Did you get a dental check-up and cleaning in 2010?

Time seems to fly by and it is easy to let important doctor visits go unscheduled. If you aren't sure if you saw us in 2010, call the office to ask. It is very important to see your dental professionals at least two times every year. There are so many reasons regular dental appointments are important. Plaque and calculus builds up very easily, especially if you are diligent in brushing and flossing. Plaque build up will cause periodontal disease. In addition to cleaning away the plaque build up, Dr Johnson monitors the health of your teeth and the condition of your dental restorations. Decay can and does happen under fillings, crowns, and bridges. If left untreated, you are putting your teeth at risk. While we understand that dental work can be expensive, it only gets more costly to procrastinate. The first step is a simple phone call! Call today to schedule your 2011 dental appointment!

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Will your friends tell you that you have bad breath?

Your friends may not tell you that you have bad breath... Good oral hygiene habits will help to freshen your breath. Here is a surprise for your. Brushing, flossing are important for fresh breath! Regular brushing and flossing will help to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath from your teeth. We won't even mention here what that same bacteria does to your gums...but I digress. The same bacteria likes to cling to your tongue. You can brush your tongue; but a tongue scraper is far more effective in cleaning the back of your tongue. So, when you go back to your favorite Walmart/Target/drugstore, take a moment in the oral hygiene section to find a few new products to help you freshen your breath!

Sometimes, the cause of bad breath is more complex than just dirty teeth or tongue. It can be periodontal problems, an infected tooth, chronic sinus problems, cancers, oral infections, and ill fitting dental appliances such as dentures. If you think you are doing a good job of daily care and prevention of bad breath, but just can't seem to get rid of it, a visit to our office is probably necessary.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Dental insurance...Are we on your "list"? Do you have a "list"?

We are asked often what dental insurance plans we participate in and what plans we recommend. So , here goes...
We participate in Aetna PPO, Ameritas,Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, Principal, and United Concordia. We accept as out of network providers with Cigna and United HealthCare. We are listed on a couple of "transparent fee" lists : Signature Dental Plan, Aetna Dental Access, PriceDoc.com and GE Wellness.

Some employers who provide these plans : United Postal Service(Aetna), ADP(Aetna),MedAssets (Aetna), Fulton County BOE(Ameritas), Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta(Metlife), Microsoft Corporation (Blue Cross Blue Shield), Equifax (Aetna), Hewlett Packard ( Deltal Dental), Wendy's/Arby's Group ( Blue Cross Blue Shield).

Regarding the question of what insurance plan we recommend... that depends. If your employer offers options of dental coverage, then hopefully they are paying for a significant part of your deductible. If they offer choices, opt for comprehensive care that allows you to choose your own dentist. Stay away from "DMO" plans. These plans require you to select a dentist on their list and do not provide "out of network benefits" . We do not and WILL not sign up for DMO plans. If they offer a PPO option, that is usually safe because you can go "out of network" and still be o.k. In addition, we participate in many PPO plans. Most "open" plans allow you to go to your dentist of choice.

Are you unemployed, self employed, or retired and don't have dental insurance? No problem. I do not recommend that anybody pays the expensive premiums for dental insurance. Dental insurance is very different from medical insurance. It is financially irresponsible to not have health insurance. Not so for dental insurance. The average person only needs two cleanings and maybe a filling or two per year. The amount that you would pay for dental insurance premiums would likely exceed the amount that you would pay as a fee for service patient. Additionally, we offer as a courtesy to our patients a "fee for service" adjustment. The amount varies from 10-15% depending on payment method.

As always, I am happy to help you understand your dental benefits. I'm just a phone call or email away.

Debbie Johnson

Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

What can you expect at a new patient dental appointment?

Making an appointment with a new doctor or dentist can really be a little bit stressful. We understand that and want to help you rest your fears. It is our hope that from your first contact (usually a phone call) with us, you'll feel more relaxed about your upcoming dental visit. Here are some things that you can expect once you make the appointment as a new patient:

• Welcome email with date and time of your appointment, this email will include an attachment with our health history forms. It is helpful if you can print these and complete them prior to your appointment.


• Email and telephone reminders. As a courtesy, we call 1-2 days prior to all appointments to remind you of upcoming reminders. Please try to call or email us back to verify that you get our messages. You can always reply to any email that you receive from us .


• Warm welcome when you arrive! We try to to give everyone a warm welcome and big smile on arrival. We think that this helps to reduce the stress of going to a new office!


• Insurance information verification. If you provided dental insurance information via the phone call, we will check and copy/scan your dental insurance card.


• Additional paper work. We will give you 3 forms to sign. These a consent for treatment, consent for release of information to insurance companies and trusted professional, ie specialists as needed, and a document stating that you understand that you are responsible for fees not covered by dental insurance. If your insurance is a PPO that we participate in, we are contracted to the fee schedule of that PPO.


• Once all the paper work is completed, you will be welcomed by a member of our clinical staff. We will then take a full set of dental x-rays. This includes 18 images. It seems like alot; but be patient, it is important to get a clear picture of your oral health .


• You will finally meet Dr Johnson. He greet you and ask what your goals are for your oral health and smile. He will then perform a comprehensive oral exam, including periodontal measurements and notations of existing dental restorations. He will then take pictures with an intraoral camera. Lastly, he will present treatment options to you. Feel free to discuss your concerns and questions.


• As you can see, alot happens on this first visit. We schedule plenty of time for you. However, it is important for you to arrive promptly for your dental appointments.

Why are you putting off necessary dental work? Anxiety or money problems?

Have you delayed necessary dental work? The two most common reasons are nervousness and budget problems. We try to help our patients with both of these.
If anxiety is the problem, we can give you nitrous oxide for the acute anxiety. We also offer blue tooth headphones to listen to while we work. We also have Sirius radio to choose your music from. Many patients find that the headphones and television at each operatory help to distract them from the drilling. The anticipation is generally worse than the actual procedure.
If money is a problem, we offer a couple of options to help with that as well.

Proactive dentistry is far less costly than reactive dentistry. It is easier to plan and schedule an appointment for something that needs to be done than to fix something that is broken. Call and ask for Debbie!

Debbie Johnson
Dr. Brian Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
770.993.9809

Do I really need to get dental check ups and cleanings two times a year?

We are asked all the time, " Do I really need to get regular dental check ups?" There are many reasons that the answer to that is ABSOLUTELY! These are the things that you can expect to happen on your routine cleaning appointments.

