Family Dentistry

Best Practices For A Healthy, Beautiful Smile

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

cosmetic dental St. Louis

Even if you value a healthy smile, it’s easy to become a bit negligent about smile-friendly lifestyle choices. In today’s post, our goal is for you to evaluate where you stand and look at whether you could step it up a notch. Committing to dental health best practices can prevent future problems and improve your quality of life.

Brushing

Good: Brush teeth once a day.
Better: Brush teeth correctly after each meal.
Best: Brush after each meal and floss correctly before bed.

Dental Checkups

Good: See your dentist if you get a toothache.
Better: See Dr. Buchheit once a year even if you don’t notice any dental issues.
Best: Twice-yearly, have an intensive dental exam and professional dental cleaning at Koch Park Dental.

A White Smile

Good: Use a whitening toothpaste.
Better: Use an OTC tooth whitening system at home.
Best: Schedule an in-office tooth bleaching procedure.

Missing Tooth

Good enough for some people: Ignore it. (We don’t recommend this.)
Better: Get a quality dental bridge.
Best: Restore your smile with a beautiful, stable, and natural-functioning dental implant.

Smile-Friendly Nutrition

Good: Eat a wholesome diet.
Better: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary snacks and beverages.
Best: Eat a nutritious diet, limit between-meal snacking, eat lots of calcium-rich foods, steer clear of sugary snacks, abstain from energy drinks and soda, and sip water throughout the day to keep acid at bay.

For Young Smiles

Good: Never put your infant to bed with a bottle. When your toddler starts drinking from sippy-cup, don’t let them sip juice or milk all day.
Better: Follow the previous guidance and schedule his/her first dental checkup before the first birthday.
Best: In addition, meet with us about dental sealants when your child is young. When your little athlete starts participating in sports, make sure he/she wears a protective mouthguard. Set a good example of daily dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.

At Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we are dedicated to providing excellent dental health care. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Oral cancer screenings

Florissant oral cancer screening

During routine dental examinations at Koch Park Dental om Florissant, we may look for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. Many people don’t realize the seriousness of oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 39,000 people will get oral cancer this year.1

Consider this sobering news from the Oral Cancer Foundation:
“The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).”2

When we perform an oral cancer screening during your dental examination, we will look for red or white spots, bleeding, lumps, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, any color changes, and mouth sores. Is is critical to tell your dentist if your bite has changed, if you have sores that won’t heal, and prolonged hoarseness. An earache in only one ear can also be an indicator.

The existence of any of these symptoms does not mean you have oral cancer, as they can be caused by any number of other conditions. However, if we discover something unusual, we may order additional tests or refer you to a medical doctor for further diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

It’s probably no surprise that the main risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. This includes all forms, not just cigarettes. Those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also more likely to contract this deadly cancer. People with HPV, a sexually-transmitted virus, have a higher risk and prolonged sun exposure to lips makes lip cancer more likely. All of these previously mentioned factors are lifestyle-related and, to a great extent, preventable. People who don’t use tobacco or drink heavily are statistically far less likely to get oral cancer and a host of other health problems.

For more information about oral cancer screening, contact Koch Park Dental. If you are looking for an experienced dentist who provides general and cosmetic dentistry, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

1“Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer,” The American Cancer Society, January 6, 2015, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/oralcavityandoropharyngealcancer/detailedguide/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-key-statistics, accessed on January 9, 2015.

2“Oral Cancer Facts,” http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/, accessed on January 9, 2015

 

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Have Your Teeth Cleaned Lately? Dental Health in Florissant

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth cleaning, Teeth Whitening

Florissant Tooth WhiteningAt Koch Park Dental in Florissant, we provide comprehensive  dentistry to all of our patients. Whether you come in for a checkup or a specific procedure, we are committed to providing you with personalized care.

One of the things that we stress is the importance of dental health. Your dental health has a direct impact on your overall health. Many studies show there is a link between gum disease, for example, and serious health issues like heart disease. The nature of that connection is not fully understood.

