It's so much more than 'just a cleaning"

Do you ever wonder why the American Dental Association (ADA) , and your dentist, recommend you come in every 6 months? The importance of regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. If you need additional help your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.

What's happening during your visit?

During your appointment your dentist, or hygienist, will evaluate the health of your gums, check for tooth decay,  perform a head and neck exam looking for anything out of the ordinary, your mouth for any signs of oral cancer, as well as check the movement of your lower jaw. Your hygienist will then clean your teeth stressing the importance of maintaining proper at home oral hygiene. They will pay close attention to plaque and tartar. These two things build up very quickly between visits if good oral, at home, hygiene is not practiced. If the plaque and tartar are not removed it can harden on teeth, irritate the gums and lead to gum disease.  They will work to remove the stains from food, beverages, as well as tobacco.  

There are several routine parts to a dental exam including:

Head and Neck Exam

• face
• neck
• lymph nodes
• lower jaw joints (TMJs)

Clinical Dental Exam

• oral cancer screening
• examine the gums
• look for signs of gum disease
• loose teeth
• tissue condition inside of mouth
• tongue
• check your bite
• visual evidence of tooth decay
• broken teeth
• damaged fillings
• evaluate any dental appliance 
• contact between teeth
• x-rays

Professional Cleaning

• evaluate the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
• remove any plaque and tarter
• polish your teeth
• Floss between your teeth
• review recommended brushing and flossing techniques 

After your exam and cleaning have been performed any additional treatment recommendations will be made. As you can see, your 6 month routine visits are so much more than "just a cleaning".  By seeing your dentist  for your continuous care visits and by following a good, at home, oral hygiene routine, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. 

At Glacier Dental we take pride in giving you the tools to have a healthy smile and look forward to building personal relationships with each of our patients. Has it been more than 6 months since we have had the pleasure of serving you? Give us a call today to reserve a time that works best for you, 920.235.3251!

Everything you need for a healthy stocking this Christmas!

Glacier Dental has everything you need to fill those stockings with  healthy alternatives, or additions, this holiday season! Some of the fantastic options are: whitening kits, whitening toothpaste, sugar free gum and mints, electric toothbrushes, waterpiks, and so much more!

Stop in to pick up your stocking stuffers or perfect gift for that health conscious family member today.

Glacier Dental Holiday Hours:

We will be Closed Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd.

From all of us at Glacier Dental we wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!

Crowns in ONE Day at Glacier Dental!

Today's dentistry is a far cry from years past. Patients today do not need to settle for obvious silver fillings or metal crowns because there are treatment options available that look just as beautiful as a natural tooth. By treating a patient with the most up to date technology and minimally- invasive techniques, more tooth structure can be conserved allowing for a healthy strong smile. Technology is making today's modern dentistry more convenient, less time consuming, and more patient friendly.

Introducing the E4D Dentist System- Modern Dentistry that Fits Your Lifestyle.The E4D Dentist system allows dentists to create clean, fast digital impressions in a few minutes using a laser scanner in the mouth. This laser scanning technology is not only extremely precise when “capturing” all of the details of a patient’s smile, but is also as safe as the check-out scanner at a grocery store. Best of all, there is no need for a patient to hold unpleasant, possibly distasteful impression material in his or her mouth.

Once the digital impression is captured, a dental professional custom-designs a crown or veneer suited for the patient using a computer-based design center. From there, the information is sent to an in-office milling unit, where the patient’s crown or veneer is made. Shortly thereafter, it’s permanently seated in his or her mouth.

No Temporaries!The benefits of a single visit restoration go beyond saving you time. Your final crown, filling, or veneer can be seated in the same appointment so you can avoid the hassle of a temporary and a second office visit.

E4D — Right Around the Corner

You don’t have to travel far to experience the convenience and precision of E4D Dentistry. We’ve already invested in this innovative technology because we believe our patients deserve modern dentistry that fits their lifestyles. Simply call us at (920) 235-3251 and we’ll be happy to answer your questions about E4D Dentistry.

One warm coat makes a difference!

At Glacier Dental it is our mission to enrich our community.  We are so excited to team up with the Oshkosh Area School District's ELL program, and our amazing patients,  to do a coat drive! 

