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DIY Braces: What They Are and Why You Should Avoid Them

June 29, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 10:27 pm
Dentist wearing PPE during procedure

In recent years, social media has become home to challenges and trends that have gone viral. While some of these movements are inspirational and motivate people to do better, others are downright dangerous. The recent phenomenon of DIY braces is one of those trends, but few are warning people of the severe damage they can cause. Below are four reasons you should leave braces to your dentist.

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Unhealthy Gums Might Be Damaging Your Heart

May 22, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 4:30 pm
Bacteria that cause gum disease cause damage below the gum line.

Good dental health care is about more than keeping your teeth clean, it’s about taking care of your entire body. Diseases that develop in your mouth have the ability to spread and cause damage elsewhere. One of the most powerful examples of this phenomenon is the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. Read on to find out how these conditions are connected and what you can do to stop them from developing.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

April 16, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 4:39 am
Juxtaposed old & new toothbrush prompts the question "When should I change toothbrushes?"

Have you ever paused before brushing your teeth to ask yourself “When should I change toothbrushes?” If the bristles on your toothbrush are flattened, frayed, or discolored, they may not be cleaning your smile as well as they should be. In fact, recent studies have concluded that using a toothbrush past its prime can lead to noticeable oral health issues. Your Newport dentist explains when you should replace your toothbrush and what might happen if you don’t.

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Video Update from Dr. St. Clair

April 3, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 5:32 pm

COVID-19 DENTAL UPDATE

March 25, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 5:28 pm

As of the writing of this column, on Wednesday March 25, 2020, the state and much of the country is shut down. Since information is changing so rapidly, and this print is a week old, I am going to concentrate this week on things that will occur regardless of how long it takes for things to return to normal.

Dental offices will NOT be open for routine care for many more weeks at the rate we are going. Dental problems will continue to arise. It is important that you understand what general dentists are considering emergencies vs. non-emergencies.

In addition, all dental problems, including any questions you have, should be directed to your general dentist. Many of us are doing consultations via video (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.). I have found these to be very helpful in determining who needs to be seen, and who can wait. 

If you do NOT have a general dentist and have a dental problem, PLEASE do NOT go to the emergency room.

Please ask family members or friends for recommendations to a general dentist. Check their website. Call their office to listen to their message. Check their Facebook page. You should be able to get in touch with a general dentist to assess your particular situation. They should be the one who determines if you should be seen and/or if you need a referral to a specialist for care. 

What constitutes a dental emergency? Is a dental emergency different than an urgent dental need?

True dental emergencies are not as common as urgent dental care. Dental emergencies are potentially life threatening, require immediate treatment to stop ongoing bleeding, or alleviate pain or infection. Trauma would also be included in this category. This would typically not include routine toothaches. The general dentist can use their referral network of specialists as needed for these situations. The emergency room should be used as an absolute last resort.

Urgent dental care focuses on management of conditions that require attention to relieve discomfort and/or risk of infection. These should be treated by a general dentist or specialist. Severe tooth pain, dental abscess or tooth fracture, missing temporary fillings, or anything else you have concern about should be directed to the general dentist and left to their discretion on how to handle. 

Please keep doctors, nurses, all people in healthcare, and anyone else who is potentially at higher risk of exposure due to their profession, in your thoughts and prayers during this time. 

Please do not hesitate to send any non-urgent questions to my email below. You can also get more up-to-date information at my blog, also listed below. 

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 5:20 pm

https://www.ada.org/~/media/CPS/Files/COVID/ADA_DentalEmerg_Patient_Flyer.pdf?utm_source=adaorg&utm_medium=covid-resources-lp&utm_content=cv-pm-emerg-def-patients&utm_campaign=covid-19

7 Habits to Stay Healthy at Home During Quarantine

March 11, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 3:21 am
Happy family practicing social distancing with health habits from Newburyport dentist

To slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommends practicing social distancing. As a result, whether you’re in self-isolation or quarantine, chances are that you’re spending much more time at home. While social distancing is the most effective way to protect yourself from the coronavirus, it’s a completely new and somewhat overwhelming change for many of us. As you adjust to your new lifestyle, try these seven healthy habits from your Newburyport dentist to keep you and your smile in good shape.  

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How Can You Treat Canker Sores?

February 11, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 1:41 pm
person with a canker sore on their lip

Having spots appear on your mouth and lips isn’t just unattractive, it’s also uncomfortable. Unfortunately, oral sores are a relatively common issue, and there are numerous different types. These include canker and cold sores that seem to take forever to go away. Because these can be so uncomfortable to deal with when you talk and speak, knowing how to ease your pain and get rid of them faster can help make your life a lot easier if you frequently get them. Read on to learn about different types of canker sores and how your dentist can quickly treat them.

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How You Might Be Hurting Your Teeth Without Realizing It

January 7, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 6:15 pm
Busy woman chewing on a pen.

Is your oral health important to you? According to the American Dental Association, 95% of adults in the U.S. believe that good oral health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and 70% brush their teeth twice a day. Despite this, research reports that every year more than 15 million root canals are performed and over 20 million teeth are extracted to treat damage or infection. Why is this? Unfortunately, you can have the best dental routine and still be hurting your teeth on a daily basis! Find out how as your dentist outlines which bad habits to avoid for the sake of your oral health.

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6 Causes of Bad Breath and How to Beat Them

December 12, 2019

Filed under: Uncategorized — newburyport @ 3:57 pm
woman with bad breath

Have you ever leaned in to kiss your significant other, only to have them back away because your breath smelled horrible? If so, you’re not alone. Research has shown that more than half of American adults have had bad breath at some point in their lives. Here are six possible causes of bad breath, and how your dentist suggests you overcome it.

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