Brushing and flossing your teeth properly is one of the best ways to help keep your oral health in check. If you think about all of the bacteria and food particles that float around your mouth during the course of a day, it’s no wonder why brushing and flossing is so important. Food that gets caught in teeth or bacteria that becomes trapped can grow into something sinister, like a disease or infection. Infections can wreak havoc on your smile and cause all sorts of other problems. At Central Dental Associates in Norwood, MA, the last thing any of us want for you is a smile that’s been overrun with disease or infection. There are ways to keep these unwanted guests from taking over your mouth, and it’s through excellent dental hygiene – including brushing and flossing. Your teeth deserve the best care possible and by being proactive, you’re giving them a chance to look and feel healthy. Preventive dentistry is easy to practice, all it takes is some dedication and love for your teeth.
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Get Proactive About Your Oral Health
August 6, 2015
Cosmetic and Other Dentistry Services Can Transform Your Smile
May 30, 2015
Your health is very important to us at Central Dental Associates. We provide comprehensive care from our practice for all of our current and prospective patients. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most popular areas of dentistry. Changing the appearance of your smile can pay dividends. If you’re needing to nail that next job interview, a teeth whitening session could help you get the job. If you’re wanting to ask someone out on a date, a white smile can work wonders. Basically, anything that has to do with perfecting your smile from an appearance standpoint, we have the tools and team to make it happen. Our Norwood, MA office is ready to help you get the smile of your dreams. Our dental team consists of some of the best dentists in our area: Dr. Robert Viventi, Dr. John Maheu, Dr. Maryam Shomali, Dr. Caroline Faris and Dr. Thomas Parsi. No matter what cosmetic issues you’re dealing with, our dental team can get your smile looking beautiful.
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How Regular Oral Cancer Screenings Can Protect Your Family
December 25, 2014
Is everyone in your family up-to-date with their dental checkups? If it’s been more than six months since their last dental exam, they may be unnecessarily endangering their good health. Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of every dental checkup. If you’re over 40, skipping these regular screenings could jeopardize your life. Tens of thousands of new oral cancer cases develop every year. The single greatest factor in the outcome of oral cancer cases is the stage at which it is found. Because many oral cancer symptoms are disguised as less threatening illnesses, it can go undetected for far too long if you don’t see a dentist regularly. The best way to protect your family and yourself is to make an appointment with Central Dental Associates for a dental checkup and oral cancer screening today. Central Dental Associates provides experienced and compassionate dental care to families throughout Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and the surrounding communities.
Are You at Risk for Developing Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can develop at anytime. However, you may be at heightened risk for developing oral cancer if:
- You are over 40
- You are male
- You use any type of tobacco products
- You drink any alcohol
- You have Human papillomavirus
What Do Oral Cancer Screenings Check?
Any of the following symptoms could be early warning signs of oral cancer:
- An ulcer in your mouth or sore on your tongue that won’t go away
- A red or white patch in your mouth
- Unexplained pain in your mouth or ear
- An unexplained lump in your neck
- Persistent sore or painful throat
- A croaky voice or difficulty swallowing
Oral Cancer Screening Appointments in Norwood, MA
There’s no upside to postponing the dental care you and your family need to stay healthy. Making an appointment for the oral cancer screening and dental checkup you need is easy with Central Dental Associates. Central Dental Associates are standing by to help you protect your family this coming year, and for the many happy years to come. The highly qualified dentists of Central Dental Associates restore smiles daily throughout Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and nearby areas.
Holiday Dental Care Advice
November 25, 2014
The approaching holiday season can be a double dose of danger for your dental care. While most people tend to eat more sugary foods and drink more alcohol, they also get so busy with holiday preparations that they forget to keep up with their normal oral hygiene routine. You can protect your teeth and make dental care a priority this season by contacting Central Dental Associates today for an appointment. The experienced dentists of Central Dental Associates proudly serve all of Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham and nearby communities.
Holiday Dental Care Tips
- Desserts– Drink plenty of water after eating anything sugary. This will help wash away the bacteria.
- Sticky Treats– Avoid chewy candies and dried fruits such as cranberries. These sticky particles will linger on your teeth and are hard to remove, which increases the risk of developing cavities.
- Alcohol– Try not to swish wine around in your mouth and drink water between glasses of wine to rinse the acid away from your teeth.
- Sugar Free– Anytime you can substitute a treat for a sugar- free version you are helping protect your teeth. Sugar- Free treats containing the sugar substitute, Xylitol, can actually help reduce plaque buildup. Also try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal to un-stick food material from your teeth.
- Got Milk– Dairy can protect your teeth from acids produced by oral bacteria, decreasing the possibility of tooth decay. Just add a glass of milk or a slice of cheese to your holiday candies and treats.
- Stress- Holiday stress can cause some people to grind or clench their teeth while sleeping (bruxism). A dentist can provide you with a custom night guard to prevent damage from bruxism.
Holiday Dental Care in Norwood, MA
This time of year can spell disaster for your teeth. Have a healthy holiday season by remembering to keep up with your dental care. Make an appointment with Central Dental Associates for a pre or post holiday cleaning. Central Dental Associates serves patients throughout Norwood, MA, Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham and surrounding cities.
A Brief History of Toothpaste
October 25, 2014
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 19th 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.
Have Your Smile Be Flawless with Tooth-Colored Fillings
July 16, 2014
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!
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!
Brushing and Flossing Techniques for a Healthier Smile!
June 6, 2014
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!
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!
Why Dental Checkups are More Important Than You May Think
April 2, 2014
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!
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!
Protect Your Smile with Mouthguards
February 4, 2014
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!
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!
Don’t Forget to Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before the End of the Year
December 3, 2013
As yet another year draws to a close, it’s important to take the time to check and make sure you took full advantage of your dental benefits for 2013. If you have dental insurance, you have a certain amount of coverage that you can use every year. At Central Dental Associates, we want to make sure that our patients are taking full advantage of their dental benefits.
If you haven’t been to our office twice this year for your dental cleanings, this is a great time to address this. Dental cleanings and checkups are not only covered by your dental benefits, but they’re also a great way of ensuring the health of your smile. We can discover and address smile issues before they have a destructive impact on your smile.
Every dental insurance plan is different, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what coverage your plan provides. Any benefits that you have will be lost at the end of 2013, so it is important to schedule an appointment today. Also, plans can change from year to year, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll have the same dental benefits from year to year. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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 to patients from Walpole, Westwood, Medfield, Dedham, and surrounding areas. Call us today!