Avoid These Foods For Better Oral Health

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Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing. What you eat plays a key role. Your Gilbert, AZ dentistwants you to know that certain foods can contribute to cavities, gum disease and other dental issues. Avoiding these common culprits will help protect your teeth and gums, keeping your smile healthier for years to come.

Anything Sugary

Oral bacteria thrive on sugar. You could say that the bad bacteria in your mouth love sweet treats just as much as you do. But when bad bacteria flourishes, your teeth and gums suffer. So avoid sugar as much as possible. Fruits also contain sugar, so these should be limited. For example, experts recommend that it’s better to consume an apple than a big glass of apple juice.

Processed Foods

Processed foods have lots of added ingredients; many of which are chemically-derived, created in a lab. Many of these ingredients are hard on your overall health, and can cause addiction, poor general health and issues with your oral health.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages have tons of sugar in them, and that sugar “ingredient” isn’t something that’s disclosed on the label like other foods and drinks. Yet it’s there. Whatever kind of alcoholic beverage you consume, gin and tonic, red wine, lager, the pre-mixed store varieties, and others, you’re drinking more sugar than you realize. And as stated earlier, sugar is extremely bad for your teeth, gums and overall oral health.

Your oral health is more dependent on your diet than you may realize. Strive to eat as many whole, natural foods as you can, and consume a varied diet so you get all the vitamins and minerals your teeth and gums need to be healthy. Book your next dental exam in Gilbert, AZ today and feel better about your oral health!

Do Electric Toothbrushes Hurt Your Gums?

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Depending on the setting, you might find your electric toothbrush fairly aggressive. If you have sensitive gums, you may worry if this is causing them to erode. If you’re concerned about whether electric toothbrushes are right for you, we’ll look at how they work and why you should be able to use one if you follow a few simple rules.

Electric Toothbrushes and Your Gums

It’s natural for people to want to scrub their teeth to a squeaky clean. Of course, if the toothbrush starts to creep over into the gumline, all that pressure may cause the gum line to recede. So, it doesn’t necessarily matter for your gum health in Gilbert, AZ if it’s an electric toothbrush or a regular toothbrush. The idea is more what type of pressure you’re using when you brush.

How to Protect Your Gums in Gilbert, AZ

The best way to protect your gums is to reduce the manual pressure and to choose soft-bristle brushes. If you’re not pressing down as hard and the brushes are gentler, you can greatly reduce the odds of damage to your gums. There are also electric toothbrushes available with pressure sensors that can help you detect when you’re stepping outside the lines.

The best brushing techniques can help you remove plaque and bacteria without hurting your gums. However, they don’t eliminate your need to see a dentist for a regular cleaning. In addition to scraping off any buildup you may have accumulated over the months, a dentist in Gilbert, AZ will evaluate your gums so you can keep them healthy for many years to come. Contact Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today to set up a dental cleaning today!

Is Sedation Dentistry Common?

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Sedation dentistry is a relatively new branch, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t widely used. Because there are more forms of sedation to make it more of a prominent service, compounds like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) have been used for well over a century. We’ll examine sedation dentistry, why it’s so common, and where you can find the right solutions.

Sedation Dentistry Today

Sedation dentistry refers to any type of sedative used for either relaxation or sleep. As pharmaceutical options have grown across the market, sedation dentistry in Gilbert, AZ is now one of the more common requests for patients today.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The main benefit of sedation dentistry is that it helps people make and maintain dental appointments. Unfortunately, fear and anxiety at the dentist are both relatively common. With sedation dentistry, people can finally get work done that they’ve potentially been putting off for years. You can get the relief you’re looking for, whether in the form of a mild relaxant or anesthesia.

Fear of the dentist often starts from a young age. It doesn’t always take very much for people to associate traumatic memories with the dentist. If you keep or someone you love keeps finding reasons to avoid your appointments, there’s a lot to be said for sedation dentistry.

How to Find the Best Sedation Dentistry In Gilbert

Sedation dentistry is a bit of an art form. From your weight to your anxiety levels to your personal preferences, it’s not always obvious what the best dosage or combination is best for you. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, our dentists in Gilbert, AZ can help you find solutions that work for you so you can have a good experience from start to finish.

Virtual Consultation — A New Experience in Dental Care

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Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ, is a thoroughly modern dental practice that puts each patient’s comfort and convenience at the top of the treatment ladder. It is this highly personalized approach that makes the practice unique.