• Health history update. Your mouth is truly the gateway to your health. If you have changes in your health , it is important that Dr Johnson is aware to be able to make a proper diagnosis



• Gum measurements. We measure and record the gum pocket depths. These are the "numbers" that the hygienist calls out or enters in the computer. We are checking pocket depths. Numbers 1-3 are healthy. Numbers greater than that show varying degrees of periodontal disease.



• Scaling of tartar. The registered dental hygienist will scale away all build up of tartar/calculus.



• Polish. The registered dental hygienist will polish away as much staining as possible.



• Oral exam by Dr Johnson. He is looking at the overall health of your mouth, diagnosing oral health concerns/diseases, checking cranial nerve responses, and the health of your teeth. This is your opportunity to express any concerns or questions that you have for him. He needs to know if you are having new problems. He will also review your x-rays and the periodontal exam that was done by the hygienist.



• Dr Johnson and the registered dental hygienist will recommend how often you should get your teeth cleaned/checked. Most people can enjoy a 6 month "recall". If there is periodontal disease, then a 3 or 4 month "recall" may be recommended.

We hope this helps you to understand why it is so important to keep up with your dental check ups. If you have fallen behind schedule, please call today to schedule an appointment.

Debbie Johnson

Dr. Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

770.993.9809

www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Ask your dentist...I still have silver fillings..should I replace them?

So, you have some old silver/amalgam fillings and you are wondering if you should get them replaced? For over a century, amalgam has been used as filling material. It was relatively cost effective and easy to use, as well as very durable. While there has not been any research to support the concerns about "mercury poisoning" from dental fillings, many patients and dentists have begun to choose an alternative treatment, composite resin. Composite fillings are far more aesthetic and have been used on front (anterior) teeth for some time.
When should the metal fillings be replaced? I don’t recommend replacing old fillings as long as they are in good shape. I recommend replacement when they begin to break down and leak, or of course if decay develops in the tooth . If you are wondering what the status of your fillings are, give us a call.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Some things are just best left to the professionals...!

I take my car for oil changes to the nearest QuickLube... get my hair cut at SodaSalon, ...go toPat Musto, CPNP at North Fulton Pediatrics for my pediatric care, ...call a handy man to get work done at the house... go out for sushi(not good for homemade food!)...when somebody does something every day, they are bound to get good at it.
For this reason, you should see us regularly for dental check ups and cleanings , work done as recommended. Remember, it is proven every day , a small cavity only gets worse, a big cavity will break and leave you hoping for a crown and not a bridge or implant... missing teeth will cause trouble with your bite/the rest of your teeth... jaw pain untreated with a splint, can be an early sign that you are grinding your teeth and can cause widespread cracking of many teeth,you get the idea. Simple changes/treatment can save you in the long run.
When Dr Johnson recommends treatment, you really need it. When we refer you to a specialist, you can bet, we would go there ourselves! Our area has great providers for all health care needs and we have developed great relationships with our team of providers. We have a list of trusted professionals on our website.
As 2010 draws to an end, have you taken care of your teeth? Do you want to use that last bit of dental insurance/flex spend money before it evaporates? Don't wait too long... December only has 16 dental care days in it!

Debbie Johnson


Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D.,PC
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

"Sharing is Caring"

I was a restaurant recently with our daughter, and she ordered a hot chocolate. When the warm delicious drink was brought to the table, it was almost to pretty to drink, piled up with whipped cream, sprinkled with chocolate chips....after many oohs and ahhs, the waiter said..." Sharing is Caring!". Isn't this true of everything in life?

We were just finishing our candy drive that we are so proud of. The very basis of this was children and parents sharing their left over/unwanted candy. I thought, how we all care and share all the time...each time we donate unwanted/outgrown clothing, we are sharing .... buy a bag of food at the grocery store to donate to a charity.... drop a few dollars in the collection plate at church...smile at a stranger... you get my drift.

Sharing is Caring may be my newest, most favorite quote. We hope that when you are caring for and sharing with your friends, you'll drop our name as a great dentist office every now and then.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, and Christmas season!

Dr Johnson and Debbie

I grind my teeth... does it damage my teeth?

Most adults and some children grind their teeth. While there is nothing necessary to do for children who grind their teeth, adults should talk to their dentist. Below is an article written by staff of the Mayo Clinic. Grinding ages your teeth and can cause problems like wearing and breaking of your teeth as well periodontal/gum problems. We recommend using an appliance called NTI splint. The NTI splint is a custom splint that fits over either the upper two or lower two teeth. It disengages the jaw muscles and allows them to rest. Of course, if you have a question, call us! Find us on FB, LinkedIn, and Twitter...

Dr Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell,GA 30076

770.993.9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Symptoms of teeth grinding/bruxism

By Mayo Clinic staff
Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner
Teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped
Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Jaw pain or tightness in your jaw muscles
Enlarged jaw muscles
Earache — because of severe jaw muscle contractions, not a problem with your ear
Headache
Chronic facial pain
Chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek
Indentations on your tongue

See your doctor or dentist if:
Your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive
You have pain in your jaw, face or ear
Others complain that you make a grinding noise while you sleep

Causes:

Doctors don't completely understand the causes of bruxism. Possible physical or psychological causes may include:
Anxiety, stress or tension
Suppressed anger or frustration
Aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality type
Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)
Changes that occur during sleep cycles
Response to pain from an earache or teething (in children)
Growth and development of the jaws and teeth (for children)
Complication resulting from a disorder, such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease
An uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications, including certain antidepressants.

Complications:

In most cases, bruxism doesn't cause serious complications. But severe bruxism may lead to:
Damage to your teeth (including restorations and crowns) or jaw
Tension-type headaches
Facial pain
Temporomandibular disorders — which occur in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located just in front of your ears and felt when opening and closing your mouth.

What we do to help:

Tests and diagnosisBy Mayo Clinic staff
During regular dental exams, your dentist likely will check for physical signs of bruxism, such as:
Unusual wear and tear on your teeth
Continued breakdown of dental restorations, including loss of crowns
Tooth fractures
Tooth sensitivity
If you have any of these signs, your dentist will look for changes in your teeth and mouth over the next several visits to see if the process is progressive and to determine whether you need treatment.
If your dentist suspects that you have bruxism, he or she will try to determine its cause by asking questions about:
Your general dental health
Your daily medications
Whether you routinely drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages, especially during the evening
Your sleep habits, especially about any unusual grinding sounds heard by your roommate or sleeping partner during the night
To evaluate the extent of bruxism, your dentist may check for:
Tenderness in your jaw muscles
Obvious dental abnormalities, such as broken or missing teeth or poor tooth alignment
Damage to your teeth, the underlying bone and the inside of your cheeks, usually with the help of X-rays
A dental examination may detect other disorders that can cause similar jaw or ear pain, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, other dental disorders or an ear infection. If your dentist suspects a significant psychological component to your teeth grinding or a sleep-related disorder, you may be referred to a therapist, counselor or sleep specialist.

