Choosing a Portland, OR dentist may be one of the most important decisions you make for your health.  To help guide you to the right oral health care professional, here are some things you may want to take into consideration:

• Start by finding a Portland General Dentist who can act as the primary care giver for your oral health.  Verify that they hold a valid D.M.D. or D.D.S degree and are licensed to practice in your state.
• Ask how long the dentist has been practicing and find out how much continuing education the dentist takes every year.   A well trained dentist is one who continues to educate themselves year after year.   Find out which professional organizations the dentist is involved with and any awards or advanced certifications they have earned.
• Ask for testimonials or to speak with current patients of the practice who would be willing to share their experiences.
• Ask to see before and after images of any work you plan on having performed by the dentist.  A reputable dentist will generally document the work that they do.
• Tune in to how the dental team treats you.  Is the receptionist friendly and helpful?  Do they answer all of your questions in a thoughtful fashion?
• Ask about how the practice goes the “extra mile” to make your experience a positive one.  What things do they do that help put people at ease?
• Is the office easy to get to and do they have parking?
• Ask about new technologies that the practice is using.  For instance, are they experienced with dental lasers or single-visit crowns?
• Ask about the availability of the dentist during off hours.  If you are in an emergency situation, is the dentist available to help patients of record?

By asking the right questions before choosing a Portland dentist, you can greatly increase the odds of finding the right Portland dentist for you. 

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If you have diabetes, maintaining your oral health through dental care is of tremendous importance.   Proper care of your teeth and gums will greatly aid in the management of your diabetes.  Some of the most common issues that are attributed to diabetes include: tooth decay, gum disease, fungal infections, and changes in taste and saliva flow.

When you eat a meal that contain sugars or starches, the bacteria that live on your teeth convert some of these sugars into acids.  These acids break down your tooth enamel.   You should be aware that many “sugar free” beverages on the market contain a high level of acidity which can further contribute to the breakdown of enamel.  If you have diabetes and don’t control it through a diabetes diet your saliva may have a higher concentration of glucose that helps oral bacteria thrive.   This can contribute to an attack on enamel and eventually cause cavities.  In order to maintain great diabetes control and oral health it is important to understand how your diet affects your oral health.

How can you help to maintain optimal oral health? The most common advice you’ll hear is to brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss on a daily basis.   If you find flossing difficult, there are many inter-dental cleaners at your local pharmacy that can aid in the process.   However, even with thorough brushing and flossing, sometimes this won’t be enough.   Eating a healthy diet can significantly aid in decreasing your risk for dental problems.  The frequency with which you eat is also involved in keeping your teeth heatlhy.  Keeping snacking to a minimum can pay great dividends with tooth health, and drinking water throughout the day will help to dilute the acids that get created after you eat.

Remember, even though diabetes may put you at an higher risk for oral health problems, you still have the power to reduce your risk significantly.  Thoughtful home care and diet can greatly aid in maintaining your health!

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Gum Disease and Diabetes — Which came first the Chicken or the Egg???

The relationship between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease can lead quickly into a downward spiral.  In fact recent research has shown that not only does Diabetes put you at greater risk of developing Periodontal Disease, but having Periodontal Disease alone will put you at an increased risk for developing Diabetes.   

Diabetic patients are at a much greater risk of developing periodontal disease due to changes in the blood flow which nourishes the gums.   Periodontal Disease in turn can elevate blood sugar levels and diabetic complications.

Why is it that Diabetics are at an increased risk for the development of Periodontal Disease? Diabetics are at an increased risk for the development of all infections, and the gums are no exception.

What do you do if you are diabetic and don’t know if you have Periodontal Disease? Visit your dentist regularly and if you don’t have a regular dentist, find a General Dentist who has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease.  Many patients who don’t know that they are Diabetic have been referred to their physicians by dentists for evaluation based on the fact that they have gum disease.

Treating  and even Preventing Gum Disease is possible with the help of your dentist.

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Lumineers® are the light at the end of the tunnel for those who aren’t satisfied with their smile. Lumineers (porcelain veneers) are contact lens-thin and are placed over the teeth to correct discolored, chipped or misaligned teeth. They transform your teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that is perfectly suited and tailored to you.

Unlike traditional veneers, there is little to no painful grinding of your teeth involved, making the entire process reversible and much less invasive and less time consuming. Lumineers can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace old restorations.

In some cases, Lumineers can be used to correct dental problems in place of braces, and unlike braces, there are no restrictions on the kinds of food one can eat.

In just 2-3 visits, you can have a custom-made smile that is clinically proven to last over twenty years!  Since incorporating them into our practice we have had many patients choose Lumineers to improve their smiles.  The most common comment after having smiles enhanced with Lumineers is “I can’t believe how simple that was!  I wish I had done this sooner!”  If you value having the best smile you can, call us.  Get your perfect smile today!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Blodgett Dental Care

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