enamel that covers your teeth may become dulled, discolored, and worn. Though this can sometimes be caused by genetics, it’s usually the result of smoking or drinking soft drinks, coffee, and/or tea.

Wear And Tear: As we age, our teeth naturally wear down and become less resilient. Aged teeth are also more susceptible to minor cracks and chips.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry we can help you change the color, shape, alignment, spacing, and length of your teeth using cosmetic veneers! Cosmetic veneers are considered a form of cosmetic dentistry because they create vibrant and beautifully aligned smiles—but, they also protect the surface of your teeth and can help eliminate future damage and additional treatment!

Here’s a short overview video about veneers from the American Dental Association:

Many times, in just two or three visits to our practice, you can walk away with a brand new, gorgeous smile. So what are you waiting for?! Set up an appointment with Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell today to determine if veneers are right for you!

And don’t forget to Like us on Facebook by clicking on the image below:

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Why Children Should Visit the Dentist

June 3, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:38 pm

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE OF YOU WITH YOUNG CHILDREN probably have quite a few questions about caring for your children’s teeth. So, we thought we’d take a few moments to talk about why your little one needs a dentist too…

Although there are a host of benefits associated with proper pediatric dental care, the long term health of your child’s smile is obviously the most important benefit of all. The American Dental Associationrecommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist be right before their first birthday. During this checkup, Dr. David Bradley will teach you the proper brushing and flossing techniques to use on your child, make sure his or her baby teeth are coming in correctly, check to see if there is any baby bottle tooth decay, and ensure that your child’s gums are healthy.

Children should typically come in to see our practice about every six months to ensure that their teeth are receiving the best possible care.

Once all your child’s primary teeth have come in, Dr. Patti Bradley will typically start applying topical fluoride to harden the tooth enamel and protect those young teeth from cavities. Dental sealants can also be applied as a means of providing further protection from bacteria.

Another important thing to consider when taking care of your children’s teeth is their diet. An abundance of sugary foods and unhealthy snacks like potato chips and pretzels should be avoided.

Don’t wait until your child has a full set of teeth to visit the dentist. Set up an appointmentwith Dr. Patti or Dr. David or Dr. Phil Boswell today if you have any additional questions or if you have a child due for a checkup! We want to make sure your child’s smile stays confident and healthy for life!

A Discussion About Sensitive Teeth

May 27, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 7:43 am

ARE YOU READY FOR A “SENSITIVE” DISCUSSION? A sensitive teeth discussion, that is…

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we realize that this isn’t an ongoing problem for a lot of our patients. However, it is for some. And, it’s almost certainly a periodic problem for most people.

Dr. David Bradley reminds us, “Tooth sensitivity can come from many things including sweet or sour foods and hot or cold temperatures. For some, simply biting down can hurt. The resulting pain can be mild to severe—and sometimes very sharp, shooting directly to tooth nerve endings.”Regardless of the level of pain, tooth sensitivity is not pleasant. If the pain is long lasting or severe, you should probably make an appointment to visit with us. If the pain is minor and/or very occasional, here are a few basic things you can do to help prevent sensitivity:

Proper Brushing

Keeping up great oral hygiene prevents tarter buildup. This helps reduce the risk of exposing nerves. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush causes less abrasion and reduces potential gum recession. There are also several brands of toothpaste that, with regular use, help decrease sensitivity.

Fluoridated Mouthwashes

Daily use of a fluoridated mouthwash can decrease sensitivity.

Avoid Highly Acidic Foods And Drinks

Highly acidic foods and drinks can contribute to the dissolving of tooth enamel, which in turn can increase sensitivity. Limit such items—including many sports drinks. It can also help to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic items.

Don’t Clinch Or Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding and clenching can also lead to enamel wear, which can cause sensitivity (and a host of other problems). Visit with Dr. Patti or Dr. David or Dr. Phil Boswell if you suspect this is a problem you need help with.

As always… Our sincere thanks for the trust you place in our practice. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we want to be your greatest information resource for preventing and solving tooth sensitivity issues.

Here’s a short video you’ll enjoy about this topic.

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

Don’t forget to take a moment to LIKE our Facebook page!

