Monday, August 30, 2010

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

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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

Friday, August 20, 2010

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

Friday, August 13, 2010

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

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

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