The ELL students of Webster, Merrill, and Oshkosh North High School, as well as their families, are in desperate need of winter gear. These students and their families have come to Oshkosh form Africa, Syria, Pakistan, and Thailand and need our help to get the winter gear they need to stay warm and healthy this winter. New or gently used coats, boots, hats, scarves, and mittens will be accepted with open arms at Glacier Dental through the end of December. The sooner we collect these items the sooner another person stays warm. 

Thank you in advance for joining us in this great cause!

Why say yes to fluoride as an adult

More often than not, dental offices do not offer adults fluoride varnish treatments at their continuing care appointments because insurance companies typically only cover fluoride for children. However, adults truly do benefit from fluoride treatment,  sometimes more than children.

At Glacier Dental, the hygienists offer a topical fluoride varnish to all patients. The benefits of having the fluoride placed on your teeth include: strengthening the tooth from the outside in and reducing tooth sensitivity. It also adheres directly to the tooth and is not swallowed, in return not harming your body internally.

Similar to your skin, your teeth have pores all over them. After your routine cleaning, the fluoride would be placed on your teeth with a little brush, similar to a paintbrush. Your teeth absorb the fluoride through the pores and in return your teeth become stronger from the outside in. The fluoride itself feels like a coating on the outside of your teeth, once placed it is advised you don't eat anything crunchy or drink anything too hot for four hours, as it will scrape/melt the fluoride off your teeth.

Although it is recommended to have fluoride varnish placed at your six month cleanings, it is most effective for the first 90 days. If you're prone to getting cavities fluoride is a great option to help fight back. Recent studies have actually shown teeth that have very small cavities starting can actually be reversed with the repeated application of fluoride at your appointments. Glacier Dental also offers a take home toothpaste with extra fluoride in it called Prevident. It is used just like normal toothpaste and helps gap the bridge between the end of the 90-day effectiveness and your upcoming cleaning appointment.

If you have any other questions regarding fluoride, be sure to ask your hygienist at your next continuing care appointment!

Best Dental Clinic 3 Years in a row!

We couldn't be more excited to announce that we have the honor of being voted the Best Dental Clinic in The Best of Winnebago Reader's choice Awards! We owe it all to our amazing patients.Our top priority is to treat you as an individual and to get to know you personally. We promise you a caring and attentive staff, an enthusiastic manner, and state-of-the-art dental care delivered with exceptional comfort in a friendly atmosphere.

Thank you for voting us Best of Winnebago 3 years in a row! 

We look forward to serving you again at your next visit.

How to choose the right toothpaste.

Walking down the toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming. The promises of fighting cavities, plaque, tartar, or gingivitis; stain removal; desensitizing, oh, and of course providing fresh breath liter the aisle. So how do you even begin choosing which one is right for you? Is it by the commercial that gets stuck in our head or colorful packaging that catches your eye? Selecting the right toothpaste doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for the toothpaste that is right for you.

First Things First: A great place to start when looking for a toothpaste is to look for the ADA's (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. This is granted after the toothpaste has gone through clinical trials and has meet their standards of being safe and effective. 

Next: Key Ingredient: All toothpastes that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride. Most Dental experts agree that fluoride is the first ingredient you should look for when choosing a toothpaste. This mineral , naturally found in water, protects the teeth. Fluoridated water has been found to reduce tooth decay by nearly 40%!

Give Me More: After you have identified the ADA's Seal of Acceptance and the presence of fluoride you can choose a toothpaste that also helps with specific things; such as:

• Whitening. Keep in mind these product do not contain teeth whitening bleach, but rather use chemicals or polishing agents to remove surface stains that may make teeth appear brighter. 
• Tartar Control.Tartar is the hard deposits that collect on the root or crowns or the tooth. These toothpastes can help reduce tartar.
• Prevent Gum Disease. Plaque, made up of mostly bacteria, is a sticky substance that can build up on teeth and may cause cavities and gum disease. These toothpastes help control plaque and can also help reduce Gingivitis; a mild inflammation of gum tissue. 
• Fight Bad Breath. These product may contain active agents that either kill bacteria in plaque or neutralize bad odors.
• Desensitizing. These products may prevent  irritation to the nerves causing discomfort by hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods. 

