How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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Categories: Dental Health, Gum disease treatment

At gum disease treatment FlorissantKoch Park Dental in Florissant, we actively promote dental health in all our patients. That includes watching out for any signs of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss.

How much do you know about gu  disease? Try our quiz.

1. Which of the following are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Overbite
c. Diabetes
d. Genetic make-up

2. Which of the following are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that seem to be longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Bad breath
d. Sore gums

3. Which of the items below are possible health concerns linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of individuals age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following treatments are used for gum disease?

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Soft tissue grafting
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery

Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t experience any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Gum disease is seriousy business, but fortunately it usually responds well to treatment. The earlier it’s caught, the better, so if you haven’t been to Koch Park Dental in Florissant for a while, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. We also provide dental implants, and treat conditions like sleep apnea. Call today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7386

When Brushing Is A Battle: Tips For Florissant Parents

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

kids dentist Florissant

Some parents believe that their child’s primary teeth are less important than their secondary teeth. At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we assure you: that is absolutely incorrect.

The thinking goes like this: “They’re going to fall out anyway, right? We’ll get serious about dental health when their adult teeth come in.”

The factts are this: a child’s baby teeth are just as important to their health, speech development, and self-esteem as permanent teeth.

The twenty baby teeth set the stage for a beautiful smile. Taking care of them is essential!

When Brushing Is A Battle

A child’s dislike is understandable. A parent takes a pokey bristly thing, smears some minty paste on it, puts it in their mouth and scrubs their teeth with it. No wonder it doesn’t appeal to some young children. Sometimes parents want to give up the struggle until their child is older.

We urge you to keep trying. Here are some recommendations for toothbrushing tantrums.

Go Easy On The Toothpaste

If toothpaste is the problem, brush with a smaller amount or even without it at first. The goal is to remove food particles that will lead to plaque and bacteria, eventually causing decay. Toothpaste is not required for removing food particles. Fluoride is important, however. If you are concerned that your child isn’t getting enough, talk to Martin Buchheit about fluoride supplements.

Let Your Child Pick Their Toothbrush

Take your child to the store and have him or her elect a new, soft-bristled toothbrush. Maybe buy two, so he or she has some control in picking which one to use each time Let your child do the brushing first, then review and brush the areas that might have been missed.

Make Brushing Family Fun

Brush together as a family. Let your son or daughter know that everyone needs to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. Make it fun.

Baby Steps At First

To develop the habit, keep the time short and slowly prolong the sessions. Brush heads are hard with bristles that poke. Toothpaste may seem “hot” to some kids. Teaching your child that brushing is non-negotiable is the essential first step. After it has become part of the routine, add time by singing songs or brushing your teeth at the same time. Some Missouri parents have had success with setting a timer.

Remember The Reinforcement

Compliment your child on their fantastic effort in taking care of themselves. Be sure to preserve a positive attitude. Let your child know that you love their beautiful smile and want it to always be shiny white. Positive reinforcement and establishing a routine are important parts of childhood dental brushing. We want children to be passionate about a habit that will impact their health throughout their life.

Talk To Us About Sealants

If your child continues to struggle with brushing, you may consider sealants. Sealants are useful protective barriers applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. A sealant aids in preventing food particles from lodging in difficult places to brush including the pits and grooves in the rear molars. They are not a substitute for brushing, but that added barrier can help.

At Koch Park Dental in Florrisant, the dental health of each of our patients is important. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 8102

The Ultimate Anti-Aging Treatment

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Florissant Pediatric DentistryWishing for a whiter smile but not sure how to get it? New to tooth whitening jargon? At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we educate patients on the variety of teeth whitening procedures. We do smile whitening every day.

Toothpaste Can’t Erase All Stains

Almost every toothpaste claims to lighten teeth, but as we age our teeth gradually turn yellow or gray, despite all the whitening toothpastes we use. Tooth enamel, while one of the toughest substances in the body, is porous. Over time, the food and drinks that come in contact with our teeth lead to staining and discoloration. You probably have already discovered that a toothbrush cannot clean these microscopic pores.

Powerful Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are the two main smile whitening substances. They can penetrate the outer layer of your teeth to expel the build-up and help restore the previous color.

Call Koch Park Dental to schedule a teeth whitening appointment and we will explain the difference between these tooth bleaching ingredients and how they may affect your smile whitening results. Teeth whitening is just one of our cosmetic dentistry procedurs. We also offer dental implants. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 416

Can You Handle A Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Health, Emergency dental care, General Dentistry

Maryland Heights after hours dental

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we hope you never suffer a serious dental emergency. It’s essential, however, to know what to do in such a situation. Here is a quiz on dental emergencies and other oral problems.

