Toggle navigation
533 Michigan Avenue Holland, MI 49423(616) 392-4198
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Location
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: September, 2018

In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage

By David Van Appledorn, DDS, PC
September 28, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   oral hygiene  
InTodaysNFLOralHygieneTakesCenterStage

Everyone knows that in the game of football, quarterbacks are looked up to as team leaders. That's why we're so pleased to see some NFL QB's setting great examples of… wait for it… excellent oral hygiene.

First, at the 2016 season opener against the Broncos, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers was spotted on the bench; in his hands was a strand of dental floss. In between plays, the 2105 MVP was observed giving his hard-to-reach tooth surfaces a good cleaning with the floss.

Later, Buffalo Bills QB Tyrod Taylor was seen on the sideline of a game against the 49ers — with a bottle of mouthwash. Taylor took a swig, swished it around his mouth for a minute, and spit it out. Was he trying to make his breath fresher in the huddle when he called out plays?

Maybe… but in fact, a good mouthrinse can be much more than a short-lived breath freshener.

Cosmetic rinses can leave your breath with a minty taste or pleasant smell — but the sensation is only temporary. And while there's nothing wrong with having good-smelling breath, using a cosmetic mouthwash doesn't improve your oral hygiene — in fact, it can actually mask odors that may indicate a problem, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Using a therapeutic mouthrinse, however, can actually enhance your oral health. Many commonly available therapeutic rinses contain anti-cariogenic (cavity-fighting) ingredients, such as fluoride; these can help prevent tooth decay and cavity formation by strengthening tooth enamel. Others contain antibacterial ingredients; these can help control the harmful oral bacteria found in plaque — the sticky film that can build up on your teeth in between cleanings. Some antibacterial mouthrinses are available over-the-counter, while others are prescription-only. When used along with brushing and flossing, they can reduce gum disease (gingivitis) and promote good oral health.

So why did Taylor rinse? His coach Rex Ryan later explained that he was cleaning out his mouth after a hard hit, which may have caused some bleeding. Ryan also noted, “He [Taylor] does have the best smelling breath in the league for any quarterback.” The coach didn't explain how he knows that — but never mind. The takeaway is that a cosmetic rinse may be OK for a quick fix — but when it comes to good oral hygiene, using a therapeutic mouthrinse as a part of your daily routine (along with flossing and brushing) can really step up your game.

If you would like more information about mouthrinses and oral hygiene, contact us or schedule a consultation.


0 Comment(s) Permalink

A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment

By David Van Appledorn, DDS, PC
September 18, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: retainer  
ABondedRetainerMightWorkforYouafterOrthodonticTreatment

If you want to keep that new smile after orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer for awhile. Teeth have a tendency to “rebound” to their old positions and a retainer prevents that from happening.

Most people are familiar with the standard removable retainer. But there’s another option: a bonded retainer. While performing the same function as a removable one, the bonded retainer differs in one important aspect—it’s fixed in place and can’t be removed except by a dentist. It’s especially useful for certain bite repairs like the closure of the gap between the front teeth.

If you’re thinking this retainer sounds a lot like the braces just removed, it’s not. The main part of a bonded retainer is a thin metal wire that we bond with a dental composite material across the back of the affected teeth. While you can definitely feel it with your tongue it can’t be seen by others, which is an advantage over many removable retainers.

The fixed nature of bonded retainers also creates a couple of advantages, especially for younger patients. There’s no compliance issue as with removable retainers—the patient doesn’t have the option of taking it out. That also means it can’t be lost, a frequent and costly occurrence with the removable variety.

But a bonded retainer does have some drawbacks. For one, the wire and composite material make it more difficult to floss. There’s also a possibility of breakage from high biting forces, which if that should occur must be immediately repaired to avoid the teeth rebounding. But while removable retainers have their downsides, it’s much easier with them to keep the teeth clean of plaque—you simply take the appliance out to brush and floss.

With your dentist’s help you can weigh the pros and cons of both types of retainers and decide which is best for you or your child. Whichever one you choose, wearing a retainer will help protect that hard-earned smile for years to come.

If you would like more information on protecting your bite after orthodontic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bonded Retainers: What are the Pros and Cons?”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix

By David Van Appledorn, DDS, PC
September 08, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implants   smoking  
WhySmokingandDentalImplantsDontMix

With a 95-plus percent survival rate after ten years, dental implants are one of the most durable replacement restorations available. Implants can potentially last much longer than less expensive options, which could make them a less costly choice in the long run.

But although a rare occurrence, implants can and do fail—often in the first few months. And tobacco smokers in particular make up a sizeable portion of these failures.

