Family Dentistry

Super Smiles For Life

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Categories: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth cleaning

Perfect Smiles pediatric dentist Florissant

Your child should be naturally proud of his or her smile. It expresses joy, laughter, and fun! To make sure your child has a healthy and desirable smile, start early. Really early.

Dr. Martin Buchheit recommends a child’s first dental visit when their first tooth erupts. An early check is the first step in preventing issues and setting the stage for lifelong dental health. Dr. Buchheit will keep the visit short, but complete a thorough visual examination to make sure there are no concerns.

Dr. Buchheit will guide you on good dental procedures at home, such as correct brushing and flossing. You will also be guided regarding healthy eating choices and the effects of poor choices. It is especially critical to keep your toddler from eating sticky or hard candies that lodge in molars and spaces between teeth. It is also important to monitor the amount of juice they drink and keep it in a cup instead of a bottle.

Any time sugary foods or drinks are in contact with teeth, the enamel is weakened from the acid those substances contain. Prolonged exposure begins to wear the enamel away, setting the stage for tooth decay. Unlike broken bones that regenerate, once enamel is gone, it’s essentially gone, though fluoride can remineralize weakened enamel to a small degree.

Promoting a healthy, low sugar diet is always optimal for your toddler’s teeth. If your baby or toddler needs a bottle to calm down and go to sleep, make sure that the bottle contains only water.

Other critical habits are to brush and floss your teeth in front of your child. (If you have never been regular flossing – it’s time to start!) Let them see that it is a priority and a comfortable habit in your life. Brush their teeth with a soft-bristled brush and a small amount of toothpaste. Let them try it, but always go over their teeth afterward, making sure each tooth is brushed. When finished, give them a cup of water to help rinse the toothpaste out.

Before coming to Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, meet with your child about the upcoming appointment and let them know that their teeth are going to be checked. Dr. Buchheit will help your child feel proud of their effort and help them have a favorable visit, the first of many to come.

Remember also to call any time between scheduled visits with any questions or concerns that might arise. We are enthusiastic about your child’s lifelong dental health.

Buchheit serves many families in the St. Louis area with expertise and compassion. At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we love working with children and will help your child have a pleasing experience learning to care for their teeth.

Each member of our friendly team is passionate about making our youngest patients feel safe and comfortable. Our patients enjoy a friendly atmosphere while benefitting from our state-of-the-art technology.

 

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

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7112

Your Smile Says Keep Trying!

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

gentle dentist Florissant

Today’s post is for men and women who are discouraged because they haven’t been successful at making some changes that will benefit their oral health. We want to urge you to keep trying and assure you that the team of dental professionals at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS is eager to help.

Keep Trying To Floss

Many men and women are dutiful about brushing and believe that it makes up for lack of flossing. This is a misconception. Flossing is the only way to clean food debris and plaque from the gumline. Failure to floss can lead to periodontal disease which can, in turn, bring about tooth loss. We urge everyone to make it a habit to floss right every day. If you are not sure how to floss correctly, any one of the helpful dental hygienists at Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS would be happy to teach you. (They’re the pros!) Call 314-837-7744 to schedule a professional dental cleaning a guide to flossing.

Keep Trying to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Skipping dental checkups can have harmful, and in some cases, irreversible oral health consequences. Severe tooth decay or delayed diagnosis of oral cancer are two potential perils. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. This psychological disorder affects a significant portion of the population. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage this condition so you can undergo an exam and any necessary services. Talk to Dr. Buchheit if you or a family member suffer from dental anxiety. Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS delivers oral sedation and other help for anxious patients.

Keep Trying to Quit Tobacco

Smoking is just as dangerous for your teeth and gums as it is for other parts of your body. If you’ve tried unsuccessfully to quit the habit, it’s clear that you value your health and want to lower your risk for all the issues caused or exacerbated by smoking, chewing, or vaping.

Many smokers do not kick the habit the first time. But there’s hope! According to the CDC, there are now more former smokers than present users. Each of those former smokers was once right where you are. Keep trying!

Sometimes a little help can make all the difference. Call Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS at 314-837-7744 to schedule an appointment.

Source:
The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services., Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014, accessed June 13, 2017

 

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

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 7475

5 Compelling Reasons To Consider Dental Sealants For Your Child

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

kids dental sealants Florissant

Do you have a young child? Why are dental sealants important for kids’ oral health?

