It’s no secret that tobacco use isn’t healthy. It says so right on the package. On cigarettes and other smoked tobacco warnings from the Surgeon General proclaim, “smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy.” On smokeless tobacco packages, such warnings as this product can cause mouth cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss, are found. The truth is that all of these warning should be attached to every package of tobacco whether it is smoked or smokeless. The oral health effects of tobacco range from the most mild bad breath and dental stains, to oral cancer which accounts for one death every hour in the US. Regular preventive dentistry checkups can help diagnose and treat these oral health concerns at the earliest stages, but the only way to truly prevent these effects of tobacco usage is to kick the habit.
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The Dentist Medford Trusts Reveals the Effect of Tobacco on Oral Health
November 19, 2015
Get Great Tips for Taking Care of Dentures Medford Residents
October 19, 2015
When advised to consider full or partial denture tooth replacement, patients have many concerns including impact on their ability to chew and speak clearly and smile appearance. Advances in denture creation and materials makes them more comfortable and attractive than ever, and for patients with numerous missing teeth, they are an affordable, comfortable tooth replacement option. Once you’ve chosen to have a denture proper care is essential to retaining comfortable fit and extending the life of your denture. With thorough at home care and regular maintenance visits at Giamberardino Dental Care, denture wearers are able to enjoy comfort and stability like the day they received their dentures for years.
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Dental bridges vs. Dental Implants, Medford, What’s Right for You?
August 5, 2015
Dental bridges are tried and tested. The first dental bridge was used 1000s of years ago as jewelry! In 700 BCE, the Etruscans adorned their teeth and filled in gaps with precious metals to display their wealth. Many people think that dental implants are a relatively new smile restoration option by comparison, but actually the Mayans who lived only 100 years later used sea shells, jade, and other human or animal teeth for restoration. Despite the rudimentary methods, these implant procedures were actually quite successful. Skulls discovered in recent years show that these materials fused with the bone, and the bond has lasted long after the patient’s death. So, how’s a modern patient to choose? Dr. Anthony Giamberardino and his Medford, MA team are here to help you choose the restoration method that’s right for you, but first, we recommend finding out more about each treatment. Call to schedule a tooth replacement evaluation and consultation today.
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Superior General Dentist, Medford, MA
July 20, 2015
A century ago, poor oral hygiene among Americans joining the military during WWI was considered a national security risk. Less than 10% of people in the United States owned a toothbrush, and even fewer purchased toothpaste (a snake oil type product peddled by door to door salesman). Today, more people own smartphones than toothbrushes. It was clear in 1914 and it remains clear today, a stronger emphasis on preventive dentistry could help keep people healthy, save them time and money, and allow them to keep their smile for a lifetime. A study started in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention showed that in less than a decade the percentage of North Americans over the age of 60 who needed dentures has decreased from 31 to 25%, and this seems to be a growing trend. Preventive dentistry is responsible for increased numbers of adults who can retain their smile for life. Preventive dentistry including regular dental checkups can help you keep natural smile. Call to schedule a six month checkup with Dr. Anthony Giamberadino in Medford, MA, or to ask about our new patient specials.
Why Six Month Checkups?
As a result of the distressing number of military personnel with severe oral health issues during WWI, dentists decided that preventive care should be stressed. They knew people should start seeing the dentist before they had problems rather than after, but there wasn’t a lot of research letting them know how often would be the most beneficial, so they made a guess. They started recommending regular dental visits twice a year. Now, this was a highly educated guess made by professionals, and it may not have worked if it weren’t the help of the marketing masterminds behind Pepsodent tooth powder.
In a series of advertisements in the 1920s, Claude Hopkins created ads that promoted twice daily tooth brushing with Pepsodent, and twice a year dental visits to keep teeth feeling clean. The ads used a simple habit building formula: cue, result, repeat. The “cue” was the gritty feeling on the surface of the teeth. The ads encouraged people to run their tongues over their teeth in the morning and at night before brushing to feel the texture. Then, brush with Pepsodent tooth powder (paste didn’t come along until the 1950s), and run your tongue over your teeth again. The result clean, smooth, perfect smiles. The only way to keep your smile that way? Twice a day brushing and twice a year dentist visits.