Hopefully these tips in choosing the right toothpaste will help you out the next time you find yourself in the toothpaste aisle. If you find yourself with more questions and need a recommendation, ask your hygienist at your next visit! 

Benefits of using an Electric Toothbrush

If you haven't  tried an electric toothbrush you are missing out! The ease of use and positive impact they can make on your oral health makes it an investment worthwhile. Many people even claim they will never go back to a manual toothbrush.  Why not let the brush do it for you?

More effective: An electric toothbrush comes with a built in timer that ensures you brush for the proper amount of time and some will even tell you when to switch to a different part of your mouth so you aren't missing any.

On average an adult can complete around 300 strokes a minute with a manual brush. Whereas an electric toothbrush will typically rotate from 7,500 to 3,000 strokes a minute removing more plaque and leaving your teeth cleaner!

Easy for all ages: Your child will find brushing fun with a specially designed toothbrush that plays music or tells you when to switch and you can rest assured their teeth are getting clean! Those with arthritis, or for those who simply find brushing difficult or straining, this is a much easier process with greater results.

At Glacier Dental we stand behind the electric toothbrush as a fantastic way to improve your overall oral health. We would be happy to provide a disposable head to let you try before you buy  the next time you are in the office!  

What is the purpose of Dental X-rays?

Have you ever wondered why you need to have x-rays taken at your continuous care visits? At Glacier Dental we pride ourselves in making sure you receive the best care possible and we could not do it without the help from routine x-rays. There are several  types that allow us to see the tooth and jaw differently. 

• Bitewing x-rays: These are the x-rays where you have to bite down on the x-ray film while the photo is being taken. Bitewings are taken so that we can see decay in-between your teeth – a tricky area we can’t see with the naked eye . Typically 4 bitewing x-rays are taken in order to see all 4 quadrants of your mouth.

At Glacier Dental we recommend taking bitewing x-rays once a year to ensure the most accurate diagnosis . If you have dental insurance it is likely that your insurance will cover these annually. Take a look at what this bitewing x-ray looks like and notice how you can see between each tooth.

• Panoramic X-ray: The Panoramic X-ray is another common image that allows us to see the entire mouth. This type of image shows the presence of wisdom teeth, abscesses, tumors, and cysts that otherwise could not be seen  Panoramic x-rays are also critical for implant and  orthodontic treatment to evaluate the health of the roots, bones, and permanent teeth development.
  

Typically we recommend a panorex every 3-5 years, depending on the patient.

• Periapical X-ray: More commonly known as PA’s these dental x-rays focus on 1-2 teeth up close. If you are experiencing a toothache or if there is a suspicious looking area on one of your teeth, we would take a PA to get a better idea of what is going on. With these x-rays we are also able to see the root structure of the tooth.
  

We also recommend having periapical x-rays taken once a year when your 4 bitewing x-rays are taken.

 Each type of dental x-ray that we take serves a very different purpose. It is important for us to have all the information we need in order to properly take care of your dental health.

Pink Pumpkins for the Cure!

It's time to get creative! That's right folks October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all month long Glacier Dental will be holding a Pumpkin Decorating Contest. For just $5 we will give you a pumpkin to razzle dazzle. At the end of the month we will go through the patch and select the best decorated pumpkin to win a super awesome prize.

The best part is all of the proceeds will be matched by Glacier Dental and go to the Conquer Cancer Foundation. We need you help in making a big,pink, glorious pumpkin patch in our front yard!

Glacier Dental loves our patients!

 Glacier Dental's 2016 Patient Appreciation BBQ was a blast! Thanks to all who came out and celebrated our awesome patients with us. From the delicious pulled pork from Beck's to the cornbread, beans, coleslaw and much more this BBQ had all the fixins.

Once the bellies were full a round of  yard games was in order!  Every game played was rewarded with raffle tickets to drop into some amazing gift baskets drawings. The fun didn't stop there. People lined up for their chance to play Pie Face with the doctors! I think they were cleaning whip cream off of their faces all night! 

