May 14, 2012

Protecting Your Kids Teeth During Sports

Filed under: Dentist,Oral Health — bdavis @ 5:34 pm

Nashville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Poss Discusses Protecting Teeth During Sports

If you have kids who play sports, chances are you have been concerned about making sure that their teeth are protected, especially if they are in a sport that involves physical contact. After all, in many sports, there is the risk of collision with other players, a ball, obstacles on the field such as goals or fences and, of course, injury due to falling. Sports offer children a wonderful opportunity to get the exercise they need, learn about working together as a team and simply enjoying the competition of a well played game; however, there is always a risk of injury, regardless of what type of sport they engage in. These injuries can easily lead to a tooth being chipped or damaged or even knocked out entirely. Fortunately, there are mouth guards and other types of safety equipment that can be purchased to help protect a child’s mouth during various sports activities.

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that over three million teeth, in 2012 alone, will be accidentally knocked out in the course of some sporting event. This is just in the United States. Obviously, children’s teeth are in potential danger of being damaged, loosened or knocked out whenever they are engaged in a sporting activity and providing protection for their mouth is crucial. Of course, this does not mean that your child should not play sports; it simply means that precautions should be taken to ensure that their teeth are adequately protected during play.

A mouth guard can go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth and should be considered an essential part of their uniform and equipment. Many dentists are able to make a custom fitted mouth guard out of soft plastic and designed to comfortably fit your child’s mouth. This is an excellent way to protect their teeth and avoid unnecessary damage. Your child might not like to wear their mouth guard at first, but with consistent encouragement, they will soon come to regard it as being an important part of their regular safety gear.

Other important safety equipment that can help protect your child’s teeth can include items such as helmets, face masks and face protectors. Of course, no amount of safety equipment can protect your child from every possibility of injury, but taking preventative measures to protect their teeth is an important way to reduce serious accidents and unnecessary tooth damage.

Dr. Stephen Poss specializes in cosmetic dentistry in Nashville, but touts good oral health and oral safety practices for all ages.

May 7, 2012

The Most Beautiful You with a Beautiful Smile

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry — bdavis @ 7:40 pm

A beautiful smile can show happiness and warmth. It can also express welcoming to another person. Perhaps it can prove that a person has good health. This is why many people choose to undergo a smile makeover to enhance their appearance. Some people choose to have a cosmetic or restorative dental procedure to have gorgeous teeth and a youthful smile because a smile can light up others that surround you.

People value the importance of having a great smile so they are  always seeking ways to improve it.  High profile personalities may choose a smile makeover to enhance their looks. Even working and middle- aged people decide to undergo this treatment for a more youthful appearance. The purpose is to have a pleasing personality and this also makes them feel good about themselves.

You can witness the difference before and after you undergo a smile makeover. There is truly a change in appearance. If your previous appearance  showed a poor self-image and dental concerns then your new appearance will show happiness, success, and intelligence.

People want to build lasting impressions through their smile. That is why many people consult a cosmetic dentist who is well-recommended. Before you decide to have a smile makeover,  it is important to know if the dentist is capable of creating a great smile design. Only dentists with artistic hands are capable of designing good-looking teeth.

If you have chosen to undergo cosmetic dentistry treatment, a dentist can discuss with you about what you need and how much time the procedure will take. Generally, a smile makeover will take you as little as two visits to finish. You can then walk away from the clinic with a fantastic smile.

If your teeth are uneven or crooked, this can be addressed with porcelain veneers or dental crowns. There is also a solution for discolored teeth. Once you undergo treatment, your teeth will look so natural that you can definitely show your beautiful smile.

When you visit a dentist for a smile makeover, necessary treatments will be shown to you so that you achieve your goals. A dentist may improve the looks of your teeth through tooth whitening or porcelain veneers. Other clients may prefer dental implants or porcelain tooth crowns. There are several options to choose from if you want to have a smile makeover.