Nevertheless, you should come into our office every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. Some patients think that they do a good enough job at home: brushing, flossing, and water flossing twice a day, every day.

But even the most rigorous dental health routine can’t prevent plaque from building up on the teeth. Plaque turns into tartar, and it’s important to have it removed. Every six months is a good habit to fall into.

At Koch Park Dental we provide the teeth cleanings that promote good dental health, as part of our general dentistry. We also provide popular cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we’ll keep you smiling.

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Porcelain Veneers, A Facelift For Your Teeth?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers price St. Louis

Porcelain veneers are an effective and versatile cosmetic dental option. They fit over teeth to improve appearance, and are available from Koch Park Dental in Florissant.

Veneers are individual covers for the front part of teeth. They are a fantastic way to repair a myriad of tooth imperfections such as chips, stains, yellowing, unattractive shape or minimal misalignment.

Have you ever looked for a minimally-invasive facelift for a tooth without getting an entire crown? Veneers are your solution! Super-strong, tooth-colored porcelain laminate is shaped into thin shells and custom-fitted for each patient’s unique set of teeth.

How many veneers should you get? This depends on how many teeth you want to upgrade and the overall condition of your teeth. We can guide you on the most effective strategy.

The thickness, enamel color, alignment, and shape of your teeth affect the result, as well as whether you have any gum recession. Veneers are matched to your existing teeth so they will blend seamlessly, but if you are planning to treat several teeth, you definitely want to have them constructed in the same time at the lab.

The first step in the veneer process is to make a model of your teeth to work from. After that, a dental technician will use the model to fabricate the veneers to the specific size, shape, color, and quality of translucency.

Many patients wonder if veneers are as durable as their natural teeth. Though the veneer tooth-prep process weakens the tooth slightly, with proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years.

In addition to porcelain veneers, Koch Park Dental in Florissant provides general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

3 Point Checklist Before Your Dental Consultation

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Categories: Family Dentistry

family dentist Florissant

Looking for a dentist because you’re losing the battle with plaque build-up, chipped teeth, tooth pain, stains, or dental caries? I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit with Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS.

Today’s post offers 3 steps to take before you arrive at our office for a consultation.

The state of your mouth is important to your fitness both emotionally and physically. Everyone wants to make an attractive impression when they smile or speak. We understand that.

The look, the odor, the feel, the functionality of your biting surfaces are so important to your everyday experience that we recognize our essential role in finding solutions to these issues.

Of course, your very first step is making contact. Please call 314-254-8458 or visit us at 2149 Charbonier Rd Florissant or online at http://www.kochparkdental.net/about-us/.

After you schedule a consultation with our team, please take a moment to review the following checklist for a productive appointment experience:

1. Analyzed your hygiene routine and gaps in technique or consistency.
When do you brush your teeth? Do you floss? How often? If not, why? We can discuss your habits and establish what is holding you back, if anything.
2. Pinpoint pain or problem areas throughout your mouth.
Persistent or intermittent? Sharp or dull? Triggered by hot or cold? Living with pain is needless with the technology and expertise available these days. Usually there are uncomplicated solutions to seemingly big pains. Let us address all your aches.
3. Describe what you want your smile to look like.
If you can describe your optimal smile, we can consider how to achieve it. There are numerous possibilities for an exceptional smile redesign as well as dental maintenance procedures. Cosmetic dentistry runs the gamut from teeth whitening to veneers to dental implants.

We welcome questions about the cost of porcelain veneers, the price of filling a cavity, or placing a crown. We have answers for you. We are equipped and trained in procedures perfect for your needs. We see patients for Invisalign, restorative dentistry, and dental implants, to name a few.

When it comes to looking for a dentist in Florissant or the surrounding communities, please know that you will be in gentle and capable hands with me, Dr. Buchheit, and my friendly team.

