Everything You Need to Know About Braces Braces are one of the most common and effective ways to straighten teeth and improve oral health. While many people think braces are only about looks, they actually play a big role in keeping your teeth and jaws healthy. Let’s break down what braces are, how they work, and what to expect during treatment. What Are Braces? Braces are orthodontic devices used to correct misaligned teeth and bite issues, such as overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They work by applying gentle, steady pressure to move teeth into better positions over time. Types of Braces Today’s orthodontic treatments offer several options, so patients can choose what works best for their needs and lifestyle: Why Braces Are Important Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite problems can also reduce jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and difficulties with chewing or speaking. In many … [Read more...]
Is Your Breath Telling You Something? Understanding and Conquering Bad Breath (Halitosis)
We've all been there: you wake up in the morning, and your breath is less than minty fresh. Occasional bad breath is normal, but when it becomes a persistent problem (medically known as halitosis), it can be embarrassing and may signal an underlying health issue. The good news? In most cases, bad breath starts in the mouth and is treatable with the right care. Let's unmask the culprits behind halitosis and explore simple, dentist-approved ways to achieve lasting fresh breath. The Usual Suspects: What Causes Bad Breath? More than 90% of bad breath originates in your mouth, usually due to the breakdown of food particles and proteins by naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria release foul-smelling sulfur compounds, creating that unpleasant odor. Here are the primary causes: Dentist-Recommended Solutions for Fresh Breath The key to conquering bad breath is consistency and a proper oral hygiene routine. Your Daily Fresh Breath … [Read more...]
Root Canals: Saving Your Smile, One Tooth at a Time
The words "root canal" can send shivers down many people's spines. Often associated with pain and fear, root canal therapy has a bit of a bad rap. But what if we told you that root canals are actually tooth-saving procedures designed to relieve pain and help you keep your natural smile for years to come? Let's demystify root canals and shed some light on this incredibly common and effective dental treatment. What Exactly Is a Root Canal? At the center of your tooth, beneath the hard enamel and dentin, lies a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it helps your tooth grow and develop. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even trauma, it can cause significant pain and lead to an abscess if left untreated. A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure where your dentist or an endodontist (a dental specialist who … [Read more...]
The Sweet and Sour Truth About Dental Caries (aka Cavities!)
Ever felt that little twinge of sensitivity when you bite into something cold? Or maybe you've noticed a slightly rough spot on one of your teeth? Chances are, you've encountered the not-so-sweet reality of dental caries – more commonly known as cavities or tooth decay. Don't feel alone! Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. But while it's common, understanding what it is and how it develops is the first step towards keeping your smile healthy and happy. So, what exactly are dental caries? Think of your teeth as tiny fortresses, protected by a hard outer layer called enamel. Dental caries is essentially the breakdown of this enamel and the underlying dentin (a softer tissue beneath the enamel). This breakdown is a gradual process, fueled by a seemingly innocent culprit: plaque. The Plaque Attack: How Caries Develop Our mouths are teeming with bacteria – some good, some not so much. When we eat or drink sugary or starchy foods, these … [Read more...]
Brighten Your Smile with Opalescence Home Advanced Whitening: A Professional-Grade Solution for At-Home Convenience
Are you dreaming of a dazzling, confident smile without the hassle of frequent dental visits? Look no further than Opalescence Home Advanced Whitening, a professional-grade teeth whitening system designed to deliver stunning results from the comfort of your home. Backed by over 30 years of dental expertise from Ultradent Products, this innovative product combines simplicity, sustainability, and effectiveness to help you achieve a smile up to 4–5 shades brighter. Let’s dive into why Opalescence Home Advanced is the ultimate choice for at-home whitening and how it can transform your smile! What is Opalescence Home Advanced Whitening? Opalescence Home Advanced Whitening is a take-home whitening system that offers professional-level results. Unlike many over-the-counter whitening products that can dehydrate teeth or cause sensitivity, this system is formulated by dentists to prioritize both efficacy and comfort. It comes in prefilled, injection-molded UltraFit™ trays that conform … [Read more...]