This habit created an entire industry. The first dental hygienist was trained in 1913, but the wide spread training of hygienist started in conjunction with the ad campaign. Additionally, tooth brushes and powders were sold at the local apothecary or pharmaceutical store not just by door to door salesman, and many dental offices began giving free tooth brushes to patients around this time. Eventually, dental insurance companies were formed, and they too supported the six month checkups by covering dental checkups twice a year. Mr. Hopkins, in short, may have had more influence on dental health than any dentist ever has.
Missed a Few Checkups and Need a General Dentist, Somerville?
So the source of the six month dental visit may be a little lacking in research based, evidentiary support, but since the 1920s, the dental community has gathered some hard evidence to support their predecessors’ lucky guess work. Studies show that patients who have their teeth cleaned every six months have a significantly lower risk for ever having tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss. Children who have six month visits starting from the eruption of their first tooth can receive preemptive orthodontic care so their teeth develop straight and evenly spaced rather than fixing them later with more difficult, painful orthodontia. Dental innovation has also allowed screenings and treatment of bruxism, oral cancer, and TMJ disorder during six month visits. These potentially serious health concerns when diagnosed in their early stages can be treated with minimally invasive, conservative dental methods.
Some behavioral habits indicate that you may need more frequent visits to the dentist. This includes smoking, eating large quantities of sugary or processed foods, irregular oral health care routines, and conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) and dry mouth that make the teeth more susceptible to decay. Other patients who eat healthy, maintain an excellent at home dental hygiene routine, and are physically healthy may be able to get away with skipping a checkup, but why risk it? For every year without a dental checkup your chances for serious periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer and tooth loss increases exponentially. It turns out that the habit started by a toothpaste ad in the 1920s, may just be one of the best habits you can adopt today.
Call Your General Dentist, 01890
William Bernbach once said, “The most powerful element in advertising is the truth.” At Giamberadino Dental Care of Medford, MA, we agree. Our practice is dedicated to providing individual, preventive care so our patients have fewer cavities, and more smiles. Call to schedule your checkup today. Our friendly dental care staff welcomes patients from Medford, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and nearby communities.
When Should I replace my Toothbrush?
July 13, 2015
We all know that tooth brushing is essential to properly care for our teeth and maintain good oral hygiene, but we may not be paying as much attention to how we care for our toothbrush. Studies have shown that improper care of toothbrushes can increase the likeliness of many oral health issues, but the same studies make toothbrush sanitation seem like an uphill battle. The main thing to remember is never keep your toothbrush for more than 4 months to avoid the most harmful bacterial contamination. If you want to know more about tooth brushing or toothbrush care and maintenance, call Giamberadino Dental Care of Medford, MA to schedule your dental hygiene appointment and general checkup today.
Other Not So Pleasant Toothbrush Truths
You use your toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day and maybe you’d rather not think about it, but when’s the last time you cleaned your toothbrush? How about the last time you replaced your toothbrush? You may be feeling annoyed. What do dentists want from you? You brush, you floss, you visit them twice a year, and now you have to clean your toothbrush everyday too. In short, yes you really should clean your toothbrush after every use.
Your toothbrush removes bacteria and food particles from your teeth. Some of these particles become trapped in the bristles and can replicate. Overtime, it becomes increasingly likely that your toothbrush will further contaminate your teeth rather than cleaning them. Then, there’s the other things that can contaminate your toothbrush. Most people store their toothbrush in a bathroom where it’s regularly exposed to debris from perfumes, hairsprays, cleaning products, and the dreaded fecal matter from toilet bowl spray. Even more disturbing, toothbrushes are not required to be stored and sold in sterile packaging meaning your toothbrush may be contaminated the moment you buy it.
At the end of the day, the cleanliness of our toothbrushes should be treated with a reasonable amount of concern. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush before and after each use and storing the brush in an open, upright container is generally more than enough care to keep your toothbrush from causing illness. However, it never hurts to rinse the toothbrush with an antimicrobial mouthwash from time to time, or even run it through the dishwasher to ensure sanitation. It’s essential to remember that our bodies are swarming with bacteria and only a tiny percentage of those is harmful. Oral hygiene and cleaning will never remove all the bacteria from our mouths, but it may help us remove the harmful ones.
