Oral Cancer Screenings from New Smile Dental

Visiting the dentist regularly will not only keep your smile healthy and attractive, it can also save your life. Oral cancer is rapidly becoming one of the most deadly forms of cancer, as it is so often discovered in the later stages of development. Early detection is the most relevant factor in determining oral cancer outcomes. Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of dental checkups. With thousands of new oral cancer cases appearing every year, it’s more important than ever to schedule a dental checkup so that you can be screened for signs of oral cancer. You can make an appointment for a dental checkup and oral cancer screening with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. He can help protect your smile and your overall good health. New Smile Dental proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and the surrounding communities.

What Are the Oral Cancer Warning Signs?

The physical signs of oral cancer may include:

·         Persistent red or white patches anywhere in the mouth

·         Non-healing ulcers in the mouth

·         Progressive swelling or enlargements in the mouth

·         Unusual surface changes anywhere in or near the mouth

·         Sudden tooth looseness and mobility

·         Unusual oral bleeding

·         Prolonged hoarseness or sore throat

Who’s at Risk for Developing Oral Cancer?

Risk for the development of oral cancer is higher in men than women, but increases for everyone as we get older. You may be at heightened risk if you use any type of tobacco, drink alcohol in excess, allow excessive sun exposure, or contract the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Oral Cancer Screenings in Fort Smith, AR

Many studies have shown that regular dental care can add years to your life. This is especially true when you add in the benefits of early detection with regular oral cancer screenings. Scheduling semi-annual dental appointments can help you avoid tooth decay, preserve your healthy smile, and literally save your life. Don’t put off the dental care you need any longer. Be proactive and make an appointment for a dental checkup with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez is an experienced and compassionate family dentist. New Smile Dental restores smiles daily throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, and nearby areas.

General Dentistry Advice: What Causes Cavities?

Cavities start to form when simple sugars remain on the teeth over time.  These sugars promote the growth of the destructive bacteria that erodes tooth enamel. However, you can’t prevent cavities by only avoiding sweets and sugary drinks. The truth is that any simple sugar can promote the growth of cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. Carbohydrates, which make up the majority of our diets, are equally as harmful to our teeth. How can we avoid cavities if so much of the food we eat everyday causes tooth decay? Well, you can start by incorporating the advice below. Then, make an appointment for a dental check-up with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental. Dr. Lopez has the tools your family needs to fight cavities and gum disease. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

6 Ways to Fight Cavities

·         Oral Hygiene- Brush, floss, and use mouth wash twice a day. You can help prevent cavity causing bacteria and plaque build-up by reducing the amount of food particles in your mouth.

·         Dairy- Incorporate more dairy products into your diet. Low fat milk and cheese provide the calcium and Vitamin D that strengthen your teeth and bones.

·         Black Tea- The antioxidant epigallocatechin, found in black tea, has been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.

·         Sugar Free Gum- Xylitol, a key ingredient in sugar free gum, has been shown to dramatically reduce tooth decay.

·         Crunchy Foods- Chewing crunchy foods, like nuts and crunchy veggies, can help to decrease plaque buildup.

·         Dental Check-Ups- It’s essential to see your dentist for a professional dental exam and cleaning twice a year to prevent cavities and other damage to your teeth.

Prevent and Treat Cavities in Fort Smith, AR

Unfortunately, cavities can form even if you follow a stringent oral hygiene regimen and eat a healthy diet. The key ingredient to a healthy smile is visiting Dr. Lopez for a regular dental check-up. Dental exams and cleanings can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing cavities. If you already have cavities, Dr. Lopez can offer treatment to make sure that your teeth are not damaged any further. Don’t take a chance with your dental health. Make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get the professional dental care you need. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and nearby communities.

