Dentist Jefferson City Blog

Aug 05 2021

Your Smile May Be Your Greatest Job-Hunting Asset

YES, REAL RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP over time. We all know that. But there are certain situations where an incredible first impression goes a long, long way. One of those times is when you’re advancing your career and interviewing for jobs.

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

A recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests that half of adults absolutely remember other people’s smiles after having been introduced to them. That’s far more than the 9% who will remember a new acquaintance’s clothing. Cool, lime green shirt (above)… But your smile will impress even more!

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

Your smile can have a direct impact on your career opportunities. A 2007 study simulating job interviews showed that people were more likely to be offered jobs—and offered higher starting salaries—after they had whitened their teeth. Subjects were also perceived to be more professional and more confident after teeth whitening.

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

It may not always seem fair, but people make assumptions based on one’s smile. The beauty is that, armed with knowledge (and an awesome dentist), YOU can take charge of the way people perceive you in professional situations such as interviews.

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

Sometimes getting past first impressions with flying colors gives you the chance to let the “real” you come through. After all, that’s the most important part. Here’s some additional job hunting advice:

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

The most important aspect of a great smile isn’t whether or not you have perfectly straight teeth or a perfect smile. It’s all about the confidence your smile brings. If there’s anything causing you to be self-conscious about your smile, talk with us. We can walk you through some ideas, and create a plan to fix the situation if you’d like. Bringing out the best in our friends, one smile at a time, is what we do!

Thank you so much for trusting Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri with your dental health. Good luck in your pursuit of that new job opportunity!

Aug 05 2021

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

A growing body of research linking periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that taking care of our teeth may also be a really good way to take care of our joints. Researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis, the same bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease, can also be found in the knee joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Oral Health Problems Don’t Remain Isolated In Our Mouths

There are significant links between our oral health and our whole body health. The connection between gum disease and RA isn’t the only evidence studies have found of oral bacteria migrating to other parts of the body. Gum health has also been linked by some researchers to many other systemic conditions including diabetes, heart health, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The Common Thread

RA is an inflammatory immune disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in your mouth may release an enzyme which makes the residue of certain proteins in your body appear to be foreign intruders. If you have RA, this can cause your immune system to attack your own body.

What Can You Do?

When monitoring the health of our bodies, a great place to start is with our mouths. The simplest of things can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and spreading throughout the body.

· Brush once or twice each day.

· Floss daily.

· Use an Oral Rinse every day

· Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper

· Schedule regular cleanings and exams (remembering that you may need more frequent appointments if you have signs of gum disease).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Dental Hygiene More Difficult

Do you have RA? Or, does someone you care for (an aging parent, for example) have RA? Don’t forget that it may be harder for people who suffer from RA to do simple things like properly and thoroughly brush teeth. And, flossing can be even harder because of limited hand flexibility.

If you’re in a position where you need to assist someone with RA (or yourself), please let us know! We can help you brainstorm alternate methods for oral health care that will help.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

Aug 05 2021

Eating Disorders And Your Oral Health… A Few Thoughts

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION as many as 10 million Americans are affected by serious eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia.

Most of you are probably somewhat familiar with these disorders and their dangerous health consequences. However, what you may not know are the many ways these disorders can harm your teeth and gums. At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we want you to know how to stay healthy.

The Nutritional Component

Most people who are having difficulty with anorexia or bulimia are undernourished to some extent. One of the early oral signs of undernourishment is that gums and other soft tissue inside one’s mouth may bleed easily. Saliva glands may also swell and the person may experience chronic dry mouth. This condition can lead to a lot of oral health problems.

The Acidic Component

As you know, stomach acids are extremely strong. If people having difficulty with anorexia or bulimia force themselves to throw up, that stomach acid repeatedly flows over their teeth which damages the enamel and can change the shape, color, and length of their teeth. The acid also makes teeth more brittle which makes them more prone to chip and break off near the edges.

Learn More From This Short Video

Your Healthy Smile (And Overall Health) Are Worth It

Here at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we deeply care about the well being of every one of you—our valued patients and friends. If you or someone you love is struggling with one or more of these disorders, get help soon.

Eating disorders are complex and arise from a variety of emotional, physical, and social issues. But there’s help out there—and as is the case with most such problems, early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve opportunities for recovery.

A Temporary Help

While in the process of getting help to overcome these problems, if you suffer from eating disorders be sure to do all you can to minimize the damage to your teeth and gums. Continue to maintain meticulous oral health care related to brushing and flossing. And if you throw up, do NOT brush your teeth immediately after—but instead, rinse your mouth with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, seek help right away.

