Greenfield Dentists Highlight Tooth Renewal Study

May 31, 2013

Filed under: Patient Education,Restorative Dentistry — bghdental @ 3:07 am

Alligator Teeth Fascinating scientific research is being done all the time to improve the field of dentistry. Through studies over the years, we came to find out the importance of fluoride and dental sealants. Research has allowed us to come up with better materials for making tooth restorations and dental implants look aesthetically pleasing while still being durable. Recent research done at the University of Southern California could be one of the first steps in learning how stem cells can help us regenerate teeth the way certain animals do in nature. Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will tell you more about this fascinating new information.

Future Hope for Natural Human Tooth Restoration

The global team of researchers were led by USC pathology Professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, M.D., Ph.D. Titling the study “Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth,” the scientists results were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is the official journal of the United States National Academy of Sciences.

Professor Chong pointed out that people only generate teeth twice in their life time. The first is when baby teeth gradually erupt. After they fall out one-at-a-time, permanent teeth grow in. This is a small amount of teeth renewal compared to the alligator, which was the focus of the study. The research team focused on stem cells as being an important part of the natural regrowth of teeth that occurs when an alligator has a dental casualty due to hunting or fighting. The theory of the study was that if we can understand the way alligator’s teeth work, maybe we can replicate the process to restore human teeth.

The Three Faces of Alligator Teeth (more…)

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Greenfield, MA Dentists Educate on Gum Disease

May 24, 2013

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Gum Disease — bghdental @ 2:29 pm

GumsAndTeeth Don’t panic if one of your Greenfield, MA dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda. tell you that you have gum disease at your next checkup. While we are passionate about trying to prevent gum disease when possible, the problem is pervasive. In fact, roughly 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease as we speak. You may be one of the majority, or on your way to your first signs of gingivitis (early gum disease). Education and implementation of proper oral hygiene at home can help.

Preventing Gum Disease Before it Starts

You can start your gum disease prevention in two simple ways:

You should visit your Greenfield, MA dentists for checkups and cleanings every six months, year after year. A mere 24% of people in the United States follow this schedule, but it’s never too late to make a change. Gum disease is inflammation that results from infection. It begins with plaque, which calcifies into tartar. When tartar develops, there’s only one person that can clean it off safely and properly – your dental hygienist. This is why twice annual cleanings are so important.
Twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and swishing your mouth with a germ killing rinse approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) will keep plaque and tartar from building up quickly between dental cleanings. Follow a proper regimen, and you’ll likely find that your dental checkups get easier and easier, and your dentist and hygienist will be congratulating you for the good work. (more…)

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Children’s Dentistry Offered in Greenfield

May 18, 2013

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Patient Education — bghdental @ 7:39 pm

Are you hoping to set a tone for a lifetime of positive experiences at the dentist for your child? Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, are dedicated to offering the best care for patients of all ages. We understand children and are happy to offer kid-friendly dentistry to our littlest patients.

Dental Education at Home

Do you teach your child how to take care of their teeth? Many parents know that they need to tell kids to brush their teeth, but they don’t realize that it’s best to do the brushing at least up to 8-years-old. Children simply don’t have the dexterity and patience to do a proper two minute job. Preventive dental appointments are recommended every six months from the time your baby’s teeth first start to erupt. Don’t forget to encourage your little ones to floss at night. As they get further in to their childhood years, your Greenfield dentists may suggest dental sealants and fluoride treatments which can strengthen, protect, and cause an inhospitable environment for bacteria to congregate on young teeth.

Dental Education in the Office

It’s perfectly normal for children to be uneasy about new experiences. This is why we have armed our office with kid-friendly amenities to make the experience more comfortable and exciting. If your child is particularly nervous, be sure to let them know they have headphones with their favorite music, heated neck pillows and blankets, and lots of friendly faces to look forward to. (more…)

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Greenfield, MA Dentists Describe Modern Dentures

May 11, 2013

Filed under: Dentures,Restorative Dentistry — bghdental @ 2:16 am

Ideally, we hope that you visit us every six months, and keep up with your twice-daily oral hygiene so that you can keep your natural teeth for your entire long life. However, things happen. Injuries can occur. Bad habits of earlier days can rear their ugly heads even as you’ve adopted better dental self-care more recently. If you lose one tooth, several, or every single one in your mouth, we can help with tooth replacements. For some people dentures are the best option. Greenfield, MA dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, will tell you more about this tried-and-true means of restoring a smile with missing teeth. (more…)

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East Deerfield Dentists Explain Gaps in Teeth

May 5, 2013

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Patient Education — bghdental @ 12:59 am

You may not be familiar with the word diastema, but chances are you have seen many of them in your life. Most frequently between the top two front teeth, a diastema is a gap or space. Some people choose to appreciate the teeth they were born with, and sport their gaps proudly. However, many people are very uncomfortable having a significant space between teeth – especially the front ones. Fortunately, for people that feel self-conscious about having a diastema there are several treatment options. East Deerfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will share them with you.

Causes of Diastemas

Why do you suppose that some people end up with a prominent gap in between their front teeth? Children often have natural gaps in their primary teeth to make room for the permanent ones that will one day erupt. However, there are adolescents, teens, and adults who have size discrepancies in teeth that cause a permanent diastema. Another cause might be an oversized labial frenulum (the skin that connects gum tissue to your lip. Misalignment or protrusion of teeth can also cause spaces in teeth. (more…)

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