What does 150 pounds of candy look like?

We want to thank our patients, neighbors, friends, and even a few strangers to helping to make our first annual "Halloween Candy Buy Back" campaign a tremendous success. We shipped $150 pounds of candy to some very dedicated soldiers. Operation Gratitude will send most of the candy that we collected as part of their Care Packages. One special box will go to Jordan Johnson, a local Alpharetta young man stationed in Afghanistan. His brother is a dear friend of our son.

So, what does 150 pounds of candy look like? It fills 14 flat rate boxes. Those boxes stacked up were taller than Dr Johnson. They filled Debbie's car. Every bag delivered to our office was brought by someone wearing a huge smile. We had bags left by our office door, home door, and even in our home mailbox. Our entire family and staff really enjoyed the opportunity to see our community unite to share smiles with the men and women who are separated from their families and serving our country. We are so proud and excited to be able to share a smile or two from home. The moral of this story is that a small act of kindness like donating your candy can make many days brighter for so many.

150 pounds of candy looks like warm hearts and more smiles than we could measure! Thanks again!

Debbie and Brian Johnson

What kind of toothpaste should I use?

Walking down the toothpaste aisle at the local supermarket can be overwhelming. We are frequently asked for guidance in choosing toothpaste. Today, there are more options than ever. Toothpaste manufacturers provide so many kinds of toothpaste for two reasons. First, people have different dental problems and benefit from different toothpastes. Another reason is marketing; more kinds of toothpaste mean more shelf space for that manufacturer. Colgate (www.colgate.com) lists over 60 different kinds of over the counter toothpaste. All that toothpaste creates a big billboard right inside the local grocery store. That makes Colgate products much easier to find than Biotene which produces only two kinds of toothpaste.The dentist will ask you what you need toothpaste for. People who use toothpaste clean their teeth by brushing and flossing them. The mechanical action of the brush and floss loosens plaque. Plaque is the bacterial coating that forms on teeth and causes gum disease and cavities. Rinsing with water washes the loose plaque away. Toothpaste must provide an addition benefit.Procter and Gamble (www.crest.com) introduced fluoridated toothpaste with Crest in 1955. Now, most toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride from toothpaste seeps into the surface of teeth making them more resistant to decay. People who use toothpaste with fluoride get fewer cavities than those who do not.For people who have a very high rate of decay, their dentist may prescribe toothpaste that has a higher concentration of fluoride. Such a high concentration is able to reverse very small decayed areas.Young children who can not rinse and spit out should not use fluoridated toothpaste. They may swallow too much fluoride which may stain the permanent teeth. That is why some manufacturers market fluoride free toothpaste for children. Tom’s of Maine (www.tomsofmaine.com), known for their “natural” oral health care products offers fluoride free, strawberry flavor toothpaste for children.

Whitening toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, but excessive use might damage tooth enamel. If you're considering using a whitening toothpaste, look for a brand that has a seal of approval from a reputable dental organization — such as the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which indicates that the toothpaste is effective at removing surface stains and reducing tooth decay. If you're not satisfied with the effect of whitening toothpaste, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about more effective tooth whitening options.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/18779/choosing_which_toothpaste_you_should.html

Brian D. Johnson, D.M.D

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA30076

770.993.9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Are you washing your hands properly?

The germ season has begun! The best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and properly. Use of hand sanitizer can help in the quest to ward the germs away. Diligent practices of hand washing, use of sanitizers when appropriate, and other simple practices can go along way to keep your family healthy this season.

The following article was posted on the Mayo Clinic website. Please take a moment to read.

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Hand washing requires only soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer — a cleanser that doesn't require water. Find out when and how to wash your hands properly.
When to wash your hands
As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. In turn, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Although it's impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing your hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
Always wash your hands before:
Preparing food
Eating
Treating wounds or giving medicine
Touching a sick or injured person
Inserting or removing contact lenses
Always wash your hands after:
Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
Using the toilet
Changing a diaper
Touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste
Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands
Treating wounds
Touching a sick or injured person
Handling garbage or something that could be contaminated, such as a cleaning cloth or soiled shoes
Of course, it's also important to wash your hands whenever they look dirty.
How to wash your hands
It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Follow these simple steps:
Wet your hands with running water.
Apply liquid, bar or powder soap.
Lather well.
Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Rinse well.
Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer.
If possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet.
Keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product's antimicrobial agents — making it harder to kill these germs in the future.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407


Debbie Johnson
Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

Are you a candidate for a "Snap-On Smile"?

You make have seen the marketing hype about "Snap on Smile". We offer this product and would like to give you the low down.

Advantages:

• The expense is a fraction of the cost of restorative work.


• Can give a temporary smile while extensive restorative work is in process.


• Non-invasive..no shots, no adhesive, reversible


• Snap-On Smile can last for years and yet is affordable enough to be temporary.
  

Disadvantages:

• Devices like these are always simply quick, cosmetic fixes. They may look great, but nothing replaces permanent, aesthetic dental procedures.


• Adds bulk to your mouth.


• From impression appointment to delivery is about 3 weeks.

As always, we are happy to discuss your dental treatment options. Please call today.

Dr. Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

770.993.9809

Protect and preserve your smile!

The end of the year is quickly approaching. Some of you have some treatment that you have been putting off and may have insurance benefits remaining and maybe even flex spend money that needs to be used. If you want to schedule work before the end of the year, don't wait too long. Remember, if you don't use your insurance benefits for this year, you cannot carry it over. Likewise for flex spend money.

Remember, a filling left untreated becomes a crown. A crown left untreated becomes a root canal and may have to be extracted. Extracted teeth need to replaced with bridges or implants. The longer you put off treatment, the more expensive the solution!

Preserve your smile!

Debbie Johnson

Dr Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

770.993.9809

Don't let a toothache ruin your day!

Have you ever started your day with a smile, then your feet start to hurt because of new or comfortable shoes? Or begin to enjoy a Sunday when you get a toothache? Both of these scenarios will ruin your day and prevent you from thinking of anything else!
I can't help you with the shoe dilemma, but if Dr Johnson has recommended some dental work and you've been putting it off, I can help with that!
From simple fillings, to crowns, it is always best to treat before there is pain. Call today to schedule your next appointment!

Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road,#C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Scare "Sugar Bugs" away from your kids' teeth and make a soldier smile!