Our Thoughts On Caring For Your Children’s Teeth

May 10, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 8:45 pm

EVERY PARENT KNOWS THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SMALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY IS A FULL-TIME JOB. Along with diaper changes, bath time, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth. But what are the best ways to go about caring for teeth (and baby gums!) during those early years? Here are some of Dr. Bradley’s thoughts on the matter…

Birth To 18 Months: No Toothpaste Required!

AtLake Oconee Dentistrywe believe, like most dentists, that oral care is important to everyone—no matter what their age. Our doctorsrecommend that you begin cleaning your children’s teeth as soon as the teeth begin to come in. For babies younger than 18 months, the best way approach is to use a wet cloth or gauze—without toothpaste. Gently rub their teeth and gums with a cloth over your fingertip. This, along with nursing and/or drinking water, is all the oral hygiene that your child needs at the infant stage. Once your child has more of a “full set” of teeth, your can use a small, soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth with water.

When To Start Toothpaste? 18 MonthsIn general, children should not use toothpaste until they are at least 18 months old—and when you do start using toothpaste, make sure it is a safe “children’s toothpaste” made especially for young ones. Young children have different dental needs than grown-ups—and children’s toothpaste is made for this purpose.

What To Look For In A Children’s Toothpaste:

  • SAFE TO SWALLOW: Most young children tend to swallow while brushing, rather than spitting out the toothpaste—so we recommend that your children’s toothpaste is formulated with this in mind.
  • USE ONLY A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT: Don’t use too much toothpaste—just squeeze a small, pea-size (or smaller) amount onto the toothbrush. Your child doesn’t need much toothpaste to be effective, and you don’t want your child to swallow too much toothpaste.
  • CONSIDER LOW-FLUORIDE CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE: Fluoride is an important element of keeping teeth healthy and strong, but too much fluoride can be harmful for young children. Several varieties of children’s toothpaste have lower amounts of fluoride or are fluoride-free.
  • FUN FLAVORS: Try some different flavors of toothpaste and see what your child likes. Some children—especially at the toddler stage—are very picky about flavors and might be reluctant to use a certain flavor of toothpaste. So be prepared to buy a few different varieties of children’s toothpaste and see which one is your child’s favorite.

When can my child use adult toothpaste?

At our practice, we typically recommend switching to adult toothpaste with fluoride when your child is able to spit out most of their toothpaste after brushing. This usually happens around age 4-6. However, they should still only be using a “pea-size” amount.

REMEMBER: Brushing your child’s teeth is part of parenting, and you need to start at a young age. By taking the time each day—before bedtime and in the morning—to clean your child’s teeth with a specially formulated children’s toothpaste, you will be helping to create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles!Don’t forget to come in for regular checkups and cleanings so that your children’s teeth stay healthy and strong! Set up an appointment with us through our contact page or by calling our practice at (706) 453-1333.

And please join us on our Facebook Pageand Twitter Account. It’s a great way to keep up with everything going on in our practice and we would love to stay connected with you there!

 

Stay Healthy And Avoid Gum Disease!

May 3, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 3:20 pm

OBESITY-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE BEGUN REACHING EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS over the last 20 years—and the trend doesn’t appear to be reversing itself. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980, and 67% of adults in the United States today are considered “overweight.” Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, we understand it’s no secret that obesity is associated with a variety of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—but, did you know that obesity can dramatically affect your oral health as well?

It’s true. Dr. Bradley points out that with the increasing number of overweight adults each year, many studies are being conducted to investigate the relationships between obesity and periodontal disease. The results may surprise you.

As you may already know, periodontal disease is an oral, chronic bacterial infection that affects gum tissue and can eventually affect the bones that hold your teeth in place. If you are a victim of gum disease or gingivitis you may be dealing with bleeding gums, inflammation, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. Talk to Dr. David Bradley, Dr. Boswell, or Dr. Patti Bradley today if any of these symptoms apply to you! Untreated gum disease can lead to much more serious issues, ranging from permanent tooth loss to heart disease.

In a recent Boston University study, results showed that overweight individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with gum disease, and those who are considered “obese” are three times as likely, making this a bigger problem than most people realize!

So, what’s the connection between being overweight and gum disease? Most theories suggest that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones that can increase inflammation in the body, decrease the effectiveness of your immune system, and increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. Other theories point to the possible eating habits of overweight people and the connections to simple sugars that our mouths convert to plaque. As plaque accumulates on teeth and gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay may become inevitable.

