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Growing a dental practice from scratch requires a lot of determination and the zeal to reach your goal. As the saying goes, conducting a business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. No one knows what you are doing except you. Likewise, growing your dental practice needs you to create as much awareness as possible and this is achieved through vigorous marketing. As much as there are many ways and marketing ideas for dentists, there are lots of challenges that come when you are trying to market your practice. This is often caused by the ever-growing stiff competition and for you to be outstanding; you need to be innovative in your ways of marketing as well as service delivery. One of the ways to be a successful practitioner is to create a solid lasting relationship with the patients as well as other prospects. These patients will feel a sense of satisfaction and they are more likely to refer their friends and relatives to you. While performing the dental marketing there are mistakes that are quite common among many practitioners. Some of these mistakes are. Failure to track data. It is recommended to combine both the traditional and modern methods of marketing, however, there are many dentists who just use the money to finance the campaigns but fail to track the platforms that are performing and the ones that you can do away with. In digital marketing, it is very possible to look at the source of customers using analysis tools such as Google analytics. With this, you will be able to track the number of customers visiting your website and the source. By using this information, you will measure what marketing platforms are attracting lowest traffic. Divert that money to the campaign platforms that show better results. Expecting quick results. There are dental practices that have miserably failed in their online marketing campaigns due to having unreasonable expectations. There is a notion that your advertisement will be seen by many people online and instantly convert them to customers. It may take some time before you can convert your traffic to real clients. However, it is important to build a strong marketing foundation with a long-term marketing strategy. This way, you will have quality long lasting results that will give you a steady growth of your dental marketing practice. Avoiding online reputation. One of the common ways in the modern era that a lot of online users are using to go for a specific business is to look at the reviews and feedback of the business. There are many forums that enable users to express their experience with different dentists. As a dental practitioner, it is important to keep a close look of the feedback that your website is getting. According to statistics, about 88% of online users trust reviews than personal recommendations. If you have negative ratings, it will adversely have a negative impact on your practice. As much as you may have a few negative reviews, there are firms that offer online reputation management for dentists that help their practice stand the test of time and remain relevant. Always protect your reputation because once it is spoilt, it is very hard to rebuild it. Wrong target. When it comes to dentistry, there are several areas that you may be covering. For instance, you could be a cosmetic dentist or a dentist specifically for small children. When creating content of campaign, it is important to bear in mind the people you are targeting. In this way, you will be able to have your ads reach that group more effectively. Look out for the best ways to engage them. By avoiding the above mistakes, you can rest assured that you will have your practice steadily grow.  

