Children's Dentistry

A Lifetime of Good Dental Habits!

We desire for all of our young patients to be reassured about their dental treatment and to relish their visits through adulthood. Our many appreciative parents have told us their children find our office a pleasant and relaxed place to visit. No matter the age or needs of your children, we can assist them in conquering their dental anxieties.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Wisdom Teeth

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about wisdom teeth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Dental Gum Disease

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth

Gum disease, not tooth decay, is the main reason most people lose their teeth. Unfortunately, you may not notice that you're suffering from the disease until after your teeth are lost. Uncertain if it's happening to you? Symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or shifting teeth.

We can help even if you've been told you require gum surgery. You'll be delighted to know that modern advancements have made it possible to control gum disease with variety of non-surgical methods, which we can offer you.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Nutrition: What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health.

Diet and Tooth Decay
The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending upon: 

• The form of the food-whether it’s liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve makes a difference. 
• How often you eat sugary foods and beverages and how often you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages. 
• The nutritional makeup of the food. 
• The combination of the foods you eat and the order in which you eat them. 
• Medical conditions you may have, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, which can increase risk of cavities and weaken teeth.

How Snacking Affects Your Dental Health
For dental health, it’s recommended that people limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other dental health problems? Here are some MouthHealthy tips.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Recommended Nutritional Guidelines
• Foods That Harm Your Dental Health
• Sugar and Your Dental Health
• How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Teeth
• 4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "What if an Object Gets Caught in Your Teeth?".

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

5 Reasons Your Smile Is Stronger Than You Think

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are - and how to keep them that way.

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body - making it durable and damage-resistant.    

2. Your bite is powerful!
Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time - but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth.    

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Teeth can last for hundreds of years
• Strong as they are, teeth can't heal on their own
• Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Perfectly Fitting Dentures

Solutions for Denture Wearers

Recent improvements in design and fit allow us to offer natural-looking, perfectly fitting dentures! This modern technique secures the denture plate so tightly that you no longer have to be concerned with the foods you eat or that your dentures might move. If you are a denture wearer, be sure to ask us about this. It will change your life.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Is Sparkling Water Bad for My Teeth?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation-including sparkling water-has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).

So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth-and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth. 

Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water-and Protecting Your Teeth

• Sparkling water is far better for your teeth than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too-it’s the best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities). 
• Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.
• Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to your risk of developing cavities. So remember-sparkling or not-plain water is always the best choice.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD  
432 Frye Farm Road  
Greensburg, PA 15601  
(724) 537-0800  
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net

Dental Sensitivity

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

Directly below the hard outer layer of enamel that surrounds your tooth is a tissue known as dentin. This protective layer surrounds and connects to the pulpy inner portion of your tooth. While dentin is almost as hard as the outer enamel, it is composed of microscopic pores that lead to exposed root surfaces, which can cause sensitivity. If you are experiencing moderate to severe sensitivity to temperature extremes or sweets, we can help. We offer desensitizing agents, which may be used to seal the microscopic pores and reduce the likelihood of pain. These agents can also be used during certain procedures to reduce the problem of post-treatment sensitivity.

Donald W. Ray II, DMD 
Mary Alice Connor, DMD 
432 Frye Farm Road 
Greensburg, PA 15601 
(724) 537-0800 
SimplyPerfectSmiles.net