Don’t let gum disease become a problem for you. Stay healthy. Keep your weight in check. Maintain meticulous dental hygiene through flossing and brushing. Schedule regular cleanings and checkups to control plaque buildup and to avoid bigger problems. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! What your mom told you is true…An ounce of prevention IS worth more than a pound of cure. And if periodontal treatment is needed, our team can help.

We care about you, our valued patients. That isn’t just lip service. Our entire team wants to make sure you have best possible care available! Thanks for the trust you place in us.

Be sure to Like our practice on Facebook! It’s a great place for concise, interesting information—with a little fun throw in. Click on the image below:

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 4:43 pm

Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell Remind All Of Our Valued Patients That Early Oral Cancer Detection Saves Lives

IT’S SOMEWHAT SURPRISING THAT ORAL CANCER DOESN’T GET THE “PRESS” that other types of cancer seem to get. The numbers are significant. In the United States alone, over 35,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, PC, early detection is very important because it can boost survival rates to 80–90%! Unfortunately, many times if people do not see their dentist regularly, the cancer is not diagnosed before it reaches a more advanced stage.So, why does oral cancer so often go undetected? Dr. David Bradley says, “One of the reasons is because many of the symptoms are not painful, and people just don’t know.” Sadly, detecting oral cancer in its later stages significantly lowers survival rates.According to the Oral Cancer Foundation,if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should have Drs. Bradley and our team take a look:

  • A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
  • A lump or thickening of your cheek
  • A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
  • Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
  • Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
  • Numbness inside your mouth
  • Jaw swelling

Although there may be other causes for these symptoms, having them checked here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, PCwill provide peace of mind in knowing the cause.And of course, it goes without saying—the best offense is a great defense… That is, keep those regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s absolutely worth it, so make your appointment today.As your trusted, lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have any questions about oral cancer or any of the symptoms mentioned above. And share this information with someone you love! Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.If you haven’t had a chance to LIKE our Facebook page, now would be a great time by clicking on the image below:

Let’s Talk About Some Root Canal Basics

April 20, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 5:16 am

IF YOU’RE LIKE SOME OF DRS. BRADLEY AND DR. BOSWELL’SPATIENTS HERE IN LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, PC, you may have heard rumors that root canal therapy is painful and/or difficult. However, surveys continue to show that most people’s dental procedure fears are more about “perception” than they are about “reality”.The sad thing is that inaccurate information about root canals (and other dental procedures) can cause people to make uninformed—and often unwise—decisions that can cause additional expense, hassle, and unneccesary damage to their teeth, their oral health, and possibly their overall health. So, before you believe any rumors or hype, we thought we’d help clear up the top five myths about root canal therapy.

MYTH #1: Root Canal Treatments Are Painful

Typically, it isn’t that the actual root canal treatment is painful—rather, the irreversible condition that is requiring the treatment is far from comfortable in the first place! Most people who have root canal therapy admit that the pain they experienced was prior to the procedure, not during it… And, they felt so much better after.

MYTH #2: Root Canals Always Require Several Appointments

Typically, a root canal treatment can be completed in as few as one or two visits with any one of our dentists. Some cases require a tooth to be restored after the root canal is completed, but these appointments are not part of the actual root canal process.

If you are already scheduled for root canal therapy with our dentists, and if you’re experiencing discomfort, here are a few ideas from our friends at eHow:

MYTH #3: Root Canal Therapy Leads to Illnesses

This myth stems from some research that is 100 years old—and, has NEVER been duplicated or confirmed through modern research. That is, the bacteria that may be present from doing the root canal procedure can somehow make you sick after your root canal therapy. The fact is that all kinds of bacteria can be found in your mouth at any time, even if you don’t have decaying teeth, gum disease, or an upcoming root canal treatment. This myth truly is just that—a myth you don’t need to worry about.

MYTH #4: Root Canal Therapy Isn’t Necessary Until Your Tooth Hurts

Teeth in need of root canal therapy don’t always hurt. In fact, some dead teeth may just require a root canal to prevent infection. You may have a tooth in need of a root canal and not even know it.