Prevention And Tips To Reverse Receding Gums Without Surgery If You are pregnant, you may have detected that your gums are troubling you more than usual. If you feel pain or tenderness in your gums, or if you bleed when you brush your teeth or floss, you may be developing a known medical condition with the name of pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is very common to occur during pregnancy - however - if it is not treated properly it could lead to complications with your pregnancy. If you notice any of the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis, it is extremely important that you visit your dentist in order to undergo the appropriate treatment. What IS Receding Gums? Receding gums is more commonly known as gum disease, and it affects more than 90% of Americans at some point in their lives. It is caused by the formation of a sticky plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums and can cause your gums to become inflamed and painful, and may even cause bleeding. Gingivitis may also cause tooth brushing or floss to become very painful. Gingivitis is one of the earliest stages of an extremely serious type of gum disease, called periodontal disease. If left untreated, it would progress to periodontal disease, which could cause irreversible damage to your gums and teeth. What is Pregnancy Gingivitis? Pregnancy gingivitis is simply a type of gingivitis that arises during pregnancy. More than 50% of all pregnant women experience some form of pregnancy gingivitis. Although gingivitis is a worrying disease, it usually does not pose any risk, unless it is not treated on time. If pregnancy gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, it may increase your risk of preterm labor. Causes of Gum Disease During Pregnancy There are some factors that cause the development of gum disease during pregnancy. Increased blood flow gives one of the reasons. During pregnancy, your blood flow will increase between 30% and 50%. This will happen to make sure your baby can source the nutrients needed to grow and develop healthily. Unfortunately, this increase in blood flow can also cause your gums to swell and ache. It may even be that the gums bleed; increasing the risk of gingivitis. Increasing hormone levels could also play an extremely important role in the development of pregnancy gingivitis. These high hormone levels cause your gums and teeth to become more sensitive to the bacteria that are hidden on the plaque. This is one of the reasons why gingivitis is so common during pregnancy. The morning sickness can also contribute to a lesser extent to develop pregnancy gingivitis. Many women find that they cannot withstand the smell or taste of toothpaste, making it difficult for them to maintain proper oral hygiene. Increasing vomiting during pregnancy can also harm your gums. The vomit contains stomach acid, which can get to eat the tissue of your gums and the enamel of your teeth; making your mouth become much more sensitive. Symptoms of Pregnancy Gingivitis There are some symptoms of receding gums that you should keep in mind. If you feel any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek the right treatment as soon as possible. • Sensitive and inflamed gums. • Gums red or purplish-red. • Gums that look very shiny • Bleeding from the gums after brushing or flossing. • Persistent improper breathing. • To feel an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which does not disappear. • Sores in the mouth. Complications Caused by Pregnancy Gingivitis Generally speaking, pregnancy gingivitis is not a problem that you have to worry about. However, if you do not stop receding gums properly, it could cause you and your baby to have potential health problems. Sometimes receding gums can cause blisters or sores to form on the gums. These blisters are usually known as tumors of pregnancy. Such tumors can grow to a size of three-quarters of an inch and can cause discomfort and even pain. If they break, tumors of pregnancy can become infected. Most tumors can be easily removed before they even cause any kind of complications. It is really important to take pregnancy gingivitis seriously since, if not treated properly, it could end up becoming a periodontal disease. Periodontal gum disease is a very advanced form of gingivitis that attacks the bones and soft tissues that support the teeth. This disease can cause permanent damage to your mouth and can cause loss of gums and teeth. Periodontal disease has also been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery - in fact, women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to give birth to their babies prematurely. Treating Gum Disease During Pregnancy There are no cures to eradicate gum disease because the damage caused by it - sometimes - can be reversed or stopped. All expecting women should receive at least two dental cleanings during their pregnancies. This would help reduce your chances of developing gingivitis from pregnancy or periodontal disease. If you already had gingivitis, the best treatment to cure gum disease would be to perform a thorough cleaning in your dentist's office. Your dentist will remove tartar from your teeth using a large array of instruments. This will eliminate the excess plaque present in your teeth and the one that surrounds your gums. Advanced gingivitis may also require a root planing, this being a process during which the plaque found in the roots of your teeth are completely removed. Prevention And Tips To Reverse Receding Gums Without Surgery As always, the best treatment for gingivitis is prevention. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will ensure that your gums and teeth will stay healthy for a long time. Try to follow these practical tips to reverse receding gums: • Brush your teeth twice a day, for at least five minutes at a time. • Use a fine bristle brush - this will keep your gums from getting irritating. • Floss once a day or use an antibacterial rinse to get rid of plaque present between your teeth. • Avoid eating large amounts of foods containing refined sugar - this will slow plaque buildup and tartar buildup. • Visit your dentist regularly. Want to Know more about How To Reverse Receding Gums Without Surgery, visit Www.NaturesSmile.com  

Posted by Oral Health

Moresmilesmedia.com/marketing-lessons 6 Phases needed to create and convert social media followers into actual patients.

