At Lifetime Family Dentistry, in Collinsville CT, we provide a full range of dental care services and treatments. Our services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, preventive and restorative dentistry.
The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.” The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!” To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
Although some practices still use silver-mercury amalgam fillings, we do not. They have been the standard type of filling for a number of years, but provide only a reasonable restoration. As metal does not bond well to tooth structure, eventually the fillings loosen and allow decay to set in. The main objection patients have about amalgam fillings is the appearance of a dark patch in a light-colored tooth. This can be very noticeable and detracts from a pleasing smile.
We offer the latest types of filling materials that do not have any metal. They bond very well to a tooth, diminishing the chances of loosening and the onset of decay. They are made to match the shade of the tooth and provide additional strength to the natural tooth structure. Lifetime Family Dentistry Elena Bielawski, DDS, FICOI, FMIII 66 Maple Avenue Collinsville, CT 06019 (860) 605-2075 LifetimeFamilyDentistryCT.com
The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth. The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food. To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
As children's teeth are more susceptible to cavities, we advise a quick and easy treatment that will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. The back teeth are difficult to clean with all the grooves and contours. With one thin application of a dental sealant, these teeth can be protected to greatly reduce the chance of decay setting in.
Each molar is thoroughly cleaned and one thin coating of this mineralizing sealant is applied. It is not noticeable, being clear or white in color. To bond the sealant to the tooth's surface, Dr. Bielawski uses a curing light. This is the entire procedure that takes just minutes and does not require a shot, drilling, or tooth removal. It is an easy preventative technique that takes just minutes, but can provide adequate protection to help children and adolescents keep their adult teeth for a lifetime.
The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t. The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you. To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org
The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”
