Going to the doctor for yearly well visits, health and wellness screenings, and skin care checks at the dermatologist. All of these constitute good health practices to maintain our overall well-being. But, how many people view a visit to the dentist as one of these important checklist items? 

National Dental Health Month, recognized in May, reminds all of us of the importance of keeping up with your dental visits. The key to maintaining those ‘pearly whites’ goes well beyond cosmetic enhancements. We learn at a young age to brush and floss twice a day. And while brushing and flossing are key to keeping the bacteria from settling on your teeth and creating cavities, oral hygiene is just as important to our overall health. 

A healthy smile means that you practice good habits every day. Eating healthy has a major impact on your oral health. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they can damage teeth, causing cavities to form or erosion to occur. Focus on foods that are high in fiber and contain calcium by eating green leafy vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

Gum disease can also develop when there is a substantial amount of bacteria in the mouth left behind by those unhealthy substances. That bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, causing heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease increases the risk of heart disease due to the inflammation in the gums and bacteria, which may eventually lead to the narrowing of arteries.

Lastly, in order to maintain a healthy mouth, continue to see your dentist. Regular cleanings and trips to the dentist are a vital part of oral hygiene treatment. A check-up and cleaning by your dentist are recommended every six months. By following the advice of your trusted dental professionals and maintaining routine dental care, you are on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, our dental professionals are committed to providing entire families with a healthy smile. Our dental services cover a range of procedures from orthodontics to dental implants in our Harleysville office and Souderton location. You can learn more about our practice and services by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.

National Dentist Day, celebrated every year in March, recognizes the hard-working, dedicated health professionals that care each and every day for our oral health. But dentists do more than just caring for our teeth and helping us achieve that perfect smile. As one of the leading dental practices in the area, Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates is committed to making our patients smile, educating on the best way to care for our teeth, and creating a comfortable atmosphere that will keep us coming back.  Read more

Dental health is an important factor in the quality of one’s overall health. No matter what age, your quality of life and health is directly impacted by how you care for your teeth. As you grow older, your teeth and gums change. But, getting older doesn’t mean that you will have to lose your teeth. With routine dental care and consistent home care, your teeth can last a lifetime. Read more

To many patients, the mere mention of a “root canal” can be the start of major dental anxiety. Understanding the benefits of a root canal can help minimize the overall hesitancy in following through with this procedure. 

When a patient is told those dreaded words by their dentist, “that tooth needs a root canal,” it is usually because of an active infection or abscess that is causing severe pain or pressure. An infection in the tooth does not go away without proper treatment. In some cases, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or head if left untreated. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we complete root canals routinely, and our goal is to ease our patients’ pain while providing the best course of treatment possible. 

What is a Root Canal?

First, as with any procedure, our dentists will anesthetize the area to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. During a root canal procedure, the pulp, which is the hollow interior of a tooth containing the blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells, is removed. The area is thoroughly disinfected, and the canals are shaped before a filling is placed to seal the tooth. After root canal therapy, the tooth is considered “dead,” so the patient will no longer feel pain emanating from the tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed and the infection has been eradicated.

A Root Canal Saves the Natural Tooth

Once the root canal is finished, the tooth is fragile and will need a crown to protect it. Patients are able to keep their natural tooth during the root canal process; however, it will require a crown to preserve the health and stability of the tooth while maintaining a natural smile. 

Confidence in Your Decision

The link between your overall health and oral health is so important. Understanding a diagnosis and reason for treatment can help to set aside any hesitancy on the patient’s part. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable and educated about their oral health. As one of the leading root canal dentists in Harleysville and restorative dentists in Souderton, our practice uses the highest technological advancements in our field to perform dental treatments. The entire procedure is generally completed within an hour and a half, depending on the circumstances, and you will leave feeling assured that the infection has been removed and your tooth is back to a healthy state. 

Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates has been providing quality dental care in the Bucks and Montgomery County areas for over 27 years. If you would like more information, visit our website at www.gotta-smile.com or call 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.

Did you know that about 1 in 4 adults over the age of 20 have at least one untreated cavity? According to the Centers for Disease and Control, cavities have become one of the major untreated health issues in adults. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections, which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious side effects. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of medical issues such as bone loss, gum disease, heart disease, and more. It is vital to have regular dental check-ups to prevent any problems from developing.

Here are some tips that you can do to maintain good dental hygiene at home: 

Proper Brushing

We’ve all heard that brushing at least two times a day along with flossing paves the way to a healthy mouth. But, has anyone taken the time to learn proper brushing techniques? According to Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, the best method of brushing teeth is to use an electric toothbrush. The bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque buildup than a regular toothbrush. It also prevents the ‘hard scrubbing’ that can cause gum recession which many patients can experience when using a manual toothbrush. 

However, if you cannot use an electric toothbrush, be sure to position your manual toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line. Carefully brush both the tooth surface and the gum line areas where plaque can commonly accumulate. Using a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion, be gentle yet firm in order to avoid any discomfort or bleeding. You will want to continue the same process on the inside of your teeth toward your tongue as well. Lastly, we recommend brushing the surfaces of your tongue to remove any bacteria which can typically cause bad breath. 

Flossing

Coinciding with the importance of proper brushing technique is flossing. Sometimes the dreaded question by your hygienist, “how often do you floss?” can make you feel like you are slacking in your homecare routine. And, while it can easily be difficult to remember, it is an effective tool in removing plaque that builds up between your teeth. There are handy products called floss picks that can also be used on the go, so you will always have time to floss!

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks is the best way to achieve a healthy smile. Celery and carrots, broccoli, and other green leafy vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that aid in strengthening tooth enamel.

Visit Your Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist play an important role in your oral hygiene regimen. Our hygienists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates are among the very best dentists in Montgomery and Bucks counties, providing quality service and compassionate care to all of our patients. It is recommended that you visit our office at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment and exam. During your visit, your hygienist will discuss with you any issues or concerns and offer advice and treatment options based on your exam with one of our trusted dentists. 

Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates is committed to serving the Souderton and Harleysville communities. Our dental services cover a wide range of procedures catered towards the needs of your family. From cleanings and routine check-ups to reconstructive surgery and orthodontics, our offices in Souderton and Harleysville are here for you and your loved ones. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices, by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.