Did you know your dental visit could save your life? According to the American Cancer Society, 2 to 4% of cancer diagnosed in the United States occurs in the oral cavity. Each year 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and approximately 8,000 deaths occur. Early diagnosis is believed to be critical to increase survival rate from this deadly disease.

It is our policy at Drs. Kowal and MacIlwaine, to provide a thorough screening for each and every one of our patient’s. Regularly scheduled professional examinations and cleanings, along with an oral cancer screening, just might save your life. Have you had an oral cancer screening lately? Please call to schedule today!

Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have stain, chips, cracks or an uneven appearance. Today, it is as easy as 1,2,3 to take 10 years off your smile. We have listed a few Teeth-Agers and a few of the best fixes for making over your teeth.

Teeth-ager #1: Stained Teeth

Red Wine, soda, coffee, tea and smoking all contribute to tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration is a common problem that is relatively easy to address. An in office whitening technique that breaks down the stain using a high intensity light and a photo sensitive bleaching solution is your answer. Approximately 1 hour of your time and you will be able to bring back your youthful smile.

Teeth-ager #2: Chips and Jagged Edges

Repairing imperfect teeth using a composite filling material that is attached or bonded to your teeth can help improve your smile instantly. Composite resin can fill in gaps, change awkward shaped teeth and repair chips to improve the appearance of your smile. Replacing “silver” or amalgam fillings with “white” or composite fillings is also another way to restore a more natural smile.

Teeth-ager #3: Full Mouth of Damaged Teeth

A few short visits to our dental office can even restore a full mouth of damaged teeth. Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers are a painless way to reshape and whiten your teeth. They are a custom designed shell of a tooth-like ceramic that is applied directly to the surface of the tooth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, length and over all appearance.

Now you can get the smile you have always wanted. For a more detail explanation of how whitening, composite bonding, or veneers can take 10 years off your smile please contact our office today!

Did you know the first toothbrush existed nearly 5000 years ago? Ancient civilizations used a twig with a frayed end that was rubbed against the teeth. The nylon bristle brush, as we know it today, was introduced in 1938 and has come a long way in design and material. There are two types of toothbrushes to choose: manual and powered. Your main objective in choosing a toothbrush should be comfort and ease. Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably into your mouth and allows you to reach all areas easily.Some people, especially children, find a powered toothbrush easier and will often spend more time brushing. Always choose a toothbrush that displays the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The Seal assures you that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth, it is a choice that you and your family dentist may discuss.

Our dentists at Drs. Kowal and MaciLwaine, may offer suggestions about which type of toothbrush best suits your needs. Remember to keep your gums healthy, brush your teeth twice a day and use a toothpaste with fluoride. We like to think of good oral hygiene as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. Happy Brushing!