Dr. John Maheu, Author at Central Dental Associates Blog

October 25, 2014

76945246 The average person brushes their teeth over 40,000 times and uses over 80 liters of toothpaste. The tarter build-up fighting, brightening, whitening toothpaste we enjoy today has not been around for very long. In fact, it has only been around in its modern day form for about 60 years. Toothpaste as we now know it has been on a long road of innovation and invention. The experienced team at Central Dental Associates wants to help you learn more about protecting your teeth. Contact Central dental Associates today for your next appointment at their Norwood, MA dental office. The doctors of Central Dental proudly serve Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and surrounding areas.

Early Toothpaste Formulas

The search for an effective toothpaste formula has gone on for thousands of years. The ancients were constantly seeking prevention and remedy for toothaches, tooth decay and bad breath. This search led to incredibly bizarre concoctions and formulas. As early as 5000 B.C. the Egyptians created a formula for toothpaste that consisted of mint flowers, salt and pepper. Unfortunately, it also had the side effect of making the gums bleed. Today we use baking soda as the abrasive in toothpaste which polishes our teeth. As early as 500 B.C. in Rome, China and India some of the abrasives used were made from crushed fish bones and egg and snail shells, brushed on with sticks or cloths.

Advances in Toothpaste

It wasn’t until the early 19^th century that the modern toothbrush and toothpaste began to take shape. The popular formula for toothpaste at this time consisted of chalk, salt and glycerin sold in jars, not tubes. An American dentist named Dr. Peabody was the first to add soap in 1824. The modern tube toothpaste can be attributed to a father son in Connecticut. Dr. W.W. Sheffield and his son had developed tube toothpaste by 1892, first Inspired by the tubes of paint used by painters. At this time it was known as “crème dentifrice”.

Modern Toothpaste

In 1896, Colgate began marketing metal tubes of toothpaste that wound up with a key. The healthy effect of fluoride on teeth was revealed by accident in 1901 when a dentist in Colorado Springs found that the local population he treated developed significantly fewer cavities than other populations. It was discovered that this was due to naturally elevated levels of fluoride in their local water supply. By 1950, fluoride was added to the general formula. After WWII synthetic detergents replaced the soap in toothpaste.

Toothpaste and Cavity Prevention in Norwood, MA

Modern toothpaste is made of an abrasive like baking soda or chalk, a whitener, flavoring, a foaming additive and a binder. You can easily make your own toothpaste at home using a simple recipe. Just mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of salt, 3 teaspoons of glycerin, a dash of water and one teaspoon of peppermint. To find out more about taking care of your teeth, contact Central Dental Associates today for your twice yearly check up. Central Dental Associates proudly serve patients in Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and the surrounding communities.

September 25, 2014

186932212 Many people strive to have the perfect smiles they see in the magazines and on television, but they may think they could never accomplish it. A beautiful smile always sends a positive message to the people you interact with, and can definitely have positive effects on the way you feel about yourself. If your smile is less than perfect, there is no need for you to feel discouraged feeling as though you will never get the smile of your dreams. The doctors at Central Dental Associates are able to turn your dreams into a reality by offering porcelain veneers to their patients at their Norwood, MA dental office.

Porcelain veneers are wonderful because they are used to completely cover any sort of flaws you may have residing within your smile. If you have a smile that is chipped, gapped, cracked, misaligned, or stained, porcelain veneers mask it all, only revealing an immaculate smile. Also, porcelain veneers are able to give a completely rejuvenated smile in a relatively short amount of time.

The process begins with a consultation with one of our doctors, as they will have to assess the state of your smile and determine whether or not porcelain veneers are right for you. You will also have that time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have. We will take impressions of your smile, and send them to a dental lab to have your custom veneers made. When your veneers are being made, we will keep your smile goals in mind as well as your facial aesthetic, making sure your new smile looks as natural as possible. Your natural tooth will be prepared by removing a small bit of enamel. This ensures that your new smile will have space in your mouth. When your veneers are ready, they will be placed on your prepared tooth and made permanent with dental resin cement. Once everything is done, your smile is beautiful and perfect! If you would like our doctors to help revolutionize your smile using dental implants, contact our office today!

Visit our contemporary practice and learn why Central Dental Associates has been Norwood’s premier choice for family and restorative dentistry since 1965. We’re located in Norwood, MA at Chestnut Green, convenient for patients from Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and surrounding areas. Call us today!

August 8, 2014

shutterstock_115167076 Like everything in life, things experience normal wear and tear as the days push forward. Whether it is an aged leather chair or a stain on your favorite shirt, things have a way of going through life’s daily rigors and having the evidence to prove it. Unfortunately, your smile is no different. Throughout the years, your smile may have gotten stained, chipped, and cracked, and you may not know how to fix it. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and when you are not completely confident in the way you look, it can affect the way you view yourself as well as your interactions with others. Fortunately, the doctors at Central Dental Associates are able to give their patients a renewed smile with the help of cosmetic bonding.

