Arbor Lakes Dental Wants You To Be Healthy And Happy

Arbor Lakes Dental - Jamie L. Sledd, DDS in Maple Grove Cares For TeethAt Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove we are dedicated to the dental health of each of our patients. After all, you use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue.

Healthy teeth and gums are, in fact, a critical component of complete physical and mental health. An unhealthy smile can erode confidence, cause embarrasment, and make eating and speaking difficult. The team of dental professonals at Arbor Lakes Dental wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy so that they don’t adversely affect your life in any way.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many people call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average mouth has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

No matter your age, caring for all of your teeth is important for dental health. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, it is our privilege to help you. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth by Arbor Lakes Dental - Jamie L. Sledd, DDS

Flossing can be a chore. It comes after brushing your teeth in things a lot of us intentionally forget to do. But it’s an essential part of any dental health regimen, which is why those of us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove are constantly reminding our patients to brush and floss … brush and floss!

Here are three really good reasons why you should never overlook flossing your teeth:

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath is something we all worry about. It’s part of our appearance, and we are all aware of how that can affect our relationships.

When we meet new people, speak with others in close quarters, or greet a partner, bad breath is on our mind. We worry about how bad breath affects first impressions.

It makes sense, then, that bad breath would be one of the things you might worry about.

Flossing is a great way to help you avoid bad breath.

Flossing your teeth helps reduce plaque buildup between your teeth. It also helps flush out pockets of bacteria. Together, plaque and bacteria can create bad breath.

To reduce your chances of being caught with bad breath, floss every day.

2. Cavities

When bacteria is allowed to concentrate on your teeth, cavities can occur. Plaque buildup is a concentration of bacteria. When plaque is allowed to remain between your teeth it gives bacteria a chance to destroy enamel and damage your teeth. Cavities are damage to your teeth caused by bacteria.

Flossing gets between your teeth where your brush can’t get and helps remove plaque buildup. It also loosens pockets of bacteria that can be removed with a quick rinse.

3. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the softening of your tooth enamel by acids. Acids are created by bacteria when they feast on leftover carbohydrates in your teeth.

Flossing can help you in two ways. First, you will remove leftover food particles so bacteria have less to work with. Food between your teeth can be microscopic, and that’s why it isn’t good enough to do a quick tongue slide to check your teeth. The particles are too small to see or feel.

Second, flossing will help remove the bacteria from between your teeth, so there aren’t enough left to create destructive acids.

To maintain excellent dental health, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove recommends flossing every time you brush your teeth. We also recommend seeing us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Unexpected Stress? Don’t Forget Your Smile

Champlin cosmetic dental and tooth implants

When you suddenly have to juggle extra balls, some are bound to get dropped. Perhaps you took a second job or started night school to earn an advanced degree. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we remind our patients to never let their dental health slide, even when there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

Not every stressor is negative. A new baby, marriage, career, or move can be exciting but overwhelming. It’s okay – and sometimes helpful – to drop some of the balls. You can probably let another parent take over room mother duties for a few weeks, forego a haircut, or skip poker night until things calm down.

When life hands you extra challenges it is easy to get lax about oral hygiene. Sometimes you feel too exhausted to brush or floss and skip regular check-ups and cleanings. But remember the possible consequences of neglecting your smile:

  1. Tooth decay
  2. Gum disease
  3. Tooth and gum pain
  4. Bad breath
  5. Infection
  6. Tooth loss

Your plate is already full – you don’t want to add poor oral health and the associated expense and inconvenience required to treat advanced troubles.

Let the car go unwashed for a few weeks. Record your favorite show to watch later, when things slow down. Postpone that kitchen remodel. But keep your smile healthy – it really will make your life easier, healthier, and happier.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove wants the best possible dental health for each of our patients. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

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Peace Begins With A Smile

Champlin cosmetic dental veneers

Mother Theresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Perhaps that peace should start with the person who is smiling. How do you feel about your smile? Are you at peace with it? Are you proud to flash a wide, happy grin? Do you believe it is beautiful? Let’s talk about your smile. If you think there is room for improvement, cosmetic dentistry from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove can help.

Cosmetic dentistry is about making positive changes to the appearnace your teeth, while at the same time maintaining dental health. Even a small change to your smile’s appearance can have big results.

So, how do you feel about your smile? Teeth take a lot of wear and tear over the years, and maybe it isn’t what it used to be. There could be damage in the form of chips or cracks, or maybe the luster of your teeth has dimmed with the passage of time. You might even be missing a tooth. Cosmetic dentistry can address these issues.

Professional teeth whitening can restore the whiteness of your smile, and far surpasses anything you’ll find in the dental care aisle of the grocery store. Porcelain veneers can cover chips, cracks, and other imperfections. Dental bonding can also correct such flaws. A bridge or a dental implant can replace a missing tooth.

All of these cosmetic dentistry services are available at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, and they can restore your smile to its youthful beauty. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6857

Five Facts About Enamel Erosion

enamel erosion treatment Maple Grove

Our teeth work hard and are continually under assault. It’s no wonder that nature encases them with an armor of enamel—the hardest substance in the body. Tragically, enamel erosion is widespread, though largely preventable. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we educate our patients about how to keep their enamel strong and halt additional erosion if some has already occurred.

