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Tagged: dentist oral health indianapolis

Did You See The Colgate Super Bowl Commercial?

Water conservation took center stage during a Super Bowl commercial a couple Sunday nights ago. Colgate-Palmolive has long been recognized as a global leader in promoting wise water usage and the commercial below really hits home to TV’s largest audience. Their #EveryDropCounts campaign seeks your personal pledge to help. Take a look and let us know your thoughts by commenting below:

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Is Brushing Too Hard Bad For My Mouth?

Yes, it certainly is!  Brushing too hard (and too often) can absolutely be detrimental to your oral health.  For the sake of this discussion, we will refer to both brushing too much and brushing too hard as over brushing.

Let’s take a look at what happens when you over brush and what you can do to prevent it. By the end of this blog entry, we hope you’ll be able to brush your teeth in a safer, gentler manner and improve your overall oral health in the process.

Are there symptoms?

If you start to notice that your gums are receding, you may be brushing too hard!  Your gums will begin to recede if you continually, day after day, brush them too hard.  Additionally, if you see that some gums on certain teeth are much higher than others, you very well could be brushing too aggressively.  If this is the case, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Another way to tell if you’re turning into the Incredible Hulk when you brush is if you notice your teeth becoming sensitive.  It’s possible that you have created this sensitivity by exposing your mouth to such extreme brushing.  Also be on the lookout for bleeding from your gums. This is a very good indicator of over brushing and a clear cut sign you need to lighten up.

What can I do?

Here is the good news:  you can be helped if you are an overbrusher.  There are plenty of resources online to make certain you are brushing your teeth properly. Brushing is an important activity that we do so often, it’s key to remember that you do it correctly.  Gentler strokes, gentler strokes, gentler strokes!  You simply can’t go wrong with gentle, proper brushing.

And we have one last helpful tip for you overbrushers out there.  Consider picking up an electric toothbrush.  It’s a great investment that will have you in greater control of just how hard you brush.  Or, perhaps an alternate view of looking at things, an electric toothbrush can help stop you, within reason, from hard brushing.

Always get professional dental help from experienced, certified and responsible professionals the minute you notice something is wrong with your teeth or gums.  Dentists are able to advise you on the best course of action when you’ve been over brushing.

If you are looking for top dental care, you’ve come to the right place.  The staff at Southport Dental always puts your needs first.  We want to be positive that you leave our office smiling after every visit.  Get in touch with us today to schedule a checkup.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Want the Secret for a Lifetime of Dental Health?

Healthy teeth all during your lifetime is not as complicated as people make it out to be. Dental health is really a simple recipe – with only three key ingredients.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #1:  Treat dental problems immediately

Get cavities, infections and dental problems treated as soon as you become aware of them. Waiting for dental problems to fix themselves will never make things better.

Cavities are more easily treated when they are small. If left too long, the cavity will inevitably progress to an abscess. The filling that would have treated the cavity, will not fix the abscess. Treatment becomes more costly and possibly more radical, such as taking teeth out rather than saving them, or root canals rather than fillings.

Gum infections spread deeper and eat away at the jawbone that holds your teeth in. This bone, once eroded will never grow back – leaving your teeth unsupported and mobile. What could have been treated with a routine cleaning now requires gum and bone surgery, or even extractions.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #2:  Eat healthy for your teeth

When talking about healthy eating habits for our body, experts commonly suggest a balanced diet – rich in lean meats, fruits and vegetables with several small meals each day rather than the three big meals, which our parents and grandparents recommended.

While a balanced diet is good for your body’s general health, the manner in which food is eaten during the day can have a big influence on whether your teeth develop problems or not.

When we eat, the bacteria in the plaque on our teeth and in the mouth use the food particles to produce acids, which then eat away at the teeth. Compounds present in saliva act to neutralize these acids and minerals in saliva then act to repair the damage done by the acid attack after eating. It commonly takes ninety minutes to two hours to neutralize an acid attack after eating.

Researchers have shown that eating or drinking anything other than water on more than five different occasions each day lessens the time for saliva to neutralize the acids between each acid attack – and may not be adequate. This means that the teeth may be under acid attack for most of the day and this will inevitably lead to enamel damage, decay and tooth loss.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #3:  Regular 6 month dental check-up and clean

If you want to keep your teeth for life, being reactive and waiting for dental problems to manifest before seeking professional help just won’t do it.Mason and Jaime

Good health for your teeth and gums, just like any other body system requires being proactive, not reactive. You never hear cardiologists recommend their patients waiting for their arteries to clog to the point where you have a heart attack and then having surgery to have the diseased arteries ‘bypassed’. Common sense would say this approach is obviously inferior to a program of regular exercise and a healthy diet.

It’s the same with teeth. Waiting for teeth to abscess and having root canals does not make sense compared to regular six month visits, yet only half of the population have a regular dentist and not even all of those have regular check-ups every six months. Common sense just doesn’t seem to be that common these days.

Keep that awesome smile!

Are Dental Implants The Right Solution For Your Missing Teeth?

DentalImplantsSmileAre you looking for an affordable, experienced dental implant dentist that utilizes the latest techniques in dental implants?

At Southport Dental only necessary procedures are recommended, in other words, no one is pressured with “up selling.” When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options. The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good overall health. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. A few signs Southport Dental will look for in evaluating you for implants are: Healthy Gums, Adequate Bone Support and a Commitment to Oral Health.

Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Dental Implants are so well-designed, they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Studies show that in healthy patients most implants have a high success rate of 90% or more!

The success of the dental implant lasting for years to come is meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The steps to see if you are a candidate for implants will require an examination. The exam will include thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, bone density and quantity. Based on your examination and condition of your oral tissue, oral hygiene and personal commitment to aftercare a treatment plan will be recommended.

If you are looking to be evaluated for Dental Implants call our office at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment. Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Better Health & Smile With Adult Braces

Adult SmileAdult orthodontic treatment is designed to straighten teeth, correct your bite and help you achieve a beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment may help prevent many serious potential problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Fixing a bad bite improves your smile and your health.

Dr. Mills can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. These days adults make up almost half of all orthodontic patients. About 1 million Americans over the age of 18 wear braces. We offer both Six Months Smiles cosmetic braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. Both types of braces are an effective option.

When considering Six Month Smiles or Invisalign, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

If you would like to learn more about adult braces, and which solution may be best for your lifestyle, give our dental team a call at 317-494-7366.

We are always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the services we provide for your treatment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Screening for Oral Cancer

A regular oral cancer screening by your dentist, every six months, is the best way to catch cancer at its earliest stages. An oral cancer screening takes just minutes and can be performed during regular dental exams and cleanings. During your routine dental cleanings and exams at our office, Dr. Mills and his team will perform an oral cancer screening to check for the signs of oral cancer.

The video below demonstrates a screening of oral cancer during a dental checkup:

Oral cancer screenings are important for detecting and treating mouth cancer early! Oral, head and neck cancer represents a variety of cancers that can be found in the mouth, including the tongue, throat, lips, larynx and salivary glands, as well as the sinuses, nasal cavity and thyroid. Early detection is key to surviving this type of cancer.

If you would like to schedule an exam with an oral cancer screening give our team a call at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment. We are dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care!

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Kicking the Tobacco Habit is Good For Your Teeth

SmokingBadforTeethKicking the tobacco habit is not just good for your body, but good for your teeth and gums. Smoking causes bad breath and stains the enamel on your teeth. In addition to having unsightly teeth, smoking can cause serious health conditions. Because of the carcinogens in cigarettes, smoking is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer, which can be deadly. Smoking and tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth.

As with any addiction, breaking your tobacco habit may take some time. If you are able to kick the habit, it will only lead to better oral health! Your teeth will be whiter and less likely to decay. Everyone wants white teeth, fresh breath, a healthy mouth and firm gums. With help from your dental office, you can achieve all of these. It’s never too late to quit using tobacco. Ask us how to help kick the habit and reasons why it needs to be done soon!.

Southport Dental is proud to employ a talented, friendly staff to make your dental experience exceptional. Our front office staff will find the answers to all your questions and make you feel at home. Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Enhancing Your Wedding Day Smile

teethwhiteningindianapolisYour big wedding day is almost here and you want it to be perfect! Your smile will probably never be on show as much as on your wedding day.

Having a dental treatment in preparation for your big day will ensure you look great in your photographs, as well as giving you the confidence to show off your beautiful new smile. Nothing is more beautiful than a gorgeous bride in a stunning gown with a beautiful smile.

We offer a wide range of general and cosmetic dental treatments that will fit your budget and time. The most popular treatments for brides include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and crowns. Let us know what you want to accomplish on your visit and we will make it happen!

No matter how close you are to the wedding day, we can help you achieve a radiant, beautiful smile on your big day. If you are interested in improving your smile for your upcoming wedding day give us a call at 317-494-7366. We are always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the services we provide for your treatment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | About Us Video

At Southport Dental we appreciate our patients and new patients are always welcome! We offer a wide range of dental services for the entire family.

Our emphasis is on oral care education and the prevention of dental problems.

Check out our video to learn more about our practice: 

 

Our friendly and professional staff is always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the dental services we recommend for your treatment.

Southport Dental is located on Emerson Avenue between Southport Road and Stop 11. The office is just south of the I-65 bridge, on the East side of the road, in front of the Rosegate Senior Community. Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

Southport Dental | Are your Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive Teeth IndianapolisTooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. According to the Academy of General Dentistry nearly 45 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity.

It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Naturally, over time the enamel on your teeth wears down leaving the more sensitive and porous inner layer exposed. Factors other than age, often factors that are controllable, can cause enamel to wear down more quickly and result in sensitive teeth.

Here are some reasons why you could be experiencing this mouth malady — and what steps you should take to ease the pain:

  1. You may be brushing with too much force! Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or with too hard-bristled a toothbrush. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.
  1. You grind your teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, even though it’s the strongest substance in your body. Grinding your teeth, or bruxism affects millions of adults and children.
  1. You may have gum disease.Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven’t kept up with your dental health), can cause tooth sensitivity. More than three-quarters of American adults over age 35 get periodontal (gum) disease.  If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist may suggest a procedure to seal your teeth along with treating the gum disease itself.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask our staff at Southport Dental if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

What our patients are saying about us.

I have been a patient at this office for 6 years and I absolutely LOVE everyone here. I also got the chance to do some of my internship here and couldn't of had a better experience. If you love perfection, great people, and a very detailed staff this is the office for you.

- Danielle W.

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