Café Cool by Robert Schneider
We were blessed to each receive a copy of Robert Schneider's new book Café Cool. This is his third book, following Coffee Culture: Hot Coffee + Cool Spaces (2016) and Café Culture: For Lovers of Coffee and Good Design (2019), each of which has cemented his reputation as a chronicler of coffee’s intersection with design. Robert's unique blend of analytical rigor and creative curiosity shines through in his work, and Café Cool is no exception. If you’re a lover of coffee, design, or simply the art of a well-crafted space, Robert Schneider’s Café Cool: Feel-Good Inspiring Designs is a book that deserves a spot on your coffee table—or better yet, in your hands as you sip your next espresso. Released as the third installment in Schneider’s celebrated series on coffee culture, this book takes readers on a global journey through 39 beautifully designed cafés, coffee shops, and roasteries across 26 cities. Café Cool is more than just a pretty picture book—though the full-color … [Read more...]
White Teeth by the Holidays
Does the snow falling make you think of whiter teeth? Me neither! But, I do think about how white my teeth used to be. As we age, teeth tend to get darker. The enamel that protects our teeth wears down over time. Brushing, chewing and acidic drinks all contribute to the degradation of our enamel. With less enamel, the darker dentin underneath the enamel makes our teeth appear more yellow or gray. Smoking, certain medications and foods can stain our teeth, making them less white as well. You can make your teeth whiter with very little effort. The fastest way to whiten your teeth is Zoom! Whitening. Zoom! Whitening is done in-office under a special LED halide light, your teeth become noticeably whiter in 1 visit. A less expensive option to teeth whitening is custom whitening trays with professional strength whitening gel. Custom trays are made in-office and can be ready for you to take home by the end of your appointment. You will see a difference after using your … [Read more...]
How to Prevent a Dry Socket
Dry sockets can occur after a tooth is extracted. It is a painful condition that can develop when a blood clot fails to form or dislodges before the wound heals. A blood clot serves as a barrier to protect the bone and nerve after a tooth is extracted. Dry sockets generally occur 1-3 days after the tooth is extracted and is more common with wisdom teeth removal. Although they aren't very common, occurring 2-5% of the time, dry socks are very painful. Dry sockets cause the socket to become painful and swollen, trapped food will make it feel worse. The pain spreads through the nerves into the side of the face as well. To prevent dry sockets avoid straws. The suction can dislodge the blood clot from your socket. Don't smoke! Smoking increases the risk of complications and slows healing. Eat soft foods. Eating soft foods the first day helps protect the blood clot, hard foods can dislodge the clot. Rinse with salt water. 24 hours after the extraction it is important to … [Read more...]
Please Welcome our Newest Hygienist, Kate!
Kate is our newest hygienist. She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota. Kate is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but has made her home in St. Louis Park. Kate has one sister, who also works in healthcare-clearly the kind and caring gene runs in the family! Kate loves spending time outdoors when the weather is nice. She enjoys picnics, walks, boating, and gardening. In the winter, Kate likes to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea. Kate is looking forward to meeting and building connections with the patients of Bomstad Dental. We are so excited to have Kate and her effervescent personality join our practice! … [Read more...]
Wisdom Teeth
I find wisdom teeth fascinating. They are a third set of molars we don't need anymore, some people have four while others have none. Why is there such a discrepancy from person to person? Our ancestors needed a third set of molars to aid in chewing, as their diets consisted of tough foods. For example; roots, nuts, leaves, uncooked meat, etc. According to Crest, 85% of people with wisdom teeth will need their wisdom teeth removed in their lifetime. Wisdom teeth are generally removed because there isn't room in modern day mouths to fit all 32 teeth. Other reasons wisdom teeth are removed; they tend to come in crooked and are hard to clean causing decay. But not everybody has wisdom teeth, as we evolve it is becoming more common to be missing at least one wisdom tooth. Approximately 1/3 of the population isn't born with a complete set of wisdom teeth. Certain demographics have an increased chance of not having all four wisdom teeth. 41% of Koreans, 38.4% of Bangladeshis, and … [Read more...]
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