As we approach Halloween, many of us have started to buy our Trick or Treat candy. Please read the following article from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists . The article has some great ideas how to reduce the chances of developing cavities during the upcoming weeks. When the kids get back from Trick or Treating, let them choose some candy to keep and then bring a bag of candy to us for our Halloween Candy Buy Back campaign. The little treats will be so appreciated by the men and women serving in the Armed Forces. We are partnering with

Operation Gratitude to send care packages. The kids get to keep some candy, they can get a few dollars from Dr. Johnson for their extra candy , and hopefully avoid developing any cavities from eating too much sugary treats! Kids will be happy, moms and dads will be happy , and our friends in the military will be happy! Thanks for helping us to help others! Here is a link to a YouTube video about the program.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children’s dental and oral health, is providing parents with recommendations on how to help preserve children’s teeth during Halloween and throughout the year.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
Don’t be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
“Let’s face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year,” stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. “Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child’s favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all,” concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities. For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit http://www.aapd.org/

Debbie Johnson

Dr Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

770.993.9809

Braces, not just for kids....!

Many people think that braces just correct crooked teeth. While braces do accomplish this goal, they correct a much more important problem, malocclusion. We have seen several adult patients recently who did not get braces as kids because their teeth were/are relatively straight. However, they have a cross bite, over bite , or underbite. This means their teeth hit at awkward positions. Over time, this can cause many problems such as jaw pain, and excessive wearing of the teeth.
While timing is important when placing braces on children and teens because of the developing jaw bone structure, braces can be placed at any time for adults. We refer our patients to several area orthodontists. Please call today and we can help you !

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Do You Twitter Your Google?

Do you Twitter your Google? FaceBook your tweets? Flickr your blog? If your are not sure if this is gibberish or not, you are in the same boat that Brian and I were in a very short time ago. As it turns out, the Internet offers a wide variety of opportunity to every business and/service. Here is a list of the social media arenas we are participating in and how we plan to use them.

FaceBook- a great communication tool. Several patients have used it to send message to us regarding tooth aches, questions about dental insurance, appointment changes, etc. It is also an easy and convenient way for your to "show" or "like " our practice to your friends. If you are not already a fan, please join!

Twitter- this is really just a marketing tool. I am happy to follow you , or have you follow us. Feel free to retweet us and we'll do the same for you! Our user name is BrianJohnsonDMD

LinkedIn-connects Dr. Johnson to you in a professional networking arena.

Blogger- we are using our blog to bring interested dental topics to your attention. Feel free to comment or even request topics.

YouTube- this is newest addition to our arsenal of social media. We will post patient testimonials, patient education clips, and new patient welcome clips.



The goal is to link as many "media" as possible. So, I'll post a YouTube video on FB. Feel free to comment on FB or on YouTube...get it? Many businesses are paying social media marketing firms to manage their efforts. They do a great job. Unfortunately, they look a little too shiny.

We are doing our own.. so it will look a little more "homemade". We like it that way! You would know if we weren't real... and would tell us. So, tell us what you think, either way. We can take it. Just know that are learning every day. So watch for our Tweets, FBs posts, blog entries, and videos!It is a crazy world we live in! Life is good!

Debbie Johnson
Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Don't end looking like Ross in Friends....

Do you remember the Friends episode that Ross got his teeth bleached and they were glowing in the dark? Nobody wants that! We were in the mall the other day and saw a kiosk for tooth whitening/bleaching. I'll buy alot of things at the mall; but dental care isn't one of them. I didn't really see anyone getting the service done;but I'm sure that some have. I don't know about you, but I'm not letting a non dental professional do a one hour bleach on my teeth!

Some things are best left to the professionals. There are limitations to bleaching and your dentist is aware of them. Bleaching doesn't work on crowns, bridges, and veneers. We offer in office and take home bleach options. We prefer the take home method because it offers the best and longer results. The in office method is good for events like weddings, proms, etc .

Some people complain of sensitivity while and after bleaching. This can be remedied by using fluoride rinse in the trays for a day or two instead of the bleach. If the sensitivity continues, there are other products that we can provide to help you enjoy your bleach system.

Here is a link to a company that we buy our bleach kits from. It has a lot of great info...
http://www.teethwhitening.com/

As always, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have about bleaching or any other dental related issue.

Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road,Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/
www.facebook.com/brianjohnsondmd

How long have you had your tooth brush?

I saw a toothbrush commercial recently that made me think. When you go to shop for a new toothbrush, it can be really confusing.You see hundreds of manual and powered toothbrushes up and down the aisle. Look for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance—an important symbol of a dental product's safety and effectiveness.

A toothbrush should be replaced every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush does not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Children should have a child-sized toothbrush for ease of use. The variety of colors and designs can provide extra fun and motivation to keep children brushing.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Content courtesy of the American Dental Association

Oral Piercings...cool or risky?

While many people think this trend looks cool, it has many possible and harmful side effects.

Common symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva (“spit”) and injuries to the gums:

• Millions of bacteria (“germs”) live in your mouth, so oral piercings may become infected easily
• Swelling of the tongue is a common side effect but it is possible for the tongue to swell large enough to block your airway and prevent breathing.
• Piercing can cause uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. If a blood vessel was in the path of the needle during the piercing, severe and difficult-to-control bleeding can result.
• Blood clots or blood poisoning can occur

And the jewelry itself can be hazardous or cause other problems:

• You can choke on the studs, barbells or hoops that become loose in your mouth.
• Teeth can chip or crack from contact with the jewelry.
• Bacteria that breeds around the piercing can cause bad breath.
• The jewelry can prevent you from speaking clearly or cause problems with chewing and swallowing food.
• The metals may cause an allergic reaction.

Since oral health is important for overall health, the effects of an oral piercing may have a greater impact than one may think. Unfortunately, many people with oral piercings don't realize that these side effects could happen to them.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can oral piercing be bad for your health?

Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, infection is a common complication of oral piercing.

Pain and swelling are other side effects of piercing. Your tongue—a popular piercing site in the mouth—could swell large enough to close off your airway. Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage.

The jewelry itself also presents some hazards. You can choke on any studs, barbells or hoops that come loose in your mouth, and contact with the jewelry can chip or crack your teeth.

Article courtesy of the American Dental Association

Whoopi Goldberg talks about Gum Disease - It can kill you!

Ask your dentist... dental emergency

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing how to respond is obviously very important. Where you go for treatment when you have a dental emergency depends on the type of emergency you have. When deciding where you should go for treatment consider, think of the following before making your decision.