Like much of dental health, enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away are some medications, tooth grinding, acid reflux, gastrointestinal problems, chewing ice or other hard substances, and eating disorders.

Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:

  1. Enamel is unlike many other body tissue. Once it is gone, it can’t be regenerated.
  2. According to the NIH, 41% of adolescents already have enamel erosion.
  3. Vigorous brushing can damage enamel.
  4. Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as detrimental as sugared sodas.
  5. Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion, it’s vital to halt it. There are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been affected. Call Arbor Lakes Dental. Your dental health matters. Our services include cosmetic and family dentistry.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 7500

The Health And Beauty Consequences Of Missing Teeth

Champlin tooth implants

This post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove focuses on missing teeth and bone health.

Our teeth have many critical functions. We need them to chew our food, talk, and smile. But have you ever considered their role in holding up your face? When we lose teeth, the bone around the site of the extraction begins to pull back. This, in turn, causes our facial muscles to sink in and collapse.

Bone Metabolism

We sometimes think of bone as a solid mass, unlike the softer tissues in our body. In reality, below the seemingly rock-hard surface, bone tissue is full of small holes, kind of like a sponge. In the interior bone tissue, the bone is constantly regenerating itself. This indispensable process is sometimes called “bone metabolism.” In the jaw bone, the movement of the teeth stimulates this process of rebuilding. When the tooth is gone, the bone starts to shrink as blood flow is reduced.

People with missing teeth not only have an unsightly gap in their smile, they begin to look older because of the bone recession and eventual facial sagging.  It is not simply an issue of attractiveness—it poses serious health hazards. It may become difficult to chew food, making it harder to get correct nutrition. Mental health can also be impacted when a patient with missing teeth loses confidence or withdraws from social situations because they are uncomfortable with their smile.

Dental Implants Can Prevent Bone Recession

Modern dentistry to the rescue! Dental implant technology provides a tooth restoration solution that preserves healthy bone metabolism while providing near-normal tooth function. For people missing many (or all) of their teeth, it may not be possible to replace every single tooth with a permanent tooth implant. In many of these cases, dental implants can be used to provide an anchor for a partial denture.

If you are missing teeth, dental implants from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove may be just what you’ve been looking for. We also provide family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 6813

Why a Water Flosser Might be a Good Idea

Maple Grove should I use waterpik?

In this post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we’re looking at the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. This can be an effective addition to your dental health regimen.

The first water-shooting device for cleaning between teeth was created in the early 1960’s by a dentist and an engineer. The gadget is now known by the brand name Waterpik, though many people use the term generically. Since its origin, several other companies have entered the market with similar products. (We do not necessarily endorse any specific brand.)

A water irrigation device oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out fragments of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you put the tube into your mouth, turn it on, and then lean over the sink with your mouth slightly open to let the water drain out as you direct the stream around the gumline, halting briefly at each gap between teeth.

There have been over 65 studies confirming the safety and efficacy of water flossing for tartar reduction, plaque removal, bleeding reduction, inflammation reduction, and gingivitis care.

At Arbor Lakes Dental Care in Maple Grove, the dental health of each patient is our top priority. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule a cleaning and checkup with us today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 7376

Don’t Bite The Dentist!

restorative dentistry Champlin

Do you find that biting down hard is painful or awkward? At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove MN, there are ways to find the source of the trouble and there are ways to make it right.

Painful chewing can be due to a damaged tooth, missing teeth, or loose teeth. Any of those conditions warrant an exam and treatment.

Let Arbor Lakes Dental help you with that everyday chewing luxury most of us take for granted. Let us get you back to chewing every meal of the day, pain-free.

When we provide dental treatment, you can be secure and confident that we’ve got it handled.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove MN provides a full range of dental services, including family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 5427

What’s On Your Dental Wish List?

What Is On Your Dental Wish List?A cosmetic dentistry consultation is informative and enjoyable, and the first step in any smile makeover. As the patient, it’s your opportunity to describe goals and expectations. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we aim to fulfill your objectives.

This is the time to ask questions about possible procedures such as teeth whitening. You can look at before-and-after pictures of some of our patients to get an idea of what we can do. Our cosmetic dentistry patients really get excited when they see images of the possible results for their teeth.

By listening effectively and asking the right questions, we can fully assess the variables unique to your needs.

Before making any changes to your smile, we examine teeth, gums and biting function. Complete x-rays are taken. Existing dental work, tooth color, tooth alignment, and gum condition are taken into consideration. Medical history and lifestyle are also important considerations. Maple Grove cosmetic dentistry costs are outlined.

Taking the first step is your key to understanding your options and preparing to make decisions. Cosmetic dentistry from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove can be transformative. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 713

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

Prevent Mouth Sores Champlin

When our patients at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grover get mouth sores, we advise them to think about what they’re eating and make some changes. It’s a quick solution to a short-term dental health problem, and it works. By following these tips, you can avoid discomfort and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

  • creamy soups
  • yogurt
  • hot cereal
  • mashed potatoes
  • puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. It’s kind of boring, but it’s just temporary. Overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods really sting when you have a mouth sore!

3. Keep it cool. Only eat meals served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can bypass the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

We hope  these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If your dental health issue doesn’t clear up in a week or so, call us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS:

763-494-4443

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

12000 Elm Creek Blvd N Ste 230
Maple Grove, Minnesota
55369

 

ArticleID 4628