Posted by More Smiles Media

It is therefore very important to train your children to take up habits that will prevent oral health problems or any other body issues. In order to prevent the formation of decay on the children’s teeth, below are some of the major habits that they should take up. Your child should always brush and floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing regularly helps in removal of food particles that may be left in the mouth. Failure to do so will bring about the formation of plaque and the area will be very conducive for the growth of bacteria thus leading to tooth decay. Any oral health issue can be maintained by taking the steps of brushing and always flossing daily. Since the gum of your children is still soft, it is recommended that you should use a soft pad to remove any particles or plaque from your mouth. As the teeth start growing, clean them by use of soft tooth brush. Give your baby healthy foods and take a lot of water. The foods that you give to your kid should not only fight hunger, but it should also benefit him in enhancing the body health. For instance, ensure that you give your kid whole grains, vegetables as well as fruits. Also, you can give the baby cheese and milk as they are very healthy for the teeth and recommended by some of the most reputable dentists in Jacksonville. In case you give your children snacks or sugary foods, you should ensure that they rinse their mouth with plenty of water. As your child approaches 12 months, you should ensure that they take a lot of beverages. Plain water is recommended during the night. Water plays a great role in maintaining the health of your mouth. Take proper care of the teeth and gums of your child. Saliva contains a lot of bacteria and if you do not take proper care of your mouth, these bacteria may grow in numbers thus eating away the enamel of your teeth. As a parent, you should avoid by all means to share your spoon and other utensils with your child as the risk of transferring bacteria from your mouth to theirs is very high. The baby’s pacifier should also not be cleaned using your mouth. By taking the above three tips into account, you can rest assured that your child will gro with strong healthy oral hygiene as well as the overall body health.

  When Dental Issues are the Problem Not everyone presenting with ear pain has the same underlying issue, but there are often times when a dental issue is causing swelling, inflammation, or other discomfort in adults. The most common types of medical issues related to the teeth and jaw include: TMJ Disorders: The temporo-mandibular joint, or TMJ, is responsible for connecting the jaw to the temporal bones found in the skull. When functioning properly, the TMJ allows the jaw to move in a variety of ways. However, a problem with this joint may lead to a TMJ disorder, causing pain that begins in the jaw but then may subsequently travel to the area around the ears. Individuals who clench their teeth during the day or grind the jaw at night may experience TMJ-related pain that can be misdiagnosed as a problem with the ears. Acute Apical Abscess: When the tip of a tooth’s root becomes infected and inflamed, an acute apical abscess is diagnosed. Infections that last for a long period of time without being treated are the most likely cause of this uncomfortable medical issue, but trauma to the tooth, a fracture, an untreated cavity or a failed restoration of the teeth may also be the cause. Should the infection travel to the jaw, a patient’s nerves may relay pain signals to the area around the ears. Sinusitis: A sinus infection, referred to as sinusitis, affects the cheeks, jaw, and in some cases the ear of patients. When fluid accumulates in the sinus cavities and becomes infected, pressure is placed on the cheek and jaw bones that can then radiate to the ears. Myalgia: Sore jaw muscles, collectively known as myalgia, can be caused by a variety of issues, including injury, dental procedures, or overexertion. If the pain remains untreated for some time, the nerves could carry signals to the ears leading to a missed or delayed diagnosis. Trigeminal Neuralgia: When patients experience sudden, usually temporary yet severe facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia may be the cause. When this issue arises, compression of the trigeminal nerve is in play, most often due to a blood vessel putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve in the skull. Individuals may have pain for short periods of time for days, weeks, or months, but it is often debilitating when it takes place. A Chance of Misdiagnosis Dental problems that cause pain to the ear can be the result of one or several underlying conditions, but the potential for misdiagnosing the real issue at hand is high. A solicitor for a leading medical negligence firm that works with several ear, nose and throat cases each year explains that the reason for misdiagnosis lies in where pain presents. The nervous system in the human body is highly complex and interconnected, and so pain signals from the mouth or jaw can quickly travel to the area surrounding the ear. For instance, an ear infection may be the initial diagnosis when an individual complains of ear discomfort, but any one of the dental issues listed above may truly be the cause. When a misdiagnosis of the root cause of ear pain takes place, patients may be put on a treatment plan that does not address the problem at hand. Delaying the right treatment may result in ongoing pain or the dental issue getting far worse. Although pain in the ear can subside on its own, it is beneficial for patients to receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment sooner rather than later. Remedies for ear pain related to dental issues may include applying mild heat to the jaw or taking anti-inflammatory prescriptions to heal an infection. Adults presenting with ear pain can recover quickly, but only when the true cause of the problem is known and treated.