Questions For Us?

True… We’re not psychologists. But, we DO care about your overall health as much as we do about your teeth. If we can ever help in any way, please contact us. You can ask questions by sending us a private direct message on our Facebook page.

Thanks for the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center.

Aug 05 2021

Dental Health For You And Your Baby During Pregnancy

ARE YOU PREGNANT OR THINKING ABOUT becoming pregnant? Do you know someone else who is? While you’re picking out tiny clothes and reading childcare books, remember the importance of your oral health!

When you’re expecting a baby you go through so many physical changes. You crave different things. Your hair feels different. In fact, just about everything feels different. And, your mouth is different, too. Not sure why it’s important to know that? Don’t worry… at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we’re here to help.

Increased Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings heightened hormone activity which can lead to increased gum disease risk and gum sensitivity. Just remember that being pregnant doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. Keep up your great oral care habits.

Are You Experiencing…?

Beginning around your second month, and often continuing through your eighth month you may be experiencing:

Bleeding gums
A potential increase in cavities
Granulomas (small, tumor-like growths inside your mouth)

Here Are A Few Simple Recommendations:

Brush and floss regularly.
Keep your regular checkup appointment during your pregnancy and let us know that you’re pregnant.
Lay low on the sweets.

Routine Checkups During Pregnancy

An ideal time for your check-up appointment is during your second trimester when you are stable, but not far enough along to risk stress-induced issues. In the old days, women were anxious about dental checkups while expecting a baby. Typically there’s never an issue. Just be sure to let us know you’re expecting.

Morning Sickness

DON’T brush your teeth right after being sick. Stomach acid makes your teeth softer and brushing can wear them down. Rinse out your mouth, and then wait a while before brushing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you have questions, please ask! You can send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Aug 05 2021

5 Things You’ve Gotta Know About Crowns

If all our teeth were properly formed and arranged, we’d have a lot less fuss with our teeth. The reality is that for most of us, things go wrong with our teeth for reasons such as wear and tear, disease, trauma, heredity, diet, etc. When such things affect the building blocks of our smiles, dental restorations such as crowns can restore the useful function, toughness, and appearance of lost or heavily weakened or damaged tooth structure. At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, MO, we want you to know your options when it comes to crowns.

What is a crown?

A crown covers (or “caps”) the visible part of a tooth to restore its ideal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of the tooth. People often ask, “Can you just fill the tooth instead of using a crown?” in order to save time and money. Fillings work dependably when enough sides of a tooth are present and strong enough to retain the filling material. When the sides of the tooth are lost or badly weakened, a crown is the longest lasting solution to restoring a tooth to useful function. Crowns can protect weak teeth from fracturing and prevent a cracked tooth from greater damage. They also correct discolored or misshapen teeth for a more visually pleasing smile.

What’s involved in having a crown made?

Receiving a crown usually spans two dental visits in our Jefferson City dentist office. During the first visit we do an examination of the tooth to see how it should be restored and shape the tooth for the crown. If the tooth lacks sides with enough height, a core build-up (sometimes including a post), is done to ensure the crown stays securely on the tooth during normal use. A provisional crown is produced and temporarily cemented on after making an impression or mold of the tooth for the laboratory. Next comes the insertion of the final crown, produced in a laboratory, a couple of weeks later.

What’s a post and core build-up?

We add a filling material to create a more ideal shape for supporting and retaining a crown (core build-up) when decay or fracture shortens or weakens the tooth’s sides. When much of the visible portion of the tooth is missing, a root canal treatment may be recommended to allow use of a small peg or post within the root to retain the buildup supporting the crown.

Will a crown look natural?

It can, depending on the type of crown you choose to have made. A crown can be fabricated from ceramic, from precious metal, or from a combination of ceramic and metal. A ceramic crown can look so much like a natural tooth you’d swear it was the ‘real thing’. The material chosen for your crown depends on location, visibility, wear patterns on the teeth, underlying color, and perhaps other factors, too.

How should I take care of my crown?

Crowns are very tough and durable, but they’re not completely indestructible, so it’s wise to avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. Grinding or clenching your teeth can damage either crowns or the teeth they oppose. It’s always advisable to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit our Jefferson City dentist office regularly for checkups and hygiene treatment. If you’ve invested in a crown, you want to protect that investment!

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

The Nutritional Component

The Acidic Component

Your Healthy Smile (And Overall Health) Are Worth It

A Temporary Help

Questions For Us?

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