It’s an unfortunate fact that many people don’t think baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth. However, baby teeth are vital when it comes to the overall health of your child. Not only are they necessary for speaking and eating, but they are also essential for speech development. Even more, they make room for your child’s permanent teeth to come in as they get older. Working with your dentist at Summit Dental Group to take care of your child’s teeth will form healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Boise Dental Tips
There are a wide variety of Boise dental tips to make sure your child’s teeth are healthy. These include:
- Visit Your Boise Dentist Regularly: Once your child’s first tooth comes in, it’s important to make an appointment. At Summit Dental, we can provide you with guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth and educate you on what to expect while keeping an eye on any potential concerns you may have.
- Watch Your Child’s Diet: It’s important to be mindful of sugary foods and drinks that can harm your child’s teeth. Most juice and soda’s are high in sugar and acid, which can increase the risk of cavities. You should also monitor what your child eats as many foods contain high levels of sugar, which can further damage your child’s teeth. While you don’t have to limit these foods and drinks altogether, they should not be consumed in excess.
- Practice Good Brushing Habits: Practicing good brushing habits every morning and night will prevent cavities in their tracks. For children under three, you can use a grain of rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. After that, you can use a pea-sized amount as long as your child knows how to spit it out. For babies, you can wipe their gums with a wet washcloth to keep their mouth clean and healthy after eating and drinking. You also don’t want to put your baby to bed with a bottle as the contents can pool in their mouth, causing damage to their teeth and gums.
- Help Them Floss Between Teeth: Practicing good flossing habits at a young age, will remove leftover food debris from between teeth and protect your child’s gums. Helping your child learn to floss with also stop cavities from forming in less noticeable areas. Take the time to teach and assist your child until they are able to floss by themselves effectively.
If you have additional questions or concerns when it comes to your child’s teeth, contact the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group today.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Summit Dental Group looks forward to taking care of your entire family’s teeth. Our Boise dentists are more than happy to help you care for your child’s teeth as they continue to grow into adults. Now is the time to schedule an appointment with us, so we can help your child form healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today.
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If you’ve been suffering from tooth pain because you’re afraid of getting a root canal, it’s time you know a couple of things. Why? There is a common misconception of a root canal being extremely painful. However, nothing could be further than the truth. In fact, a root canal can not only relieve your pain, but it can save a badly damaged tooth from being removed.
Furthermore, when a root canal is performed by a Boise dentist at Summit Dental, the process is no more painful than having a cavity filled. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following important dental facts about root canals and how they are used to save badly infected teeth.
Boise Dentist Facts
Pain Is Often Due To Infection
It’s important to realize that people associate pain to root canals due to an infection rather than the procedure itself. Simply put, when an infection spreads to the inner part of a tooth, this affects all the soft tissues and nerves below a tooth’s hard surface.
In turn, an infection then causes unpleasant symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal. These include tooth sensitivity and pain. When you come into Summit Dental for a root canal procedure, your Boise dentist will clear your tooth of any infection that is causing the pain.
A Root Canal Can Save A Tooth
Rather than just extracting a bad tooth, it’s always best to save it if possible. If you do end up losing a tooth, you will then have to replace it with a dental bridge or implant, which can actually end up costing you a lot more. If you don’t have a missing tooth replaced, this could further complicate your natural chewing and oral functions.
A root canal can not only save your tooth but money and hassle as well when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. Below are a few ways a root canal can save an infected tooth:
- When you choose Summit Dental for a root canal procedure, the first thing we’ll do is make you comfortable by thoroughly numbing the affected area.
- Next, we’ll carefully remove any infected tissues from inside your tooth.
- Last, we will fill the inside of your tooth with dental material that will help prevent future infection. We will also place a filling or dental crown over the tooth to restore its health, function, and appearance.
