Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

I have 2 teeth that were cracked in an accident. At first it was a hairline fracture that my dentist told me not to worry about. Last night while I was flossing my teeth, I noticed that one of the teeth is a little loose. Unfortunately I am looking for another dentist to do the work because mine told me not to worry about it. I don’t want to lose my teeth. What are my options for restoring the teeth? Jamie

Jamie – We advise you to find a skilled cosmetic dentist. Your teeth can simply be made functional again, and just about any dentist can do that. If you want beautiful results, you can get them from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

An experienced cosmetic dentist has an artistic eye. He or she is concerned about protecting your teeth, and about making the restoration match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth.

If your teeth were damaged by trauma, you will need to have them examined to determine which treatment is best for you. A damaged tooth is generally protected with a dental crown or “cap,” as it is often called.

Start by looking for a dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation requires in-depth testing and presentation of cases by the dentists who apply for accreditation. This credential will highly increase your chances of receiving beautiful results for your smile. Fees from a cosmetic dentist may cost a little more, but the results will be beautiful and long-lasting. You won’t walk away frustrated with the look of your teeth.

If you can’t find an accredited dentist, look for one who is a member of the AACD. Ask the dentist how often he or she participates in ongoing cosmetic dentistry training. It will give you an indication of how interested the dentist is in achieving natural-looking results.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

I heard about oil pulling a year or two ago. I am wondering if this practice really can get my teeth white. Thanks. Dynah

Dynah – Oil pulling has been practiced in southern Asia and India for centuries. It involves placing a tablespoon or so of edible oil in your mouth, swishing the oral around in your mouth and between your teeth.

The concept is that unwanted bacteria in your mouth will cling to the oil, and when you spit out the oil, the bacteria will go with it.

Some studies show that oil pulling may remove bacteria from your mouth, but it’s not a substitute for flossing your teeth daily and brushing them twice a day. And there is no evidence that shows it will whiten your teeth. Even whitening toothpaste won’t remove stains that are embedded in your teeth. If done with incorrect technique, oil pulling can cause stiff jaw muscles, dry mouth, and loss of taste.

If you want to remove stains from your teeth, it’s best to see a dentist to determine the cause of the stains and how the stains can be safely removed without making them more noticeable.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.