Schedule Holiday Dental Care Appointments for the Whole Family

With all of the festivities, preparations, and things to do during the holiday season, you can easily forget about taking care of your teeth. That’s why your dental health is so vulnerable this time of year. We may skimp on our oral care routines just as we start to consume more sugary treats and desserts than normal. This is a very bad combination for your teeth. But you can be proactive and protect your dental health and the dental health of your family this holiday season. Take note of the important healthy holiday habits below. Then make sure everyone in your family is caught up with their regular dental check-ups. A regular dental check-up can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If it’s been over six months, make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get your family the dental care they need for the holidays. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

Holiday Dental Care Tips

·         Focus on a Few Big Meals- While it’s never healthy to over eat, it is healthier for your teeth if you forgo snacking in between meals and focus on just a few hearty meals during the day. Snacking throughout the day can prolong the time your teeth are exposed to harmful sugary residue. You also produce more saliva during big meals. This helps to wash away cavity causing bacteria and the excess sugars they feed upon.

·         Grab a Straw- While it may be hard to avoid any sugary beverages during holiday gatherings, you can help avoid the residual damage to your teeth by always using a straw. This redirects the harmful sugars away from your teeth and gums.

·         Milk a Cow- Well, not literally. But you should try drinking glass of low fat milk or eating a piece of cheese after consuming sugary treats. Milk will help wash away the sugars and the calcium and vitamin D in dairy products will help to strengthen your teeth and fight cavities.

·          Grab a Stick-A stick of sugar free gum that is. Sugar free gum contains an ingredient known as Xylitol, which actually helps to fortify your teeth against decay and gum disease.

Holiday Dental Care in Fort Smith, AR

What better gift to give your family this holiday than a bright, healthy smile? You can make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today for a pre or post- holiday dental check-up. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.

Is it Time to Get Dentures?

As we age, our teeth can start to be a big problem. Even with proper oral care and routine dental visits, your dental work will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Teeth will discolor over time and you may develop gum disease as a side effect of your medication or an unrelated illness. When the time comes to consider getting dentures, you shouldn’t let the idea scare you. The alternative to dentures (no teeth) is a much scarier proposition. Your teeth aren’t just there to complete your beautiful smile. They’re there for basic functions like talking and eating. Educate yourself and make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to discuss your options. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.

The Dentures Process

·         Unhealthy teeth are extracted.

·         Temporary dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as teeth are removed. Custom dentures are made after teeth have been removed and gum tissue has begun to heal.

(3 to 6 months after tooth removal)

·         Adjustment to dentures may take a few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. Minor irritation or soreness may occur and saliva flow may increase. These problems will diminish as your mouth adjusts to the new denture.

Quality Dentures in Fort Smith, AR

Over 32 million Americans wear full or partial dentures. You may or may not be a good candidate for dentures depending on your unique medical and dental history. If you still have the option, keeping your natural teeth as long as possible with quarterly cleanings and examinations is the best way to go. Porcelain crowns, bonding and veneers are all great methods for restoring your natural teeth. If you’re healthy enough, dental implants are also a good option. All tooth replacement processes take time. That’s why you should make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.

Cosmetic Dentist: How Can Porcelain Veneers Fix My Smile?

A perfect smile is closer than you think with porcelain veneers.  Porcelain veneers are ultra thin shells of tooth colored ceramic that are attached to the front teeth for an immediate smile renovation. Porcelain veneers look just like natural teeth and are individually crafted for each patient. If you want to explore the porcelain veneers smile solution, make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today. Dr. Lopez proudly serves patients throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.

Cosmetic Dentist: The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

·         Durable - Made of a strong, durable material, so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

·         Long-Lasting - Can last as long as 10 to 15 years and in some cases even a lifetime, with proper upkeep.

·         Natural-Looking - Specially made to match the natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are thin and translucent, so when light is cast onto the veneer, it appears just as the natural tooth would.

·         Customized - during your first appointment, Dr. Caputo will take an impression of your teeth. The mold will then be sent to a laboratory so that the veneers can be hand-crafted to fit your individual tooth.

·         Quick and Simple - Typically completed in just two office visits. Patients generally experience minimal discomfort and stress throughout the entire process.

