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At The Smile Spa of Baton Rouge, we understand that flossing your teeth every day can be a hard habit to develop, but it is definitely worth the effort. But, we thought we would offer you some flossing tips from a dentist in Baton Rouge. Flossing provides a number of benefits—from simply having cleaner teeth, to preventing cavities, to even avoiding tooth loss. Flossing reaches the places a toothbrush can’t and it removes the food particles and bacteria that get trapped between your teeth before they develop into plaque and tartar. The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth at least once a day.

Tooth Flossing is one of the most important procedures to help in maintaining a good oral hygiene. Apart from brushing, flossing is very important in maintaining a good oral hygiene.  According to the various studies and research, flossing helps in preventing heart disease, diabetes and many more problems that are likely to occur when the oral hygiene is not well maintained.

Teeth that are kept healthy with both tooth brushing and flossing, will prevent tooth decay and major periodontal problems, such as gum disease. The American Dental Association has set a few guidelines for a good dental health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day: Brushing the teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and replacing the tooth brush every 3-4 months
• Floss daily to remove any food particles that remain between the teeth after the meals
• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid the snacks between the meals
• Schedule regular dental checkups with a personal dentist and keep a check of the oral hygiene

Flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Harvard Medical School researchers found that flossing removes bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums, the same plaque which is absorbed into the blood stream and can clog arteries and veins. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a startling 70% greater risk of developing coronary disease, while a case of gingivitis meant a 40% increase.

Bad breath can be a common and embarrassing problem to have, but regular flossing can significantly improve it. Because a toothbrush can’t remove all food trapped between your teeth, particles of it can sit in your mouth and rot, giving off foul odors in the process. As the particles break down, they release sulfurous compounds. By flossing every day, you can make sure these smelly food particles are out of your mouth and in the trash.

No one likes having a dentist’s drill in their mouth, and one of the easiest ways to avoid that situation is nightly flossing. Cavities are decayed areas of teeth that have created tiny holes in the enamel and, if left untreated, can develop into deep, painful pits, according to MayoClinic.com. Cavities occur when all the bacteria, food particles, acids and saliva in your mouth come together to create plaque. The acids in plaque eat away at your teeth and can cause symptoms such as toothaches, sensitivity, pain when biting and visible holes. By not flossing, the plaque between your teeth can form cavities in hard-to-notice places, which can progress to the point where the hole reaches the pulp—the center of the tooth containing nerves—and causes extreme pain.

Gingivitis is the first step down the road to periodontal disease, which eats away at the soft tissue and bone in your mouth and can cause tooth loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Gingivitis is due to a buildup of plaque along the gum line, and it can cause inflammation, soft or tender gums, bad breath and gums that bleed more easily. The more plaque you have and the longer it stays trapped between your teeth, the higher the likelihood that it becomes tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. It also becomes more likely that you will develop periodontal disease. By flossing daily, you can help lessen the risk of developing gingivitis.

So much more goes into maintaining a healthy smile besides brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing your dentist in Baton Rouge, although those are certainly important. Everything from what we eat and drink to our everyday habits can impact oral health. In fact, there are many habits that are bad for teeth, and some of them you may not even realize you’re doing or know could negatively affect oral health. 

• Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Many people may equate brushing their teeth to them needing a good scrubbing. But the truth is, there is no need to brush so hard. In fact, using too much pressure or brushing vigorously can cause damage. Brushing roughly can wear down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and making teeth more susceptible to decay. Additionally, brushing too hard can irritate the gums and cause them to recede. You should always brush using gentle strokes at a 45-degree angle with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Using Teeth for Things Other Than Chewing

Using your teeth for things other than chewing and speaking could mean an emergency trip to your dentist in Baton Rouge. Using your teeth as a third hand to help hold onto something or as a pair of scissors to help open a package can easily damage your teeth. Broken restorations or broken or chipped natural teeth are two of the most common problems linked to using your teeth as tools. Instead, it is always worth taking your time and finding an appropriate tool.

• Crunching Ice

Crunching on cold, hard ice may seem harmless, and could even be rewarding. But doing so can also break restorations or teeth. Additionally, chronically crunching ice can create small cracks in the teeth. Over time, these cracks can become bigger and bigger, causing problems. 

• Nail Biting

One of the most common habits that are bad for teeth is nail biting. Even though tooth enamel is hard, nails are also hard, and chronically biting them can cause tooth damage such as chipping a tooth. Nail biting can also cause teeth to move, making them appear crooked, overcrowded, or overlapped. Besides that, habitually biting your nails can even make you place your jaw in an unnatural position, which could lead to jaw pain and TMJ.

• Using Tobacco

All types of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, are bad for both overall and oral health. Not only can this habit increase the risk of cancer throughout the body, but it can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, tobacco use can stain teeth, cause decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

• Clenching Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth could be one of those habits that you may not even realize you’re doing. Often done subconsciously or even during sleep, constantly clenching or grinding teeth could wear down teeth and make them appear short, easily cause chips or cracks, or lead to jaw pain.

