The Laser Dental Group

Dental health starts in the...kitchen? You read that correctly! Of course, brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are important, but they aren't the only things to consider when it comes to keeping your pearly whites in tiptop shape. Most people understand that they should limit the sweets and candy they take in, but beyond sugary foods, what should and shouldn't you be consuming? Here are some do's and don'ts to help you eat right for your oral health. The Do's of Eating for Dental Health To promote good oral health, the majority of your diet should consist of the following foods: Fiber Rich Fruits and Vegetables These scrub bacteria off teeth while stimulating saliva flow to neutralize acids that can damage teeth. Examples of fruits and vegetables you should eat are apples, carrots, celery and other water based options. Water -Water protects teeth and gums by stimulating the production of saliva, thereby reducing sugars and bacteria left on the...

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the reality is that no matter how refreshing that sweet, fizzy soda tastes, there's a chance it could be doing some damage to your teeth. But with so many products on the market, are they all really that bad for you? Answers to some of your most pressing soft drink questions are about to be answered. Get to the bottom of various soda claims and find out if there's a workaround that lets you keep your favorite carbonated beverage on tap without traumatizing your teeth. Q: Is it better to choose clear-colored sodas over darker colored ones? Neither option is a healthy choice for your teeth, but upon regular consumption, caramel hued soft drinks have been known to stain teeth more quickly. Cosmetic differences aside, the extremely high sugar content of any soda, regardless of color causes lasting dmamage to tooth enamel, resulting in decay, cavities and/or tooth loss in extreme situations. Q: Do diet sodas get a pass since they're sugar...

Taste Loss: Could It Be a Dental Problem? Most adults know that poor oral hygiene results in cavities and gum disease, but did you know that it can also cause taste loss? From salty to sweet, spicy to savory – failing to take proper care of your mouth can impede your ability to taste and enjoy just about any type of food set before you. Dentists call this condition "dysguesia", and if you haven't heard about it, here's what you should be aware of to prevent and/or treat this unpleasant taste disorder. Symptoms And Causes While other disorders can dull taste ("hypoguesia"), or leave you without the ability to taste anything at all ("aguesia"), dysguesia is typically characterized by a particularly foul, metallic or rancid sensation in the mouth. In many cases, patients who suffer from this form of taste loss may also experience Burning Mouth Syndrome, a painful oral disorder typically characterizedby numbness, burning or tingling a...

With terms like PPO, HMO, in-network, and out-of-network to describe dental benefits, it's no surprise that many don't understand how to make the most of their plan. This means you may be overlooking benefits that are critical to maintaining your oral health. Don't settle for just what you understand as part of your coverage. Read on for 5 simple tips to take advantage of everything your plan has to offer. Tip #1: Take Time to Understand Your Plan The best way to take advantage of your plan is to ensure you know the type of plan it is and its deductibles, copayments and annual maximums. There are two main types of dental plans: HMO Plans - with an HMO, you'll be required to choose a dentist in your primary network to handle most of your needs. You are charged a relatively low copayment for office visits, procedures etc. There is no coverage if you visit an out-of-network provider. HMO's typically have no deductible or maximum. PPO Plans - With a PPO, you...

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. But some common habits could be reducing the durability of your teeth without you even realizing it. By recognizing the habits that can compromise the structure and health of your smile, you can take steps to protect it. 1, Avoiding Regular Dental Care Many individuals skip regular dental cleanings or avoid getting necessary procedures due to anxiety, a lack of time, or other personal reasons. However, doing so can cause tooth cause tooth decay, gum disease and other common oral health issues. As such, you should be sure to visit the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and also, as necessary, if you notice a change or issue with your teeth. 2. Brushing Too hard Brushing is an essential component of good oral health, but not when done incorrectly.  Brushing too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, increase your teeth's sensitivity, and cause cavities . By purchasing a soft bristled or an electronic toot...

What if your dentist told you that x-rays can be done in a single sweep, expose you to less radiation than a round trip flight from Paris to Tokyo, and result in a complete, 3-D picture of your mouth in as little as a few seconds? For anyone who has ever had a mouthful of bitewings, it's a dream come true, thanks to a relatively new technology called "cone beam radiography". If you've never heard of it, you could be missing out. Here's the scoop on this revolutionary diagnostic tool and what it could mean for your oral health. What Makes Cone Beam Radiography Different? Unlike traditional x-rays, which require exposure for one flat image, cone beam radiography - also known as cone beam computed technology, or CBCT - can yield hundreds of images from just a single scan. Rather than having a beam pointed to a specific area of the mouth, a machine rotates around the patient (similar to CT scanners used in the medical field), capturing panoramic images of the mo...