Patient Care Comes First, but Creativity Counts

Our commitment to the best practices of general and family dentistry has proved that placing the emphasis on parent care pays dividends in terms of effective treatment and loyalty. We understand that most of our patients have far better things to do with their time than waiting their turn in a dental practice waiting room.

That’s why we developed some creative alternative options for patients who have questions and concerns about treatment protocols. Schedule a virtual consultation to discuss the next step of treatment for a child, ask about the relative merits of a root canal vs. extraction, or inquire about the cost of braces for your teenager.

Need Answers? We’ll Provide Them

Know that we will do our best to answer your questions, detail treatment options, and allay any fears you may have, but also know that a virtual consult cannot take the place of an actual examination. It can, however, be an important first step toward scheduling the services that are necessary. Talking with one of our doctors from the comfort and privacy of your own home is a service that we offer both to prospective patients and to our established family of patients. It can save us both time and should contribute to ongoing trust and mutual respect.

In addition to this innovative service, we at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry employ modern dental technologies to provide you with the highest level of dental services available today. Our emphasis on knowledge and care is top-notch, and we invite you to schedule your appointment today.

4 Reasons to Bring the Whole Brood to A Family Dentist

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When you’re choosing a dental provider, selecting a family dentist in Gilbert, AZ can improve your dental experience. Family dentists have many benefits over other types of dentists.

If you’ve never been to a family dentist before, it’s helpful to understand the benefits. Below, we’ve listed the many advantages of taking your family to a family dental practice.

1. Family Dentists Serve Patients of All Ages

Family dentists service patients of all ages, from the very young to the very old. If you bring your young children to a family dentist, they can continue to visit that dentist into their old age if they wish. This enables your children to develop a life-long relationship with a dental provider they trust.

2. Taking Everyone to One Dentist Is Convenient

It’s easy to take everyone in the family to the same dentist. When you visit the dentist regularly, it’s easier to remember their location, what their waiting room looks like, and what to expect during the appointment. This information can help you plan your dental visits to make them go smoothly.

3. The More You Visit the Dentist, the More You’ll Trust Your Dental Provider

It’s important to have trust in your dental provider. When you bring your kids to the same dentist you visit, there are many opportunities to develop trust in that dental provider.

4. Family Dentists Offer a Range of Services

Family dentists offer most of the dental services that people need throughout their lifetime. This means you can get most or all of your dental needs addressed by the dental provider that you’re already comfortable with.

Ready to schedule a dental exam in Gilbert, AZ? Call Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

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Bleeding gums is a common problem that many people experience. If you’ve ever had your gums bleed when brushing your teeth or eating, this could be a sign of a problem with your oral health. Understanding what this means and what you can do about it can help you take care of your teeth. Visiting yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, is important. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

Bleeding gums can have many causes, some relating to oral health and others not. Your dentist can help you determine what’s causing your particular problem. Below are some of the common reasons that people experience bleeding gums:

  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease
  • Ill-fitting dental devices
  • Use of blood thinners or certain medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush
  • Certain types of cancer and bleeding disorders

What Should You Do If Your Gums Bleed?

If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth or at other times, talk to your dentist. Many people experience bleeding gums when they have gingivitis or periodontal disease. These conditions are caused by an infection in the mouth.

Your dentist will be able to help you by taking steps to clean your mouth and eliminate bacteria. Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may need to thoroughly clean your teeth, prescribe antibiotics, or recommend more frequent teeth cleanings.

If the problem is not caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease, the dentist will take steps to help you learn the cause of your bleeding gums.

Make A Dental Appointment

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients like you to take better care of their teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth.

Bridges Vs. Implants: What to Know

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Bridges and implants are two dental tools that professionals use to help patients fill a gap when a tooth is missing. When it comes to choosing a type of prosthetic tooth, it’s important to make an informed decision. Knowing the difference between a bridge and an implant is important. Yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, can help. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer dental advice and care to help our patients make good decisions for their oral hygiene needs. If you’re trying to decide between a dental bridge and a dental implant, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place with crowns that grip the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges look natural and can’t be distinguished from normal teeth.

Dental bridges are color-matched to the surrounding teeth, so the dental bridge that’s installed in your mouth will be the same color as the rest of your teeth. To have a dental bridge installed, you’ll need the tooth or teeth on either side of the dental bridge to be healthy.