Comfortable Root Canal Technology
At Summit Dental Group, we are proud to offer the latest dental technology to make planning and performing your root canal as comfortable as possible. Treatment always starts with thorough planning using digital X-rays to create detailed images of your infected tooth. When it comes to the actual root canal procedure, we use specialized equipment that allows treatment to be gentle and precise.
Summit Dental Group
At Summit Dental Group, we hope you feel a little better about root canals after reading this. If you think you might need one, there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about. With us, you can feel good knowing you’ve chosen the highest-quality dentists in the Treasure Valley who have your best interest at heart.
Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 to talk with our caring staff.
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Brushing your teeth at least twice a day goes a long way to protecting your teeth. The brushing process not only removes debris from the surface but works to keep your teeth white. Even more, the act of flossing goes the extra mile to remove unwanted plaque and leftover food particles from between your teeth. These healthy habits are vital to your smile, but they are only half of the puzzle. The other half involves visiting your dentist twice a year. From catching problems early to detecting oral cancer, below are a few reasons why a Boise teeth cleaning is absolutely necessary.
Catch Problems Early
Both your dentist and dental hygienist are extremely experienced when it comes to spotting all sorts of common oral health issues. For example, they can spot gingivitis – an early form of gum disease – that can be treated during a dental cleaning. However, if it’s not caught early, it can get worse over time and turn into periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and require more invasive treatments. Regular Bosie teeth cleanings from your dentist can help prevent the need for surgery or extraction down the road.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Cancer is a scary thing to think about. However, oral cancer screening is an important part of a dental exam. At Summit Dental Group, our team will look for signs of oral cancer during your teeth cleaning checkup, because the survival rate is much higher if the disease is caught early. That’s why you should always schedule your biannual appointments to ensure you can seek treatment early if necessary.
Tartar Removal
Sugar and acid feed unwanted bacteria that cause plaque. While brushing and flossing can help to remove plaque, it can’t be removed this way if it’s hardened into tartar. At Summit Dental Group, we have tools that are specifically designed to remove tartar from the hardest-to-reach parts of your mouth. When you leave our office, you’ll feel the difference that a professional Boise teeth cleaning can make.
Individual Treatment Plans
At Summit Dental Group, our dentists see a lot of details that can foretell the health of your mouth. If you have any abnormalities, inflamed gums, or sensitive/painful teeth, we can help diagnose and successfully treat any of these issues. Furthermore, we will let you know the status of your oral health and provide you with the best treatment options needed.
Understand Your Options
Want more information and answers to your questions? A Boise teeth cleaning is an excellent time to talk to your dentist. Feel free to ask us anything about new treatments, cosmetic procedures, or health-related issues that may be bothering you.
Summit Dental Group
Oral health care at home is an essential part of a healthy smile. However, so is your biannual teeth cleaning and checkups at our office in Boise, Idaho. Don’t let things like cavities or gum disease get worse. Our experienced staff at Summit Dental Group can help you maintain excellent oral health and achieve the smile of your dreams.
Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today!
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As 2019 comes to a close, now is a great time to start setting goals for the new year to come. These can include a new job, losing weight, stopping smoking, and more. As we celebrate the coming of 2020, many of us take this opportunity to make a wide variety of resolutions. Some people even resolve to fix a smile they may be hiding. At Summit Dental Group, our Boise Dentists can help you fulfill this resolution to get the smile of your dreams so you can stop hiding your teeth.
Boise Cosmetic Dentistry
Time and every day habits can take a toll on your smile. However, this is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, we all face problems like genetics, accidents, and aging that can result in a less than ideal smile. Don’t worry. A lot of these oral health and cosmetic problems can be easily fixed with our Boise cosmetic dentistry options.
Our Best Smile Restorations:
- Teeth Cleaning
- Teeth Whitening
- Invisalign Aligners
- Dental Implants
- Porcelain Veneers
- Crowns & Bridges
At Summit Dental Group, we offer a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry options to restore your smile. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning or veneers to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth, or a total best smile restoration, our Boise dentists are here to help.
