By: Ashleigh

Almost everyone has a night routine that they do before going to bed.  Hopefully, EVERYONE includes a good brushing and flossing after all snacks and drinks are consumed.  You hear it from your hygienist and your dentist..."Brush twice a day for two minutes each time."

Did you know that one of the most important times to brush is right before going to bed?  This includes napping!

When you are sleeping, your mouth slows the production of saliva.  This drier environment allows for bacteria to attack any sugar/starch particles remaining on your teeth.  This creates more acid, which wears down the enamel protecting teeth.  When the breakdown becomes significant, a cavity is formed.

If you like your dessert at the end of the night, but do not brush and go straight to bed, the sugar and starches are breeding grounds for the bacteria to thrive.

It is also important to limit sipping on sugary and acidic drinks or eating snacks ALL DAY LONG.  Give your teeth a break!  Drinking water throughout the day helps because it helps wash away the acid and buildup of bacteria.

By: Ashleigh

Growing up, I had a gap in my front teeth.  It really made me self-critical and never made me smile big or laugh a big Julie Roberts style laugh.  I covered my smile with my hand.  My family would list off all the actresses and models that had gaps and are confident, but that never made me feel better about my teeth.

Then I got braces.  Most school-aged children dread braces and complain, but I was complaining that I was not going soon enough!  Finally, my senior year of high school it was my turn to get them.  I didn't care that my senior pictures would forever show my silvery smile.  In fact, I smiled A LOT with braces!  For me, it was the beginning of a confident transformation.

There is a question on our Health History form that always gets various answers, "How do you feel about your smile?"

Here are some of the responses:
     "Good."
     "Don't like it."
     "OK."
     "Needs assistance."
     "Beautiful!"
     "I think they need to be more white."
     "Confident."
     "Bad."
     "Yuck!"
     "Great!"

Those little statements can tell us a lot in just a few words.  There is something that is very powerful about smiles.  They are welcoming, comforting and make you and others feel good.

Be sure that you are keeping yours not only beautiful, but HEALTHY!  Brush two times a day for two minutes each time, floss once a day and VISIT your dentist at least twice a year.  Not only will the dentist and dental team keep your teeth and gums healthy, but your dentist can help create the smile you want.

Most of our patients know that if they have a problem, tooth ache, or need their teeth cleaned that they should call us.  However, many patients do not know that Dr. Jones can work with you to redesign your smile for a more aesthetic look.  Improving the appearance of your smile can be just as valuable as fixing a broken tooth.

Some examples of aesthetic enhancement include: teeth whitening, veneers,  or bonding spaces and gaps with tooth colored filling material.  If there is something that you do not like about your smile, it is worth asking Dr. Jones what options are available to change what you do not like.

Recently, our hygienist Lynne had her 6 front teeth restored for a big aesthetic change.  If you have any questions or want to see her smile, she would be happy to share with you.

If you would like to meet with Dr. Jones for a Smile Consultation, please call us at 913-491-0077 or email us at info@alisonjonesdentistry.com.  


From someone who knows what it is like to hide a smile, it can be a life changing experience!