Toothbrush Tips from Skilled Dentist, Sommerville
Okay, so now you’re afraid to brush your teeth, but you still need to. Here are some helpful hints from Giamberadino Dental for toothbrush maintenance:
- Replace your toothbrush regularly. We recommend 4 times a year, every 3 months.
- Replace your toothbrush if you’re sick. When you’re sick more of the harmful bacteria may be populating your mouth. Using the same toothbrush after you feel better can lead to recontamination.
- Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone. Your body is a delicate ecosystem and introducing another person’s bacteria to the ones your body is used to makes it more likely you may develop an illness and increases your chances of tooth decay.
- Don’t store your toothbrush covered, lying down, or upside down. Storing the toothbrush upright allows the water to run from the bristles and dry out relatively quickly making it more difficult for bacteria to grow. Whereas storing a toothbrush in a container or lying on its side or upside down helps create a moist environment where bacteria flourish. Additionally, storing toothbrushes in a container can lead to mold growth as well as bacteria propagation.
- Clean your toothbrush before and after use. Allowing the toothbrush to dry out between uses exposes bacteria to oxygen which kills them. Rinsing the toothbrush with warm water before and after use removes foreign matter that may have collected on the bristles between usage. If you’re concerned about contamination rinsing your tooth brush with antimicrobial mouthwash while you gargle can help kill bacteria on your brush as well.
There’s no way to clean all the bacteria and debris off of your toothbrush or out of your mouth, but maintaining good hygiene routines can help remove the majority of harmful bacteria. Remember that this care applies to mechanical toothbrushes as well as manual toothbrushes. If you want to invest in an electric toothbrush, find one that has removable heads that are easily replaced.
Call Your Dentist, 01890 to Find Out More
Dr. Giamberardino is a skilled general, restorative and cosmetic dentist in the Sommerville area. He can help you achieve and maintain the best possible dental health. Call to schedule your six month checkup today. Our Medford, MA practice invites patients from local communities like Somerville, Arlington, Cambridge, Winchester, and Melrose .
Restore Your Complete Smile with High Quality Crown and Bridge Restorations in Medford, MA
March 10, 2015
Our primary goal is always to protect and preserve your natural teeth. However, if your natural teeth are lost, they should be replaced immediately in order to maintain normal oral functioning and regain good oral health. Not all patients are able to receive dental implant tooth replacement, and in these cases, a fixed crown and bridge restoration is a great alternative. You can schedule the crown and bridge restoration appointment you need with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino is a highly qualified restorative dentist, now proudly renewing smiles daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that can cover the entire part of a tooth above the gum line, similar to a cap on a head. Modern dental crowns are made to mimic natural tooth structure and the majority of crowns are made of tooth colored ceramics. Crowns are custom shaped and fabricated to look and function just like your normal healthy teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge involves the crowning of teeth on either side of the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. These crowns serve as support or “abutment” teeth. The abutment teeth are attached to additional crowns (artificial teeth) in between, which serve to replace your missing teeth. Therefore dental bridges are made of the artificial teeth which actually “bridge the gap” and the dental crowns which hold them in place.
Do You Need a Crown and Bridge Restoration?
You may need to have teeth replaced as a result of decay, dental abscess, dental trauma, or advanced gum disease. Replacing these missing teeth is vitally important to help restore your chewing ability, preserve your youthful facial contours, and renew your confident smile. Another reason for immediate tooth replacement is to prevent the neighboring teeth from drifting out of place and causing bite misalignments or TMJ disorder.
Medford Crown and Bridge Restoration Appointments
Schedule the crown and bridge restoration appointment you need with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino is a leading restorative dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the neighboring areas.