Posted by Total Health Mag

Why people choose invisalign over traditional braces If you have misaligned and crooked teeth, they are not only going to be unsightly but this makes it hard for you to clean your teeth as well. When you cannot clean your teeth well, you may develop periodontal diseases. This can lead to bone and gum damage or tooth loss. Wearing braces is the best way that you can align your teeth. However, using conventional braces is not attractive for many people and it can be painful and uncomfortable too. Adults are not happy to wear braces but now invisalign has become an alternative to the traditional braces. The reasons why people are choosing invisalign over traditional braces Appearance When metal braces are used, they make the mouth look unattractive and it looks as if it is filled with unsightly or awkward chunks of metal. They are easily noticeable mostly with adults and food can get caught within them so the wearer may not be aware of this. Invisalign is not noticeable and it is hard for someone else to know that you actually are undergoing a dental treatment and are wearing braces. Comfort When needed, invisalign may be removed. When metal braces have been attached to the teeth of a person, then these have to stay in the same place up to the time that a professional removes them. However, invisalign can be removed easily. The wearer will remove them for some time to drink and eat. Safety The conventional metal braces have wires that can protrude and they may scratch or puncture the gums or insides of the mouth. However, invisalign is comfortable. They do not have sharp edges or even protruding bits or edges. Metal braces may affect the teeth and may cause decaying and demineralization. They use too much force for straightening the teeth but all these problems do not exist if you use invisalign. The clear braces reduce the damage that is caused by braces such as cavities or gum diseases. Less wearing period  A person who has invisalign can expect that the treatment will take about 5 years. However, with invisalign, the results can be achieved in just one year making them an obvious choice for most patients.  

Have A DentalCheck-up You may have a summer checklist of things you and your family want to do, perhaps it’s to visit a new place or to spend time with your family. Is a dental check up with your Reston dentist on your list? If not, it should be. We know that taking time out of your schedule is challenging, especially in the busy summer months, but one of the most important things you can do for your smile is to see your dentist regularly for your exam and cleaning. During these visits we can detect any potentially serious dental issues before they become worse, promising you a better prognosis. Make room in your schedule for us. Trust us—your smile will thank you. Watch what you Eat and Drink Summer is the time for BBQ’s and staying cool and refreshed. This may include high sugar drinks such as juices, sports drinks and soda. To make it less likely that you’ll choose the wrong foods, you can start packing some smile-friendly snacks for you and your family. You don’t have to slave away in the kitchen to create delicious snacks; just toss in some fresh fruits and cheeses in your lunchbox and you’ll be good to go! You can also avoid sugar in most current soft drinks and stick to water instead. Perhaps a grandparent once told you that eating too much candy will cause your teeth to rot. While it's true excess sugar can cause tooth decay, this is due to the bacteria they attract, not the sugar itself, that can damage your teeth. Just as you have a sweet tooth, so do bacteria. They love to eat the sticky sugars that linger on your teeth. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine Did you remember to pack your toothbrush? There is no excuse to not continue to brush and floss even if you are traveling. You can pack travel kits with all of the things you might need, such as a toothbrush and floss. If your children are participating in sports it’s important to make sure that they are using their mouth guards to protect their teeth. Why do you need to brush twice per day? While we naturally have bacteria in our mouths, the decay-causing bacteria are able to develop because they latch onto biofilm, a layer of bacteria. Brushing twice per day is an effective method for preventing tooth decay because brushing rids the teeth of biofilm. No matter how busy your day or evening gets, flossing is an important element of any daily oral routine. There’s really no excuse for not flossing daily! Flossing promotes healthy gums and can help remove bacteria and food from hard-to-reach spots that maybe your brush just can’t get. For more dental hygiene tips -- or to schedule your next appointment -- please call Reston Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Reston, VA. No matter how busy you are, we all have the same 24 hours in which to accomplish all our tasks. When we find ourselves overscheduled, overworked and overtired, it can be hard to keep up with all the things you have to do. Some things, unfortunately, get overlooked; however, don’t let your oral care be one of them.

