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

Why X-Rays?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "Why X-Ray?".

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

Health Concerns with Sleep Apnea

Snoring Isn't Just an Annoyance

Many times, snoring is a pre-cursor to a more severe health concern known as sleep apnea. People with this disorder experience an obstruction in their airway. Most of the time, they're completely unaware of the problem. However, the restriction is preventing them from regularly receiving enough oxygen throughout the night. Sleep apnea is a major contributing factor to heart disease. In addition, those who suffer from this disorder experience elevated blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for a stroke.

The loss of sleep produces serious health concerns and may be a factor in many premature deaths. Sleep deprivation also generates negative effects on the function of your brain, increasing stress hormones and leading to depression. Even if you have only mild sleep apnea, utilizing an oral appliance can result in the reduction or even cessation of snoring. And wouldn't that make your partner happy!

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

Tips for keeping a beautiful smile!

Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful...
Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:

• Brush 2-3 times every day with a fluoride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
• Floss once a day
• Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
• Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
• Eliminate or at least limit use of alcohol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes

We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjunction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care.

And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dental Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older.

Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check.

If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment!

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