Thursday, October 18, 2012

October is Pet Safety Month!

Think your beloved cat or dog is safe from the horrors of Periodontal Disease? THINK AGAIN!



Plaque, tartar, & calculus build-up occurs in cats and dogs the same way it does in humans. 

Food particles left on teeth, combined with bacteria found in the mouth, form the deadly combination causing plaque! 

Health risks are the same too. Studies have found that excessive periodontal diseases in dogs and cats cause kidney, heart and liver damage! 

If you can't stand the idea of these things happening to your precious Mittens or Fido, continue reading for warning signs and prevention.

Signs to look for in your pet...
(HINT: they are the same signs that you would look for in yourself if you suspected you had periodontal disease.) 

  • bad breath 
  • irritated, red, swollen, & bleeding gums
  • loss in appetite because of pain in their mouth 
  • loose/missing teeth
Prevention
(Pay close attention!)

The only way to save your dog and/or cat from pain and tooth loss is to take them for regular veterinary check-ups and to clean their teeth everyday with specialized pet toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Take a look at these videos to see how easy brushing your pet's teeth can be.









Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Clear or metal braces?

Crooked and crowded teeth are not just bad for cosmetic reasons, they can also cause certain dental problems!

Misaligned teeth cause malocclusions (or "bad bites") which put unnecessary force on teeth. This can lead to cracks, fractures and jaw pain. 

Crowded teeth provide difficult to reach nooks and crannies in between teeth that food will regularly get stuck in. This causes painful and expensive tooth decay. 

Luckily... there are ways to treat these out-of-place teeth.


Welcome to the World of 
ORTHODONTICS!

Right now there are two types of orthodontic treatments to correct misaligned teeth:

(1) Traditional metal braces
(2) Clear aligners (i.e., Invisalign) 

Metal braces can only be placed on your teeth by a dentist who specializes in orthodontics (an orthodontist). 

Invisalign clear aligners can be placed by a certified and licensed general dentist. (FYI: My office does have an Invisalign certified dentist trained in the best way to align your teeth.) 


INVISALIGN 
The aesthetic answer to crooked teeth!

The benefits over traditional metal braces: 



  • removable 
  • no food restrictions
  • nearly invisible 
  • smooth and comfortable


Sounds like a dream come true for your smile. Just keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign so call my office to make an Invisalign consultation appointment. 


215.567.4949

Check out our website for more information on Invisalign and other dental services.