1. One of the wires on your braces breaks. What do you do?

a. Cut off the loose piece.
b. Put a piece of orthodontic wax on the end if it is irritating your tongue or gums. Schedule an appointment ASAP with your orthodontist to have it fixed.
c. If the wire has cut your gums, rinse with a solution of salt and water.

Both b and c are correct. If you don’t have a piece of orthodontic wax, you can use a cotton ball to cover the sharp end. If you cut off the loose end of the wire, you risk swallowing it.

2. Your child falls on concrete and knocks out a front tooth. What do you do before driving immediately to the nearest dental office or ER?

a. Put the tooth back in the socket.
b. If the tooth is dirty, scrub it with a brush.
c. Put the tooth in milk.

Baby tooth or permanent tooth? If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it may be successfully re-implanted if done quickly. Make sure you only hold the tooth by the crown, never touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water being cautious not to brush off any tissue attached. If you can, reinsert the tooth into its socket. This may not be possible with younger children.

Because it is essential to keep the tooth from drying out on your way to your dentist or nearest emergency room, you can put the tooth in a cup of milk. Baby teeth should not be reinserted because it can potentially damage the emerging tooth.

3. You lose a filling and the tooth starts hurting. After scheduling an appointment with your Florissant dentist, what do you do in the meantime?

a. Save the filling.
b. Take OTC pain medication.
c. Put an aspirin on the tooth.

Both a and b are correct. Though your dentist can’t use the same filling to repair the problem, it may reveal beneficial information about the cause of the separation. Never put an aspirin on a tooth because the acid in it could irritate your gums.

4. One of your teeth suddenly darkens. What are the possible causes?

a. The nerve inside the tooth is damaged.
b. It is a side effect of a medication you are taking.
c. Gum disease.
d. An infection.

The answer is all of the above.

For emergency dental care in the greater St. Louis area, call us at Koch Park Dental in Florissant. We also provide a full range of general dentistry services, and specialties like dental implants. Make an appointment today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 4970

Teeth Whitening For A Whiter Smile

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

Florissant Tooth Whitening For Whiter SmilesTooth whitening is one of the easiest and most rewarding cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer at Koch Park Dental in Florissant. There are already a lot of whitening options out there. How do you find the one that’s best for you?

Visiting our office is a good start!

Whitening your teeth is an advanced dental procedure that you won’t want to get wrong on the first try.

Teeth whitening has become extremely popular. It seems like everyone wants to have the brightest possible smile. From toothpastes and strips you can buy at the store, to the professional-strength procedures we use, there are a lot of options.

A lot of things we do every day can really to a number on the whiteness of your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are just three commonly-consumed beverages that stain enamel. Plus, teeth just grow dull with the passage of time.

While there are plenty of over-the-counter products out there, none of them can match the whitening power of the professional whitening systems we use. All whitening is achieved with peroxide, but our professional-strength products out-do them all.

Teeth whitening is just one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures we offer at Koch Park Dental in Florissant. We also offer dental implants. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 391

Missing Teeth? 5 Things You Need To Know About Dentures

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Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures, General Dentistry

implant dentures Florissant

Millions of Americans have lost one or more of their natural teeth. By one count, nearly seventy percent of adults have lost at least one. At Koch Park Dental in Florissant we offer several options to those patients interested in tooth replacement.

1. Dentures are not the only choice for missing teeth. Dental implants used alone or in combination with a partial denture is often a preferable option for patients. Whereas a removable appliance replaces only the visible parts of teeth, an implant replaces both the root and crown of a tooth. This has critical implications. Dental implants can prevent bone recession that typically occurs following tooth extractions. Dental implants can furnish patients the near-normal ability to chew and speak.

2. There is more than one type of denture. Most people are familiar with the removable denture that replaces a complete upper or lower arch. There are also partial dentures that are used for patients who have some remaining teeth. Partial dentures can be fixed in the mouth or detachable.

3. Even if you have worn dentures for a while, you may be a good candidate for implant-anchored dentures. The essential factor is whether you have enough bone to support an implant. Bone grafting can augment natural bone in some patients.

4. Regardless of your tooth replacement configuration—full dentures, partial dentures, or tooth implants—you still need to practice correct oral hygiene. Removable appliances should be cleaned daily.

5. Even if you have no natural teeth left, it’s indispensable that you have twice-yearly dental examination. Optimal oral health is an integral component of overall physical well-being. We will examine your mouth for indications of diseases like cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

At Koch Park Dental in Florrisant, we offer conventional dentures and also practice implant dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7395

The Koch Park Dental Guide To Veneers

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers cost St. Louis

It’s easy to see why people love porcelain veneers. They correct a multitude of cosmetic flaws and deliver stunning results. You can get them at Koch Park Dental in Florissant.