The night wrapped up with a drawing for an Alaskan Cruise for 2. Kyle, the winner, earned his entry for referring 3 people to Glacier Dental throughout the year. After he won he said that he and his wife would finally go on the honeymoon they never got to go on. We couldn't be more excited for them.

From the entire team at Glacier Dental thank you for choosing us to serve you and we look forward t seeing you soon!

How to Stop Clenching and Grinding

Do you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth during the day? Or maybe you wake up in the morning with a headache and a sore jaw? Worry no more, here at Glacier Dental we have a few options to help you relax your jaw and take it easy on your teeth! Our first option for you is our night guard, which is best suited for those who are clenching and grinding while they sleep. This device takes the pressure off your teeth and jaw by slightly opening your bite while you sleep. Our second option for you is Botox! Botox is administered into your jaw muscles to help them relax, thus making your bite much more gentle on your teeth. Botox is a great option for patients who grind both morning and night, as it works 24/7. However, those who opt for Botox should return every 3 months for another treatment to keep your jaw muscles relaxed. Both a night guard and Botox are great solutions for your clenching and grinding. If either sounds like something you may be interested in, please call our office at (920) 235-3251, we would be more than happy to assist you in putting an end to the painful clenching and grinding!

Botox, not just for Cosmetics!
                                                                                                                                                                            





As you can see in this photograph, a night guard is low profile, and takes the pressure off your back teeth while you sleep!

What a night guard looks like up close!

Good Things Come in Three!

Glacier Dental has been voted Best of Winnebago for both 2014 and 2015, so we’d be crazy not to try for it again in 2016! Voting for Best of Winnebago begins on Sunday, September 11^th and we would love to have your vote.  If you believe that Glacier Dental is truly the best of the best, please visit http://www.wisinfo.biz/bestofwinnebago/ to cast your vote for Glacier Dental as Best of Winnebago 2016. You may vote once per day per e-mail so tell your friends and family to cast their votes as well! Also be sure to cast your votes for other businesses in our community who do outstanding work and deserve recognition!

Sharing the love with OAHS

Glacier Dental recently wrapped up a donation drive for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society to help out our four-legged friends. Glacier Dental employees and patients were thrilled to donate an abundance of toys, food, cleaning supplies and treats. The staff at OAHS was kind enough to give us a tour of their facility after dropping off the donations. It was fun to mingle with the furry friends that OAHS houses and helps on a daily basis. OAHS is always in need of volunteers or items such as paper towels, bleach, disinfecting wipes, various Purina cat and dog foods, squeaky dog toys and much more.

Interested in donating to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society? Visit https://www.oahs.org/donate/wish-list for a complete list of items needed.

Interested in Volunteering for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society? Visit https://www.oahs.org/volunteer for more information on how to get started.

You can also help the Oshkosh Area Humane Society by participating in their Walk for the Animals on Saturday, September 17th. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to Noon and includes food, prizes and much more! Show your support and make the pledge today at https://www.oahs.org/walkfortheanimals/walk-for-the-animals.

Get that smile Back-to-School ready!

In the midst of back-to-school shopping for supplies, new clothes, and shoes, don’t forget to make sure your smile is ready for the new school year as well! There is still time this summer to get in for a continued care visit with the hygienist or an exam with the doctor. 

Give our office a call at 920-235-3251 to get scheduled!

We know how hectic life can get, so if your summer is already full and you’re unable to get in before school starts, always remember that we do have evening hours and Saturday hours to accommodate busy schedules.

We look forward to seeing you in our office soon!

Cooking up some BBQ for you!

Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Glacier Dental Patient Appreciation Event on Friday, September 23^rd, 2016. Festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.

Bring the family out for complimentary food and beverages, entertainment, and activities for all ages. There will also be many amazing giveaways!

No one will leave empty handed and one lucky person will go home a winner of an Alaskan Cruise for two! You do not want to miss this incredible event!

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Join Glacier Dental and support our local furry friends!