Your Trusted Boise Dentists
With the new year upon us, there’s no better time to start it off right with a fresh, new smile. If you are ready to reveal a better you in 2020, give the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group a call today. We will take the time to discuss your smile goals and work together to determine the best smile restoration options for you. Don’t wait any longer. A new smile and a new you are closer than you think.
Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 to schedule an appointment.
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With Christmas just a few days away, this week is all about catching up with family members and celebrating all that is good in your life. Not to mention eating all those delicious foods! However, the holiday season is no time to slack when it comes to your oral health care. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following Boise dentist tips to keep your mouth happy and healthy during the celebrations.
Shorten Your Meal Time
The length of a typical Christmas dinner can be one of the most damaging aspects of your oral health. While it’s important to enjoy the company of your family and friends throughout the day, it’s also important to keep in mind that exposing your teeth to continuing foods can make it easier for cavity-causing bacteria to accumulate inside your mouth. Instead of passing the time by constantly eating, focus on sharing stories, watching movies, or playing games.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking water while enjoying rich, sweet foods helps to wash away debris and prevent plaque formation. Lightly rinsing your mouth with water between bites helps to improve saliva flow that helps to fight off cavities. Water is also an excellent replacement for more damaging drink options like soda or juice.
Brush & Floss Your Teeth
Take about thirty minutes after you’ve finished eating to brush and floss your teeth. You can also chew sugar-free gum after a meal, which can help wipe away leftover food particles from your teeth, improve your saliva flow, and assist with digestion.
Avoid Sticky Sweets
Side dishes like cranberry sauce not only stick to your teeth for hours they are also acidic, creating the ideal environment for bacteria to eat at your teeth and gums. Other sticky sweets are things like pecan pie and Christmas candies. If you do indulge, it’s important to make sure you rinse your mouth with water to help wash away the sticky remains.
Schedule A Boise Dentist Appointment
While we all grieve the holiday weight gain, the desserts and long meals associated with Christmas are also tough on your teeth. A post-holiday teeth cleaning can help scrub your teeth and prevent any issues before they become problematic. Keep in mind that your Boise dentist can also perform a variety of best smile restoration options, including a teeth whitening treatment to provide you with a brighter smile for upcoming photos and celebrations.
To schedule an appointment, contact Summit Dental at (208) 345-8962. Happy Holidays!
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Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. A great smile is not only memorable; it shows your confidence and happiness. However, it does take some work on your part to keep it healthy and looking its best. That’s why your Boise dentist at Summit Dental would like to provide you with the following tips to keep your smile healthy while preventing future dental problems.
Boise Dentist Tips
Preventing Future Dental Problems
Brushing your teeth is essential when it comes to maintaining optimal dental health. It helps to remove germs, bacteria, and leftover food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least 2x a day for at least two minutes. At Summit Dental, our Boise dentist suggests using a soft bristle toothbrush to brush both your teeth and tongue.
For added protection, make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. However, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after that first cup of coffee, juice, or energy drink to prevent any damage to your teeth due to acid exposure. You should also take the time to floss each day to remove food and buildup between your teeth and along the gum line.
Limit Certain Foods & Beverages
Limiting your intake of certain foods and beverages can protect your enamel and prevent tooth decay and other serious dental problems. Sugary, acidic beverages can break down the enamel of your teeth. When this happens, your teeth are more prone to decay. That’s why it’s best to limit your intake of soda, energy, and sports drinks. Candy also isn’t a good choice if you want to maintain a healthy smile. While you can indulge once in a while, it’s important to avoid sticky, chewy candies like gummies and suckers because they stay in your mouth longer. This, in turn, gives acid and bacteria more time to do its damage.
Don’t Over Do It
It may seem like a no-brainer, but you can actually overbrush your teeth. Brushing too hard, long, or often can wear down your enamel. As we talked about above, this can make your teeth more prone to tooth decay and other serious problems. If you brush too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you can damage the enamel of your teeth or gums. If your gums become damaged, bacteria can infect the tissue around your teeth, which could ultimately result in tooth loss.