MYTH #5: The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Don’t Last Long

This fifth myth probably starts with people who have had a tooth crack at some point after having had a root canal treatment. While it’s true that when a nerve is removed from a tooth, the blood supply is eliminated and the tooth can become brittle—making it more fragile and susceptible to cracking. Technically, this means that although the complete restoration solution may need to be examined, it doesn’t mean that root canal therapy doesn’t “last”. Often, our dentists will recommend having a crown placed over your tooth to prevent this from being an issue.

Well, there you go…the top five myths about root canal therapy shattered right before your eyes! We hope that you now feel a little less fearful of root canals, and much more informed.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or connect with us via our Facebook Page. Thank you for being our valued patients and friends!

Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page for offers and promotions by clicking on the image below:

Tooth Knocked Out? Drs. Bradley Remind Us What To Do…

April 12, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 5:57 pm

REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH, something as common as an overly aggressive flag football game, or something as unexpected as tripping over a curb can result in a knocked-out tooth. If that happens, don’t just sit there and fret about it! If you act quickly, there’s likely no need to look like a pirate for the rest of your life!

Even if your tooth is completely removed from its socket, our dentists here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, PCcan probably successfully replace it. But in part, it depends on YOU!

Here are the steps you should take if you find yourself, a friend, or a family member with a knocked out tooth:

• Act quickly.

• Hold the tooth by the crown, NOT by its root.

• Never try to wipe off the tooth because remnants of the ligaments that attach the tooth to your jaw may still be present and are vital to replacing it.

• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket immediately.

• Keeping your tooth moist is one of the most important things! If you are unable to replace the tooth in the socket, keep the tooth moist inside your cheek or in a glass of milk until you can see one of our dentists.

• Talk to us as soon as possible. Your best chance for saving your tooth is to see any of our doctors within 30 minutes of it being knocked out.

Once you are under our care we can likely replant and stabilize the tooth. We may not be able to tell what other procedures, if any, may be necessary at a later date.

If your tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. Modern dentistry, as practiced here in our office, offers many attractive, viable solutions for tooth loss.

Here’s a great video about what to do if you knock out a tooth:

Please contact us if you have any additional questions or if you need to make an appointment!

Can You Chew Gum And Help Your Teeth At The Same Time?

April 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 3:10 pm

DO YOU LOVE CHEWING GUM?Do you like to chew gum because it helps keep your breath fresh? Do you chew gum to relieve stress? Is it just a long-standing habit? If you’re like many of us here at the Lake Oconee Dentistry, PC, gum is a “necessity” that some of us have a hard time going without! Dr. Patti Bradley says, “In fact, ever since Thomas Adams invented chewing gum back in 1870, it’s been one of the most common breath stabilizers around.”

So… How is all this gum chewing effecting our teeth?

Good news! Chewing gum can actually help fight cavities! In fact, Drs. Bradley and team actually recommend it! The act of chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is a natural buffering and cleaning agent that kills cavity producing acids. In addition, a recent study shows that for those who do not naturally produce a sufficient amount of salivary flow on their own, chewing a piece of gum for 10 minutes each waking hour for about two weeks can help remedy the problem.

Gum is also a great agent in fighting plaque.

Plaque is one of the main cavities and periodontal disease contributors. The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry conducted an 8-week study where volunteers chewed BreathAssure Dental gum for 20 minutes a day while a control group chewed a placebo gum for the same amount of time. All test subjects practiced proper brushing and flossing techniques. The results of the study showed that BreathAssure reduced the accumulation of dental plaque by 35%.

Some types of gum can also contain beneficial artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol, which has been found to inhibit bacterial growth and perhaps even reverse small lesions. However, in order to truly benefit from the Xylitol in gum you need to chew two pieces 3–5 times daily for at least five minutes at a time.

So what’s the catch?

Yes, you guessed it… There’s always a catch, right? Here it is. Brands of gum containing sugar can be harmful to your teeth if they’re chewed too often or taken out of your mouth too soon. If you prefer gum containing natural sugar rather than artificial sweeteners, chew it for at least 15–20 minutes so that your saliva can rinse away the sugar residue once you’ve chewed out all the sugar.

Of course, whether or not you decide to chew gum is your decision—however, if you DO chew it, Dr. David Bradley strongly recommends choosing a sugarless gum.

If you’re susceptible to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, or other face/jaw pain, the disadvantages of chewing gum may outweigh the benefits.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below:

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Happy chewing!

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