Cosmetic dentistry has become common across the country in recent years, and Baton Rouge is no different. Local dentists are increasingly offering in-office whitening systems, crowns, and porcelain veneers. You may have even researched some of these procedures for yourself in an attempt to make your smile brighter, straighter or just more appealing in general.
Oftentimes, the question that most needs to be answered is not if these procedures can benefit you, but rather, which will best address your concerns? While there are a host of options available to improve the appearance of your smile, you must consider which particular issues you want to address, how long you want the results to last, and what type of upkeep is involved.
As one of many options, Lumineers may or may not be the right fit for you. They come as very thin shells of porcelain, which are custom-made to fit over your own teeth. They generally will last for several years and offer many benefits. Here are some reasons that you may want to consider them, and visit our office for a FREE CONSULTATION:
1. Brighten Your Smile - Discolored teeth can occur from staining over time or even medical conditions or medications. It can be an embarrassing problem. Fortunately, it can be fairly easy to resolve. Lumineers are especially helpful for deep stains that are resistant to whitening. They fit over the existing teeth, covering any discolorations. Once in place, the color of the Lumineers will remain largely unchanged, as they cannot be whitened but are resistant to staining as well.
2. Straighten Your Teeth - Misaligned teeth are another cosmetic problem which can often lead to embarrassment. Orthodontic procedures can generally correct this issue, but the results can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to accomplish. If you are looking for a quicker way to align your teeth and give you the smile you’ve been dreaming of, Lumineers may be the answer. As each Lumineer is custom-made to fit your teeth, the result is a perfectly straight and natural looking smile.
3. Chipped Teeth - When damage such as chips to the teeth occurs, it can lead to an uneven appearance in your smile. If the chip is minor, your dentist may be able to easily smooth out the appearance. However, for larger chips, Lumineers may be used to hide the damaged tooth and restore the natural appearance of your smile.
4. Gaps - Many people have a genetic predisposition to gaps between their teeth. While many don’t mind the appearance of a gap in their smile, others would prefer to hide it. By placing custom Lumineers over the two teeth, the gap can be seamlessly closed. The result is quite natural, and the gap becomes undetectable.
5. Time - Many of the benefits of Lumineers can be attained through other methods. However, many of these procedures would take longer to accomplish, may be more costly, and the results may not last as long. Lumineers have the ability to be custom-made and applied in just a few trips to your dentist. They are relatively quick and painless to apply, and if cared for properly, can last for up to 20 years.
If you are searching for a solution to any of the issues listed above, Lumineers may be just the solution. To learn more about this option and if it’s the best choice for you, contact our office. Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger has years of experience with a range of cosmetic dentistry options and even offers FREE CONSULTATIONS. Let us help you make the best decision for your smile.
What you eat or drink has a lot to do with how white your teeth stay over the years. If you have white teeth, you’ll want to keep them that way. Here’s a list of foods and drinks you’ll want to avoid or limit to help your pearly whites stay that way:
1. Red wine. If you must have a glass of red, rinse or brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward. Wine is fairly acidic and red wine will cling to your teeth, staining them.
2. Black coffee. If you can’t live without your coffee, add milk or cream to dilute its staining power.
3. Dark-colored tea. If you love tea, consider switching to green, white or herbal tea instead. As with coffee, add cream or milk to dilute its dark color.
4. Dark-colored sodas. Sodas are bad for your teeth in general. Limiting them will head off both staining and decay.
5. Berry juice. Like wine, dark berry juice can stain your teeth. Switch to white grape or apple juice instead.
6. Sno-Cones and popsicles. Frozen treats come in all sorts of flavors and colors. Choose the light or clear versions to avoid staining. Like with sodas, limit your intake to avoid decay, too.
7. Soy sauce. Many of your favorite dishes wouldn’t be the same without the soy sauce. Limit to just a dash to avoid excessive staining.
8. Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is deeply pigmented and acidic, which means it will cling to your teeth. Use it sparingly on salads or use a lighter dressing like rice wine vinegar.
9. Tomato sauce. Tomato sauce, like wine and balsamic vinegar, is acidic and can stain your teeth. Drink plenty of water while you enjoy tomato sauce and brush afterward to avoid discoloring your teeth.
10. Deep-colored berries. While it’s true that raspberries and blueberries are full of healthful antioxidants, they are also culprits of staining. Brush your teeth after you eat them.
All of the above foods and beverages are fine in moderation, and some even offer health benefits. It isn't necessary to avoid them entirely. However, if you enjoy these as a regular part of your diet, you should take care to avoid staining by brushing daily with a bleaching toothpaste and using a bleaching mouth rinse. Of course, if you still feel that your smile could use some brightening contact Dr. Russo and The Smile Spa team for a quick and painless in-office whitening.
