Basic Dental Hygiene

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your health is to take care of your teeth. You may not realize it but basic dental hygiene has a direct effect on your bodies overall health.

Dr. Steve Poulos and My Scottsdale Dentist in North Scottsdale make an effort to educate all their patients on the importance of good daily dental hygiene that includes brushing and flossing twice daily and getting regular checkups that include basic cleanings.

The importance of this cannot be stressed enough. Basic dental hygiene is the basis for good dental care.

Researchers have been studying the relationship between oral health, inflammation, and disease. Inflammation, which is the body's response to infection, seems to play a key role in many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and gum disease, also called periodontal disease.

This is important research because about 30% to 50% of American adults have mild to moderate gum disease. Another 5% to 15% have more severe disease, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. And although genetics may increase your risk for gum disease, most cases can be controlled by brushing and flossing regularly.

Connections between basic dental hygiene and overall health

The Oral Health-Heart Connection: Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease

The connection between periodontal disease and heart disease is well established in the medical literature. People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology. And a 2008 analysis published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that periodontal disease was a risk factor for heart disease separate from other risk factors, such as smoking. Other studies have shown that having gum disease increases the risk for stroke. Basic dental hygiene can help reduce these risks.

My Scottsdale Dentist understands this. Their practice is focused on preventative dentistry first and foremost. Their goal is to only see their patients twice per year for checkups and cleanings unless they are looking for a cosmetic dental treatment.

If you are looking for a great dentist who understands the need for dental hygiene, My Scottsdale Dentist is it! Call today to schedule an appointment at 480-614-1122.

Invisalign not your mothers braces!

Invisalign is the modern way to achieve straight teeth and this nifty little tool is only getting better! In the old days if you wanted your teeth straightened, you went to your orthodontist and had something that looked like a mid-evil torture device placed on your teeth. You then had to return to the Orthodontist regularly to get your wire braced tightened every so often (again like a mid-evil torture device!!!) until your teeth moved into the correct position.

Welcome the dawn of the golden age of orthodontics!

Invisalign has been around since 1999 and has grown in to a cutting edge dental treatment with multiple options to meet the needs of orthodontic patients ever where. My Scottsdale Dentist and Dr. Steven Poulos have been using Invisalign as a treatment option for quite some time. Dr. Poulos finds that more often than not, a patient in need of orthodontic treatment can be treated effectively with Invisalign.

Invisalign Options

My Scottsdale Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ uses the full range of Invisalign treatments: Invisalign Full the foundation of the Invisalign protocol, straightens teeth with a series of removable, invisible aligners that support a wide variety of treatment options. Invisalign Teen a treatment that provides all the features of Invisalign Full, plus additional features that target the unique needs of non-adult orthodontic patients. Invisalign Assist a turn-key option that provides Dentists with additional clinical support throughout the treatment process including case selection and treatment planning assistance. Invisalign Express 10 and Invisalign Lite is a less expensive option for less complicated cases such as minor crowding, spacing and as a pre-treatment to more complex cosmetic treatments. Invisalign Express 5 is another less expensive option for very minor crowding and spacing. Vivera Retainers clear plastic retainers used for post-treatment retention. My Scottsdale Dentist and Dr. Steve Poulos are experts at treating orthodontic cases using Invisalign as the gold standard of treatment. Dr. Poulos feels that almost every case can be successfully treated using these more advanced cutting edge braces. My Scottsdale Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ looks forward to a day when no one has to wear those mid-evil metal dental appliances to achieve a beautiful straight smile! To find out how you can get started with your Invisalign treatment, contact us today at 480-614-1122 or visit our website at www.myscottsdaledentist.com.