Suspect A Bite Problem?

malocclusion examination Maple Grove

The topic of this post is malocclusion – literally, bad bite. Some cases of malocclusion can be treated with clear braces, provided by Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove.

Edward Angle, a pioneer in modern orthodontics, coined the term malocclusion. Malocclusion is fairly common in the population as a whole but, fortunately, in most cases the misalignment is so slight that it causes no problems.

When you combine multiple teeth on two arches and a jaw joint with a considerable range of motion, it is easy to see how these elements can fail to align properly. In fact, it is a wonder that they work correctly for most people – allowing them to talk, eat, and breathe without giving it a second thought.

There are many causes of malocclusion – some originating with the teeth and some originating with the jaw. Misshapen teeth, extracted teeth, impacted teeth, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth can affect the bite. Injury to the jaw can also cause malocclusion as well as improperly fitting restorations and other dental appliances.

Children with a normal bite can develop bite problems with prolonged pacifier use, thumb sucking or bottle drinking. In rarer cases, oral tumors can move a bite out of alignment.

The treatment for malocclusion depends on the cause. Orthodontics can move teeth into alignment to correct bite problems.

Overcrowding often requires extraction of one or more teeth. Misshapen teeth that affect the bite can often be corrected with crowns or dental bonding.

If the jawbone is significantly misshapen or misaligned, maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. Jaw surgery is a serious undertaking with significant risks and a long, painful recovery. While the jaw heals, it is secured with wires and screws. Ouch!

If your jaw hurts or you see unusual wear to your teeth, it is important that you are examined by a professional. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove provides a wide range of dental services, from clear braces to family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

 

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Danger Zone! 5 Signs Of Gum Disease

dental payment plans ChamplinHere is some essential news for anyone who cares about their dental health: periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a main cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is linked to heart disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, this problem is easy to treat if it is discovered in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  4. Gums that are loosening from the teeth
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

We hope you are not experiencing any of these symptoms. If you are not removing plaque between your teeth, however, your gums are at risk. Brushing alone is not sufficient—make sure you floss daily.

Regular check-ups are another essential weapon in the fight against gum disease. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove we offer OralDNA, a fast and pain-free test for the early detection of gum disease. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today!

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

 

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What Can Arbor Lakes Dental Do For You?

Hello, and welcome to the blog of Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove. We work hard to maintain the dental health of each of our patients.

Teeth may seem like bone, but they are actually living structures. Inside that hard exterior is complex system of tissue. And the teeth themselves are anchored to your jaw by ligaments and a material called cementum.

Because there is so much more than meets the eye, we urge our patients to take good care of their teeth by brushing and flossing twice a day, and by visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and a checkup. Our hygienists will remove any accumulation of plaque and tartar that has built up, and one of our dentists will give your teeth and gums a thorough inspection.

Why do we stress this? Because research has shown there is a connection between the health of your teeth and your overall physical health. In short, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide dental health through family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

 

Get Tested! Gum Disease in Maple Grove

One of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we provide treatment for gum disease.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. If you don’t, your chances of getting gum disease increase.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. Health experts say that tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair. A genetic test can confirm it, even if you aren’t showing any signs. Getting early intervention treatment may help. Arbor Lakes Dental provides OralDNA testing for gum disease.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and heart medications. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs at all of gum disease, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove know. We provide effective gum disease treatment. We also offer family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

Dental Confidence Or Caution?

Whether you go willingly  for your check-up, or are hesitant about getting dental work done, Arbor Lakes Dental Care in Maple Grove wants to see you every six months to make sure you’re maintaining good dental health.

The modern view is that there is a connection between poor dental health and underlying, systemic conditions. To put it another way, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

Oral bacteria and inflammation may be associated with a host of health issues, from heart disease and endocarditis, to premature birth and low birth weights. Oral bacteria can spread from the mouth into the blood and cause serious, even life-threatening infection of the heart valves.

We aren’t trying to frighten anyone, but obviously these are serious issues. They’re also good reasons to brush and floss daily (twice a day is better), and see us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove every six months for a cleaning and checkup. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

Captivate Audiences Once Again

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Hello Maple Grove! Remember when being a toothless five-year-old captivated friends and family? When a lisp was considered cute and endearing? Doesn’t really work for adults. Toothless smiles are awkward and lisps can make you self-conscious. Cosmetic dentistry from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove can help to change that.