You can check out prices that dentists provide for cosmetic dentistry procedures. Usually they provide reasonable fees for these services. They definitely suit people from all walks of life. Many dentists provide affordable financing as well.

Not all people are born with a beautiful smile yet everyone has an opportunity to create one. If you want to project confidence when you smile, perhaps you may need a smile makeover. A fantastic smile is one of the best ways to entice people with your great appearance.

Visit Dr. Stephen Poss, for a smile makeover from one of the most trusted Nashville Cosmetic Dentists.

April 23, 2012

Coke vs. Water

Filed under: General Health,Oral Health — Tags: , , , — bdavis @ 8:17 pm

The debate over the merits of water over soft drinks is ongoing. As a dentist, we know that the benefits of avoiding sugary drinks, but there are a number of other reasons to avoid soft drinks. Check out the merits below:

Water

  1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
  2. In 37% of Americans the thirst mechanism is so weak it is often mistaken for hunger.
  3. Mild dehydration will slow your metabolism as much as 3%
  4. Lack of water is the #1 trigger for daytime fatigue
  5. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
  6. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math and difficulty focusing on the computer.
  7. Drinking 5 glasses of water each day decreases your risk of colon cancer by 45% and can slash your risk of breast cancer by 79

Coke

  1. In many states the highway patrol carries Coke in the trunk of their cars to remove the blood from the highway after a car accident.
  2. You can put a t-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.
  3. You can clean your toilet by pouring a can of Coke into the toilet, let it sit for one hour and flush.
  4. To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers rub the bumper with a piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coke.
  5. Coke will clean the corrosion on a car battery.
  6. Coke can also loosen a rusted bolt by soaking a cloth in Coke and apply it to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
  7. To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into the load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

  • The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase of osteoporosis.
  • To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial trucks must use Hazardous Material Warning Cards reserved for highly corrosive materials.

 

April 19, 2012

Tooth Loss Replacement Options

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Dental Implants,Dentist — bdavis @ 8:07 pm

If you have lost a tooth or are expecting to, you may be wondering what you can do. Your teeth are very important. They help you eat food, they help your talk and they are the foundation of your smile. You should not be embarrassed or afraid to get help as there are a number of viable options.

Your first option is to do nothing. This will do nothing for the missing tooth, but will cost you no money. If the lost tooth is a one-time deal because of decay, there will be minimal long lasting problems other than your image. If your tooth is missing because of a disease or other situation, you might find yourself missing additional teeth down the road.

Many people choose a course of action depending on the location of the tooth, how much it affects their smile and eating. If the tooth is missing in the back it is not as noticeable, however it can affect eating. If it is in the front, this affects your smile and how people view you.

Your other option is to replace the missing tooth or teeth. There are different dental treatments focused on replacing teeth. These include:

  • Dental Implants –  Technically, they are implanted ‘false’ teeth. Small screws are implanted into the mouth surgically in the gum. This is the base for the tooth. The tooth is then screwed into the base. This type of tooth replacement requires surgery and must be done by an oral surgeon. This type of surgery can be done for one tooth or for many. It restores the beauty and functionality of a full mouth of teeth.
  • Dentures – When people think of dentures, they think of a entire set of teeth, however partial dentures are also available. Your dentist can make dentures for one tooth, a few teeth, or all teeth.
  • Dental Bridges – If you are missing one to three teeth, you can choose to use a dental bridge. The teeth on each side of the missing tooth must be healthy to use this procedure, and your dentist will check for this. This procedure is less invasive than dental implants and more stable than using dentures.

Tooth loss can be scary and embarrassing, depending on where the loss is and how many teeth are missing. You should always talk to your dentist if you have lost a tooth. They will check to make sure there is no ongoing disease that can cause additional problems. If the missing tooth makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, you can consider different options to replace the tooth that is missing. Again, talk to Dr. Poss, your Nashville Cosmetic Dentist about the option that will work best for you.

