Our Top Priority At Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS In Maple Grove

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At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, the dental health and dental needs of each one of our patients is our top priority, every single day.

Because each patient has unique dental needs, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each one’s challenges and goals.

Some patients come in twice-yearly for an examination, cleaning, oral cancer screening, and fluoride treatment. We work with them to maintain their oral health and prevent common dental issues such as decay and periodontitis.

Many smile makeover patients take advantage of modern cosmetic dentistry to achieve the smile they deserve. We offer a broad range of procedures including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, teeth whitening and tooth-colored filling replacement.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, the patient always comes first – which is as it should be. You are always out top priority! We offer a full range of family and restorative 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

 

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3 Reasons Not To Skip A Dental Checkup

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Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you need to do. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we understand that. (Life gets busy for us, too!) But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the twenty other items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are essential for keeping your smile in great shape!

You might say: “But my teeth feel fine.”

Our answer? Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental troubles can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When tooth decay begins, we usually don’t feel it until right away – not until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any damage.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. During your checkup we’ll screen for oral cancer. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we like to see you for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Our services include family and restorative dentistry. Schedule your next appointment 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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Healthy Living Starts With A Smile

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Here’s a question from the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove: what comes to mind when you hear the term “healthy living?” A dinner plate with a grilled chicken breast and carrot sticks? The sound of your feet hitting the ground as you jog? If you pictured a white, healthy smile with no cavities, we salute you.

At Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS, we urge everyone with a smile to include oral health in your definition of “healthy living.”

When done correctly and consistently, brushing and flossing are a vital component of everyday oral hygiene. Brushing should be done at least twice a day. We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums. Brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes and be sure you reach all the surfaces.

Flossing should be done once a day and is necessary for reaching the areas where a toothbrush cannot. A wide variety of floss can be found at Maple Grove stores, so experiment until find one you like.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we offer family and cosmetic dentistry services that keep your smile clean and healthy. Call us to 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

 

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Into The Thick Of It, The Skinny On Toothpaste

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In this blog post from Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we’ll answer some of the common questions our patients have about toothpaste.

Why does toothpaste seem gritty?

The gritty aspect of toothpaste is to assist in removing dental plaque and food from the surface of the teeth. Rough brushing becomes unnecessary when the toothpaste abrasives snag the mouth’s lingering bits of food and polish the enamel at the same time.

What’s with the strong minty flavors?

Minty flavorants are used to encourage continued use of the paste and to freshen breath. However, toothpaste is not meant to cure bad breath all by itself.

While unflavored toothpastes exist, the world has also seen such flavors as peanut butter, iced tea, and ginger. To treat bad breath, it is best to prevent periodontal disease and to also brush bacteria from far back on the tongue. Removing the source is important and more effective than covering it up with minty flavorings.

What is Fluoride’s place in a toothpaste?

Fluoride occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources. It is championed by health-conscious people for preventing tooth decay and controlling gingivitis. Fluoride-containing compounds are added to many toothpastes to add another vital dimension to the oral hygiene regimen for preventing decay.

How are toothpaste and flossing related?

Flossing regularly in conjunction with toothbrushing aids in avoid bacterial growth, tooth decay, and plaque build-up by simply removing chunks of food or substances that could break down the tooth.

Finally, what about the relationship between toothpaste and mouthwash?

The use of mouthwash cannot replace regular brushing and flossing. Mouthwash (or fluoride rinse) simply adds yet another effective layer of defense against bacterial growth in the mouth.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, the dental health of our patients is always our number one priority. So brush and floss twice a day, and see us for a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment 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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Check Out The Checkup!

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we want to see each one of our patients for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. Most of the time we try to get you to schedule your next appointment even as you leave the office from your latest one.

There are some very good reasons for seeing us twice a year. Along with daily brushing and flossing, six-month cleanings and checkups are the best way to ensure you have good dental health. That means clean teeth with no cavities, and pink healthy gums.

The Cleaning

Most appointments begin with a cleaning from the hygienist. During the cleaning we’ll scrape any tartar from your teeth. Tartar is hardened plaque, and you can’t get it off with a toothbrush and floss. That’s one of the reasons brushing twice a day is so important: it helps prevent plaque buildup!

Scraping tartar off of your teeth is known as scaling. Once your teeth are scaled, we’ll polish them with a gritty toothpaste. This is pretty harsh stuff, and it does a fabulous job removing any surface stains on your teeth. Sometimes patients wonder if they can get something like it for use at home. The trouble with that is that it’s just too abrasive to use every day.

After scaling and brushing, the last step is flossing. Then, it’s the dentist’s turn.

The Checkup

During the checkup we look for any new cavities that may have appeared since your last visit. We might take X-rays, although this is not done at every visit. We’ll examine your gums, too, for any signs of gum disease.

Finally, we’ll look at your tongue, throat, face and and head, and your neck. We’re checking for swelling or redness, or any signs of cancer.

And that, in a nutshell, is how your visit to the dentist goes. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove our services include family and restorative 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

 

Dental Floss: Which Type is Best?

