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Our latest addition...
We are proud to introduce the newest member of the J.Philipp Aesthetic Family Dentistry team. Portia is our Scheduling Coordinator. If you haven’t already met her you will have the pleasure at your next visit as she is the first smiling face you see when you come into our office.
Portia joined our team in March 2012. She has been in the health care industry since January 2010, and she is passionate about ensuring every patient is receiving the best possible care. She understands the needs of every individual and treats them as a member of her own family.
Portia is a Chandler native and loves the East Valley. She enjoys spending time with her family and long time boyfriend, Josh. She has 4 sisters and a beautiful, new niece, Addison, who is the light of her life. Portia is studying psychology at Argosy. Her interests include reading, Motocross, shopping and running.
Silver Fillings
Many people have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fillings, fill the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed.
However, over time, the amalgam corrodes like any other metal will and breaks down which can causes the tooth to crack or allow tooth structure that was once protected by the filling to be exposed to bacteria which leads to a new cavity. There even has been an increase in allergic reactions to the silver fillings and there by products as they break down.
Over time as the amalgam filling breaks down and the decay/cavity will cause the tooth to change color to a dark grey or black. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment for the patient.
Composite or white fillings have many advantages over silver fillings. Composite fillings are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are as strong as the silver fillings and are stain-resistant. Composite fillings are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible".
As composite filling age they do not corrode the way metal fillings do and will not crack teeth or cause allergic reactions.
Please don't hesitate to call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with invisible composite fillings.
May's Hygiene Tips
Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential to good oral health. Ensuring that your mouth is healthy is important to your overall well being. It can also help you avoid painful and expensive cavities, oral infections, and diseases of the mouth like Periodontal Disease. Studies have also shown that plaque buildup on teeth can contribute to artery and heart disease, so regular brushing and flossing is essential. Good oral health can also help you avoid embarrassing conditions like bad breath or yellowing teeth. Make sure to include regular brushing and flossing as a part of your every day routine, and your teeth and gums will thank you.
Brushing and Flossing
Always brush your teeth in the morning and before bedtime, and after every meal if at all possible.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities. There are prescription toothpastes that have recently been released and have shown great results in preventing cavities. Ask your dental hygienist or dentist to see if you are a candidate for there use.
- A soft head toothbrush is the best; hard bristles are too tough on teeth and cause destruction of the enamel.
- Flossing after brushing each time helps remove plaque from between the teeth, and helps with the breath.
- Brush your tongue as well as your teeth to help eliminate mouth-borne bacteria. In addition a tongue scrapper will remove even more bacteria from your tongue.
- A mouthwash can help with oral health; mouthwashes with alcohol can dry out the mouth, so try to use brands that contain no alcohol.
- If you do not have toothpaste, baking soda and water.
- Be sure to brush below the gum line as well as directly on the teeth.
- While brushing, the length of time it takes to brush should be no less than two minutes.
- Dental floss with mint flavoring can help to promote good breath.
Long Term Dental Care
Getting regular teeth cleanings and checkups at the dentist every six months or more often is recommended.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months to ensure proper cleaning. Keep brushes free from germs. The same applies to electric toothbrush heads.
- A sealant can be applied to the teeth by an oral health professional, which will help protect enamel and keep teeth looking their best.
- Braces/Invisalign can sometimes be recommended to help teeth grow straight. Sometimes, adults can wear braces/Invisalign to help the appearance of their teeth and prevent breaking of the teeth.
- If you have a toothache, it is important you call our office immediately as this could be a potential infection or abscess tooth.
- Children should begin visiting a dentist regularly as soon as teeth start to erupt but no later than the age of 2 to check for any potential problems and begin a lifetime of healthy oral care.
- Those patients with heart valve problems, a compromised immune system, or artificial joints should ask their dentist if antibiotics are needed before any dental work is performed.
- Avoid chewing tobacco or smoking to help ensure gum, mouth, and teeth health for life.
- Good long term dental care can prevent excess dentist visits, cavities, yellowing teeth, and bad breath.
- Always communicate any changes in tooth sensitivity, tastes in your mouth, or other issues with your dentist so they can help assess potential problems