Dental emergencies, or traumas involving the face and mouth, that require immediate medical attention include:
jaw fractures
jaw dislocations
serious lacerations of the soft tissues of the face and mouth
an abcess or infection that is very swollen or that is impacting breathing or swallowing (particularly if you are immunocompromised)Call 911 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or go directly to the hospital.


There are other dental emergencies that are not considered life-threatening but that still may require immediate care.
A broken or cracked tooth
An avulsed (lost/knocked out) tooth
Pain from a decayed or abscessed tooth (not swollen, not impacting breathing or swallowing)These do not necessarily require treatment at a hospital. Your dentist should be the first person you call. Hospitals are not equipped to provide you with the treatment necessary to restore a tooth or provide other dental treatment that may be required. That care should be sought quickly, but it needn't be in an ER.

Dental emergencies do not always occur at an ideal time of day (as if there is one), so your dentist may not be able to see you when you need him to.
If the dental emergency occurs during non-business hours, on a weekend, or a holiday -- and it is not considered life-threatening -- always call our after hours number.We will make every effort to manage your pain and discomfort until we can bring you into the office.
Dental emergencies should always be handled seriously. Preparing yourself in advance to handle a dental emergency when one occurs is invaluable knowledge that every member of the family should possess.

Dr Brian Johnson
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Ask Your Dentist...dental x-rays

We get alot of questions about why dental x-rays are necessary and the risks associated with the radiation you get from them. Dental radiographs, or x-rays are an integral part of diagnosing oral health and problems. We take a full set of x-rays, or FMX as part of the new patient appointment , and then every 3-5 years after that. "Check up "x-rays or bitewings are taken every 6-12 months in between.
Dental x-rays can show hidden tooth decay, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and impacted teeth. They also help to monitor the status of dental fillings, dental bridges, crowns, root canals, and implants. They also reveal bone loss suffered due to periodontal disease.
While we all want to limit our exposure to radiation, the amount of exposure from digital dental x-rays is really minimal. The ADA actually says that dental x-rays are even safe to use during pregnancy. At our office, we choose to wait until after your baby arrives to do the x-rays , just to be extra safe!
Dental x-rays are important used in conjunction with regular check ups and exams to assure you keep and enjoy your teeth and smile for a lifetime.
Call our office today with any questions about x-rays or any other dental health concern.

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Be Careful Little Mouths What You Eat!...or Drink

On a recent visit to the pediatrician, I learned that creatine, a supplement being widely used by athletes and encouraged by some coaches, can have some very serious side effects. It is being added to drinks, like"Muscle Milk" and some "protein bars". Creatine is a very popular supplement. That's mainly because it accelerates gains in muscle size and strength compared to exercise alone. I did a little research on the Mayo Clinic's website. My pediatric nurse practitioner, Pat Musto, from North Fulton Pediatrics , strongly discourages the use of creatine , especially in adolescents. Research that NFPs has looked into shows that creatine does "bulk up" muscle fibers. The problem is that creatine is not selective and can even "bulk up" cardiac (heart) fibers.This is not a desirable result. Doctors are recommending that dietary protein is best.
She went so far as to say if I had "Muscle Milk" at home, that I should throw it away! I trust this pediatric practice so implicitly , that I thought that I should share it with my friends and now with our patients.
I know that this isn't technically a dental issue, but it is all health related... so eat and drink healthy!

As always, if you have any questions regarding this post or any dental related concern, don't hesitate to call the office.

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Word of Mouth Goes Digital

The best way to find a dentist, doctor, or pretty much anything is by word of mouth. I like to go somewhere where somebody I know has had a great experience already. The digital age has made is even more convenient to share with our friends where we have had great experiences.
Social networking media such as FaceBook is one example. If you have "joined" or "liked" our fan page, you can suggest us to your friends very simply. Please go to our page, then look in the upper left hand corner, under Dr. Johnson's picture, and click "suggest to friends". Then select all of your friends that you would like to recommend. Remember that each time one of your friends becomes one of our patients, will apply $10.00 as a token of our appreciation for that referral.
We accept many dental insurances. Of course, not everyone has dental insurance. We gladly will give a 10% discount for those patients.

Help your friends by sending them our way!

Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

How is communication important in the dental office?

Good communication is the key to any successful relationship. We all know that. How is it important in the dental office?

• You have to tell your dentist if you are having pain or other concerns with your oral health. We have to communicate problems/concerns that we see. When we communicate well, we can keep you healthy. When you confirm your cleaning appointment, if you are having a particular problem and you let us know ahead of time, we might be able to schedule extra time to address that problem. You are happy , we are happy to help you.


• Your dental insurance change. You let us know ahead of time or at least while you are here. We submit the claim properly and the claim is paid in a reasonable amount of time. We are happy.


• You are very happy with something that we did. Tell us, but better, tell everybody else! If you are unhappy with something that we did or didn't do , please tell us first! Don't tell everybody else or change dentists!


• You have dental work that needs to be done; but don't have the available cash to do it. Tell us! We have options that we can offer you.

Our patients are important to us. We want you to be happy and to tell all your friends how great we are!

Debbie Johnson

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Feeling long in the tooth?

What is the first thing you notice when you meet someone? For many, it is the smile. The phrase "Long in the tooth" refers to a smile that shows gum recession. We typically use it the phrase meaning someone doesn't look as youthful as they once did. Just as white, straight teeth make you look youthful: crooked, discolored , and broken teeth make you look aged.

With all the knowledge and technology available today , wouldn't you rather have a smile that reflects your inner youthful spirit?
What can you do to protect your smile? Brush and floss at least every day and visit our office at least every six months. These simple practices are easy and are very cost effective.

Call today if you want to improve your smile!

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

Does Your Teenager Enjoy Going to the Dentist?

If your teenager is like mine, they don't like going to any doctor or dentist. They especially don't like being treated like a "baby". Many times as children reach adolescence, they don't want to continue going to their pediatric dentist. They don't need the video games, aquariums, etc. Also, we can usually accommodate the schedule of the busy teenagers a little bit more than a busy pediatric office. We have had several teenagers join our practice lately because of this. We are happy to provide dental care for your entire family. All of our recent additions say that they are happy to have changed from a pediatric dentist.

Call today to schedule their next appointment.
Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Managing tooth sensitivity

Do you feel pangs of tooth sensitivity when you drink hot or cold , sweet or sour beverages? Tooth sensitivity is a result of the underlying layer, called the dentin, becoming exposed. The roots are not covered by the hard enamel and when your gums recede the dentin is exposed to food, drink, even air temperature changes.
Here are some common causes of sensitivity and things that you can do to help.

Brushing you teeth too hard or using a toothbrush that is too stiff can literally brush away your gums. So, try using a softer brush .