All month long Glacier Dental will happily be collecting pet supply items to donate to The Oshkosh Area Humane Society! Join us in sharing some love with our local furry friends.  The Oshkosh Humane Society's mission is to promote the bond between animals and people, to provide community outreach and education, and to enhance the quality of lives of animals in need through compassionate sheltering, responsible adoptions, programs and services. The organization is always welcoming foster families to temporarily house animals as the shelter sometimes doesn't have enough room to house and care for all of them. If you are someone who may be able to help in that way please contact them directly to get more information. 

It takes more than the food to run an organization like this so along with pet supplies there are lists of toys, cleaning supplies, gift cards, and various other goods that are requested. Please click on the link if you would like to gander at this list, https://www.oahs.org/donate/wish-list/always-needed.

Together we can make a huge impact on these animals and all of us at Glacier Dental are looking forward to making a big donation drop off trip at the beginning of September! 

Gum Disease. What to look for and how you can prevent it.

Periodontal Disease, or Gum Disease, affects 80% of people at some point in their life and is the cause of about 70% of adult tooth loss! People often disregard this disease because it can be painless until it reaches the advanced stages; however, this bacterial infection that causes chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue is not one to be taken lightly.

A primary cause of Gum Disease is Plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless, bacteria filled film that forms on the teeth that hardens into a substance called tartar or calculus if it is not removed by brushing or flossing. Once it has turned into tartar it can be very difficult to remove and the bacteria excels in producing toxins that lead to inflammation.  Other factors contributing to Gum Disease are lifestyle choices and genetics. A low nutrient diet, smoking, and stress increase your susceptibility. Other diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, and AIDS can also worsen your condition. 

Some warning signs to look for are:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
• Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Glacier Dental strongly feels prevention and awareness is key to keeping a healthy mouth. Be sure to floss daily, brush twice a day, and commit to visiting the dentist every 6 months for your continuous care visit to ensure things stay on the right track. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs it is important to treat them as soon as possible to ensure it doesn't progress into a more advanced stage. 

Glacier Dental offers Tongue and Lip Tie Revisions!

Glacier Dental offers a wide variety of services from routine hygiene visits to full mouth extractions and implant dentures. A unique service offered is reversal of tongue ties and lip ties. Glacier Dental was one of the first dental offices in Wisconsin to purchase a PerioLase, which is a laser used for suture free mouth surgeries. All three dentists at Glacier Dental are certified to use this laser for lip tie and tongue tie revisions. 

Whether you're a mom with an infant who is lip tied or an adult who is tongue tied, Glacier Dental works with any age. Dr. Steckbauer has performed this procedure on infants as little as one week old. The process is quick and the healing time is fast. In fact, many moms are able to breastfeed immediately after the procedure and will notice a much better latch and a happier baby!

Some dental insurance companies will cover this procedure as well as some medical insurances. We would love to do a complimentary benefits check for you at your initial consultation and if everything goes well, the procedure can be done same day as well.  Please give our office a call and we'd love to reserve a spot for you with one of our certified Doctors! 235.3251

Glacier Dental is thrilled to welcome Dr. Branden Goetsch!

We are SO EXCITED to welcome Dr. Branden Goetsch to our team!

He was born and raised in Kronenwetter, WI and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota. He is excited to be back in “Packer country” after receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University – Illinois.

He strongly believes that a thorough understanding of patient’s concerns and dental needs is of utmost importance, and will lead to an honest, loyal, and caring relationship with his patients.

When not at the office, Dr. Goetsch enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Emily, and their dog, Harper as well as getting as much quality time as he can with his family in central Wisconsin. His hobbies include many outdoor activities, from fishing and hunting to golfing and watersports.

Dr. Goetsch is looking forward to seeing you at your next visit and helping you with all of your dental needs!

Smile with confidence

We all want that picture perfect smile we can be proud of and taking the first step to get it has never been easier! Whether that means brightening up your smile or a full mouth transformation Glacier Dental wants to help you along on the journey to get the smile you've been dreaming of. 

Step one, the call. So you've put it off for months now, maybe even years. It can certainly take a spoonful of courage to pick up the phone and set up a visit, but you can do it! Reach in your drawer and grab the biggest spoon you can find and make the call, you will not regret it. 

One of our favorite transformation stories come from a man who is so proud of his smile he was happy to share his a bit of his experience.