Along with brushing, flossing is the most important thing you can do for healthy teeth and gums. There’s a varity of floss types to choose from. Which one is best for you? It depends. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we’re using this space to summarize what’s available, and what might influence your choice of dental floss.

The reason that flossing is so important is that it removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Left on the teeth, plaque hardens into floss and contributes to tooth decay. The Academy of General Dentistry goes so far as to call flossing the most important thing you can do to fight plaque.

What Kind Is Best?

When it comes to what dental floss to use, there is a lot to choose from. Flavored or unflavored? Waxed or unwaxed? Wide or thin?

No single type of floss is right for everyone. You might even benefit from having more than one kind in your medicine chest. With a little trial and error, you can narrow down your choices to find what works best for you.

A recent study shows there really isn’t much difference, if any, in the effectiveness of the different types of dental floss. Here are some things to consider:

  • Waxed floss fits more easily into tight spaces
  • Unwaxed floss tends to squeak against clean teeth, an indicator that plaque is gone
  • Wider dental tape may work better in gaps between teeth, and on bridgework

One word of caution: we recommend traditional string floss that you can pull out in a long strand, as opposed to a flossing pick. Those little picks are popular, but they only have a tight strand of less than an inch of floss. That makes it all but impossible to wrap any floss around your teeth – and flossing is far more effective when you do that. The little picks are fine for a purse or backpack, when you’re on the go. Just be sure to use regular floss as part of your dental hygiene routine before bedtime.

Whatever your preference may be, the important thing is to floss at least once each day.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we also like to see you for a checkup every six months. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment 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

 

The Arbor Lakes Dental Guide To Preventing Gum Disease

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Hearing that you have gum disease can be scary and upsetting. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Gum disease is not to be taken lightly. In its earliest stages it is called gingivitis, and this is usually easy to reverse.

In its more advanced form, gum disease is known as periodontitis. The Centers for Disease Control says more than half of Americans over thirty have periodontitis, which equates to more than sixty million people. It is a leading cause of tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Loose adult teeth
  • Sensitive teeth

At Arbor Lakes Dental we use a fast and pain-free test called OralDNA. It is a highly accurate way to determining whether you have, or might have, gum disease. As with most diseases, early detection is key to effective treatment.

We know that gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and regular oral hygiene is essential for preventing the pain and health issues linked to periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Don’t take any chances. Ask us about OralDNA the next time you’re in for a six-month checkup. At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove we treat gum disease, and also offer a full range of family dentistry services. Schedule your next appointment 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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Replace Old Silver Fillings

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Superficial cuts in the skin disappear without a trace, infections are eradicated with antibiotics, broken bones mend, and inflamed tissues abate. But teeth cannot regenerate. Decay can be halted, but that’s as good as it gets. That’s why the team at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove so strongly emphasizes dental health and dental hygiene.

The healthiest mouths have all teeth intact and free of current or former tooth decay. But how many smiles can boast such an admirable record? Very few. Most of us get one or more cavities over the course of our lives.

Restorations Have Come a Long Way
But cavities can be filled. Modern restorations have many advantages over those in years past. There are stronger and more natural-looking materials. Many of our patients at Arbor Lakes Dental – Jamie L. Sledd, DDS who have not had a filling for a while, are not aware that white fillings are available. You can even replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings.

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are durable and blend in with your teeth. They can be used in the front and back teeth. One drawback you may hear is no longer applicable: they can last just as long as silver fillings.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we fill cavities with white fillings. They are among the many family dentistry services we provide. We care about your dental health. 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

 

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Clean Teeth, Happy Mouth

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing us at Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove twice a year.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Using fluoridated toothpaste. There is a myriad of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limiting sugary and acidic foods. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee contributes to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Seeing the dentist twice a year. You saw this one coming, right? Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious, and treat them.

At Arbor Lakes Dental in Maple Grove, we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. Our services include family and cosmetic 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

What Is Oil Pulling?

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This Arbor Lakes Dental post looks at oil pulling, an alternative practice that has been generating a lot of buzz lately.

Oil pulling has been a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is the practice of swishing oil in the mouth for twenty minutes to benefit the teeth, gums and overall health and well-being. The oils most commonly used are coconut oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.

Proponents claim that it detoxifies the mouth, cleans plaque, reduces inflammation, cures bad breath, whitens teeth, kills infection, and boosts the immune system. Some advocates even claim that it “cures” cavities and periodontal disease.

What does the American Dental Association say about oil pulling? Here is an excerpt from a May 2014 article:

“To date, scientific studies have not provided the necessary clinical evidence to demonstrate that oil pulling reduces the incidence of dental caries, whitens teeth or improves oral health and well-being. Based on the lack of currently available evidence, oil pulling is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice, and certainly not as a replacement for standard, time-tested oral health behaviors and modalities. The ADA recommends that patients follow a standard oral hygiene regimen that includes twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, using ADA-Accepted products. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help prevent cavities and keep gums healthy.”1

At Arbor Lakes Dental  in Maple Grove, we caution patients not to replace brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings/exams with oil pulling. We provide top-quality dental care for every member of your family. Services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment 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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