Dr. Giamberardino Provides Gentle and Effective Gum Disease Treatment in Medford, MA
February 24, 2015
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the development of more serious health concerns. Periodontal disease (gum disease) can destroy the gums and bone that support your teeth. Gum disease has also been linked to other medical conditions, including: heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diabetes. Most patients don’t even realize they have gum disease until after the condition has advanced to the later, more dangerous stages. The only way to protect your health from the dangers of gum disease is to visit the dentist regularly for routine dental checkups and cleanings. If you already have gum disease, Dr. Giamberardino can develop a treatment plan to repair the damage and return your teeth and gums to optimal health. Make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care for the gum disease treatment you need today. Dr. Giamberardino can fully restore the health of your gum tissue. Giamberardino Dental Care proudly protects the health of families daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when the bacteria in the plaque that is stuck on your teeth infects and inflames your gum tissue. Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease. It causes your gums to turn red, swollen, and bleed after brushing. However, there is little to no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis. With periodontitis, plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque further irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a defensive response in which your body begins to turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support your teeth are broken down and destroyed. If you have periodontitis, your gums will begin to separate from the teeth, forming deep pockets that in turn become infected. As the disease progresses, more and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, eventually leading to tooth loss and the need for reconstructive gum surgeries.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
If you have been experiencing any combination of the following symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for gum disease treatment:
- Red, purple, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loosened or separating teeth
- Pus at the gum line
- Mouth sores
- Halitosis
- A change in your bite
- Suddenly ill fitting dentures
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
Dr. Giamberardino will start your treatment with a combination of scaling and root planing to carefully clean and disinfect the root surfaces of your teeth. He will gently remove all plaque and tarter from your periodontal pockets and smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. If your gum disease is not too far advanced, scaling and root planing is often all that’s needed to stop and repair the damage. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance and gum disease therapy to sustain their oral health.
Medford Gum Disease Treatment
If you suspect that you need gum disease treatment, make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino is an experienced restorative dentist. Giamberardino Dental Care delivers quality care daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
Smile Confidently Again with High Quality Modern Dentures from Dr. Giamberardino in Medford, MA
February 10, 2015
Do your dentures ever slip out of place while you’re eating, speaking, yawning, or laughing? This could be a clear sign that you need new, better fitting dentures. Dentures are supposed to be natural-looking removable replacement teeth. However, many long time denture wearers are dissatisfied with the fit and comfort of their old dentures. In the past, aesthetics and comfort were not prioritized when crafting dentures. The primary focus was to restore the functioning of your missing teeth without much regard to how the dentures looked or felt. Today however, Dr. Giamberardino can offer his patients modern dentures that both look and feel great. Dr. Giamberardino can create one-of-a-kind dentures that you’re proud to wear. To replace your old dentures with well-fitting modern dentures, schedule an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino is an experienced restorative dentist, proudly delivering quality dental care daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
How Are Modern Dentures Different?
Dentures have long been the teeth replacement standard. They are usually made from acrylic or a combination of metal and acrylic to replace anywhere from a full row to just a few teeth. Because of advancements in dental technologies, modern dentures are more flexible than their older counterparts. Modern dentures are designed to return the mouth to full functionality, while accurately mimicking the aesthetics of natural teeth and gums. Today’s dentures are also fully customized to provide unparalleled comfort and control while creating a beautiful and natural-looking smile. In fact, for some modern denture wearers, their smiles have never looked better.
Medford Modern Dentures Appointments
Dr. Giamberardino we will take great care to precisely craft the framework of your new dentures so that they fit snugly and securely in your mouth. You will no longer have to worry about embarrassing slippage or shifting. Using the latest digital and computer technology, Dr. Giamberardino will determine your ideal bite and make sure that your dentures come as close as possible to replicating the look and feel of your natural teeth. For the modern dentures you deserve, make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino can easily replace your old or ill fitting dentures with the better fitting and more natural looking dentures you’ve always wanted. Giamberardino Dental Care proudly restores smiles daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the neighboring areas.
Quickly Craft a New Smile with CEREC One Visit Crowns in Medford, MA
January 24, 2015
Have you heard about new CEREC One Visit Crowns? New CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) tooth restoration technology can deliver an expertly crafted natural looking dental crown in less than two hours. CEREC one visit crowns are more durable and longer lasting than traditional dental crowns restorations. The entire procedure can be completed from start to finish in just one visit, so there’s no need for temporary crowns or return appointments. If you have damaged teeth from dental injury, large cavities, or root canal therapy, make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care for the CEREC one visit crown you need today. Dr. Giamberardino can fully replace the natural form and function of your damaged teeth. Giamberardino Dental Care restores smiles daily throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
What Are CEREC One Visit Crowns?