Your dentist is your first line of defense in catching oral cancer early. Unfortunately, oral (or mouth) cancer affects about 42,000 people in the US each year. That’s why we want you to know the risks and the signs to keep you and your mouth healthy.
You could be at risk for oral cancer if you:
- Smoke cigarette, cigars or pipes
- Use smokeless like snuff or chewing tobacco
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Sunburn your lips often
- Have human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted virus
- Are over age 40
- Have a family history of cancer
One of the real dangers of this cancer, is that can be painless and go unnoticed. The good news is your dentist can often see or feel signs of actual cancer while it is still in its earliest stages. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Swelling, lumps, or rough spots on the lips, gums or inside your mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness, loss of feeling or pain/tenderness in your face, mouth, neck or ears
- Sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
- Soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw or tongue
- Hoarseness, chronic sore throat or a change in your voice
- A change in your bit or how your dentures fit
If you have any of these risk factors or have any of the symptoms of oral cancer, please contact us by clicking here. A simple screening for this disease could save your life.
Dr. Aimee Russo Mounger
The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge
People above the Mason-Dixon line call it soda. And, down in the south, we call it "coke". However it may be referenced, these carbonated beverages are very popular. This drink of choice for many is also a regular favorite at backyard barbeques, pizza parties, and just about any fast food restaurant. In Baton Rouge, the weather can certainly be hot and muggy, and a "coke" or soda can be a very refreshing choice of drink. So, one can easily see why the consumption of soft drinks in Louisiana can be a very tempting proposition.
Although soft drinks can be tasty and refreshing, consuming too much of the carbonated beverages can damage your teeth. How damaging can it be to your teeth? Some research suggests sodas to be as corrosive on the teeth as battery fluid. Ouch, did we just say battery fluid? The triple threat of sugar, phosphoric acid and the staining effect, are all significant factors in harming the condition of your teeth.
When it comes to tooth decay, sugar is one of the main contributing factors. The bacteria that lives in your mouth consume sugar. The waste product produced from this bacteria is called plaque. If the plaque is not cleaned off the teeth in a timely manner, it will harden and become tartar. Plaque can be removed through regular brushing and flossing.
The phosphoric acid should be avoided as much as possible. In fact, phosphoric acid is the identical substance used by dentist to scrub enamel, which proves the effect this substance has on the teeth. Sodas contain a substantial amount of phosphoric acid, which is another key reason soft drinks can be extremely damaging to the teeth.
So what can you do to prevent this? The simple solution is to completely stop consuming sodas. If you have to consume a soda, it is recommended to use a straw to limit the soda contact with the teeth. Also, when possible, it is recommended that you wash your mouth with water immediately after consuming a soda. By rinsing your mouth with water, you are washing out sugars. This rinse should reduce or prevent the sodas from wearing away the enamel in your teeth.
Your teeth are one of the only human parts that cannot regenerate. So, taking care of your teeth can help you avoid painful and costly dentistry work in the future.
For more information on your oral health, feel free to contact us by clicking here.
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Recently, Dr. Aimee Russo Mounger took time out of her schedule to answer some really thought provoking questions. These questions were about her career as a dentist.
"How many years did you have to go to school to become a dentist?"
"Do you make more money if you own your practice?"
Questions were asked of Dr. Aimee Russo Mounger by students of Sherwood Middle School. Whether a dental career is in their future still remains to be seen, but the intrigue surrounding the questioning in this room could not be masked.
"Does a dental hygienist have to go to college?"
"Did you start your career as an owner of your business?"
Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the course of our day, and we forget some people are extremely fascinated with our careers. On this day, the creative minds of these children certainly reminded us of how important and impressionable our professions can be to these blossoming, young minds. Ironically, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, so Dr Aimee Rousso-Mounger's presentation was quite aptly timed.
We hope that this creative energy and interest continues to grow with these young and energetic students at Sherwood Middle School. We are inspired to see that the children of our community are interested in carrying the torch for the future of dentistry in Baton Rouge.
Did you know that February is National Childrens's Dental Health Month? To celebrate, The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge has listed some helpful hints to keep the toddlers of Baton Rouge and their Pearly Whites in order.
“Scary monsters don't have plaque!” according to Mike in Monsters, Inc. Well, your little monsters shouldn’t have plaque either. Teach your children the basics of caring for their teeth now, and they’ll have a much easier time caring for them as adults.