Habits are called habits for a reason – they’re part of our lives and they’re hard to break. But there are ways to break them, and we believe that you can. In the meantime, make sure to talk to your dentist in Baton Rouge about any habits you have so that they can be on the lookout for any common problems associated with them and offer some tips to quit. 

Affordable dentistry is of immense importance and The Smile Spa focuses on putting beautiful smiles on the faces of its patients at a very affordable price. Here are some facts that support this.

• Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, The Smile Spa is included in the most affordable dentists list by YELP.com.
• Aside from dental services, they also offer other spa services such as botox.
• The Smile Spa has received so many positive testimonials from its many visitors. Customers have described the dental practice as ‘extremely nice & helpful’
• Its founder, Dr. Aime Russo-Mounger, DDS, is a member of several dental associations including: The American, Louisiana,and Greater Baton Rouge associations as well as the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.

Choosing the right dentist is always a crucial consideration – but even more important is choosing a high-quality affordable dentist near you. This makes your life easier in many ways, as it allows you to extend care to family members and close friends. This will also ease the stress of attending dental checkups, examinations and follow-ups. 

How Can You Make Dental Care More Affordable To You?

There are a few things to take into consideration when trying to make dental care affordable for you and your family. 

1. Focus on dental care that is preventive, rather than curative. The best way to lessen dental costs is prevention. Simple measures such as brushing at least twice a day, and flossing once a day can go a long way.
2. Compare service costs between different dental practices. Also compare the value for the services between dental practices.
3. Make thorough inquiries about payment options that are flexible.
4. If there are some government-sponsored programs available, consider them.

During your initial consultation, find out what payment plans are available. There is usually one to fit every budget. Also gauge whether your dentist is an In-Network or Out-of-Network provider. Most dentists are In-Network for the larger dental insurance providers. 

Places To Look for An Affordable Dentist

1. Qualified Federal Health Centers also provide basic and comprehensive dental care. 
2. Most local dental schools provide lower-cost dental care.This is usually delivered at high-standards as the teaching facilities require patients to enable the dental students to gain practical experience. Your consultation will always be done under the watchful eye of licensed and experienced dentists.
3. There are quite a number of charitable organizations that offer either free or heavily-subsidized dental care opportunities

Why Is Most Dental Care Expensive?

Several factors account for this. Among them are:

• Lack of complete health insurance
• Most dental insurance only has skimpy coverage.
• The cost of dental care has been steadily increasing in recent years.

The story is not all gloomy, though. In many parts of the country such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, affordable dentist services exist with The Smile Spa as the perfect example. 

So, if you live in or near Baton Rouge and you’re in need of an affordable dentist, then do not hesitate to call The Smile Spa – better still, pop in and say hello, you’ll be glad you did!

National Sunscreen Day is celebrated every year on May 27th and is designed to raise awareness of the dangers that can come from getting too much sun, especially without the protection of sunscreen. But how exactly does this apply to your teeth, and why is your dentist in Baton Rouge talking about it? The truth is, sunshine can both benefit and damage oral health. 

Oral Health Benefits of Sunshine

The sun has one of the most important things teeth need to stay strong and healthy – vitamin D. Vitamin D is what allows the body to absorb calcium, and you need to get the right amount of both to get the benefits. Getting some sun, along with eating foods high in vitamin D and calcium, can help. However, too many Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Around 42% of U.S. adults are vitamin D deficienct. Without enough vitamin D, the body and teeth could be in trouble. Vitamin D deficiency can cause or contribute to: 

• Cavities
• Gum Disease
• Weak or Underdeveloped Teeth
• Increased Risk for Depression
• Weakened Bones

Even though we can get vitamin D by eating foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified food like dairy, juice, and plant milk, the best way to get vitamin D is through the sun. Just always make sure to wear sunscreen on your skin and reapply often. 

Oral Health Dangers of Sunshine

Luckily, the teeth aren’t often directly at risk for damage from the sun, although it’s still possible. But other areas of the mouth are more likely to sustain negative effects from too much sunshine. 

• Dry Mouth

Heat makes us sweat. Sweat makes our bodies lose water. Losing water causes dehydration. Dehydration is certainly a serious problem that affects overall health, but it’s also a concern for your dentist in Baton Rouge. Dehydration can cause something called dry mouth. Dry mouth isn’t only uncomfortable, but it will also allow bacteria that are usually rinsed away by saliva to build up, increasing the risk of cavities of gum disease. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time getting sun. 

• Lip Cancer

While the risk of too much sun exposure damaging teeth is low, the lips are another story. Lip skin is sensitive and can easily burn, and they’re often bypassed while applying sunscreen. Giving your lips some love with a lip balm with an SPF of 15 higher before heading outdoors, and several times during, can lower the risk of lip, skin, or oral cancer. 

The best way to celebrate National Sunscreen Day and protect your oral and overall health is to pledge to wear sunscreen every time you’ll be outside, even when it’s not necessarily sunny. When it comes to oral health specifically, make sure to see your dentist in Baton Rouge at least twice a year for regular checkups. These visits can help monitor overall oral health and catch any potential problems such as lip or oral cancer early when they’re easy to treat, often successfully. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Botox is a great alternative to surgically sculpting the shape of your face. The extremely tiny needle injects the Botox serum wherever facial muscles should be relaxed (think: around the mouth, across the forehead and between the eyebrows). The Botox trend is a growing sensation nowadays, but not in the ways you might think.

