Month: December 2013

We’ve all been there. We look in the mirror and realize that time, foods, or habits have taken away from the luster and bright whiteness of our teeth and we’re not smiling as much because of it. When this happens, we often turn to smile whitening procedures. However, Dr. Larry Winans wants you to know that it’s important to visit your dentist in Lewisburg before moving forward with a whitening treatment.

Since some options for whitening your smile can lead to damage, and sometimes, even pain, it’s important to have an initial visit with your dentist before you jump into a smile whitening routine. By visiting us before choosing a teeth whitening regimen, we can discuss your desires, examine you to see if whitening is appropriate, and help you choose the best option for your smile.

Sometimes people skip this step and head straight to their local drugstore to pick up the cheapest over-the-counter whitening product, but this can lead to some damaging consequences.

Many drugstore whitening products have trays that hold the whitening solution. These are inserted into the mouth, over the teeth. However, since these trays are not custom fitted for your unique mouth, it’s not unusual for the solution to leak onto your gums and sit there for an extended period of time. This can lead to gum irritation. Additionally, some over-the-counter whiteners can cause tooth sensitivity and are sometimes ineffective at giving you your desired results.

With a quick visit to our dental office in Lewisburg, we can work together to figure out how to successfully and safely get your pearly whites bright and vibrant again. If a whitening treatment isn’t for you, we can talk about alternatives like veneers or bonding. Either way, starting off with a visit to us is the best way to get you smiling again!

In addition to your at-home dental care routine, regular visits to your dentist in Lewisburg are essential for a healthy mouth and overall well being. At the dental practice of Dr. Larry Winans, we think it’s important that our patients know why we recommend seeing us at least every six months.

While we typically recommend biannual visits to our Lewisburg dental office, we’re not alone in the recommendation. The American Dental Association (ADA) also encourages dental checkups at least every six months for optimal oral health. In fact, visiting the dentist twice a year can help prevent dangerous oral health problems and protect your overall wellness.

Since there is an established link between some dental problems such a gum disease and other serious health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and strokes, regular visits to the dentist are extremely important.

During your checkups, we’ll check your mouth for oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities. If you’re at greater risk for any of these dental problems, we’ll often recommend more frequent visits. By staying on top of your oral health, we’re able to be proactive in prevention and protection of your overall health.

Your regularly scheduled checkups also allow us to perform a thorough cleaning to successfully remove plaque and tartar. A gentle floss and polish of your pearly whites finish the exam and leave your with a fresh, healthy smile.

If you’re due for a checkup or cleaning, call Dr. Larry Winans to schedule an appointment today. We’d love to help prevent any potential problems in your mouth and protect your overall wellness.