1. Children without sealants have almost three times more decay than children with sealants. (Centers For Disease Control)

2. Sealants may be covered by your Missouri dental insurance plan. For parents without dental insurance, sealants are worth the rate. You will likely forego fillings and additional dental visits. Note that some Missouri dental insurance providers have age limitations for sealants. Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS recommends having sealants applied as early as possible.

3. With proper care, sealants can last for many years. They safeguard your child during the years they are most likely to get cavities.

By observing sensible oral health habits and refraining from biting into hard objects, your child can maximize their lifespan.

4. The application process is painless. Teeth are cleaned, dried, and then the liquid sealant material is applied to teeth. It hardens quickly. Your youngster won’t need to skip meals after the procedure.

5. In some situations, sealants can be placed over existing decay to prevent further damage. Dr. Buchheit will determine if your child is a good candidate for this application.

Sealants, oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and dental cleanings are vital for pediatric dental health.

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

 

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 8115

3 Critical Things You Didn’t Know About Kids’ Cavities

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

prevent kids cavities Florissant

It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Florissant. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding.

Here are three vital things to know about children’s dental health.

1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease

Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay. Another grave fact; tooth decay in young children is on the increase.

Why? There are several factors. Many young diets contain more sugar. Fewer children drink water that has been adjusted for fluoride levels. Many families don’t have dental insurance to help pay for care.

2. Tooth Decay Bacteria Can Spread

In a way, tooth decay is contagious. Huh? Let’s explain. Bacteria that cause tooth decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. The bacteria mix with sugar. This mixture creates a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria stays on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel.

Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can transmit bacteria to babies. Of course, toddlers can get decay if they don’t have this bacteria. But the presence of it ups the risk.

Some kids are better at resisting this bacteria. How do you know if your child has an increased risk? If parents have a lot of tooth decay, the child is more vulnerable to it. The child’s diet and daily oral hygiene also affect the risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) counsels pediatricians to ask parents about their dental health. Parents whose children are at a higher risk for cavities should talk to a pediatric dentist. They can help your son or daughter beat the odds and emerge from childhood without a mouthful of fillings.

3. Weakened Enamel Can Repair Itself (Up To A Point)

If the teeth are consistently assaulted with juice, milk, and snacks, the enamel never has a chance to re-harden. The juice, milk, and snacks create dangerous acid. Acid and plaque decreases the enamel and may cause a white spot. This is a sign of mineral loss. It’s the first step in the formation of a cavity. At this point, you can reverse the mineral loss. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize. Fluoride does three important things, 1) It replaces minerals. 2) It prevents further mineral loss, 3) It decreases acid-causing bacteria.

Your child can get fluoride from toothpaste, fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride gels, and fluoride supplements. Ask your pediatric dentist which one is best for your child.

Two essential things to know about fluoride:

1. If kids get too much fluoride, it can stain teeth. Your pediatric dentist can advise you on the proper amount.

2. Most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. If your child only drinks bottled water, they may miss out on the benefits of fluoride-adjusted municipal water.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we help parents keep their kids’ teeth healthy. Make sure you bring your toddler in for an exam and consultation when their first tooth appears. If you wait until they are three or four, your son or daughter may already have tooth decay.

http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/assets/2/7/1718.pdf

 

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

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 8110

A Ginormous Cavity?

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Florissant Cosmetic DentistryWhen Koch Park Dental  in Florissant MO repairs a tooth that has dental caries or damage, the procedure chosen often depends on the location of the problem. We’re talking tooth-specific locale here.

If there is a chip, crack, or dental caries on the biting surface of a tooth, an onlay or inlay is often created to restore the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are a type of tooth restoration used successfully at Koch Park Dental. They are usually bigger than a conventional filling yet smaller than a complete crown. An inlay is used to fill an area inside the cusp tips or bumps of a tooth. An onlay covers an area that includes more than one cusp.

At Koch Park Dental the inlays and onlays we place for our patients are indistinguishable from their natural teeth. We have the finely-honed eye for detail and complete mastery of dental aesthetics to design the restoration and create an exact match.

Koch Park Dental inlays and onlays:

  • Are stain resistant
  • Do not cause tooth sensitivity
  • Are beautifully matched to natural teeth
  • Strengthen the tooth and protect against further decay or damage

Call Koch Park Dental in Florissant MO to book a cosmetic dentistry consultation today.

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

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033

 

ArticleID 1473

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:

314-837-7744

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:

314-837-7744

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:

314-837-7744

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:

314-837-7744

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 314-837-7744 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:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033