Preventing Gum Disease

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise our patients to practice good oral health care to prevent gum disease from forming. Gum disease begins when bacteria grows in your mouth and causes you to lose teeth if not treated properly. When bacteria in plaque build up on your teeth, your gums turn red or inflamed when brushing and flossing. Inflammation of your gums is likely a sign of gingivitis which is an early stage of gum disease.

Some symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding in your gums, loose or shifting teeth, and persistent bad breath. Our doctors can diagnose the early stages of gum disease by examining your gums and the sensitivity of your teeth.

When possible, we encourage our patients to quit smoking or using tobacco of any kind as it increases your chance of developing gum disease. A proper diet of vitamins and nutrients goes a long way in repairing damaged tissue in your mouth.

Remember, the best way to fight gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing will help to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums.

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Choosing a Toothbrush

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise our patients to change their toothbrush every 3 months or when their bristle’s become too hard. A toothbrush that is worn down doesn’t effectively clean every area of your teeth as it should to remove plaque. You should also change your toothbrush after you overcome an illness to prevent being re-exposed to the virus.

When choosing a toothbrush, we encourage our patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because they are the most effective in removing bacteria and debris from your teeth and gums.

Don’t forget, toothbrushes come in different shapes and sizes so choosing a toothbrush that fits your mouth and is the most comfortable to brush with is important. In most cases, smaller toothbrushes work better for patients because they can reach every part of your mouth.

When possible, we encourage our patients to use an electric toothbrush if they have trouble cleaning for a full two minutes with a traditional toothbrush.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, don’t’ forget to brush twice a day and floss. Practicing good oral hygiene will give you your best smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Children's Oral Care

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise parents to start brushing their children’s teeth when they first develop. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is when we raise awareness of children's oral health concerns. The most common chronic disease in children is tooth decay which is preventable with good cleaning habits.

Although baby teeth are temporary, they act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help to prevent tooth decay and allow their permanent teeth to be healthy. When brushing your children’s teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste to clean all the surfaces of their teeth.

As much as possible, we encourage our younger patients to avoid sugary and acidic food that can increase their chances of cavities and breaking down tooth enamel. Remember, the healthier you eat, the healthier your teeth and body will be.

Regardless of how well your children clean their teeth, they should come to see us at Martin Urban, DDS twice a year to ensure healthy teeth and a better smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Dr. Martin Urban, DDS we often extract wisdom teeth when they begin to protrude through your gums. In rare cases, wisdom teeth will grow in naturally and are properly aligned.

For most patients, wisdom teeth are misaligned and grow in on an angle, which can cause dental crowding or damage to the jawbone or nerves. If your wisdom teeth only partially erupt through your gums, more bacteria can develop on them. We encourage our patients to have their wisdom teeth removed when this happens otherwise you are at a greater risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Any wisdom teeth that are causing pain or infections need to be removed immediately to prevent your teeth from being damaged. After your wisdom teeth are removed, you will be limited to soft foods for a couple of days until the swelling goes down.

If you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.