Choose dentist is very difficult and dangerous because it relates to health problems. Most cosmetic dentists in Claremont offer paid consultation. But only Ashton Avenue Dental Practice gives free initial consultation. It is helpful in gaining insights. We make sure our cosmetic dentist is very helpful in all types of dental problems. Teeth whitening Services • Immediate Results • Long-Lasting • Safe and Comfortable • Lower Risk of Sensitivity • Less Fade back • Performed by a Dental Professional In the past teeth whitening procedure is very costly. But now a day, teeth whitening is a safe and non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure. The fastest way for teeth whitening is laser whitening. At Ashton Avenue Dental Practice, we offer teeth whitening and zoom teeth whitening services at very affordable prices. Original Source: https://medium.com/@ashtonavenuedental/advanced-teeth-whitening-solutions-in-claremont-111190480755

You child’s baby teeth will start to come through at around 6 months and will usually remain with them until the age of 13 or 14 year-olds.                 Even though your child’s baby teeth will be replaced, they are still important as they act as placeholders for their adult teeth and also allow your children to speak clearly and eat properly. Here are 5 oral health concerns that you should be aware of about your child’s teeth: 1. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay You can prevent your child from getting Baby Bottle Tooth Decay by starting them on an oral hygiene checkup cycle soon after they are born, basically initiating them into pediatric dentistry. You can begin by cleaning your baby’s mouth by wiping his gums with a clean pad which will prevent any buildup of plaque for any teeth that are coming through. Make sure to brush them with a specially prescribed child’s toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when your child’s teeth begin to come through. Add only formula, breast milk or regular milk in your child’s feeding bottle and avoid adding sugary liquids like juice or soda. Ensure that your infant finishes his bedtime bottle before heading to bed as falling asleep with unswallowed milk in his mouth can lead to tooth decay. 2. Thumbsucking Sucking is a natural reflex and young children suck their fingers and other things to find solace in them as it helps them relax and feel safe. Most children usually stop sucking by the age of 4 years but if your child continues to suck, this can be a problem as it affects your child’s teeth alignment. If your child simply puts his fingers in his mouth in a passive way then he will face less of a problem whereas children who tend to suck hard will tend to have unaligned teeth. 3. Early Childhood Decay (ECC) ECC is a pretty common and severe form of cavities found in young children around the age of 0-4 years. If this is not treated in time, then the decay will probably spread into the tooth, causing pain, infection and even damage the underlying adult tooth. This can lead to having your child’s teeth removed if not treated in time. If your child happens to lose a baby tooth early then other teeth can move into its place and block the adult teeth which may throw his teeth out of alignment. This is where you can use space maintainers which will hold the missing space for your child’s prematurely missing teeth. Your child losing his primary teeth can lead to his adult teeth surfacing in the empty spaces instead of where they’re supposed to. This causes a problem of having a cramped set of teeth later on as there won’t be enough space left when the rest of the adult teeth start to come through. 4. Dental Emergencies Kids will be kids right? So dental emergencies are bound to occur from time to time as well but they can be better handled if you are prepared. Here are 6 dental tips to keep in mind when you and your child experience a dental emergency: • Keep the knocked out tooth moist. Try inserting the tooth back into its socket without touching the root. If that is not possible then simply place it between your child’s gum and cheek or even in milk. Make sure to call your dentist immediately.                                                         • If your child’s tooth has a crack, have him rinse out his mouth with warm water immediately to clean the tooth. Apply cold compresses to keep the swelling down. • If your child bites his tongue or lip during a sporting event, clean the area gently and apply a cold compress. Mouthguards are fantastic alternatives to prevent this from happening in the first place; they should be worn whenever your child is taking part in any recreational activity. Mouthguards tend to cushion blows that would usually break teeth, cause injuries to the face and can fend off jaw fractures. • For toothaches, have your child rinse his mouth with warm water to have it cleaned out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught in the teeth. Do not apply aspirin anywhere in your child’s mouth. • If any objects are stuck in your child’s mouth, try to gently remove them with floss, don’t use any other objects. 5. Bad Bites This is a condition whereby the teeth are crooked, crowded and out of alignment and the jaws may not meet properly. Bad bites become particularly defined between the ages of 6-12 when your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come through. If this condition is not curbed early on then keeping the teeth and gums clean becomes difficult as the teeth are crooked and crowded which increases the chances of cavities and gum disease. This also affects: • The proper development of your child’s jaws. • Puts your child’s protruding teeth at risk of chips and fractures • Affects your child’s eating and speaking habits. • This wears out some of your child’s teeth faster than others due to unaligned teeth. Make sure that you consult your family dentist before you go ahead with taking care of your child’s oral health. I hope that you found this article useful and you use the knowledge to prepare for your child’s dental emergencies.  