Tooth decay near the gum line.Call us and let us check . If you have been told that you have decay, you should have it removed and filled.


Gum disease (gingivitis) . Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.

Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing inflammation. Once again, this needs to be taken care of .

Teeth grinding . Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin. Night time use of occlusal guards can help to reduce symptoms associated with grinding.

Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to sensitive teeth. If you whiten, try using fluoride rinses for a few days .

Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.

Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.

Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.

Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.

Simple changes in your daily routine can help reduce tooth sensitivity. The regular use of Sensodyne toothpaste and a fluoride rinse can make an appreciable difference in sensitivity. Also, try to limit consumption of acidic foods. And finally and most importantly, regular visits to our office to let us monitor your dental health.

some information courtesy of webmd.com

Help a friend today!

You can help a friend today. How, you many ask? Tell them that you have the best dentist! Tell them that you love his staff and how nice we are! Tell them that you feel like you are visiting old friends when you come to see us. Tell them that you trust Dr. Johnson's advice/honesty implicitly. Tell them that you love our hygienist. How is that for patting myself on the back? Actually , I'm just repeating what our patients tell me every day. Of course, this makes me very happy.

You would be amazed how many people don't go to the dentist just because the task of choosing one is too difficult. Think about it...they probably need to pick one from their insurance provider list. When was the last time you saw YOUR provider list? I make it my policy to choose health care providers by referral only. I think this is a great policy!Why should choose someone as important as your doctor and dentist be a game of Russian Roulette?

Also,it may have been a long while since they last visited a dentist. Many people are embarassed that they have gone so long between check ups and are afraid of what the dentist will say. We hope that you will tell everyone you see today that they should call us today. Did I mention that we apply a $10 credit to your account for EVERY referral you send to us? If you send us 2 families of 5 , you will get $100 to use toward your dental services...that's half of a bleaching procedure! Your could pay for your needed crown if you start networking today!Tell your friends to mention your name! You could do this and help a friend today!

Debbie Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.brianjohnsondmd.com
(770)993-9809

Don't floss....your temporary crowns....gotcha!

While you have temporary crowns , you shouldn't floss ... around that tooth. You thought we had a big typo huh? The cement that we use to cement temporary crowns is not nearly as strong as the cement that we use on the permanent crowns. Of course, right... well floss will pop it right off and you'll have to come back in to have it recemented. That is a bummer, because nobody likes to visit the dentist unnecessarily , right? If the temporary does pop off and you are can't get in , you can always put a little toothpaste , or better yet, denture cream on it til we can take care of it for you. Just try not to loose or break the crown.

Don't forget to brush and floss all the rest of your teeth!

Debbie Johnson
Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

Don't drink and drill!

Did you know....? You shouldn't drink beverages with caffeine before dental appointments that will include drilling. Imagine this scenario, you get to the dentist, maybe a little nervous. The dentist applies the gel to numb your gums so you won't feel the shot. He gives the shot. He begins the procedure. You still feel the drilling. OUCH!!! Nobody wants that. Drinking caffeine actually makes it more difficult to let the Novocaine(or other numbing medicine ) do it's job.
If you have a morning appointment, I know that this could be less than ideal. Trust me, I LIKE my morning coffee to chase away the night time spider webs from the brain. On the mornings that you are being drilled, leave the cob webs. They'll go away. You will be sleeping in the dental chair anyway right? Our patients often do to sleep while being worked on. What you don't at your dentist? Then, maybe , you're going to the wrong dentist!!!!

Call today to schedule your appointment with us.

Debbie Johnson
Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

Smile! It makes people wonder what you are up to!

A smile is a powerful tool. Unfortunately, it is terribly underused. If you are not sharing your smile because of dental problems, we can help you!
Call today to schedule an appointment.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770)993-9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

Choosing the Right Mouthwash

Many people use daily mouth washes. The problem is there are so many on the market these days, it can be difficult to decide which to choose.
If you are prone to decay, you should choose one with fluoride and use it daily. If you are prone to periodontal disease, you may benefit from a prescription rinse. Many rinses contain alcohol and should be avoided by children and many adults. Alcohol based rinses can make dry mouth worse , which can lead to decay.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your dental health, please call our office and one of our team member will be happy to help you!

Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

No dental insurance? No problem!

In our current economy, many have lost their jobs and their health and dental benefits. This is not the time to ignore your health. Routine cleanings are important to detect early signs of oral cancer, and periodontal disease. It is much more cost effective to come in for a cleaning and check up than have to pay for treatment that negligence always leads to.

Call today to schedule your next visit.

Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Tired of all of our appointment reminders?

Some of our patients have recently complained about the numerous reminders that we use . We apologize for any incovenience. Unfortunately, it seems necessary to remind many people multiple times or they forget to show up. No shows are an unpleasant part of our day. Because we reserve just enough time to see our patients and do not overbook our schedule, a no show appointment leaves us empty handed and empty chaired.
We are grateful when our patients "preappoint" their next appointment. We will send you and email one month prior to the date of that appointment, then you will received another one week prior, and finally two days prior. If you need a friendly voice reminder, you need to do nothing else. However, if three reminders are enough for you, please simply reply to any one of the email reminders and we will not call you.
If you need to reschedule , please give us the courtesy of 48 business hours. We will charge a broken appointment fee of $45.00 per hour scheduled if you break an appointment with less than 24 hours notice.

Debbie Johnson
Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Most dentists and orthodontists recommend removal/extraction of wisdom teeth in adolescence , or at least as a young adult. The reason for this is that if the wisdom teeth do not erupt/break through, they will crowd the permanent teeth. This is especially disturbing if the patient has spent time and money on orthodontia. If the wisdom teeth do erupt, they are difficult to clean properly and can be very prone to decay. Many times, the wisdom teeth only partially erupt and serve as a source of bacteria which can increase the risks for periodontal disease.

So,if you have told to get your wisdom teeth taken out,please contact an oral surgeon today to take care of that. There's no time like the present!

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Are you happy with your dentist?

Are you happy with your dentist? If I am your dentist, I certainly hope so! I hope you are so happy with our care that you tell all of your friends and co-workers!
If you are not one of our cherished patients, and you are not happy with your current dental office, we hope that you will call today to meet us! We welcome each patient, new or established just like we do guests to our home. We hope that you will experience warm welcomes on the phone, and at the office. Our goal is to make you feel instantly at ease!