CEREC one visit crowns are the latest innovation in restorative dentistry. CEREC utilizes computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) systems. CEREC starts with digitally taken impressions, which then guide the design of your crown, milled by a computer to fit your tooth precisely. The CAD/CAM CEREC crowns are milled out of pure ceramic as you wait, thus eliminating the need for a second appointment or temporary crown.
How Are CEREC One Visit Crowns Placed?
In the past a dental crown took two visits to complete. At the first visit, your tooth would be shaved down and a putty impression would be taken. The impression would then be sent to a laboratory where your crown would be made. This process could take up to two weeks and you would have to wear a temporary crown in the meantime. At the second appointment, the temporary crown would be removed and the permanent crown finally positioned. CEREC one visit tooth restorations complete this entire process in one short visit. With the CEREC technology camera, computer, and milling machine, there’s no need for uncomfortable molds or temporaries. The CAD/CAM technology can automatically create your restoration, allowing Dr. Giamberardino to permanently bond your custom- fabricated crown faster than ever before.
What Are the Benefits of CEREC One Visit Crowns?
- CEREC crowns are made in one visit, saving you considerable time
- With CEREC, there is no need for a temporary crown, which eliminates a significant discomfort
- CEREC crowns are metal free and natural looking
- CEREC material and technology can also be used for fillings and veneers
- CEREC saves money over the long run because there is no extra appointment required
Medford CEREC One Visit Crowns Appointments
Make your CEREC one visit crown appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care today. Dr. Giamberardino is a highly qualified restorative dentist, proudly serving families throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and nearby cities.
Preventive Dentistry 101: The Importance of Dental Checkups
January 10, 2015
Do you take your dental health seriously? Many patients choose to skip their regular dental checkups because they don’t have any pain or discomfort in their teeth. This causes them to only see a dentist for dental emergencies. However, this is a risky and costly approach to dental care. Making a commitment to good dental health means that you take your preventive dentistry appointments seriously by keeping them. A typical dental checkup and dental cleaning appointment is quick and easy. Dr. Giamberardino will carefully and gently inspect the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums, looking for any signs of gum disease, loose or broken teeth, or damaged tooth fillings or decay. He will also examine your head and neck, your bite, and the movement of your jaw. Your teeth will then be thoroughly cleaned, polished, and flossed, leaving them fresh and sparkling. Skipping these preventive dentistry appointments will only put you at greater risk for more invasive and costly procedures in the future. To avoid this all too common pitfall, make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care for your preventive dentistry checkup today. Dr. Giamberardino is a trusted family dentist, now proudly serving patients throughout Medford, MA, Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and the surrounding communities.
What Is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dentistry is proactive dental care. Dr. Giamberardino can stop dental problems before they start. Your teeth will be checked for early signs of decay, faulty fillings, cracks, and wear. The gums will be checked for signs of gum disease, and your bones, cheeks, tongue, palate and other parts of the mouth and face will also be examined for any unusual swellings or surface changes.
Why Is Preventive Dentistry So Important?
The benefits of maintaining your smile are plenty. Healthy teeth will boost your confidence and improve your overall health and well-being. A regular preventive dentistry check-up allows Dr. Giamberardino to keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated only makes them more difficult to treat in the future, so it’s best to deal with them early, or prevent them altogether. Bacteria from untreated gum disease can actually spread infection to other parts of your body. Some non-dental conditions have symptoms that appear in the mouth early on. A regular preventive dentistry examination can reveal signs of vitamin insufficiencies, osteoporosis, and more serious conditions such as diabetes and oral cancer. Regular dental checkups are also good for your pocketbook too. Identifying and treating minor problems like dental cavities early on, can spare you the time and expense of more complicated restorative dentistry procedures such as a tooth extractions and root canal therapy in the future.
Medford Preventive Dentistry Appointments for the Whole Family
Be proactive with your dental health. Make an appointment with Giamberardino Dental Care for your preventive dentistry needs today. Giamberardino Dental Care can help you fight off costly dental problems. Dr. Giamberardino is a trusted family dentist, conveniently located in the heart of Medford, MA, proudly serving patients throughout Winchester, Somerville, Malden, Everett, and nearby areas.