But first, what do we truly mean when we talk about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ideally, this method is used to improve the overall look of teeth, and various processes are being done for their improvement. Some examples are: · Teeth Whitening or Bleaching wherein the accumulated plaque and tartar are being removed to restore their original color. · Composite Bonding wherein a portion of the tooth is being repaired. When there is decay or a discoloration, that part will be drilled out by the dentist, and will be replaced with a composite which would be molded according to how the original tooth was shaped as. · Tooth Reshaping that is often combined with Composite Bonding. Tooth appearance is modified which allows the dentist to remove enamel and redefine the shape of the tooth. · Crown Lengthening which allows an individual with an uneven gum-to-teeth portion to have more alignment. This procedure will create a seemingly wider appearance of the tooth by exposing the crown. · Veneers which are thin layers placed over the tooth by use of an adhesive so that the dental flaws would be hidden. · Implants that serve as tooth replacements after a loss. The usual process is that a screw will be placed in the jaw of the missing tooth to serve as the foundation of the jacket which will resemble a tooth. With these mentioned, one might infer that the methods can only be done if one has a good dentist with an up-to-date technology. But did you know that Cosmetic Dentistry already had a long history? Based on research, ancient people such as Etruscans and Egyptians used gold, ivory and bones as implants or crowns. There were also instances wherein our ancestors extracted actual teeth from either the deceased or from live volunteers, but as these were reportedly rotting at a rate they cannot control, the practice was stopped. Developments over the years led to the creation of porcelains then plasters as implants and dentures, and nowadays, ingredients such as plastics and acrylics are also being used. Pain and discomfort were also diminished, and now, going to the dentist is often hassle-free and convenient. Still, even with the glory of good teeth and the possibility of a better outlook in life, Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t all just about the beauty of it. As this promotes the improvement of dental hygiene, the teeth and gums would be in better conditions, leading to a lessening of tooth decay or gum bleeding. It will lessen potential bacterial infection and would even prevent one to have bad breath. Further expounding on this would lead us to the prevention of even worse diseases. If the bacteria would not be immediately removed, these can transfer to other parts of the body including our internal organs. Heart diseases, respiratory problems, diabetes and even dementia could occur if the infection build-up would remain in our bodies and eventually flow in the blood stream. So it really isn’t just about beauty or the abstraction of it, because all in all, what is really more important other than getting the results one was expecting out of Cosmetic Dentistry is how it would benefit our bodies in the long run. Sources: http://www.yoursmile.co.za/cosmetic-dentistry/ http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/article/five-types-of-cosmetic-dentistry-procedures-0415 https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/cosmetic-dentistry.aspx https://www.1800dentist.com/the-history-of-cosmetic-dentistry/