April 16, 2012

9 Super Foods to Boost Oral Health

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Oral Health — bdavis @ 4:57 pm

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has released the findings of an important study on the most health friendly foods. Here are some of the most important foods that help keep gums and teeth healthy:

  1. Basil – this herb helps reduce the bacteria film in the mouth and is also a natural antibiotic.
  2. Broccoli – keeps anti-acid film from forming on teeth, thus preventing dental erosion.
  3. Cheese – helps neutralize bacteria in the mouth, preventing tooth decay.
  4. Ginger – has anti inflammatory properties that help maintain the tissues in your mouth.
  5. Lemon – acts as a natural teeth whitening agent and also contains Vitamin C, which is important for overall health.
  6. Pineapple – helps people produce more saliva, creating a healthier oral environment.
  7. Sea Salt – helps strengthen teeth by fusing them with the right minerals.
  8. Sesame Seeds – these act as a natural scrubbing agent, which reduces plaque. They are also extremely Calcium rich, which is important for maintaining teeth.
  9. Xylitol – several studies have shown that this sugar substitute helps prevent tooth decay.

Keep your oral health on the up and up by maintaining a healthy diet that includes these 9 oral health super foods. Visiting Dr. Poss, your favorite Cosmetic Dentist in Nashville will help maintain your smile too!

April 9, 2012

10 Reasons to Visit Your Nashville Dentist Regularily

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , , , — bdavis @ 7:42 pm

Going to the dentist may not be something that you love to do, but it is certainly something that can make you healthier. This can, in turn, make you enjoy your life more completely. Below are the top ten reasons why you need to go on a regular basis, and you should consider them very seriously if you have not been faithfully setting up appointments.

1. Catching Cavities Early
If you do not catch a cavity until it is very advanced, you will need to have surgery to fix the problem. The sooner that you find it, the less invasive this will be.

2. Getting Equipment Adjusted
If you have braces or a retainer, you need to have them adjusted. They cannot simple stay with the same settings for years.

3. Catch Damaging Practices
You may need your dentist to tell you about things that are harming your teeth that you have not considered, such as eating ice cubes.

4. Being Reminded of the Importance of Brushing
A regular visit can help you remember how important it is to brush twice a day. This can keep you faithful to this practice.

5. An Overall Cleaning Promotes Health
The dentist will give you a better overall cleaning than you would ever get from brushing and flossing. This can make your teeth a lot healthier than you could manage alone.

6. Getting A New Toothbrush
Many dentists give out new toothbrushes with every visit. This is a good thing because an old, worn-out toothbrush will not be nearly as effective as a new one.

7. Your Teeth Can Change
Over time, your teeth can shift and change, especially if you are young. Your dentist can help to correct any errors, and he will see the changes.

8. Regular Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is an epidemic that plaques the US today. Making regular visits to your dentist can help identify any problems in the early stages!

9. Learning About New Technology
There are always new advancements in fields of medicine. You can learn about all of the newest ways to fight diseases and to keep your teeth healthy on a daily basis.

10. Breaking Bad Habits
Finally, you need to have someone catch your bad habits, such as neglecting to floss. This can help you to break them when doing so is still easy.

Although Dr. Poss has a number of reasons why you should schedule regular visits, these are some of the most important – maintain your oral health and your overall health! Give Dr. Poss, the preferred cosmetic dentist in Nashville a call to setup your appointment today.

April 1, 2012

Finding the Best Nashville Dentist for Your Needs

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , — bdavis @ 6:45 pm

Finding the best Nashville dentist can be harder than you would think, but it is very important to the health of your family. A dentist can help you understand your dental needs and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Not every dentist is right for you and your family so you will want to do some research and make an informed choice when you choose the best Nashville dentist for you.

It is not a good idea to simply choose a dentist based on their website, a random phone book search, or your insurance coverage. Finding the best practitioner for your family will take a little time and effort, but in the end, it is worth the hassle.

One of the first things you might want to do is ask your family members and friends for referrals. Some of your acquaintances might recommend Dr. Stephen Poss, one of the best Nashville dentist options. Once you hear the name, you will be able to look into the dentist yourself to get more details.