The reasons stem from smoking’s effect on oral health. Inhaled smoke can actually burn the outer skin layers in the mouth and eventually damage the salivary glands, which can decrease saliva production. Among its functions, saliva provides enzymes to fight disease; it also protects tooth enamel from damaging acid attacks. A chronic “dry mouth,” on the other hand, increases the risk of disease.

The chemical nicotine in tobacco also causes problems because it constricts blood vessels in the mouth and skin. The resulting reduced blood flow inhibits the delivery of antibodies to diseased or wounded areas, and so dramatically slows the healing process. As a result, smokers can take longer than non-smokers to recover from diseases like tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease, or heal after surgery.

Both the higher disease risk and slower healing can impact an implant’s ultimate success. Implant durability depends on the gradual integration between bone and the implant’s titanium metal post that naturally occurs after placement. But this crucial process can be stymied if an infection resistant to healing arises—a primary reason why smokers experience twice the number of implant failures as non-smokers.

So, what should you do if you’re a smoker and wish to consider implants?

First, for both your general and oral health, try to quit smoking before you undergo implant surgery. At the very least, stop smoking a week before implant surgery and for two weeks after to lower your infection risk. And you can further reduce your chances for failure by practicing diligent daily brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

It’s possible to have a successful experience with implants even if you do smoke. But kicking the habit will definitely improve your odds.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants & Smoking.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