The wonderful thing about cosmetic bonding is that it is able to erase years of damage in a single appointment. If your smile is slightly misaligned, chipped, or cracked, cosmetic bonding is able to make that a thing of the past. We use a composite resin to exactly match the color of your smile, making your transformation as natural and organic as possible. Once the dentist applies the mixture on to your smile and sculpts it to your liking, they will then polish it to make it shine! At the end, you are left with a beautiful new smile!

Cosmetic bonding is a wonderful option for those who do not wish to invest in porcelain veneers, though cosmetic bonding lasts between five to ten years if taken care of properly. Also, cosmetic bonding is stain resistant, making sure your smile is bright and ready at any moment! If you would like to have our doctors help you rejuvenate your smile using cosmetic bonding, contact our office today!

July 16, 2014

shutterstock_148048499 With summer enveloping us in its warm rays, many people are making sure they look their summer best! Whether it is getting your beach body ready or getting their hair done in time for the backyard barbecue, many people want to make sure they are in tip top shape in order to fully enjoy their summer vacation! One thing that may not get as much attention is your smile. There is no doubt you will be meeting and reconnecting with tons of people this summer, and your smile is the first thing they are going to see. If you want to make sure you have a seamless, flawless smile, our doctors are able to give that to their patients by offering tooth-colored fillings.

There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. The most popular reason is that people get tooth-colored fillings is because they want to avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to provide that look. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or a serious infection, we remove the decay and fill the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even possibly leading toward bone loss.

One of the benefits of having tooth-colored fillings is that it gives you back your confidence. If you are not confident in your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you create the perfect smile you have always wanted!

June 6, 2014

brushes1 Have you ever heard the old adage “It’s the little things that count”? Well, that can be applied to all areas of life, even your oral health! Though it may not seem like a big deal, simple things like brushing and flossing can really make a difference in your teeth. The doctors at Central Dental Associates are strong believers in patient education, and they want to make sure you have the proper knowledge to better care for your smile.

In regards to toothbrushes, small toothbrushes with small, rounded-out ends are best, as they can clean your entire mouth without damaging any tissue. A very important tip is to make sure that you change your toothbrush every three months, or after recovering from a sickness. This prevents bacteria from infesting your mouth and helps you have a cleaner smile. Tilt your toothbrush to a 45 degree angle, and use small, circular movements to gently brush along the gum line and the teeth. To be especially thorough, brush the tongue and the backs of your teeth!

With flossing, this is a very secure way of removing stubborn bacteria, plaque, and tartar from where your toothbrush can’t reach. You want to form a U-shape around the tooth, but do not jerk the floss in and out of the gum line, as that can cause bleeding. Gently slide the floss between the teeth, and do it for every tooth.

If you have any more questions about how to properly brush and floss your teeth, make an appointment, and we’d be glad to help! With summer rapidly approaching, you want to make sure you are able to take full advantage of your summer vacation with a beautiful, and, most importantly, healthy smile!

May 15, 2014

shutterstock_98139272 Living in pain is never an easy thing, especially when it comes to your teeth. Tooth pain can be excruciating, and doing nothing about the pain will only make it worse. If you are suffering from an ongoing tooth ache, it is most likely because your tooth is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can wreak havoc on the rest of your smile, leaving you with a much more expensive and painful result down the road. Central Dental Associates understands the importance of making sure your smile is as health as it can be, which is why we offer root canal therapy to our patients!

A root canal needs to be performed when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. Perhaps due to a crack or a large cavity, the tooth’s inner structure has become infected with bacteria, causing you much pain and discomfort. Other things that can cause the need for root canal therapy are deep restorations and dental trauma.

We begin your root canal by focusing on the infected tooth and removing the harmful bacteria. The tooth’s pulp is removed, and then the tooth is filled. After that, a crown is usually placed at the top, protecting the tooth from further harm. At the end, you feel relieved and alleviated of pain!

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain, swelling, throbbing, and a bad taste in your mouth, you may need a root canal. Make an appointment at our office, and we’ll be glad to help!

April 2, 2014

shutterstock_149625803 Whenever it comes to anything you own, there are certain things you have to do to maintain and upkeep the appearance. Cars have to be washed, and silver has to be polished, all in an effort to make sure they look their best. Believe it or not, your smile is no different. Regular dental checkups are a key point in making sure your smile is healthy and beautiful. At Central Dental Associates, we want to make sure your smile is the best it can be, our doctors are able to deliver just that!

The reason why dental checkups are so important is because it gives us the opportunity to stop an issue before it turns into a serious problem. If your gums and teeth are in bad shape, the rest of your body is as well, so it is vital to make sure everything works in tandem to make a healthy you! When you come in for your appointment, our doctors will inspect every single tooth, leaving no stone unturned in looking for any signs of decay, cracks, or anything else that has the possibility of going wrong. If any of your old dental work is in need of restoration, we are able to offer tooth-colored options, as to make your smile seamless!