Until he’s old enough to care for his own teeth, it’s up to you to get your child started on the right track. Here’s how:
1) Help your child understand that the dentist is there to help (not hurt) and he shouldn’t be afraid. If he’s nervous, bring a favorite toy to comfort him.
2) Make sure you brush your child’s teeth every day when he’s small. When he’s doing it on his own, check to be sure he’s not neglecting any teeth, using about a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day.
3) Use kid-sized products. There are tons of toothbrushes with timers, flossers with characters and tasty toothpastes that make cleaning teeth easier for kids.
4) Be a good example! If your child sees you practicing these habits, he will too!
We are just as committed to your child’s dental health as we are to yours. If you have any questions about when to bring your child to the dentist or what to expect when they come, just click here to contact us with your questions. We’re happy to help!
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnrbt/7808193924/">Jean Pichot</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>
Do you remember the “We cater to cowards,” sign with a fearful little fella hiding behind a chair in the dentist’s office when you were a kid? What did that mean?
Going to the dentist is fun! He brushes your teeth, takes a picture, you get a little trinket, miss a little school and off you go. Well, that was before anything really hurt. Now, you’re a grown-up, there’s no trinket, and the things your teeth need now, root canals, fillings and hard-to reach plaque, really HURT. And so, you may have become just a little bit of a coward.
The reality is, if you put off a visit to the dentist because you’re afraid, the visits will be much harder on you, creating a vicious cycle – and bad things for your mouth. If you feel you’ll never overcome the anxiety that comes when you get that little reminder card in the mail, it’s time to consider sedation dentistry. At Smile Spa, they have two options that take away a lot of the pain before you go to the dentist. They are:
1) Pre-medication/Sedations Dentistry – where you take a prescription a few minutes before your appointment to help ease your anxiety. You will have to get someone to drive you there and back.
2) Nitrous Oxide – a calming gas that you inhale through a mask at your visit. Afterward, oxygen is used to reduce the effects of the gas before you leave. You’ll be able to drive home or return to work.
It is important that your research the dentists in your area to make sure that you are comfortable with their expertise in sedation dentistry. To choose the sedation dentist in Baton Rouge that is right for you, research various dental sites in town or perform a google search for sedation dentistry in Baton Rouge. You want to make sure that you are at ease with the selection that you make.
When researching sedation dentistry in Baton Rouge, make sure you pay attention to the following criteria:
Education—Find out how much training your dentist has had in sedation dentistry. Since sedation dentistry is a specialized field, you want to ensure that you are selecting a dentist in Baton Rouge that has the appropriate education in this field.
Continuing Education—In addition to past training, it is important to know if your sedation dentist is committed to keeping up with the latest techniques and advancements in sedation dentistry. It is completely acceptable to ask the office for a print out of their latest courses in sedation dentistry. Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger just returned from a sedation dentistry course in Atlanta, where she was able to advance her experience level and expertise in the specific category of sedation dentistry (See Video Below).
Experience— It is important for a patient to keep their anxiety level down during a dental visit. One of the main ways to do this is through the experience of the dentist. An experienced dentist performs the sedation dental procedures on a regular basis. Once you are in the care of an experienced dentist, it can certainly make the anxiety level drop tremendously.
Types of Sedation— Various types of dental sedation are applied by dentists. There are also different levels of each type of sedation. The dental sedation procedure can be administered in light, moderate, and heavy doses. This is all determinded by your dentist and it really depends on the patient. Be sure to discuss with your sedation dentist which type of dental sedation would be best for your situation.
To learn more about sedation dentistry at The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge, click here. Or, if you would like to make an appoinment to discuss sedation dentistry with Dr. Aimee Russo Mounger, click here.
On our sedation dentistry page, we have a great video on sedation dentistry. If you are considering any type of sedation dentistry, it is a quick, easy, and informative video. To watch the video, click here.
At The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge, we understand that flossing your teeth every day can be a hard habit to develop, but it is definitely worth the effort. But, we thought we would offer you some flossing tips from a dentist in Baton Rouge. Flossing provides a number of benefits---from simply having cleaner teeth, to preventing cavities, to even avoiding tooth loss. Flossing reaches the places a toothbrush can't and it removes the food particles and bacteria that get trapped between your teeth before they develop into plaque and tartar. The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth at least once a day.
Tooth Flossing is one of the most important procedures to help in maintaining a good oral hygiene. Apart from brushing, flossing is very important in maintaining a good oral hygiene. According to the various studies and research, flossing helps in preventing heart disease, diabetes and many more problems that are likely to occur when the oral hygiene is not well maintained.
