The Best Foods To Prevent Tooth Decay

Most of us like to indulge in sweets and sugary drinks, at least once and while. We often don’t think about the effects these foods have on our teeth though. Eating the right foods can make a difference in your dental health. Here are a few foods that are great for your teeth and help prevent tooth decay.


Milk & Cheese
Milk and cheese are both rich in calcium. Calcium is great for preventing tooth decay, especially for developing kids.

Fruits & Vegetables
High fiber foods like fruits and vegetables assist in creating salivation, which in turn creates mineral defenses against tooth decay.

Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains foods are high in iron and B vitamins, both of which are great for maintaining healthy gums.

So passing up on junk food and sodas not only does your body good, but your teeth and gums too. Tooth decay is a serious issue and eating right can help improve your dental health. Making healthy food choices can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Here at Kurz Family Dentisty we believe in patient education and helping our patients improve their dental health. If you have more questions on preventing tooth decay or would like to schedule a dental appointment, to contact us today.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

The Difference Between Plaque & Tartar | The Dacula Dentist

Many dental patients think of plaque and tartar as two interchangeable terms, but they are not. They are two important terms to understand for good dental hygiene though. Controlling plaque and tartar can greatly improve your dental health.

Plaque is a sticky bacterium that forms invisibly on the surface of the teeth. Food, drinks and saliva work together to produce plaque, which is the main contributing factor in gum disease and cavities. To prevent plaque buildup, daily flossing and brushing at least 2 times a day is very important.

Tartar (aka calculus) is a more brittle deposit that can build up on teeth. Stains can become trapped underneath tartar which may lead to permanent discolorations of the teeth. Tartar forms such a tough bond, only a dental professional can properly remove it. To help prevent its growth, use toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate or a “tartar control” toothpaste. Also, be sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for a proper teeth cleaning.

We believe in educating and protecting our dental patients. Understanding the important of dental hygiene is very beneficial to your overall health. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have on keeping your teeth and gums healthy or to schedule a dental exam.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 |  E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

The Dangers Of Plaque Build Up | The Dacula Dentist

Plaque can be so stubborn, especially in those hard to reach areas, in particular the back teeth. All those handy grooves and ridges that make the back teeth perfect for chewing food also makes them hard to clean. As food particles collect on them, the risk of plaque and bacteria build up greatly increases. Bacteria can convert fermenting sugars into plaque in as little as 30 minutes. Removing plaque buildup is very important to your dental health. If left unchecked, this buildup can lead to gum disease.


Proper and regular flossing is crucial to plaque removal and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. As they say, practice makes perfect. Even if you struggle at first, keep at it and it will get easier to floss those back teeth over time. If you still find it very difficult to floss your back teeth, ask your dentist to take some extra time to show you and practice with you. You may also want to invest in an ADA approved electric flosser.

Protect your teeth and gums with daily flossing, brushing and regular dental exams and cleanings. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have on keeping your teeth and gums healthy or to schedule an exam.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Financing Dental Work | The Dacula Dentist

When you make your smile and dental health a priority, as you should, it can sometimes be an expensive endeavor. Most people can usually cover the costs of routine exams, x-rays and fillings, but some procedures, including veneers and dental implants, are much more costly and financing can be a great option to cover those costs.


Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking about financing dental work:

- Does your dentist offer in-house financing? If they do, this may be the best route to consider.

- Understand the entire cost of the procedure and request a line-by-line breakdown of the all the services involved.

- Contact your dental insurance to see what their coverage is for the procedure.

- Check your credit score. Find out if your credit score is high enough to qualify for most financing options.

- Research any financing companies that you are considering. Also consider such companies as Care Credit that specializes in financing dental procedures.

Your smile and dental health is important. Remember there are numerous options available for helping to cover the costs of more expensive dental procedures. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have on financing dental procedures.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Are You Showing Signs Of Periodontal Disease? | The Dacula Dentist

Have you noticed puffiness or red gums? Do you often feel or taste blood in your mouth when brushing your teeth? It could be that you have developed improper brushing techniques or perhaps the onset of periodontal (gum) disease.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 8.52% of adults age 20 to 64 have gum disease. There is no reason for you to panic!

Ideally you should visit your dentist regularly for a thorough check-up, but before you do, it cannot hurt to read up on the causes, symptoms and treatment for gum disease, specifically bleeding gums. We recommend that patients have routine cleanings every six (6) months but if your last visit surpasses that time-frame, you are long overdue to visit with us.

Gum disease can cause tooth loss if not seen early enough and other long-term complications can result from improper dental maintenance. It is better to try and improve your dental hygiene in order to figure out what the problem actually is. Stop in and consult with one of our specialists, it is always worth having the problem checked out!


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush | The Dacula Dentist

Lots of people just grab a toothbrush at the grocery store based on color or style and never really consider if it’s the right type of toothbrush for them. Using the right toothbrush is important for your long term dental health. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a toothbrush:

1. Soft bristles and a smaller head are best for getting rid of build up, residue and plaque from your teeth. They offer the comfort, flexibility and reach that you need.

2. An electric toothbrush is a great alternative to ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned every time you brush.

3. Nonslip handles are a great feature as well. It can help you better reach tough areas of your mouth and help you keep a solid grip on your brush.

4. Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval on the packaging.

Taking good care of your teeth is so important. Brush at least twice a day with a quality toothbrush that you replace regularly. If you want to learn more about dental health and proper brushing, contact Kurz Family Dentistry today. We are your Dacula dentist and experts in perfecting your smile!

The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Safety Concerns With Mercury Fillings

When we speak of “Going Green,” we often reference saving the environment, but how does that connect with the world of dentistry?

Did you know that amalgam is the most commonly used filling material throughout the world? It is an alloy made of 50% Silver and 50% Mercury and has been used as a filling material since 1816. While dentists for a long time used amalgam as dental fillings, in recent years, it has been discovered that this black/silver substance is actually harmful to one's health and could lead to toxicity-related illnesses. The most at risk are children and lactating or pregnant women.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Silver Amalgam Fillings?

•They can be dark and unsightly.

•As they age, the edges of the fillings undergo metal fatigue and begin to break down.

•When fillings break, they no longer seal the tooth; this may allow cavities to start again.

•Silver fillings just fill holes, they do not add strength to teeth (bonded fillings add strength).

•Silver fillings absorb water and expand as they age, so the tooth may break.

•The metal in silver fillings causes unsightly stains of the teeth and the gums.

•Undercuts or pins have to be placed in a tooth to mechanically hold the filling in the tooth; this weakens the tooth and can accelerate cracking.


What does 'mercury-safe' mean for “Going Green”?
Patients request removal of their mercury amalgam fillings for two main reasons:

· They want to have better-looking teeth - a cosmetic makeover.

· They have been referred by a health professional.

Some dentists offer the options of amalgam or mercury free which is always a good selling point for clients! If you are looking for mercury-free fillings or having poisonous dental amalgam fillings removed, aim to find a dental clinic that has expertise and experience in how to perform this type of dental work safely. Because of the toxic nature of mercury and the proximity of the mouth to the brain, it is critical to remove mercury amalgam fillings using safe protocols. New strong filling materials have been invented and new dental equipment like dental water lasers and air abrasion, make it possible to make mercury (silver) fillings redundant.

We recommended that you do your own research and reading before choosing a dentist. Our dental practice can provide you with a wide selection that includes ceramics, composites and other mercury-free material.

If you want to learn more about dental health or safe mercury amalgam removal protocols, contact Kurz Family Dentistry today. We are your Dacula dentist and experts in perfecting your smile!
 
The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More

Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com