Botox offers numerous benefits with very limited side effects. It’s one of the safest and most common cosmetic treatments for eliminating wrinkles. But it’s more than just cosmetic. Botox injections contain a variety of medicinal properties that can relieve certain health-related issues, too.

Here are a few interesting facts about Botox that could benefit you!

Treats excessive sweating

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from excessive sweating, consider Botox for a potentially permanent solution. A simple injection into the sweat glands under your skin can temporarily block the chemical signals that cause excessive perspiration for about 6-8 months. Talk to your dermatologist to see if this is the right treatment for you.

Cures migraines

In 2010, the FDA approved Botox as a treatment for chronic migraine headaches. However, it’s unclear as to why Botox actually cures the chronic pain. Multiple injections are given at intervals of about 12 weeks, but can relieve migraine symptoms for up to three months. Those who experience chronic migraine headaches over 15 days a month are likely candidates for Botox treatment, but should first consult with a headache specialist.

Prevents new wrinkles from forming

More people in their late 20’s and early 30’s are using Botox even though they are still wrinkle free. Botox is a preventative measure when getting injections while the skin is unfrowned. Studies show that when used as a preventative measure, patients can see a significant increase in wrinkle prevention and can also avoid future forehead lines.

Not just for women

When Botox was initially offered as a cosmetic treatment, majority of the customers were women. According to a new study in the Cosmetic Journal, there’s been a dramatic increase (about 250%!) in the last decade in the number of men who are now enjoying the benefits of Botox. The study states that rise is because of the diminishing stigma associated with cosmetic produces.

Botox at the dentist

Banish wrinkles while having your teeth cleaned? Yes please! Many dentists are now offering Botox to their patients alongside their existing dental services. Botox can also treat TMJ by relaxing the master muscles. It can even be used as a treatment for bladders at the urologist.

While this sounds odd, dentists are experts on the entire facial layout, as well as the muscle and nerve systems. Not to mention, dentists are especially good at giving tiny, precise numbing injections.

Dr. Russo is very well known for her Botox results and has many happy female and male patients that she sees every 3 months to keep them looking young. She also does private parties for small groups of people at a discounted unit rate. Don’t forget to check the web specials for upcoming parties and deals.

The Smile Spa offers a variety of dental and spa services. For more information or to make an appointment, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Giving a gift that is both useful and thoughtful is more difficult than it sounds. When it comes to your closest loved ones, you undoubtedly want to give something that is special and well-received, but that’s a narrow category and one that gets even smaller after taking into account the recipient’s likes, interests, and your own budget. Perhaps you find yourself falling back into the same old gift ideas each year, and now you are looking for a way to mix things up. In any case, cosmetic treatments could be just the option you need and what almost everyone secretly wants.

Why do Cosmetic Treatments Make Good Gifts?

When we look our best, we feel our best, and for many that means fighting back lines and wrinkles or combating problem areas such as thin lips or sagging facial skin. In years past, addressing such concerns meant undergoing surgical procedures such as facelifts or liposuction or putting faith in unproven products. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Today, looking one’s best is often just an FDA-approved injection away. Fillers and relaxers have taken over as not only a simpler, more affordable option for maintaining youthful glowing skin, but they deliver more natural looking results as well. For the special someone on your list this holiday season, consider the following three popular treatment options:

Botox as a Holiday Gift

Botox has become the gold standard among cosmetic injectables. Although smoothing lines and wrinkles may not have been the intended purpose initially, this relaxer has made a name for itself as a safe and incredibly effective treatment option. When injected in the right areas and in the proper amounts by a professional such as a dentist, the results are smooth, beautiful, glowing, wrinkle-free, skin that lasts for months at a time.

Juvederm as a Holiday Gift

Juvederm has a collection of fillers with each formulation serving a different purpose. Whether it’s lines and wrinkles, hollowing cheeks, or thin lips that are the source of dissatisfaction, Juvederm offers an FDA-approved product to help. Results are reliable and natural in both look and feel. These products can last from a year to two depending on the location and product. Even better, patients who are seeking lip fillers needn’t worry about permanence should they not like the results. Because Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid, it is easily “erased” with an enzyme injection.

Microneedling as a Holiday Gift

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure designed to thicken the skin and reduce common signs of aging by promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling is performed with the use of a tool or pen with 11 tiny needles at the tip. These needles are used to create micro-punctures in the skin’s surface. In response, the body treats these punctures as wounds and ramps up cell turnover, collagen, and elastin in an effort to heal them. With a series of 4-6 microneedling treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, most patients can achieve optimal results with noticeable improvement in skin’s elasticity and smoothness. This is just one of many services that can be purchased for a gift of beauty at Kelly’s Laser Aesthetics. You can view all available services and purchase gift cards on line at www.kellyslaseraesthetics.com

So, are you ready to step up your gift-giving game this year? If so, click below to contact The Smile Spa, and inquire about the services above, and be prepared to give your most useful and appreciated holiday gift yet![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]