Cosmetic and Family Dentist Office in Atlanta, GA

May 16, 2012
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Atlanta Dentist Discusses Women’s Health During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your oral health. If you’re pregnant, it’s important to keep your body and your unborn baby healthy. In honor of Women’s Health Week, Dr. Bender offers these tips to protect your dental health during your prenatal period.

Maintain Proper Hygiene

As your hormones and mood fluctuate during these nine months, your dental care routine should remain the same. Some expectant mothers experience pregnancy gingivitis, a condition that causes gum tenderness and inflammation. Brushing and flossing daily will help keep your gums strong and healthy—which helps prevent gum disease. In fact, studies show that women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early or too small. If you have gum disease, our dental hygienists can perform a deep cleaning to keep your mouth and your baby safe. Brushing your teeth also helps keep your breath fresh after morning sickness.

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May 14, 2012
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Protecting your Smile from Pool Damage

The Academy of General Dentistry reports that swimmers are at an increased risk for developing tooth stains or injuring their smile. As you take a splash in the pool this summer, Dr. Bender wants to make sure you’re keeping your smile beautiful.

Swimmer’s Calculus

Swimming pools use chlorine and other antimicrobial chemicals to kill bacteria in the water. These chemical additives increase the pool water’s pH. The higher pH level causes salivary proteins to break down and combine with minerals in your mouth to form swimmer’s calculus—hard, brown tartar deposits—on your front teeth. Chlorine may also weaken and erode your teeth. Swimmer’s calculus is mostly a cosmetic condition, but the hard substance and eroded enamel can also make the surface of your teeth rough or pitted, which makes it difficult to clean thoroughly.

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May 9, 2012
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Teeth Whitening Quiz from your Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure. When monitored by Dr. Bender, your Atlanta cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to get a brighter smile. However, some people abuse whitening treatments to achieve their desired results quicker. Let’s see how much you know about over-whitening your teeth!

1. What is “bleachorexia?”
A. An addiction to teeth whitening
B. In-office teeth whitening
C. People who need teeth whitening

2. Over-whitening turns your teeth what color?
A. White
B. Blue
C. Yellow

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May 7, 2012
by exceptionaldentalhealth
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Benefits of Drinking Water

You would not be able to survive more than five days without water. Water is important to keep your body hydrated and strong. As summer approaches, the heat will increase your need for water. This week, May 6-12, is Drinking Water Week, and Dr. Bender would like to discuss why drinking water is so important.

Strength and Energy

Your body loses water through sweating, breathing, and urinating. When you don’t replace the lost water, you may become dehydrated. Dehydration leads to dizziness, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and weakness. However, replenishing your body with water will help regain your strength and energy.

Concentration: Your brain is mostly made up of water, so drinking water helps feed your brain and improve your alertness and concentration.
Temperature: Water also helps regulate your body temperature to relieve fevers and help you stay cool during the summer.
Muscle strength: Proper hydration keeps your joints and muscles lubricated to prevent cramps and sprains.
Energy: Dehydration causes your body to work harder to function properly, so an adequate intake of water will boost your energy and prevent fatigue.

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May 2, 2012
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Preventing Osteoporosis and Tooth Loss in Atlanta

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults, but studies show that women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to lose teeth. May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, so Dr. Bender would like to discuss how to keep your bones strong to prevent tooth loss.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that decreases bone mineral density and deteriorates bone tissue. It commonly weakens the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but may also affect other bones in the body—including those in your jaw. If the condition affects your jaw, the bones that hold your teeth will become very thin and won’t be able to provide enough support, contributing to tooth loss and fractures. Post-menopausal women are most likely to develop osteoporosis due to the decline in estrogen production.

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April 30, 2012
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Landing your Dream Job in Atlanta

It’s almost summer, which means teens and college grads in Atlanta will be searching for their summer jobs and internships. According to the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people who smile are more popular, more successful, and more likely to get promoted than their un-smiling colleagues. Visit Dr. Bender for the dental procedures you need to brighten your smile and help you land that summer job.