Summit Dental
You can avoid future dental problems by taking adequate care of your teeth and gums. Remember to brush and floss your teeth at least 2x a day and avoid certain foods and beverages to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Looking for a great Boise dentist? Contact Summit Dental Group at (208) 345-8962 or fill out our online form for an appointment.
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Christmas is a wonderful holiday that most people look forward to every year. Why? This festive season is filled with love, joy, and presents. It’s also a time when you’re expected to smile for hundreds of photos.
If your family and friends are like most, they snap a ton of photos around the holidays. Not only are you creating memories this holiday season, but the lighting is incredibly beautiful. That’s why it’s important to look your best by getting a white Christmas smile from your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group.
Work With Your Boise Dentist
While there are a wide variety of at-home teeth whitening kits, strips, and toothpastes available, you won’t achieve optimal results without the help of your Boise dentist. Over-the-counter, at-home treatments are much milder than what you will get at Summit Dental. In fact, some don’t even work! These include many blue light devices that shine a light on your teeth after applying a whitening gel. Others are somewhat useful but don’t provide you with long-term, lasting results.
Furthermore, a teeth whitening toothpaste can help you maintain a bright smile, but it won’t provide you with the full results you’re looking for. There are also mouthwashes out there that claim to help whiten your teeth. Before you think about trying these products, it’s important to pay attention to your gums and discontinue use if you experience any sensitivity issues. The ingredients in these products can be abrasive to your enamel and damaging to sensitive tissues.
Instead, your Boise dentist can provide you with the best teeth whitening treatment that will not only whiten your teeth but do the least amount of damage to your gums and enamel. If you schedule an appointment now, you will ensure you have a dazzling white smile by Christmas. While it may take a few sessions, you’ll be extremely happy with the results you achieve. We can also provide you with professional at-home whitening trays or strips for those who like to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home.
Getting a healthy white smile is important, but you don’t want to overdo it with teeth whitening products. Advice from your Boise dentist is essential for achieving optimal results without causing any damage to your teeth and gums in the process. At Summit Dental, we can customize a specific teeth whitening treatment that works best for you.
Preventive Care Is Key
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a bright, white smile. That’s why it’s important to avoid stain-causing foods and drinks. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits. However, you don’t have to give them up altogether. Instead, you can simply rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking the things you love to help wash away any staining substances. It’s also just as important to brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Summit Dental Group
Now is the perfect time to make an appointment at Summit Dental to get a white Christmas smile you’ll be proud to show off. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today! Happy Holidays!
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It’s already December, and the new year will be here before you know it. Fortunately, December can be the perfect time to schedule a teeth cleaning and oral exam for you and your family. Even more, your Boise dentist at Summit Dental would love to see your smiling face at our office. In the meantime, we’d like to provide you with information about the kind of services we offer that are important to your smile. Not only can the preventive measure we provide protect your smile, but they can also protect your overall health as well.
Take Advantage Of Your 2019 Insurance
By getting some of the work you need done before the new year, you can enjoy the savings for the rest of 2020. If you wait to get all of your dental work done after the month of December, new insurance premiums and deductibles will go into effect, causing you to pay more than you would have if you’d gotten some of the work done in 2019. Even more, if your insurance doesn’t cover everything you need done in 2019, you can use a portion of your current benefits now and another portion after January 1st. This way, you can split the cost between this year and the next, which will save you money in the long run.
Preventative Dentistry Is Worth It
Even if you thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and you take the time to floss, you can still miss certain areas with these preventative measures. Missing certain areas can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can seriously hurt your smile. The good news, however, is that your Boise dentist at Summit Dental will tackle this concern when you visit us for a professional teeth cleaning. This, in turn, greatly reduces your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay over time.
Part of your exam, we use the latest in dental technology to spot any areas of concern. During this time, your Boise dentist uses the Green16 Advanced 4-in-1 Digital X-Ray imaging system to get a good look at your teeth and show you what we are seeing. This way, we can work together to address any problems and create a treatment plan before it’s too late.