What Is an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s inserted into the jaw. Once healed, the dental implant is fused with the jaw, similar to the way a tooth root is firmly implanted in the mouth. The implant is topped with a crown that looks just like a real tooth. In this way, dental implants look like and function like real teeth. To have a dental implant, you’ll need sufficient jaw bone for the implant to take hold.

Which One Do You Need?

The decision to get a dental implant or a bridge depends on your oral hygiene and oral health. Your dentist will be able to walk you through the options to determine what best fits your needs. To learn more about dental implants anddental bridges in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.

Why Is My Breath Bad?

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Bad breath can be frustrating, especially if you brush and floss regularly. For many people, getting rid of bad breath is as easy as brushing their teeth. However, for some people, bad breath can be an ongoing problem. Knowing what causes bad breath and what you can do about it can help you take better care of your teeth. As yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, we’re here to help. Here’s what to know about managing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can have many causes. Here are some of the reasons that people experience bad breath:

  • Poor oral hygiene. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, you’re likely to experience bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. If you do not floss once daily and brush twice daily, work on your oral hygiene habits to help with your breath.
  • Eating foods that cause bad breath. Some foods cause bad breath and continue to cause bad breath even after you’ve brushed your teeth because the food particles have been absorbed into the blood. Onions and garlic may have this effect.
  • Smoking. Smoking and using tobacco products can have a negative impact on your oral hygiene and oral health. Therefore, smoking may cause a variety of problems that could cause your breath to smell.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that causes bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth and eliminate bacteria that keep your breath smelling good.
  • Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria. People who have periodontal disease may experience bad breath because of the bacteria causing the infection.

When to See the Dentist

If you’re experiencing bad breath and brushing your teeth isn’t helping, contact your dentist for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping our patients improve their oral hygiene at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. We can help.

What to Expect At Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

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Your child will likely start growing their first teeth by the time they turn one year old. When they do, it’s important to bring your child to the dentist for the first time. Getting early dental care is important because it can help thedentist in Gilbert, AZ, identify any dental problems your child may have. If your child needs intervention or treatment, then they’ll get that dental care they need.

Bringing your baby to the dentist for the first time can be a great experience, but it helps to know more about what to expect during the appointment. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients have a good experience when they bring their child to the dentist for the first time. Here’s what you need to know.

Examination

During your baby’s first dental examination, the dentist will look inside their mouth to see that everything is developing normally. They’ll inspect your child’s teeth, but it won’t take very long. The examination will not take as long as the dental examinations you experience when you go to the dentist because your baby will not have the same kind of tolerance that you do.

Talk With the Dentist

The dentist will invite you to ask any questions that you may have about taking care of your baby’s teeth. Your baby will need you to brush their teeth for them. Brushing a baby’s teeth differs from brushing your own, so the dentist may need to advise you on how this is done.

Ready to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist? Call Today

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help children maintain healthy teeth and gums from an early age. To bring your child for adental examination in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.

A Family Affair: Understanding the Importance of Family Dentistry

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Family dentistry is much more than regular dental check-ups; it’s about nurturing healthy smiles across generations. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, your trusted Dentist in Gilbert, AZ, we believe in creating a caring and inclusive environment for families, understanding their unique dental needs and history.

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry is a branch of dental care that provides services to people of all ages. It’s a one-stop-shop for your entire family’s dental needs, from your toddler’s first tooth to your parents’ denture care. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental services for every stage of life.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

Having one dentist for the whole family streamlines dental care. It simplifies scheduling and means everyone can be seen in one visit, saving time and reducing stress. But, it’s more than just convenience. Family dentists build relationships with their patients, understanding each family member’s dental history, which is invaluable in predicting and preventing future oral health issues.

Teaching Healthy Habits

Family dentistry isn’t just about treating dental issues; it’s also about education. We help children understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits early on, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Plus, children can often feel more at ease seeing the same dentist their parents trust.

Choose Family Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we’re committed to providing families with exceptional, caring dental services. We understand that every family member is unique, and we tailor our services to meet their individual needs. Experience the benefits of comprehensive family dentistry at our welcoming practice in Gilbert, AZ.

Remember, a family that smiles together stays together. Let us join your journey towards achieving beautiful, healthy smiles for the whole family.