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160 James Brown Dr • Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-0600
[email protected]

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Posts for: June, 2019

As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries

By Williston Dental Team
June 27, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: mouthguards  
AsSummerHeatsUpBeonYourGuardforToothInjuries

Each year, the National Safety Council recognizes June as National Safety Month. It's the perfect time to focus on safety: With summer temperatures heating up, so do sports and outdoor activities—and, unfortunately, the risk of accidents. As the old Boy Scout motto goes, everyone should "be prepared." And while that means watching out for sunburn, poison ivy or traveling hazards, it also means being alert for potential tooth injuries.

Even during casual recreational sports, an unintentional hit to the face or jaw could chip, move or, worse yet, knock a tooth out completely. As with any other aspect of safety, prevention should be at the top of your list when it comes to dental injuries. In that regard, anyone involved in a contact sport or other high-risk activity should wear a mouthguard. This device absorbs much of the force generated during a hard impact to the face or jaw that might otherwise affect the teeth.

Mouthguards fall into two basic categories. The first are retail guards available at sporting goods stores and many pharmacies, most commonly "boil and bite" guards. They're so named because a wearer first softens them with very hot water and then bites down on them to personalize their fit. Once cooled, the mouthguard will maintain its shape. While reducing the severity of impact injuries, these retail mouthguards can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear.

The second category, a custom mouthguard created by a dentist, offers a sleeker, more comfortable fit. These guards are based on a direct impression of the wearer's mouth that we take at the dental office. Although any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard, a 2018 study confirmed that custom-made mouthguards from the dental office perform better than the kind bought in a drug store or sporting goods store.

Summer is prime time for creating cherished family memories. With a little dental injury prevention knowledge, you can help make sure those summer memories are happy ones. If you would like more information about dental injury prevention and treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Athletic Mouthguards” and “Dental Injuries: Field-Side Pocket Guide.”


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Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment

By Williston Dental Team
June 17, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health  
DoThisforYourDentalHealthBeforeDuringandAfterCancerTreatment

Although cancer treatment has advanced steadily in recent decades, the most used therapies continue to be radiation and chemotherapy to eradicate cancerous cells. And while they often work, both can cause "collateral damage" in healthy tissues near the targeted cells.

This can create a number of indirect consequences for a patient's health, including in the mouth. The salivary glands, for example, can be damaged by radiation treatments aimed at the head or neck. The effect on these glands can interrupt the normal flow of saliva and cause xerostomia or "dry mouth."

Lack of adequate saliva causes more than an unpleasant, sticky mouth feeling. One of saliva's main functions is to neutralize acid that builds up naturally after eating. Without it, high acid levels can cause enamel and root surface erosion and lead to tooth decay.

Cancer treatment can also contribute to gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease causes stomach acid to bypass the natural tissue barriers of the esophagus and enter the mouth. As with dry mouth, the increased acid level from GERD can be just as devastating to enamel—and the damage will be permanent.

To minimize these effects on your dental health, it's important to take proactive steps before, during and after cancer treatment. If at all possible, have any needed dental work performed before you begin radiation or chemotherapy—it's better to start it with teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

During treatment, try to continue regular dental visits to monitor your oral health and receive any needed preventive or therapeutic treatments. Depending on your condition and the advice of your dentist, you may need to increase your visit frequency during this time. Your dentist can help with boosting your saliva production and strengthening your tooth enamel. But you should also practice daily brushing and flossing, drink plenty of water and seek treatment for any resulting GERD symptoms.

Even with the best efforts, though, your teeth and gums may still incur damage while treating your cancer. Fortunately, there are a wide array of materials and procedures that can effectively restore them to health. So, once your treatments are completed consult with a dentist on your options for improving the health and appearance of your teeth and gums.

If you would like more information on caring for your teeth while undergoing intensive medical treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.


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4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment

By Williston Dental Team
June 07, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cosmetic dentistry   smile makeover  
4AffordableWaystoTransformYourSmileforaOnce-In-A-LifetimeMoment

People improve their smiles for a lot of reasons: to better their career prospects, to put some juice in their social lives or just to do something special for themselves. But you may have an even stronger reason: a once-in-a-lifetime event—maybe your wedding day—is coming up soon.

You have several options for transforming your smile for the big day—and some are even quite economical. Here are 4 affordable ways to make your smile beautiful for that forever moment.