Teeth that are kept healthy with both tooth brushing and flossing, will prevent tooth decay and major periodontal problems, such as gum disease. The American Dental Association has set a few guidelines for a good dental health:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brushing the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and replacing the tooth brush every 3-4 months
- Floss daily to remove any food particles that remain between the teeth after the meals
- Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid the snacks between the meals
- Schedule regular dental checkups with a personal dentist and keep a check of the oral hygiene
Flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Harvard Medical School researchers found that flossing removes bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums, the same plaque which is absorbed into the blood stream and can clog arteries and veins. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a startling 70% greater risk of developing coronary disease, while a case of gingivitis meant a 40% increase.
Bad breath can be a common and embarrassing problem to have, but regular flossing can significantly improve it. Because a toothbrush can't remove all food trapped between your teeth, particles of it can sit in your mouth and rot, giving off foul odors in the process. As the particles break down, they release sulfurous compounds. By flossing every day, you can make sure these smelly food particles are out of your mouth and in the trash.
No one likes having a dentist's drill in their mouth, and one of the easiest ways to avoid that situation is nightly flossing. Cavities are decayed areas of teeth that have created tiny holes in the enamel and, if left untreated, can develop into deep, painful pits, according to MayoClinic.com. Cavities occur when all the bacteria, food particles, acids and saliva in your mouth come together to create plaque. The acids in plaque eat away at your teeth and can cause symptoms such as toothaches, sensitivity, pain when biting and visible holes. By not flossing, the plaque between your teeth can form cavities in hard-to-notice places, which can progress to the point where the hole reaches the pulp---the center of the tooth containing nerves---and causes extreme pain.
Gingivitis is the first step down the road to periodontal disease, which eats away at the soft tissue and bone in your mouth and can cause tooth loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Gingivitis is due to a buildup of plaque along the gum line, and it can cause inflammation, soft or tender gums, bad breath and gums that bleed more easily. The more plaque you have and the longer it stays trapped between your teeth, the higher the likelihood that it becomes tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. It also becomes more likely that you will develop periodontal disease. By flossing daily, you can help lessen the risk of developing gingivitis.
For more information on flossing or any other dental services, please refer to our website, or call us at 225-225-292-7645.
Halloween is here! Like everyone, we are sure you are still putting the final touches on the kids' costumes, the spooky decorations around the house, and the perfect candy giveaways.
At The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge, we thought there is no time like the present to remind you of the importance of oral hygiene, especially during Halloween. This is the time where many of us are tempted to over indulge in the abundance of Halloween candy. Everyone, kids and parents alike, develop a sweet tooth during this time of the year.
Candy and sweets are a huge part for tens of milions of Americans each year during Halloween. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating for Halloween. While not all bad in moderation, candy can lead to big problems in excess, especially if good oral hygiene habits are not followed.
We feel that there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little candy during the Halloween season. We just want everyone to keep the candy consumption in moderation. When trying to set limits on our children, parents can become a bit overwhelmed by the piles of candy on the bedroom floors of our children. So, we understand that it can be very challenging to monitor and control the total candy consumption by our kids. However, it is certainly wise to attempt to keep the candy consumption to a moderate level for many reasons.
We wanted to keep your family cavity free for Halloween in Baton Rouge. We have found 5 tips for parents to help maintain good oral health for Halloween. The tips are provided by the American Dental Association.
1. Consume candy during meals, when saliva can help neutralize the acids that are present in some candies (particular the sour variety)
2. Avoid sticky or hard candies that stay in your mouth for a long time. These candies can result in constant exposure of acids to your teeth- a quick ticket to a cavity!
3. Ensure the water your family drinks is fluoridated- which has been shown to help prevent cavities.
4. Stick to your daily oral hygiene habits- brush twice a day, and floss at least once too!
5. Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings with us. We can help catch problems like cavities early to reduce their severity, as well as give you tips for improving your oral health.
Hope these tips help!
From The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge,
We hope everyone has a spooktacular Halloween!
So, why did our favorite dentist in the world want to become a Dentist in Baton Rouge? Why did she want to create the first "Spa-Like" experience for dental offices in Baton Rouge? What makes our office the best choice for you? We hope to answer these questions in our new video.
With so many amenities, it is hard to choose the patients' favorite experience at The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge. Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger explains why she wanted to become a dentist and also describes the benefits to the relaxing atmosphere of The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge.
The video describes all of the services provided by the Dr. Aimee Russo-Mounger and her team. When editing the video, we wanted to keep the content short and to the point, so that you could get a quick feel for the patient experience at The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge.
This Baton Rouge Dentist video is sure to give you the right feel for our place. What we hope is that the video provides a view inside The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge. More importantly, we hope the video helps you fall in love with our dentist, our team, and our lovely place!