Beautiful Appearance

During your interview, it’s important to look well-groomed and professional. As you grab your business suit and resume, don’t forget your smile! A great first impression will make you memorable and hirable, and about 96 percent of people agree that a smile greatly influences your first impression. In fact, research shows that about 40 percent of people notice a person’s smile before eyes, clothing, and hair. Smiling lifts up your facial muscles to make you look more enthusiastic, energetic, and friendlier.

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April 25, 2012
by exceptionaldentalhealth
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Healthy Kisses in Atlanta

You may give your loved one a peck on the lips to express affection, welcoming, or gratitude. Before you pucker up on April 28 for National Kiss Your Mate Day, Dr. Bender would like to remind you of the dangers and benefits of kissing.

Harmful Effects of Kissing

Every time you lock lips, you are swapping the germs in your mouth. In fact, The Academy of General Dentistry reports that with just one kiss, couples share more than 500 different types of bacteria. Colds, flus, meningitis, mononucleosis, tooth decay, cold sores, and many other illnesses can be passed through mouth-to-mouth contact. However, your romantic partner isn’t the only person to blame for your infections. Oral bacteria are spread through family members, friends, teammates, and other people who share the same dishes, water bottles, and products that touch the mouth.

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April 23, 2012
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Beautiful Smiles Just in Time for Graduation

Graduation is right around the corner! You probably sent out invitations, selected your outfit, applied to colleges, and planned your parties far in advance, but did you forget to improve your smile before the big day? Fortunately, Dr. Bender offers a few cosmetic procedures that can enhance your smile in just a few short visits to our Atlanta dental office.

One-Visit Cosmetic Treatments

Teeth Whitening: Over-the-counter and take-home whitening kits can take a few weeks to show your desired results. Dr. Bender’s professional in-office whitening is considered to be the most effective and safest method to brighten your teeth. Dr. Bender will use a special bleaching gel and light to remove tooth stains and brighten your teeth up to ten shades—in just one visit!
Bonding: Cosmetic bonding can hide minor tooth flaws in a single appointment. Dr. Bender will apply a liquid composite resin to your teeth and adjust it to the natural shape, size, and color. He will then use a special curing light to harden the restoration and buff it smooth. We can apply the bonding in just one visit, but periodic touch-ups may be required to keep your smile bright throughout the years.

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April 18, 2012
by exceptionaldentalhealth
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Celebrity Smile Quiz

Do you dream of having a glamorous smile like your favorite celebrity? Many celebrities have turned to cosmetic dentistry to give them the bright smiles they flaunt on the red carpet. Fortunately, Dr. Bender offers a full range of cosmetic and restorative treatments so your smile can shine, too! Take this quiz to see if you know which celebs have had dental work.

1. Which celebrity had two sets of porcelain veneers?

a. Hilary Duff
b. Cameron Diaz
c. Britney Spears

2. Which actress wore Invisalign to straighten her smile before her wedding?

a. Julia Roberts
b. Elizabeth Banks
c. Katherine Heigl

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April 16, 2012
by exceptionaldentalhealth
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Alcohol Awareness and Your Smile

You probably know that drinking alcohol impairs your mind and body, but did you know it also damages your smile? In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, Dr. Bender would like to discuss the dental problems associated with alcohol.

Oral Health Problems Caused by Alcohol

Tooth Decay: Many alcoholic drinks are very concentrated in sugar. The fermenting process converts sugar into alcohol, and some alcoholic concoctions contain added sugar. Your oral bacteria digest these sugars and produce an acid that decays your teeth. To worsen the situation, many people probably won’t remember to brush and floss their teeth after getting intoxicated, so the teeth will soak in bacteria and acid all night long.
Enamel Erosion: The tangy sensation you receive from drinking alcohol is caused by acid. This acidity can wear away your enamel, creating rough pits and grooves on the surface of your teeth. These ridges can trap bacteria and food debris, contributing to decay and discoloration. Additionally, enamel erosion can weaken your teeth and increase your risk of chips, fractures, or sensitivity.
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