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

Fight Bad Breath Naturally | Dacula Dentist

Bad breath, or halitosis, can really put a damper on your social life and confidence. More importantly though, bad breath can be an early sign of health or dental issues, including cavities/tooth decay, gum disease and liver problems. Most people treat their bad breath with mouthwash, mints or gum. These may not be the best or safest ways to treat bad breath long term. They may mask your bad breath, but often contain toxic ingredients that can induce infections that may lead to chronic halitosis.

Here are a few natural remedies for bad breath you may want to try:

1. Have a purified water source. This will help cleanse and neutralize the mouth properly.

2. Eat fennel seeds, dill and mint which alkalize saliva reducing bacteria growth.

3. Create your own natural mouthwash using steeped fresh cloves and purified warm water.

If you want to learn more about dental health or remedies for bad breath, contact Kurz Family Dentistry today. We strive to be a Dacula dentist that informs and cares for every patient.


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 Dental Implants Right For You?

Having a missing tooth can be embarrassing and cause a lot of anxiety.  Are you looking for a solution that is natural looking, long term and comfortable?  Dental implants may the perfect fit for you. Dental implants look and feel very natural.  You deserve a beautiful smile and dental implants will give you just that.  Tooth loss is a common problem and nothing to be ashamed of.  Help to rebuild your confidence and bolster your appearance with dental implants.  Implants are an ideal alternative to partial dentures.   


We also offer mini dental implants. These implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants are used mainly to stabilize lower dentures. These implants can be placed in one appointment and be immediately used. The cost is 50-70% of standard dental implants. Call for a free consultation.


 
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

3 Tips To Maximizing Your Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a great benefit and getting the most out of it for the least amount of money makes it even better. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your dental insurance and also take optimal care of your teeth.


Tip 1 – Stay in network. A quick visit to your insurance provider’s website should supply you with local dentists that are considered in network. This can provide you with significant savings because in network providers can only charge you up to a certain amount that is determined by your insurance company for covered services. With out of network providers, you may be responsible to coverage part of the charges for many dental procedures.

Tip 2 – Communicate with your insurance provider. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider to ask specific questions about your coverage, claims or anything else you are unsure on. Read through the written materials available to you online or in your benefits booklet. Also, never be afraid to dispute charges that you think are incorrect. Many times they are wrong and you can simply have the insurance company correct the error and pay your claim.

Tip 3 - Understand your maximum benefits. Many people aren’t aware that they have yearly limitations to the amount their dental insurance will cover each year. If you know you are planning to have extensive, expensive dental work done, be sure that you have enough coverage left to cover the procedure or you may want to modify your appointment accordingly.

If you have more questions on dental insurance or to find out if you are in network with us, just give us a call. We would love to be your dentist!


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

Does Age Impact The Risk Of Developing Gum Disease?

Based on research conducted at The University of London in collaboration with research groups in the USA, it seems that gum disease may become more prevalent with old age. The study found a relationship between a decrease in the level of a chemical called Del-1 that often occurs in old age. This decrease in Del-1 affects the body's immune system negatively.

As a result of a weakened immune system, older people have an increased risk of gum disease as well as other inflammatory diseases, including gum disease. When they treated the gums of the mice with Del-1, the number of white blood cells dropped, and gum disease and bone loss were reduced. Understanding the relationship between Del-1 and gum disease can aid researchers in finding effective treatments for the problem in older adults.

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