Your days of enticing delighted looks and commanding a conversation may not be gone forever—even if you have gaps in your smile. It is time to find out what can be done to fill in those gaps and restore what you reveled in as a child—your sensational smile and a healthy self-image.

If you are missing teeth, have unattractive gaps or are just not satisfied with your smile’s current condition, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental looks forward to offering you the answers to all your important smile makeover, dental restorations, and cosmetic dentistry questions.

A simple consultation with Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove will bring not only clarity but hope that possibilities for cosmetic dentistry are well within your reach. We also provide family dentistry. Make an appointment today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

 

Watch Out For Hidden Sugar

Family Dentist Maple Grove

Every health-conscious parent knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities for kids. (It’s not good for adult teeth, either.) Because of its threat to dental health, low nutritional value, and high-calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove reminds you, there is also sugar lurking in so-called ‘healthy’ snacks.

The following snacks may have more sugar than you think:

yogurt covered raisins
fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
rice cakes
many brands of yogurt including the hand-held type
juice drinks
flavored milk
barbecue sauce
fruit smoothies
cereal bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for lifelong dental health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks, scrutinize labels. Sugar content varies among brands.

Sugar is not the only thing to watch out for. If your child’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we believe that teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and that your dental health is of utmost importance. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

 

Danger Zone! Five Signs of Gum Disease in Maple Grove

The older you are, the more at risk you are of coming down with gum disease. But even among young and middle-age adults, gum disease is a primary cause of tooth loss. Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove reminds you that an ounce of prevention of worth a pound of cure.

Good oral hygiene and preventative dentistry can dramatically reduce your chances of getting gum disease. Warning signs include:

  • Gums that bleed often
  • Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  • Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  • Gums that are loosening from the teeth
  • A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

The main cause of gum disease is plaque, so taking good care of your teeth is essential. By itself, brushing is not enough. Make sure you floss every day. Twice a day is better. Your routine should also include a checkup and cleaning by dental professionals every six months.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we want to see our patients twice a year. We look for signs of gum disease at each cleaning and checkup. We practice family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

Find Time To Floss! Dental Health in Maple Grove

One common reason people give for not flossing their teeth is that it’s too difficult to fit into their day. If that sounds at all like you, here are some suggestions for when to fit this important dental health habit into your day. The team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove assures you that flossing, along with brushing, can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues.

Flossing your teeth is important to your dental health. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t ignore the buildup of dirt and dust on your kitchen floor, would you? The same is true with flossing. Brushing can get a lot of the debris from your teeth, but not all of it. They go hand-in-hand.

  • The most common time to floss is right before bed, but make sure you aren’t too tired to do a good job.
  • Right when you wake up is also an option, but if food is left between teeth all night, it can lead to plaque.
  • Try just after lunch, before you go back to work.
  • Floss while you’re stuck in traffic. It’s easier one-handed with the pre-strung floss picks. (You might get some odd looks from other drivers, but it’s worth it.)
  • Keep some floss in your gym bag so you can floss after you exercise.
  • While you’re watching the nightly news.

From time to time, we’re asked: should I floss before brushing my teeth, or after? It really doesn’t make much difference. The important thing is that you floss every day.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we help our patients prevent cavities and gum disease. We also help them get the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

Confidence Or Caution? Dental Health in Maple Grove

Whether you make sure you get a dental check-up every six months or go reluctantly, the team at Arbor Lakes Dental reminds you that there is a link between your dental health and your overall health.

In particular, there is a strong association between gum disease and heart disease. Scientists don’t fully understand the connection yet, or even if regular brushing and flossing decreases the risk. But their research is ongoing.

But a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body. Oral bacteria and inflammation may be associated with a host of health issues, from heart disease and endocarditis, to premature birth and low birth weights. Oral bacteria can spread from the mouth into the blood and cause serious, even life-threatening infection of the heart valves.

We aren’t trying to scare anyone; we just want to stress the growing awareness of the dental health/overall health link. These are serious issues, and good reasons to brush and floss daily (twice a day is better). They’re also good reasons to see us at Arbor Lakes Dental every six months for a cleaning and checkup. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment with us today.

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

763-515-1171

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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