You don’t know dental family until you’ve been here

 

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Why You Should Fix Your Child’s Crooked Teeth

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Categories: Family Dentistry

orthodontics Florissant

Parents want what’s best for their children, but some can’t always provide everything their children need when the family budget is tight. If your child has crooked teeth and you are on the fence about braces, we encourage you to read this post.

1. A beautiful smile with straight teeth boosts your child’s self-esteem.

Young children with crooked teeth may not notice that anything is wrong, but eventually they will realize that their teeth don’t look right. Straight teeth make the whole face more pleasing and attractive. If your child is self-conscious about an unappealing smile, he or she will be reluctant to smile. A serious demeanor could impact the way he or she is treated by peers.

2. Crooked teeth can affect the bite.

If you suspect that your child’s bite is not aligned, we invite you to make an appointment with Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. Dr. Martin Buchheit can evaluate your child’s bite and make recommendations to see a specialist if required.

3. Crooked teeth can impact normal speech development.

4. Correcting a child’s teeth with orthodontia is quicker and easier when the jaw is young and flexible.

5. Crooked teeth can lessen your child’s capacity to eat a healthy diet.

Misaligned teeth can make chewing and eating difficult. Children need a variety of foods but may miss out on vital nutrients if they can’t chew raw vegetables or meat, for example. If your child only eats soft foods, his/her jaw may not develop normal size and strength.

6. Misaligned teeth can damage the gums and underlying bone.

7. If crooked teeth cause malocclusion (bad bite), problems with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) can result.

TMD is a harmful condition affecting the jaw joint.

8. It’s easier to clean teeth when they are straight and uncrowded.

When uneven teeth begin to crowd together, it becomes challenging to make critical daily cleanings effective. And, when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, problems with plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease often result.

9. If the child’s crooked teeth are not fixed while they are young, the issues may compound and become worse with age.

Severely crooked teeth often affect fitness and quality of life. For example, chewing troubles can lead to ulcers, and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

10. There are many new types of braces.

Ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual (invisible) braces are some of the new orthodontia options. In some circumstances, invisible braces can be just as effective at adjusting teeth as the traditional type.

To find out if your child needs braces, schedule a consultation at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS by calling 314-254-8458.

 

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS: 314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Those Baby Teeth Are A Big Deal

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Kid-friendly Florissant dentist

Today’s Florissant children’s dental blog focuses on the issue of caring for baby teeth. Why would you take care of something that’s just going to fall out and be given to the tooth fairy? It’s a good question and it has a even better answer.

Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, and St. Charles parents shouldn’t feel like they are wasting their time because baby teeth are more important than many people might think. Baby teeth are needed to keep the proper amount of space available for the permanent teeth that will come in later.

Baby teeth are also invaluable in the development of clear speech. This is especially important for Florissant parents who are dying to know what their child means when they point to something repeatedly and say ‘scklash’ or ‘grag-grag’.

Having healthy baby teeth will also help your child develop a healthy diet because difficulty chewing can lead to the rejection of many different foods.

 

And, finally, tooth decay and infection can be passed down from baby teeth to permanent teeth as they develop below them. That’s not what you want for the teeth that St. Louis kids are going to have for the rest of their lives. You may be setting them up to need cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.

Hi. I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit, an experienced, kid-friendly Florissant dentist. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. I also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or teeth whitening, give us a call at 314-254-8458.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS we offer:

dental implants
porcelain veneers
Invisalign
root canals

Thanks for reading the St. Louis dental blog, and contact us today for all your dental needs!

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-your-childs-teeth, accessed on February 12, 2013

 

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Does Your Child Have An Overbite?

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Treating Bite Problems in Florissant Malocclusions (bite problems) include overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders restrict proper chewing, talking, and swallowing. They can also cause teeth to shift around in the mouth. Florissant dentistry patients with bite problems are at a greater risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease because bite misalignment often makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the situation is reversed, it is called an underbite. Crossbite occurs when the lower teeth and jaw are in the wrong position.