·         Stain-Resistant - Resistant to staining, unlike natural teeth. You can still enjoy coffee, tea, soda, and other products that normally cause staining of the teeth.

·         Diverse – Can correct a variety of imperfections like teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken, badly discolored, widely spaced, or slightly misaligned.

·         No Recovery Time - After the placement procedure is complete, patients can leave immediately and carry on with normal, everyday activities. You can eat whatever you want right away.

·         Compatible with Other Treatments - Dr. Caputo can administer a teeth whitening treatment as a finishing touch to your new, gorgeous smile. Dr. Caputo can perform other procedures in conjunction with placing veneers.

·         Enhance Confidence – Your new smile can help you feel more confident about your appearance, and give you a better quality of life.

Cosmetic Dentist: Where Can I Get Porcelain Veneers in Fort Smith, AR?

Porcelain veneers are the most versatile option for those with more than one cosmetic concern about their teeth. Make an appointment with. Dr. Lopez can provide quality dental treatment and cosmetic dentistry solutions for any concern at New Smile Dental. Dr. Lopez is restoring smiles throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding cities.

Have A Stronger Smile with Porcelain Crowns

When your smile has been damaged or compromised in any way, it is important to make sure that you protect it as much as possible. A crown, also known as a cap, is a wonderful way to protect your smile, while also restoring its functionality and strength. Unfortunately, if you have a metal crown, you may feel insecure about the way your smile looks, as it does not look natural. As much as you want your smile to be healthy, you may also want it to blend it seamlessly with your natural smile, and you may not know how to go about that. Thankfully, Dr. Gilbert Lopez is able to give you the natural smile you want while offering your tooth the protection it deserves by offering porcelain crowns at his Fort Smith, AR dental office.

A crown can be used to fix a number of dental issues, such as a fractured or broken tooth, those who have fractured fillings, those who have teeth that decay quickly, people who have large fillings, and more. And the wonderful thing about porcelain crowns is the fact that they are able to look like your natural smile, so no one will be able to tell that you had any dental work performed. Usually consisting of two appointments, the first visit with Dr. Lopez will include him making impressions of your teeth, that way your crown will fit you like a glove. While your custom crown is being made, we will supply you with a temporary crown to protect your tooth. He will also remove the decay from your smile, as well as prepare it for the crown.

At the second appointment, Dr. Lopez will remove the temporary crown and place your custom crown on your tooth. He will make sure that everything fits well and that you are comfortable. We will also give you instructions on how to properly take care of your crown, making sure your smile stays healthy and strong for as long as possible! If you would like Dr. Lopez’s help in helping your smile using porcelain crowns, contact our office today!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

How To Get Your Child Excited About Oral Care

One thing that is very difficult for a parent to accomplish is getting their children to do what is good for them. From eating their vegetables to going to bed at a reasonable time, it can be a daunting task getting your children to do what is necessary for their health. The same thing can be said for their smiles. Many parents can agree that getting their child to brush their teeth on a daily basis is tricky, and they find themselves trying to come up with clever ways to make oral care fun. Fortunately, Dr. Gilbert Lopez has a few tips to help parents make oral care fun for their children!

Something that has been proven is that children respond well to music. When you are brushing their teeth, make a musical out of it! Have them join the fun and sing along with you, letting them enjoy the time they spend brushing their teeth. This helps them correlate brushing their teeth with a fun activity, and they will be more likely to do it. Another way to make it a fun experience is to brush your teeth with your child. By mimicking your actions, the team effort in accomplishing a clean smile will be fun.

If your child has a favorite cartoon character or superhero, try finding a toothbrush with that character on it. This will definitely make the experience more fun, and your child will be more excited to brush their teeth. Along with a fun toothbrush, try a tasty toothpaste. A toothpaste that is different from the standard spearmint or peppermint will definitely help your child be more eager to brush their teeth, especially when it is paired with their fun toothbrush! By keeping these few tips in mind, you are sure to have your child experience better oral health, making it less of a chore and more of a bonding experience.

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.