October (3) August (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • April (1)
        • As Antetokounmpo Knows, Even an NBA Star Can Be Sidelined by a Toothache
      • March (3)
        • Gum Recession Can Rob You of Your Smile and Your Dental Health Too
        • Evidence Mounting That Vaping is Hazardous to Your Oral Health
        • Here's Why Gum Disease Could Be Lurking in Your Mouth Even Now
      • February (3)
        • Buffalo Bills' Stefon Diggs Knows There's Never a Bad Place to Floss
        • Endodontic Treatment Could Save a Tooth in Crisis
        • Although Rare, This Condition Could Destroy a Tooth
      • January (3)
        • Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
        • What Tara Lipinski Does to Protect One of Her Most Valuable Assets - Her Smile
        • Flexible RPDs - a Sound, Temporary Way To Replace Missing Teeth
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • Smoking Could Increase the Risk of an Implant Failure
        • Age Doesn't Have to Stop You From Straightening Your Smile
        • Porcelain Veneers Transform Real Housewives Star's Smile Spoiled by Teeth Grinding
      • November (3)
        • Don't Let Acid Reflux Disease Rob You of Your Teeth
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
        • Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
      • October (3)
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • This Orthodontic Device Could Reduce the Need for Future Braces
        • Your Teeth Don't Grow Like a Squirrel's, So Protect Them From Excessive Wear
      • September (3)
        • Implants Can Make It Easier to Restore Missing Teeth in Stages
        • The Howie Mandel Effect: Avoid Dental Disease Through Daily Brushing and Flossing
        • How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
      • August (3)
        • Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
        • Studies Show Vaping May Not Be Safer for Oral Health Than Tobacco
        • Too Old to Straighten Your Smile? Not If You're Like These A-List Celebrities
      • July (3)
        • Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
        • Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • Here Is How We May Be Able to Bring an Impacted Tooth Where It Should Be
      • June (3)
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
        • Your Gums and Bone Need to Be Healthy Before Getting Implants
      • May (3)
        • The Graduation Season is the Perfect Time to Review Dental Health
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
      • April (3)
        • Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
        • Practice Daily Hygiene to Avoid Gum Swelling While Wearing Braces
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
      • March (4)
        • Inform Your Dentist if You're Taking Blood Thinners
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
        • Follow the Fast-Food Lead: Cut Back Sodas in Your Child's Diet
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
      • February (2)
        • Simple Procedure Could Reduce Biting the Inside of Your Mouth
        • A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
      • January (4)
        • Uncovering Early Gum Disease Through Periodontal Probing
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • 3 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Tooth Enamel
        • A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
      • November (3)
        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • October (3)
        • Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
        • 3 Reasons Why Correcting a Poor Bite Is Worthwhile at Any Age
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
      • September (3)
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • Watch Out for These Dental Health Issues as You Age
      • August (3)
        • You can Get Relief from Facial Pain
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
        • Lingual Braces: An Invisible Way to Move Your Teeth
      • July (3)
        • Put the Extra Effort in Your Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces
        • You May Need to Postpone an Upcoming Dental Visit if You Have Shingles
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
      • June (3)
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
        • 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
        • Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
      • May (3)
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
        • Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
      • April (3)
        • Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Here's How to Care for 3 Common Dental Restorations
      • March (3)
        • March Is the Time to Evaluate Sleep Problems
        • 3 Things You Should Know About Teeth Grinding
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
      • February (3)
        • 4 Tips to Prevent Childhood Tooth Decay
        • A Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
      • January (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Your Regular Dental Visits Might Change if You've had Gum Disease
        • Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Less-Invasive Pulp Capping Could Save Your Tooth
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Orthodontists Anticipate Future Facial Growth When Treating Poor Bites
      • November (3)
        • TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
        • Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • October (3)
        • How to Maximize Your Child's Dental Health Potential
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
        • 4 Signs Your Child May Have a Poor Bite
      • September (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
        • Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix
      • August (3)
        • 'Tooth in One Day' Procedures Require Special Attention for Success
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • How to Treat the Problem of Teeth that Never Developed
      • July (3)
        • How to Reduce Tooth White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
        • A Royal Fix
      • June (3)
        • That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm
        • Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
        • The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
      • May (4)
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
      • April (2)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • 3 Situations for Seeing a Periodontist
      • March (3)
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
        • A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
        • Skater Adam Rippon's World-Class Smile
      • February (2)
        • Cracked Mouth Corners can be Irritating - Here's How to Treat Them
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
      • January (2)
        • Root Decay in Your Later Years Could Endanger Your Teeth
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Have a Loose Tooth? You'll Need This Two-Phase Treatment to Save It
        • Certain People may Benefit from Antibiotics Before Implant Surgery
      • November (2)
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • October (2)
        • Increase Bone Mass for Dental Implants through Grafting
        • These 3 Tasks Show How Saliva is Amazing
      • September (2)
        • Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • August (3)
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • July (2)
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
      • June (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • Braces Take Advantage of Teeth's Natural Ability to Move
      • May (2)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
      • April (2)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
      • March (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
      • February (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • January (2)
        • A Retainer Helps You Keep Your New Smile After Braces
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
      • November (3)
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
      • October (2)
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
      • September (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Grafting can Help Regenerate Gum Tissue Lost Through Recession
      • August (2)
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
      • July (3)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Don't Forget Hidden Fluoride Sources Your Family Could be Ingesting
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • June (2)
        • Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • May (2)
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
      • April (2)
        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • March (2)
        • A Retainer-Like Device can Preserve the Space Left by a Lost Primary Tooth
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • February (1)
        • While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
      • January (3)
        • The Laser Revolution is Changing the Dental Healthcare
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
  • 2015
      • December (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • There may be more to that Toothache that Suddenly Stops Aching
      • November (2)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Crown Differences Could Ultimately Affect Your Cost
      • October (2)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Don't Panic! Take Methodical Approach to Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking
      • September (2)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
      • August (2)
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • Some Birth Control Drugs Could Increase Risk of Gum Disease
      • July (3)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • June (2)
        • An Early Orthodontic Evaluation May Alert to Developing Bite Problems
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • May (2)
        • Setting the Record Straight on Root Canal Treatments
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • April (2)
        • Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
        • Hilary Duff's Chipped Front Teeth Repaired with Veneers
      • March (2)
        • Work With Your Child's School to Encourage Healthy Snack Foods
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • February (3)
        • Customized Temporary Crowns let you 'Rehearse' Your Future Smile
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (65)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • crown (1)
  • orthodontics (9)
  • braces (8)
  • nutrition (3)
  • oral health (21)
  • veneers (3)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • cold sore (1)
  • oral hygiene (24)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • root canal (3)
  • wisdom teeth (4)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • dental implants (11)
  • crowns (4)
  • gum disease (11)
  • birth control (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (5)
  • thumb sucking (2)
  • pediatric dentistry (16)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • tooth decay (4)
  • orthodontic treatment (18)
  • anchorage devices (1)
  • laser dentistry (1)
  • lichen planus (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • space maintainer (1)
  • periodontal disease (2)
  • antibiotics (2)
  • fluoride (3)
  • teeth whitening (4)
  • gum recession (3)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (1)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • toothpaste (1)
  • retainers (2)
  • partial denture (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • dental injury (6)
  • x-rays (1)
  • teeth grinding (3)
  • facial pain (2)
  • trigeminal neuralgia (1)
  • chipped tooth (3)
  • mouthguards (4)
  • bad breath (2)
  • sensitive teeth (1)
  • saliva (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • adult braces (1)
  • loose tooth (2)
  • retainer (2)
  • periodontist (1)
  • x-ray (1)
  • root canal treatment (5)
  • mouth sores (1)
  • bonding (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • smoking (1)
  • GERD (2)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • pulp capping (1)
  • baby teeth (1)
  • bonded retainer (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • dental visit (1)
  • lingual braces (2)
  • dental implant (3)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • teething (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • oral surgery (1)
  • smile makeover (1)
  • medicine (1)
  • chewing tobacco (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • vaping (1)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • dentures (1)
  • root resorption (1)
  • dental injuries (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (92)
  • Dental Procedures (96)

Our Location

533 Michigan Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-4198

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Location
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Dental Web Design Officite © 2016
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map