In addition to regular dental exams and cleanings, your Boise dentist can set you up with other dentistry solutions aimed to protect your teeth and gums, boosting your oral health. These include dental sealants, fluoride and gum disease treatments, and more. We will also work with you to identify and address any underlying issues you may have. Whatever your individual needs, we promise to help you work through them in the easiest, most comfortable way possible.
Summit Dental Group
We hope the above information inspires you to learn more about the preventative services we offer at Summit Dental Group. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
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Gum disease is a common Boise dental condition that affects nearly half of the adults in the Treasure Valley over the age of 30. In fact, it’s the number one cause of tooth loss in the world. In addition to harming teeth, gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems in the body. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of gum disease so you can prevent it from developing and keep your smile and body healthy.
The dentists at Summit Dental Group offers periodontal therapy for patients who are experiencing bleeding gums and all stages of gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when the gums around the teeth become inflamed and infected. It begins with bacteria in the mouth that can result in tooth loss if left untreated.
Causes of Gum Disease
The leading cause of gum disease is bacteria and plaque that build up on teeth. When bacteria and plaque aren’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens on the teeth and forms tartar.
To rid our mouths of bacteria, our immune systems kick in, releasing defense cells that cause the gums to become inflamed. As they swell, the gums pull away from our teeth, creating small pockets that allow more bacteria to settle in.
Other factors that can lead to gum disease include a poor diet, stress, teeth grinding, tobacco use, or hormone changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
The Symptoms Of Gum Disease
- Bleeding, Swollen, Tender Gums
- Receding Gums
- Changes in the Teeth
- Deep Pockets
- Loose or Shifting Teeth
- Infection
- Persistent Bad Breath
- Spacing Between Teeth
When To Seek Boise Dental Help
Gum disease can be painless. In fact, most people don’t even know they have it. An examination with X-rays is the best way to spot and treat gum disease. If it’s been a while since you visited your dentist at Summit Dental, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to make an appointment soon. Treating gum disease not only improves your mouth, but it also has a positive effect on your total body health.
Summit Dental Group
Summit Dental Group provides comprehensive preventative dentistry in the Treasure Valley. Regular cleanings and checkups, combined with effective treatments, will protect you from gum disease for years to come. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, it could be a sign of gum disease. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today.
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Holiday parties, photos, and time with loved ones are just around the corner. As you prepare for the season ahead, don’t forget to schedule a teeth whitening treatment at Summit Dental to ensure a bright, beautiful smile!
Keep in mind that no matter the teeth whitening treatment (in-office, at-home strips or trays) aren’t permanent. However, you can maintain a beautiful smile with the following Boise dentist tips to keep your teeth whiter longer.
A Combination Approach To Whitening
To maintain a long-lasting, white smile, the dentists at Summit Dental may recommend a combination of in-office and at-home whitening treatments. An in-office teeth whitening treatment can whiten your teeth by several shades in a single appointment. Trays and professional teeth whitening strips can help you maintain your pearly whites longer.
Boise Dentist Maintenance Tips
Below are a few simple steps you can take to help maintain your teeth whitening treatment:
- Rinse your mouth often, especially after eating or drinking.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth and body healthy.
- Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco.
- Avoid common staining beverages, such as coffee, wine, and tea.
- Use a straw when drinking sports and energy beverages.
- Eat tooth healthy foods, such as apples, strawberries, and leafy greens.
Additional Preventative Measures
There are additional preventative measures you can take to maintain whiter teeth while keeping your smile healthy. These habits include:
- Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA approved whitening toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth between meals.
- Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
Last, but not least, it’s important to maintain twice a year checkups and cleanings with your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group. These regular appointments will not only polish away surface stains; they ensure a healthier smile by catching problems early on. If you would like more information about achieving and maintaining a gorgeous, confident smile, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 for an appointment.
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