How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?

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Most people know what it’s like to look at their toothbrush and wonder when they replaced it last. Whether you use an electric toothbrush or standard disposable toothbrushes, the reality is that they don’t last forever. Below, we’ll look at when to replace and why it’s important to do so.

When Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

Ideally, you’ll buy a toothbrush once a quarter or once per trimester. Every three to four months, you should get a new toothbrush — regardless of how well you take care of it. If you’re regularly scheduling a standard teeth cleaning in Gilbert, AZ, your dentist will be able to tell that you’re not quite hitting all the right spots.

Why Do I Need to Replace My Toothbrush?

The bristles on your toothbrush will start to break down eventually, which will mean that they’re not as effective at cleaning anymore. So, even if you boil or microwave your toothbrush to eliminate germs, you still can’t count on your toothbrush to have the same cleaning power as it did before.

The best way to remind yourself to change your toothbrush is to set up a predictable routine. Every time the season changes, you should make sure that a new toothbrush goes on the list.

Find a Dentist in Gilbert, AZ

If you’re looking for a dentist in Gilbert, AZ that can help you remove everything that brushing and flossing can’t, contact Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Because even the best at-home tools can’t remove all the build-up, we’re here to leave your teeth squeaky clean.

Understanding the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

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Keeping your teeth clean and healthy isn’t just about a bright smile, although that’s the benefit that most people are looking for when they look into the mirror. But no, the point is that it’s essential for preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. Two common culprits in oral health issues are plaque and tartar. While they’re often confused, these two substances are quite different, and each impacts your teeth and gums in unique ways. Understanding the difference is important, especially since plaque is easy to manage at home, but tartar requires a visit with your dentist in Gilbert, AZfor removal.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is that yucky stuff that you find on your teeth in the morning. It’s a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth and in this case, it’s not just you. Everybody gets plaque. It’s a part of life, unfortunately. Made up of bacteria, food particles and saliva, plaque builds up on your teeth and gumline shortly after eating or drinking, and especially overnight when you’re not paying attention. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, bacteria feed on the sugars in food particles, producing acids that can erode enamel and cause cavities. Though plaque is a normal part of life, it’s important to remove it to keep bacteria levels low.

How Does Tartar Form?

If plaque is left on your teeth, it has an excellent chance of hardening into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Unlike plaque, tartar is a hard, yellow or brown substance that’s a whole lot like cement. Tartar is a game changer. Once it forms, you can’t just brush it off, literally. It can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Only a dental hygienist or dentist, using specialized tools, can effectively and safely remove tartar from your teeth, during a teeth cleaning in Gilbert, AZ.

Now that you know the difference, you can see the importance of both oral hygiene at home and regular dentist appointments. Contact Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry to learn more!

 

Getting Back on Track After Years of Avoiding the Dentist

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Often, getting back on track after having avoided it for a long time can seem overwhelming or even impossible. That’s why psychologists often recommend creating good habits, even if they only represent small baby steps in the right direction. For instance, exercising for 10 minutes each day can build up into a habit with longer periods of exercise. But flopping on the couch every evening can do the opposite, making it harder and harder to even consider the idea of exercise. Visiting the dentist is no different, except that skipping the dentist for a period of years can yield such disastrous results that can make it feel impossible to ever get back on track. But your dentist in Gilbert, AZ has some great news for you. It is possible, and we can help.

Understanding Your Concerns

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about returning to the dentist after an extended break. Many people share this anxiety, and dentists today are more understanding and equipped to help patients feel at ease. Modern dental practices often emphasize comfort, and many now offer calming options, such as soothing environments or even sedation dentistry, to help ease stress.

Building a Gradual Plan

After assessing your oral health, your dentist can create a personalized treatment plan, often broken down into manageable steps. Whether you need restorative dentistry in Gilbert, AZ or preventative care, these treatments can be scheduled in stages, helping you ease back into regular visits.

Returning to the dentist can bring a renewed sense of confidence and comfort. Each appointment is a step toward better health, and as you ease back into a routine, you’ll likely find the visits becoming less stressful and more rewarding. Starting now, you’re prioritizing a healthier future, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!

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.