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

Dental health during pregnancy

Ideally, you should see your dentist 6 months before you get pregnant to make sure that your gums and teeth are healthy . When you get pregnant, you may notice that your gums bleed more than normal during regular brushing and flossing. This is because the gums become softented due to the increased blood flow normal during pregnancy. You should certainly maintain regular brushing and flossing as well as routine dental visits even during your preganancy. Periodontal disease can be harmful to your unborn baby. The reason for this is that pregnant patients with periodontal disease are at a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes and for having their babies early .
So if you are considering starting a family , and haven't seen your dentist lately, call today!

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson , DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

Signs of periodontal disease

Do you have periodontal disease/gum disease?
Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard food?
Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?
Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?
Have you noticed that your gums are receding?
Do your teeth appear longer than before?
Do you have persistent bad breath?
Have you noticed pus between your teeth and gums?
Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should see your dentist.Here are some things that you can expect your dentist to do to check for this pesky condition .During a periodontal exam, your dentist or periodontist typically checks:
your gums—for bleeding, swelling, firmness, and for pockets (the space between the gum and tooth; the larger and deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease)
your teeth—for movement and sensitivity
your bite—for proper teeth alignment
your jawbone—(via x-rays) to help detect the breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth.

Call our office today !

Brian D. Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

Antiobiotics and Dental Appointments

You or someone you know may been told to take antiobiotics prior to dental appointments. We are concerned about the overuse of antiobiotics; but used as intended antiobiotics are life saving. People who may require premedication include patients who have had joint replacement surgery as do those with heart murmurs or with a medical history of a heart infection called endocarditis.
The reason for the this need is that the mouth harbours all kinds of bacteria. When you come in for a dental cleaning or procedure, those bacteria gets "all stirred up" so to speak and can enter the blood stream.

If you have any questions about this issue, we are always happy to answer your questions. Please call today!

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson , DMD,PC
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com
(770)993-9809

We welcome new patients!

We welcome new patients! Especially those that our loyal patients have sent us. We want you to know what to expect when you arrive. On the first appointment with us, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff, we will ask you to complete our new patient forms (hopefully you will have received them either by email or snail mail) , then we will take a set of 18 digital dental x-rays. Dr. Johnson will then review the x-rays , then come in to introduce himself and do a complete new patient exam. He will measure the pocket depths between your teeth and gums and then take pictures with an intra oral camera to show you your teeth up close and personal. It is our goal to "clean your teeth " on your first appoitment with us. However, if you have not seen a dentist in a while , it should come as no surprise that it may take longer and may require a second visit to accomplish this goal.

If you have particular concerns about your dental health, please feel free to communicate this to Dr. Johnson and our staff. It is our goal to make you feel welcome from the first phone call!



Debbie Johnson

Brian Johnson, DMD

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

1240 Upper Hembree Road,

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

(770)993-9809

http://www.brianjohnson.com/

Can a knocked out tooth be saved?

Can a knocked out tooth be saved? Certainly, and the sooner you can get to your dentist's office the better the chances of saving the tooth. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within one hour of being knocked out.The wives'tale about putting it milk is true. You can also put in a small container of your own saliva. We don't recommend carrying it in your mouth loose due to the risk of swalling it.

Even if your tooth can't be saved, you haven't necessarily lost your smile. Due to advances in dentistry, a dental implant — a freestanding artificial tooth — can now be anchored directly into your jawbone.

Brian Johnson, DMD
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

Cold sores, what to do?

They are annoying and painful and there are plenty of things that can cause them.I am talking about cold sores. The cause can be bacterial, viral, fungal or injury.\

Mouth sores may be symptoms of a disease or disorder. A dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Among the most common mouth sores are:

Canker sores. Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious. There may be only one canker sore or several and they can return frequently. Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.

Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. Some women may be more prone to them in their premenstrual cycle. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.

Treating Canker Sores: They usually heal on their own after a week or two. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. See your dentist if the sores do not heal or are painful.

Cold sores. Annoying and painful, cold sores, also called fever blisters, are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the e or around the chin. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes), which often occurs before adulthood, may be confused with a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth.

Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. Recurring cold sores look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that most commonly appear around the edge of the lips. For some people, the virus remains inactive or dormant. For others, cold sores can follow a fever, sunburn, stress, emotional upsets or a break in the skin.

Treating cold sores: Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Your dentist may prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce these kinds of viral infections.


Candidiasis. This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and most often occurs in people who are very young, elderly, debilitated by diseases like diabetes or leukemia, or who have a problem with their immune system. People who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to candidiasis. Candida may flourish after antibiotic treatment, which can decrease normal bacteria in the mouth.

Treating candidiasis: Control focuses on preventing or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak. Good oral hygiene is essential. Clean dentures to remove Candida and remove the dentures at bedtime. Saliva substitutes and prescription medications may be helpful when the underlying cause of dry mouth is incurable or unavoidable.

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com

some content courtesey of www.ada.org

The truth about mercury /amalgam fillings

Have you have been told that you have a cavity and need a "filling", or that your old fillings should be replaced? If so, you may be wondering about the buzz on the "silver" /amalgam fillings. Amalgam was used very effectively for almost a century as filling material. It was relatively cost effective and easy to use. While there has not been any research to support the concerns about "mercury poisoning" from dental fillings, many patients and dentists have begun to choose an alternative treatment, composite resin. Composite fillings are far more aesthetic and have been used on front (anterior) teeth for some time. Research and technology have led to some very nice results with composite fillings. It is quite durable, although , not quite as much as the amalgam.

As always , we are willing and eager to answer any questions that you have regarding this issue. Please call our office today!

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 300076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com


some content courtesey of www.ada.org

How would you rank your smile?

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank how happy you are with your smile? There are many treatment options available to help raise that number. Talk to our staff and myself about your smile concerns!

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
www.BrianJohnsonDMD.com

What are your lucky number?

We are all inundated with numbers these days. There are even "sleep number beds"! Your gums have numbers too. When you visit our office, Dr Johnson or the hygienist will exam your gums and measure the "pocket depth" and call out a bunch of numbers. What do they mean? Well if they are calling out 1-3, you are doing a good job cleaning your teeth on a regular basis. I they call out 4-5, you have some work to do. You need to go get new floss and interdental cleaners; and, then get busy changing your oral hygiene routines. If they call out numbers 6 or above, you have a problem. At this point , there is calculus built up below the gumline and trapping bacteria in your gums. You need this removed so that your gums can begin to heal . Dr Johnson usually prescribes a prescription anti inflammatory mouth rinse to use as part of a vigorous oral hygiene regime.

If the numbers are about about 7 or 8 , you may already be in danger of losing your teeth due to bone loss.

So, you see, regular visits to the dentist really is important. Some people seem to genetically programmed to build up plaque and calculus and require cleanings 3-4 times per year. Some can get by with 2 times per year. The important thing is to find out what your numbers are!