Cleanings. While dental cleanings should already be part of your regular dental care, scheduling one right before a big event can do wonders for your smile. Not only can your hygienist remove any lingering dull and dingy plaque and tartar, but they can polish your teeth for a brighter shine. Remember, though: dental cleanings support your own hygiene efforts, they don't replace them. Your own daily practice of brushing and flossing will also help you maintain a beautiful smile.

Teeth Whitening. You can also get an extra boost of brightness with a tooth whitening procedure. Using a professional bleaching solution and other techniques, your dentist can lighten your smile to your tastes, from a more natural hue to dazzling white. The whitening effect, though, is temporary, so plan to see your dentist no more than a few weeks before your big day.

Bonding. Perhaps a tiny chip is all that stands between you and a knockout smile. Your dentist may be able to repair that and other minor defects by bonding tooth-colored materials to the chip site. These composite resin materials have the shine of enamel and can be color-blended to match your tooth's natural shade. Composite resins are also fairly rugged, although you should avoid biting down on hard foods or objects.

Veneers. Although more expensive than the previous options mentioned, veneers are still affordable compared to crowns or bridgework. Usually made of thin layers of dental porcelain, dentists bond veneers to the front of teeth to mask mild to moderate problems like heavy staining, disfiguration and minor gaps. But because veneers are custom-fabricated by a dental lab, you'll need to plan them with your dentist at least six months before your event. The resulting change to your smile, though, may well be worth the wait.

If you would like more information on transforming your smile for a special event, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Planning Your Wedding Day Smile.”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
      • November (3)
        • A Little Orthodontic Magic Could Help an Impacted Tooth Erupt
        • Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • October (3)
        • 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
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        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • The Digital Revolution Is Transforming Implant Therapy
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
      • August (3)
        • Make Sure Your Kids' Teeth Are Ready for School
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
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        • Taking a Trip Abroad? Do This to Protect Your Dental Health
        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • June (3)
        • As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
      • May (3)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
        • Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
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        • April Is National Facial Protection Month
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
      • March (3)
        • Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
        • 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
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        • You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Take Care of Your Gums, Take Care of Your Heart
      • January (3)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Dental Visits are Key to Detecting Early Developing Tooth Decay
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        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
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        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
        • Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
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        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (4)
        • Take Care of Your Dental Appliance and It Will Take Care of You
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
        • 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
      • July (3)
        • What's So Special About Dental Implants?
        • A Royal Fix
        • Tips for Picture-Perfect Summer Smiles
      • June (3)
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
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        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
        • Replace Teeth for Better Speech
        • Worried about Your Child's School Snack Choices? Here's What You Can Do
      • April (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
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        • Quitting Smoking Decreases Your Risk of Implant Failure
        • 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
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        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
        • White Spots on Your Teeth After Braces May Be An Early Sign of Enamel Loss
      • January (2)
        • Winter Tooth Tips
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
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      • December (2)
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
        • If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
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        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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        • Don't Let Smoking Increase Your Chances of Implant Failure
        • Why You Need a Long-Term Dental Care Plan
      • September (2)
        • Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • August (4)
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • How Dental Bonding Can Help Repair Your Smile
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Regular Flossing not Your Thing? Try an Oral Irrigator
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        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
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        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • What Can I Do About My Uneven Gums?
        • Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
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        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
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        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Say Goodbye to Dental Stains
        • A Solution for Restoring Adequate Bone for Dental Implants
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
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        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
        • Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
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        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Success with Dental Implants Depends on Attention to Detail
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
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        • Caring For Your Dental Implants
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
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        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
      • October (4)
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • What is Dental Bonding?
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
        • Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
      • September (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Stop Annoying Canker Sores with These Effective Treatments
      • August (3)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Don't Ignore These Potential Signs Of Periodontal Disease
        • Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
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        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
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        • Periodontists Help Your Smile
        • A Crown Could be the Answer to Preserving Your Damaged Tooth
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
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        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
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        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
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        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
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        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
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        • Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
        • A Toothless Tiger?
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        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
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        • Keeping Fluoride to Just the Right Amount Protects Your Family's Smiles
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
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        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
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        • Gingivitis Could Become a More Serious Form of Gum Disease
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
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Cosmetic Dentist in Williston, VT
Williston Dental Team
160 James Brown Dr
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-0600
[email protected]

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