"Wow, What a great place to be a part of!  I needed help to put closure to something that happened to me 28 years ago. After talking to Katelynn and telling her my story on the phone for almost an hour I finally scheduled an appointment. I came to the best place I could have ever come, Glacier Dental. From the start they were nothing but top shelf. Glacier Dental is a 5 star place, but what makes it even better is that the people are 10 star! They care, they listen, they are honest, and so much more! I have referred my family and friends and I will never stop doing that. My experience went better than I ever could have thought it would, I wish I would have done it sooner. Everyone cares about you and wants to help you. What a place!" -Jack Koepke

This photo of Jack and a few Glacier Dental ladies was taken at, The Koepke Memorial Golf Outing, which Jack puts on every year. Glacier Dental had the honor to be apart of this great event raising money for our local hospitals. Jack's confidence beamed after  finally getting the smile he had wanted for so long.  His smile can light up any room, is highly contagious, and we couldn't be more happy for him. Thank you for letting us be a part of your story, it is truly inspiring.

It's time to get the smile you've been waiting for and we are here to help you get it. Grab the big spoon from the drawer and call us today. (920) 235-3251.

Kick fear to the curb. It's time to get the smile you deserve!

There are few people on this world who actually enjoy going to the dentist, but it is crazy to think that over 40 million people completely avoid the dentist due to fear. At Glacier Dental our team completely understands that it isn't easy to take that first step of coming into the office and want you to know our number one priority is to listen to your concerns make you feel completely comfortable. 

The great news is there are several tools available to help ease your dental anxiety and make them a thing of the past. A cozy blanket, your favorite beverage, listening to music of your choice with headphones, or watching Netflix are all complimentary to our patients to help you relax. 

Lavender oil is a fantastic calming agent to use to help reduce those pre appointment jitters. Apply a couple drops to your wrists, in your diffuser, or to a pot of boiling water on the stove and experience its relaxing benefits.

Laughing Gas  (Nitrous Oxide) has been used for years to help aid patients through dental visits and is highly effective.

Sedation dentistry is an option for those who have a higher degree of anxiety about dental visits and want to feel relaxed on another level.Time will fly by as the doctor gives you a healthy mouth that looks and feels great. All treatment can be done in one visit, while you relax without a care in the world! 

No matter what your unique concerns may be Glacier Dental is here to listen and our excellent doctors will not start any treatment until you say you're ready. To see if you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry, please call our office to set up a sedation consultation. Call: 920-267-4921.

Bye Bye Bad Breath!

Ever wonder if you are one of those people everyone avoids getting close to because your breath is awful? Kick your bad breath anxiety to the curb!  Glacier Dental wants to help you to speak confidently.

Bad breath, also called Halitosis, varies depending on the source or cause and is quite difficult to detect on your own. We recommend asking a family member, close friend, or better yet your dentist to offer a confirmation on the matter. Many times your bad breath remedy calls for a simple commitment to your oral healthcare routine. Focus on your hygiene habits, brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, be sure to floss once a day to remove any debris between your teeth, and drink plenty of water and pay attention to your diet. If there is no improvement following your increased attention to your home care it is time to visit your dentist to see what the underlying cause may be.

There are many different causes leading to bad breath including, food, tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, infection in mouth, medications, or various systemic diseases so it is very important to to detect the root cause. The dentist may discover you have gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums to pull away from your teeth allowing pockets to collect bacteria. A professional cleaning will be recommended to remove that bacteria getting you back on track to crisp clean breath. The dentist may also find that decay is the cause of your bad breath in which the proper restoration will be recommended. Other recommendations if it is due to an oral health issue may be a prescription mouthwash or toothpaste. If your bad breath is not linked to an oral health issue your dentist may refer you to your primary care physician for it may be linked to a serious overall health condition.

A few additional tips to keep your breath fresh:

• Brush your teeth after eating.
• Brush your tongue.
• FLOSS
• Clean your Dentures or other Dental Appliances 
• Avoid Dry Mouth
• Stick to a healthy diet. Limit the sticky, sugary foods.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly.
• Schedule regular dental Check Ups.

It's time to speak confidently and stop relying on mints and gum to mask your bad breath! 