A porcelain veneer is an extremely thin (about .5mm or 1/64 inch) shell that is permanently attached to the front of a tooth. They are custom made for each patient, and can cover chips, cracks, and stains. They can also improve the shape, size or length of a tooth.

While preparing a tooth for a veneer is less invasive than preparing a tooth for a crown, it is not a reversible procedure. A microscopically small amount of enamel must be removed to make room for the veneer. Thus, the tooth can never be restored to its original condition.

Veneers are usually placed on the most visible teeth –  center stage, so to speak. They are on display every time the patient opens their mouth. They’re great for teeth that are discolored, chipped or misshapen. They can transform your smile int one that is not only pleasing, but durable.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, porcelain veneers are just one of our cosmetic dentistry procedures. We also offer dental implants and a full range of dental services. Call to schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 6807

Beautifying With Bonding

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

Florissant fix chipped tooth

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we can fix most tooth problems with cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers and dental implants are among the better-known procedures. In this post we are going to talk about bonding, a relatively uncelebrated dental treatment that has been used successfully for decades.

The dental bonding procedure uses a resin material that is strong and natural looking. It is applied to the teeth while soft and putty-like, and then hardened with a special light. The material bonds with the tooth and can then be shaped and polished.

Dentists use bonding to repair problems caused by decay, chips, or cracks. Large spaces between healthy teeth can be filled with bonding material, and bonding can guard tooth roots if the gums have regressed.

Discolored teeth can also be lightened with bonding. Since bonding material is easily molded, teeth can be lengthened or re-shaped to more beautiful proportions. Bonding is often used as part of a total smile redesign.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we use bonding and other cosmetic dentistry procedures to create beautiful smiles. We also offer dental implants and many other procedures. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7308

Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth by Koch Park Dental - Martin L. Buchheit, DDS

Flossing is a bit of a chore. It takes a little extra time, and if you haven’t flossed in a while, it can even be painful. But it’s essential to your dental health, so it’s no wonder our team at Koch Park Dental in Florissant is constantly reminding our patients to ‘brush and floss!’

Flossing is essential. You’ll never hear one of us say ‘don’t worry about the flossing.’ It just isn’t going to happen, and for two vital reasons:

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath is something we all worry about. It’s part of our ‘appearance,’ and we are all aware of how that can affect our relationships.

When we meet new people, meet with others in close quarters, or greet a partner, bad breath is on our mind. We worry about how bad breath affects first impressions.

It makes sense, then, that bad breath would be one of the things you might worry about.

Flossing is a great way to help you avoid bad breath.

Flossing helps prohibit plaque buildup between your teeth. It also helps flush out pockets of bacteria. Together, plaque and bacteria can create bad breath.

To limit your chances of being caught with bad breath, floss every day.

2. Cavities

When bacteria is allowed to concentrate on your teeth, tooth decay can occur. Plaque buildup is a concentration of bacteria. When plaque is allowed to remain between your teeth it gives bacteria a chance to destroy enamel and damage your teeth. Cavities are damage to your teeth caused by bacteria.

Flossing gets between your teeth where your brush can’t get and cleans away plaque buildup. It also loosens pockets of bacteria that can be removed with a quick rinse.

Flossing will help you keep plaque and bacteria from developing between your teeth.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we guarantee that flossing is critical to your dental health! We recommend flossing every time you brush. At the very least, we encourage you to floss every day before you go to bed. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7780

Extraction Is Not The End Game

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Categories: Dental Implants

dental implants http://www.kochparkdental.net/about-us/

Have you had a tooth extracted? Even if you don’t mind having a gap in your smile, the missing tooth root can cause problems of its own, and you should seriously consider a dental implant from Koch Park Dental in Florissant.

Problems With Extracted Teeth

First off, when a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone recedes and shrinks. There is no tooth root requiring a blood supply, and the bone reacts accordingly.

People who have had numerous teeth extracted from the upper palette eventually develop a sunken-in look because they have lost a significant portion of their jawbone. It’s not a good look for anyone, because it makes you look a lot older.

Another problem is that the missing tooth may cause the surrounding teeth to shift. The remedy for misplaced teeth may involve months of treatment.

Fortunately, dental implants prevent both of these issues.

The Best Solution For An Extracted Tooth

A dental implant is a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that restores your smile while retaining the healthy bone and gum tissue at the tooth site. A stable titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. This is the actual implant. The bone fuses with the post to create a durable, sturdy foundation for the visible part of the restoration.

A piece called an abutment goes on top of the titanium post, and serves as a sort of platform for the final part, the crown.

Dental implants from Koch Park Dental in Florissant can make a huge difference in your life. Call us to learn more. We also offer general dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkkup today.

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

205-933-0323

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 8076