Call us today to make your cleaning appointment.

Brian Johnson DMD

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

(770)993-9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Do you blog, tweet, FB,...?

We'll meet you where ever you go in the social networks! We are currently on FB, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Blogger. If you enjoy any of these, connect with us!



Dr. Brian Johnson

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA30076

(770)993-9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Dr Oz weighs in on dental plaque

Don't you love the way your teeth feel when you first get them cleaned! I don't want to eat anything , just want to keep them nice and shiny! That could be a great diet trick, but I digress...



So, you get your cleaning, your hygienist and your dentist tell you to brush and floss after every meal and at bedtime. Of course they do, it's their job to say that , you think to yourself. You think to yourself, "I'm going to do just what they say this time. I'm going to come back and they will tell me what a great job I'm doing" .

The question for the day is what happens if you don't brush and floss after meals and at bedtime?Well, plaque builds up in as little time as six hours. Dr Oz had a show on recently had showed a big bucket of plaque. It looked alot like Elmer's glue. I will tell you was gross! It will stick to your teeth and begin to change into calculus. Guess what, calculus can't be removed by a tooth brush. It can only be removed by the scaler the hygienist used to scrape with! Multiply that times how many times you don't remove the pesky plaque and before you know it, there is a "plug"of calculus at the base of your teeth and it lets nasty bacteria set up residence underneath it . The bacteria also likes to find it's way into your bloodstream. It can attack the sides of your arteries. Wait!!! You thought you were reading about teeth , not coronary heart disease.... ! Well, periodontal disease has been proven to lead to heart disease... among other systemic diseases...



So, when you are told to brush and floss after every meal and at bedtime, maybe you should!!!!



If you are due for your dental cleaning , call us today!



Debbie Johnson

Brian Johnson, DMD

1240 Upper Hembree Road

Suite C

Roswell, GA 30076

(770)993-9809

http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Is Your Smile as White as You Want?

If you are interested inn whitening your teeth, it's best done under the guidelines of a dentist who can help you determine the best method for you. Over-the-counter whiteners can be somewhat effective, but make sure to read the directions carefully.
Some tooth stains are inside the tooth and required whitening and/or treatment by a dentist. Tooth stains that are created by smoking and consuming things like coffee, red wine and soy sauce, benefit from a good cleaning before you begin any whitening program. Good brushing and flossing habits will prevent most of these stains.
We use a system call Brite Smile . The process requires use of custom bleach trays which we make in our office. The solution is placed in the trays then worn for 2 hours for maximum effectiveness. You will see best results in approximately 2 weeks. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, there are a couple of options to help you.
We offer Zoom! However, we still recommend the use of the "take home" system as follow up care. We are happy to answer all of your questions regarding whitening your teeth!

Debbie Johnson
Treatment Coordinator
Brian Johnson, D.M.D
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnson.com/

Do you think you have morning breath all day?

If you brush, floss, and use mouth wash; but still think your breath could be fresher, the problem could be your tongue needs to be cleaned too. Bad breath surely is not pleasant to talk about and can be caused by many factors. Bad breath may be transient, often disappearing following eating, brushing one's teeth, flossing, or rinsing with specialized mouthwash.
The back of the tongue is where many bacteria like to hang out. Also, it is more difficult to clean the back of the tongue. Other parts of the mouth may also contribute to the overall odor, but are not as common as the back of the tongue. Faulty dental work, food-impaction areas in-between the teeth, abscesses, and unclean dentures can contribute to unpleasant breath.

The most common reason to clean the tongue is for the control of bad breath. Methods used against bad breath, such as mints, mouth sprays, mouthwash or gum, may only temporarily mask the odors created by the bacteria on the tongue, but can not cure bad breath because they do not remove the source of the bad breath. The bacteria on the tongue must be removed; as must the decaying food debris present on the rear areas of the tongue. Most people who clean their tongue use a tongue scraper, or a toothbrush. Ergonomic, specially designed tongue cleaners are more effective at removing the bacterial coating than toothbrushes which merely spread the bacterial accumulations on the tongue and in the mouth.

So, if you think you have persistent bad breath, go get yourself and tongue scraper and try it for a while. Routine cleanings are always important as well. So, if you are overdue , call us today.

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30004
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Probiotics and Your Dental Health

Probiotics- What Are They?
What are probiotics? Probiotics are dietary supplements that if taken regularly can help to balance the good and bad bacteria that live in your intestines. Why am I telling your about this? Because the imbalance of the bacteria leads to inflammation in the intestines. The intestines are in integral part of your immune system. If the bad bacteria are in control of your system, your immune system has to work extra hard to try to rebalance the normal flora. It can get tired and allow you to get sick more easily. An imbalance of bacteria can cause a variety of disorders including intestinal discomfort, and heartburn. When there is inflammation in the body, the entire system has to work harder to try to stay healthy. Coronary heart disease and periodontal disease are very closely linked. So, brush , floss, see us for regular routine cleanings and take a daily probiotic supplement daily. I have been using a live culture probiotic supplement for almost 2 years. Ask me about it!

Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
(770)993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/

Are you wasting your money?

Once upon a time I paid for a YMCA membership for a whole year ..., and didn't go once! I am a smart person( I think) . However paying for a gym membership and not using it doesn't sound very smart. The same thing happens all the time in the dental world. So many people pay and/or have been paying for dental insurance and not used it once.
Most of us try to maximize our medical flex spend accounts. You should also try to maximize your dental insurance benefits. Yearly maximums range from $1000-$2000. If you have dental care that has been recommended, why would you not use it? The insurance companies are counting on your dental phobias... they don't want you to come in and get your teeth taken care of!

It is really easy to get into a good habit of coming in for your dental check ups and cleanings. Don't go another month wasting your dental benefits!Call our office today to let us guide you back to excellent dental health.

Debbie Johnson
Treatment Coordinator
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/
(770)993-9809

Does going to the dentist make you nervous?

When I was a child, our family dentist was not known for "gentle dental care" . To this day, I get nervous hearing the sound of that drill! So, if you get a little anxious just thinking about coming in to the dental office, please rest your fears. These days, we have all sorts of distractions to help you face your fears. We have headphones ready to pipe in music of your choice, television, pleasant decor , a friendly staff, and most importantly the most gentle dentist around!

Yes, I know I am a little biased, but I think Dr . Johnson is the best around. We have had many patients over the years say that he has helped them overcome their dental fears.


Debbie Johnson
Treatment Coordinator
Brian D. Johnson, DMD
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, Ga 30076
(770)993-9809
www.brianjohnsondmd.com