Silver or tooth colored fillings?

For the past 150 years Amalgam, better referred to as "Silver", Fillings have been present in dentistry; however, many dentists today will not use or recommend a "Silver" Filling. Instead most dentists would recommend a  Composite, better referred to as "tooth colored",  Filling. Why the change? What makes a "Tooth Colored Filling" more ideal?  

Amalgam is actually a combination of of metals including Silver, Mercury, tin, and copper. Sometimes small amounts of Zinc, Indium, or Palladium may be used as well. Although to many the concern with this type of filling is the content of Mercury and its toxicity the fact that this combination of metals is able to expand and contract is a bigger concern to many dental professionals While there is Mercury present, studies show that the release of the Mercury from everyday wear, chewing, and grinding of 5 fillings is about the same as the amount found in a tuna sandwich. 

On a daily basis we are seeing cracked teeth as a result of  the expanding and contracting of the metal in an Amalgam Filling. This leaves the tooth vulnerable in need of a Crown, Root Canal, or worse an Extraction. Not only is the Composite filling material able to bond with the tooth creating a seal to avoid cracks and future decay, it looks like your natural tooth!

To save yourself time and money in the future let our experts at Glacier Dental restore your teeth to your benefit with Composite Fillings. 

Thirsty days ahead!

Quench your thirst the smart way this summer! 

Summer has finally arrived and with that comes reaching for a ice cold drink to quench your thirst. Before you put the glass to your lips you may want to think twice, not all liquid refreshments are created equal. 

The American Dental Association released a new study that compares the pH levels of over 300 drinks and found that most are erosive to teeth. 

Glacier Dental wants to help you keep your pH levels in check while out and about this summer. Check out the pictures below to get an idea of what drinks may have the most negative impact on your oral health. 

Bottled Water (6pH)
Minimally Erosive
(greater than 4pH)

100% Orange Juice (4pH)
Erosive
(3-4pH)

Sports Drinks
Extremely Erosive 
(less than 3pH)

If you do choose to enjoy a beverage that may be on the erosive side follow it by chewing a piece of Sugar free gum or Spry product to neutralize the pH levels and keep your mouth healthy! 

Oh no! You chipped a tooth. Now What?

That moment you take a bite into your favorite hard candy, take an unexpected fall on your bike ride; or for those of us who are just plain clumsy, miss that sneaky step onto the road from the sidewalk and you chip or crack your tooth. No one plans it and let's face it, it usually follows something kind of embarrassing. Regardless, there it is, a broken tooth. Now what?

The first thing you should do is check the severity of the break. Is there bleeding? Do you see  a nerve? Are you in a lot of pain? Once you have analyzed the situation you should call your dentist and schedule a visit for immediate care if necessary . It is important to treat the tooth as soon as possible. Leaving the tooth untreated allows for further damage, including infection, to occur due to the fragile state of the tooth. There are many ways that your tooth may be treated depending on the damage to the tooth structure. 

•  Filling: If it is a small piece of tooth that has been chipped it can be repaired by filling it with a solid tooth colored material. 
• Crown: If there is decay present in the break it would need a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. No need to worry you will not be stuck with a silver tooth. Glacier Dental offers only tooth colored crowns matched to your tooth shade fitting right in with your natural smile!
• Veneer: A veneer acts as a hard shell for front of the tooth. This would be a solution to a very small chip and for someone interested in possibly making a change to the appearance of their smile in the process.
• Root Canal Therapy: If the damage to the tooth is serve to the point of exposing the nerve of the tooth to bacteria it may be necessary for the canal of the tooth to be cleaned out and sealed to prevent further infection or decay leading to an extraction.
• Extraction: If the tooth is broken to closely to the gum line or beyond repair the tooth may need to be removed.
• Implant: If the tooth requires to be removed and  implant is a fantastic permanent option to replace the tooth. The implant will act and look like your natural teeth and provide the freedom to eat, speak, and go on with your life as you did before the accident.

Glacier Dental is here when you need us. Whatever your individual case may be, how silly the situation,  or whether it is during normal office hours or after hours one of our fantastic doctors is available for you! It will never hurt or cost less than it does the moment it happens.