Bite problems can cause headaches and TMJ pain. Some Maryland Heights dental patients with severe bite problems develop a distorted facial shape and damaged teeth.

If you suspect your toddler or older child has a bite problem, it is important to see your St. Louis dentist as soon as possible. Bite issues and their various related problems usually get worse over time.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we diagnose and treat bite problems, referring patients to a specialist if necessary. In addition, we offer general and cosmetic dentistry. We can be reached at 314-254-8458. Our office is located at 2149 Charbonier Rd in Florissant. You can find out more about us at https://www.kochparkdental.net/.

Most of our patients live in Florissant or nearby in Chesterfield or Maryland Heights. If you have recently moved into the St. Louis area and need a skilled general or cosmetic dentist, come visit our friendly team. We pamper every patient (especially our youngest patients) and make dental visits as comfortable as possible.

You don’t know dental family until you’ve been here!

 

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

314-254-8458

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

Use Five Fingers For Quick And Healthy Flossing In Florissant, Missouri

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Categories: Family Dentistry

porcelain veneers cost St. Louis

5 flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, on the web at https://www.kochparkdental.net/about-us/.

Thumbkin: Thumb to Chest Reminder
Thumb to chest can remind me that this isn’t for my friends. Brushing the goobers off so I don’t gross them out. Rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath as I speak. That is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. I want healthy gums, therefore I floss.

Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association suggests you start with about 18 inches. About 6 lengths of your pointer finger should suffice.

Tall Man: Wrap the Middle Fingers
This is a team effort. With the middle fingers wound up in the floss, the thumb and forefinger can grip and guide the floss into place. After curving the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and the up and down motions have wiped away plaque, then “unspool” the floss for a new section for the next tooth’s edges.

Ring Man: The Smell Test
Many a long term relationship has been cut short due to not-so-fresh breath. Smell floss before going between teeth. Smell it after. Bad smell? Brushing is not cleaning away that bacteria well enough. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be adjusted. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those spots at the base of your teeth bacteria free.

Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the commitment now. Every time you look at your pinky, remember that you pinky promised to keep those gums free from disease. Flossing isn’t so much about removing food as it is about removing dental plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.

I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS. I encourage you to take care of your oral health needs for a happier, healthier life.

Use those fingers to dial our number for a consultation: 314-254-8458 or meet us online https://www.kochparkdental.net/about-us/.

Whether you need a bi-annual cleaning or cosmetic dentistry, Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS assists in a variety ways with your dental needs.

  • Invisalign
  • restorative dentistry
  • dental implants
  • root canals
  • porcelain veneers


One of our specialties is cosmetic dentistry. If you need general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, then we are your best friends. Our staff members are trained to be courteous, responsible, respectful and focused.

Currently accepting patients from all over: St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, as well as Maryland Heights.

 

Dental Sealant Q & A

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Categories: Family Dentistry

dental sealants Florissant

Q. What are dental sealants?
A. Dental sealants are permanent plastic barriers applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. They prevent cavities by filling in the grooves and fissures where food particles are particularly difficult to remove. Most St. Louis pediatric dentists and family dentists offer sealants to their patients.

A. Do sealants significantly reduce tooth decay?
Q. Yes. Studies show that dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by 70%!

Q. How are dental sealants applied to the teeth?
A. Your dentist applies the sealant resin as a liquid which quickly hardens and adheres tightly to the pits and grooves. The procedure is speedy, manageable and painless.

Q. Which teeth can benefit the most from sealants?
A. Sealants are most commonly applied to the first and second molars because they are at the highest risk for decay.

Q. When should sealants be applied?
A. The best time is early – while the teeth are cavity-free. Your dentist will advise you.

Q. Are sealants just for kids?
A. Not necessarily. Talk to your Florissant dentist about whether sealants could benefit you.

Q. Is brushing and flossing still necessary for the teeth with sealants?
A. Yes. Vigilant oral hygiene is still essential to keep teeth and gums healthy. Even the teeth with sealants are at risk for decay along the gumline.