After you have a few dentist names on your list, go online and start looking up details on each dentist. If you see anything on their websites that you do not like, keep looking. You will also need to make sure that the dentist you see will be able to treat whatever ailments you have that need attention. If you have young children, you might want to choose a dentist that has pediatric experience. If you want cosmetic work done, you might want to choose one that specializes in that area.

If you find that Dr. Stephen Poss looks like he might be the dentist for your family, make an appointment to meet with him in his office. Ask about his practice methodology, the prices he charges and the care he gives and get a sense for who he is and how he runs his practice. Whenever you trust the care of your health to a professional, you need to feel comfortably with that person and be confident in the result of your visits.

If you have any other questions during your meeting, ask for references. Any dentist should be able to give you a short list of patients that you can call and talk to about the service they have received. You can ask about specific experiences, or just get a general idea of how the visits to the dentist go on a regular basis.

Once you have chosen the best dentist for your family, you can lay back in the chair on your next visit and trust Dr. Stephen Poss to take care of your teeth and gums.

March 26, 2012

Smile-Enhancement by Dr. Poss – Nashville Comsetic Dentist

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Veneers — Tags: , , , , , , , , — bdavis @ 6:37 pm

Often thought of as only obtainable by celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is actually a rapidly growing industry. As visiting the cosmetic dentist become more popular and more affordable it also become more accessible to the general public.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses mostly on improving the appearance (and often times the functionality and health) of your teeth and gums. Common cosmetic procedures include bite reclamation, bonding, bridges, gum lifts, reshaping, veneers, and teeth whitening. Some procedures involve the addition of material(s) to your teeth and/or gums, like bonding, crowns, and veneers. Some require removing material from your teeth and/or gums. Finally, some require neither the addition nor removal of materials, like straightening and whitening.

In cosmetic bonding, an enamel-like substance is used to reshape a tooth or teeth as needed. After it is applied and sculpted, the material hardens and is polished. It closely resembles the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth and can be used to fill chips and perfect other such misshapen teeth.

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Crowns must be inserted onto the two adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then fused to the crowns to hold it in place. When properly cared for, they can last for ten years or even longer.

A gum lift is the process by which a cosmetic dentist raises and reshapes your gum line. It may involve simply sculpting the gum tissue, or, in more extreme cases, the underlying bone structure may need reshaping. The end goal is to give the teeth a more symmetrical and (if desirable) longer appearance.

Reshaping teeth requires removing bits of the enamel to create the desired look. It can improve the length, positioning, and shape of affected teeth and can fix small chips. The potential issue with enameloplasty is that once the enamel is removed it cannot be replaced. People still opt for it under some circumstances to avoid getting braces and because the results are so fast.

Veneers are also wildly popular for perfecting the appearance of one’s smile. They are made up of porcelain and/or composite materials that mimic teeth’s natural appearance, color, and structure. They are applied in very thin layers that are bonded directly to the teeth. They can completely close gaps as well as disguise discolored teeth that cannot be sufficiently lightened. Christie Brinkley, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Donald Trump are all rumored to have porcelain veneers.

Whitening is by far the most commonly practiced procedure in the industry. There are dozens of over-the-counter at-home whitening products available. However, professional treatments by a cosmetic dentist are recommended for ideal results.

If you are looking to have your smile enhanced cosmetically, Dr. Poss can help build a smile you love! Call the office at (615) 373-1056 to get started today!

March 5, 2012

7 Ways to Boost Your Image With a Better Smile

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Implants,Dentist,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening,Veneers — Tags: , , , , , , , , — bdavis @ 11:29 pm

If you like to make a good first impression on people, there’s one way you can accomplish that without even saying a word. All you have to do is flash a bright, welcoming smile and people around you will immediately gravitate toward you because you seem both attractive and good natured. Why do you think politicians and actors are always known for their “winning” smiles?

