Dr. Balling and his staff are wonderful. I was in an emergent situation with an abscess tooth and not able to get into my own dentist office. He and his staff were able to squeeze me in during their lunch time & able to help save my tooth. He was very patient & caring, took the time to explain everything to me. He took 3D images and x-rays of my tooth and deemed it savable!! (After being told there was no chance to save my took from an emergency dental association in Center City Philadelphia who wanted to extract my tooth) I am eternally grateful to Dr. Balling and his staff for their professional expertise and compassion for my situation. Thank you all at Stratford Dental Center. I found my new Dental practice and I love it! <3
As the world awakens from winter’s slumber, spring invites us to revisit our self-care routines, including the often-overlooked cornerstone of overall health: your dental care regimen. Just as you might tackle spring cleaning in your home, now is the ideal time to dust off those dental habits and give your smile the attention it deserves. The warmer weather and longer days naturally boost our motivation to improve ourselves, making spring the perfect time to achieve good oral health.
1. Schedule Your Biannual Professional Cleaning
Spring marks an excellent checkpoint for your dental calendar. If you haven’t visited our practice since last fall, you’re likely due for your biannual professional cleaning and checkup. These regular appointments are the foundation of preventive dental care. We can catch potential issues before they require extensive treatment.
During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove stubborn plaque and tartar that even the most diligent home care routine can miss. Then we will then perform a comprehensive exam, checking for cavities, gum disease, and other potential concerns.
2. Refresh Your Home Dental Care Toolkit
Spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at your closets. Extend it to your bathroom counter! We recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, making the change of seasons the perfect reminder. Frayed bristles not only clean less effectively but can actually harbor harmful bacteria.
Take inventory of your dental care supplies and consider upgrading to equipment that better serve your specific needs. Electric toothbrushes provide superior plaque removal for many people. Water flossers offer an excellent alternative for those who struggle with traditional floss. Specialized mouth rinses can address specific concerns like sensitivity or gum health. During your checkup, we can recommend products tailored to your unique smile.
3. Boost Your Smile With Professional Whitening
As social calendars fill with spring and summer events, many people become more conscious of their smile’s appearance. Teeth whitening can give you a major confidence boost. Plus, by visiting our practice for our professional options, you can expect dramatic results.
We have two whitening options: in-office treatments or custom take-home trays for more gradual whitening on your schedule. Unlike generic store-bought solutions, professional whitening uses higher-quality ingredients in trays precisely fitted to your teeth.
4. Evaluate Your Diet’s Impact on Dental Health
Spring’s abundance of fresh produce creates the perfect opportunity to reassess how your eating habits affect your teeth. The foods and beverages you consume significantly impact your oral health, from causing stains to contributing to decay or offering protective benefits.
Consider reducing your consumption of acidic beverages like citrus juices, sports drinks, and sodas, which erode enamel over time. Instead, embrace spring’s bounty of crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery, which naturally clean teeth surfaces while you chew. Dairy products provide calcium that strengthens enamel, while green tea offers antibacterial properties that fight cavity-causing bacteria. Small adjustments can establish healthy patterns that benefit your smile year-round.
5. Explore Treatments Beyond Basic Cleanings
Spring invites us to go beyond the basics in all aspects of life, including dental care. Consider discussing additional treatments with your dentist that offer long-term protection for your smile.
If you experience teeth grinding (bruxism), especially during sleep, often causes damage to your teeth. You can visit us for custom night guards to protect against enamel wear and jaw pain. You can also visit us for Invisalign treatments. Straight teeth are healthy teeth!
Ready to spring into action for your smile? Contact our dental office today to schedule your seasonal checkup and discuss which of these dental care goals align with your specific needs. Your summer smile will thank you for the spring attention!
Call Stratford Dental Center at 856-595-0059 for an appointment in Stratford, NJ. You can also make an appointment online.