We will clean your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar that have the potential of harming your smile. At the end of the appointment, your mouth will feel clean and better than ever! If you are ready for your dental checkup, make an appointment, and let us cater to your smile!

March 4, 2014

dental implants FTW!

If you have teeth missing from your smile, you may find it difficult to be one hundred percent confident in your smile. Though it may not seem like a big deal to some, to others,

Dental implanting is a great procedure, as it gives our patients a more permanent solution to their woes of missing teeth. The process begins with a consultation with one of our experienced doctors. That way, they will be able to assess your smile in its current state, as well as ask you about your long-term goals with regard to your smile. You will also have that opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns about the procedure, as we want you to be well-informed throughout the entire process.having a single tooth, or multiple teeth, missing, it can really affect the way you look at yourself and how you interact with others. Luckily, the doctors at Central Dental Associates understand the importance of having a full, beautiful smile, which is why they offer dental implants to their patients.

Getting dental implants involves imbedding a titanium screw into the jawbone. This implant will act as a new tooth root, and will prevent your other teeth from shifting to make up for the missing space. After the implant, the abutment is added, which is a support system for the implant and the crown. The crown is then placed on top, completing your new and beautiful smile!

One of the obvious benefits to dental implants is the fact that they have the potential give back the confidence you may have lost feeling insecure about your smile. You will no longer have the fears you used to, such as meeting new people, joining your friends in a laugh, or making a memorable first impression. Another benefit is the fact that dental implants are the fact it saves the rest of your mouth from further destruction. When there is a tooth missing, the other teeth will begin to shift to make up for the missing space. With dental implants it eliminates that from happening! If you have any questions on how our doctors can help restore your smile via dental implants, call our office and make an appointment!

February 4, 2014

RUN, FOREST, RUN! It is important to make sure your smile is protected at all times. Not only are your teeth at risk through the everyday endeavors of life, but if you play a sport, or are the guardian of someone who does, your smile is constantly vulnerable to cracks, chips, and loss. Luckily, at Central Dental Associates, we are able to supply athletes with mouthguards to save their smiles from damage.

Mouthguards are very comfortable, and fit over the wearer’s teeth. They protect the lips, tongue, face and jaw. Because a large percentage of dental injuries are sports induced, we think it is important to prevent problems before they arise.

There are many different types of mouthguards that we offer our patients. The first are ready-made mouthguards, which are less expensive and more readily available. These types of mouthguards become stable when bitten down on. Though they do protect your smile, some may complain this type of mouthguard feels bulky because it is not custom fitted.

Another type is mouth-formed mouthguards, which is more secure and comfortable. Though some may complain these types of mouthguards have an odd odor or taste, these can be more custom fitted to your mouth by putting them hot water then biting onto them.

Custom-made mouthguards are completely custom made for you, and provide the utmost protected and support for your smile. For this, we would have to take impressions of your teeth, and a lab technician or dentist will make it!

If you have any questions on how a mouthguard can help you protect your smile, make an appointment, and we’d be glad to help!

January 6, 2014

shutterstock_144914185 Did you know that your gums are just as, if not more, important as your teeth are when it comes to having a healthy smile? We are sure you hear your dentist stress the importance of taking care of your gums, and it may go in one ear and out the other. But, really, taking excellent care of your gums is a crucial role in having a great smile, and our experienced doctors are here to make sure you receive top notch treatment!

Believe it or not, over 80% of people are living with some form of gum disease. What’s even scarier is the fact that you’re likely to be living with it yourself, and you are not aware of it. There are many things that cause you to get gum disease, like excessive tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, genetics, and so on. Though it may not seem like a big deal, if you don’t take care of you gums, a lot more serious things can start to affect your body, like respiratory complications, heart disease, stroke, bone loss, tooth loss, and much more. The good thing, however, is that gum disease is completely reversible if caught early enough.

A couple of things we do to take care of you gum disease is scaling and root planing. We will be able to remove the hardened plaque from your teeth, as well as being able to get to the nitty gritty bacteria on your teeth. We will also educate you on the importance of regular flossing and brushing.

One thing you can do to prevent gum disease occurring in your mouth is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, though after every meal is ideal. Flossing is a great tool to get the excess food from between your teeth, that way they can’t sit and continue to attract bacteria. Also, you may want to invest in a good mouthwash. Look for a mouthwash that is antibacterial and has fluoride. That way, it can kill the remaining bacteria the toothbrush couldn’t get, while the fluoride helps strengthen your teeth!

With these few and simple tips, as well as regular appointments with our awesome doctors, there is no doubt you will have a beautiful smile you can be proud of! If you’d like to make an appointment to get your gums in the right shape, make an appointment today!