Unfortunately, a lot of people require confidence in their smile to proudly display it to the world. This confidence can be hard to find if you are a bit embarrassed about teeth that are stained, crooked, chipped or missing. The good news is that your smile is a work of art that can be restored back to its healthy glow through your own actions, and with the help of a skilled dental professional.

If you are ready for an image boost, all you need to do is follow these seven tips for building a better smile!

  1. Brush daily – This tip might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so important that we had to mention it. Failing to brush your teeth at least twice a day invites plaque and bacteria to host a party on your teeth and gums. Over an extended period of time, this is a sure way to cause unsightly damage to your teeth as well as produce more expensive dental bills.
  2. Floss – Similar to brushing, flossing is a necessary part of your daily dental regimen. It clears away nasty plaque and keeps your gums pink and healthy. It also prevents other more serious health problems that can occur if plaque travels farther into your body.
  3. Eat teeth-friendly foods – Certain foods, such as apples, carrots and cucumbers, are good for your teeth because they massage your gums and induce salivation. You should make an effort to incorporate these in your diet, as well as cut out sugar-laden foods and other snacks that might damage your teeth.
  4. Limit harmful drinks – There are certain beverages that can be detrimental to the appearance of your teeth, so you should be sure to limit your intake of these. They include wine, coffee and soda.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly – Your dentist is not only great for correcting any cosmetic issues you are having, but also for catching many problems before they even become something to worry about. Schedule regular visits to your dentist’s office to ensure that your teeth are always white and healthy.
  6. Consider teeth whitening – Sometimes teeth need some help beyond brushing and flossing to shine their brightest. You have the option of getting them whitened, which is a quick procedure that can make your smile several shades whiter.
  7. Smile often – Last but not least, you should seize every opportunity to show off your vibrant smile. It gives people a great impression of you, and it could even put a smile on their faces.

To make sure that you have enough confidence in your smile to wear it proudly, give Dr. Poss, your favorite Cosmetic Dentist in Nashville, a call today so he can help you restore it to its full beauty.

February 29, 2012

Smile Makeovers by Your Cosmetic Dentist in Nashville

Filed under: Beautiful Smiles,Cosmetic Dentistry,Nashville Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — bdavis @ 6:14 pm

A smile is a beautiful thing. It is sad, then, that so many individuals are embarrassed by their smiles. It may be due to poor dental hygiene or simple bad luck, but many individuals have smiles that they feel are simply less than perfect. If you feel this way about your smile, you may wish to visit a Nashville cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover. These makeovers can consist of many different procedures, from those that are basic to newer surgical alternatives. In the end, though, these procedures can help to give anyone the smile that they have always hoped to have.

As you might expect, many individuals visit a  cosmetic dentist hoping for only the basics of a smile makeover. The most common procedure is a simple teeth whitening, a process that can not only brighten a smile but help to get rid of years of  build up on teeth. Many individuals also take a further step by getting their teeth straightened, especially if they were not fortunate enough to have braces when they were younger. Though a longer process, this aspect of a smile makeover can help to give anyone a beautiful smile.

At the same time, there are many that undertake procedures that are a bit more unusual in the pursuit of a more beautiful smile. One increasingly popular aspect of smile makeovers is the use of veneers. These thin devices can be fit over the front of teeth, improving the look of those teeth that have suffered damage or extreme decay. Other clients seek out procedures like gum contouring, a process that can help individuals with uneven gum lines to even out their smile. Regardless of what is chosen, though, a full dental makeover can allow an individual to smile with ease in situations which may have once been embarrassing.

If you want a smile makeover, it is important to visit Dr. Stephen Poss, Nashville cosmetic dentist. He can not only perform the procedures that you wish to have performed, but they can help you to learn about new procedures that may help you to improve your smile. Whether you want a simple tooth whitening or you want to go so far as to have surgical gum contouring, there are dentists available that can help you to improve your smile. With a little work, you may feel far less embarrassed by sharing your happiness with the world around you.

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