Get Rid of Bad Breath Easily with Top Tips from Boston Smile Center

March 5, 2014

Shutterstock FlossingIf you’ve ever been the victim of an embarrassing situation because of bad breath, don’t worry – you are most certainly not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from the social awkwardness and personal discomfort associated with chronic bad breath, but the good news is that you don’t have to put up with it any longer. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, Dr. Sasson and his team can work with you to find the halitosis treatment that best fits your unique case with comprehensive general dentistry services.

Fresh Breath Tips that Really Work

In the majority of cases, a noticeably foul odor when you speak or exhale is caused by particles of food that have not been completely removed from the mouth. Acids, starches and bacteria cling to your tongue, gums, the insides of your cheeks and the surfaces of your teeth. Sometimes, popping a breath mint or chewing a piece of gum seems to help, but the effects are typically temporary and not as effective as you’d like. This is because the underlying cause of the odor must be addressed rather than masked with artificial fresheners.

To combat bad breath at its source, Dr. Sasson and his team suggest keeping the following in mind:

  • Consider your food. Certain foods are more likely to result in a less-than-fresh mouth than others. Fish, meat and dairy products – particularly milk and cheese – are among the most common offenders. If a toothbrush and mouthwash aren’t readily available, try rinsing your mouth with water after eating these types of food.
  • Floss, floss, floss! Many people are perfectly good about brushing regularly, but tend to skimp on the flossing and mouthwash because they’re afterthoughts rather than vital steps in their routine. The fact is, though, that flossing and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help to remove debris and buildup that your toothbrush simply can’t reach.
  • Stay hydrated. A dry mouth is an unhappy environment for the bacteria that reside there. When you drink plenty of fluids, the pH balance within your oral cavity stays sufficiently balanced, resulting in naturally fresher breath.

Of course, the best thing that you can do for your mouth and your breath is to visit Dr. Sasson for regular general dentistry checkups at least twice per year. This ensures that your teeth and gums are both clean and healthy, the two primary components of fresh-smelling breath. Contact our office in Brookline, MA today to schedule your appointment! We also warmly welcome families from throughout the surrounding areas, including Chelsea, Somerville, Boston, Newton, Cambridge, and beyond.

Periodontal Disease and Your Health: What You May Not Know About the Link

February 26, 2014

Shutterstock Health Body PerioWhen most of us think about periodontal disease, we imagine things like redness, swelling, bleeding after brushing and even tooth loss, but that’s usually where it stops. Unfortunately, gum disease has been linked with a variety of other, potentially more serious health problems that many people don’t associate with oral health at all. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, Dr. Alan Sasson treats gum disease with Laser Periodontal Therapy to keep his patients healthy and feeling great, for both now and the future.

Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

When periodontal disease is left untreated for an extended period of time, the bacteria that causes the infection itself can spread from the mouth to the bloodstream. It travels throughout the body, adversely affecting a number of other tissues and organs. Some of the health complications linked to poor oral health include the following:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems
  • Low birth weight and preterm birth in infants of mothers with periodontal disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
  • Increased risk of diabetes complications
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Higher risk of heart attack and stroke

Fortunately for individuals suffering from gum disease, the Laser Periodontal Therapy™ procedure performed at Boston Smile Center effectively treats gum infection and can thereby help lower your risk of developing these conditions.

If you or someone in your family has experienced any of the common symptoms of gum disease – including redness along the gum line, bleeding, gum recession or sensitivity – now is the time to take control of your health and contact Dr. Sasson for help. At our office in Brookline, MA, Dr. Sasson happily welcomes patients from Cambridge, Boston, Newton, Chelsea, Somerville and beyond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give the Gift of a Beautiful Smile this Valentine’s Day!

February 11, 2014

Shutterstock Heart SmileValentine’s Day is just around the corner! Are you still looking for a unique gift for that special someone in your life? Consider giving the gift of a beautiful smile to a loved one – or yourself!

With Professional Strength GLO Teeth Whitening, you or your sweetie won’t even need to set foot in Dr. Sasson’s high-tech office in Brookline, MA! The no-mess solution and heat-guarded, LED activated mouthpiece combine to make in-home teeth whitening a breeze. Call our office today to purchase a Professional Strength GLO Device with Whitening Gel.

Need a brilliantly white smile in time for a hot date?

You’re in luck. Call our office today and schedule an appointment for an in-office GLO Whitening. Dr. Sasson will give you a brighter, whiter smile in just 45 minutes.

Call Boston Smile Center today, and give yourself or your loved one the gift of a dazzling smile.

Dr. Sasson’s General Dentistry: Putting Your Family’s Oral Health First

January 22, 2014

Shutterstock Child at DentistGreat oral health and beautiful, white teeth begin with a foundation of consistent general dentistry, making those biannual visits to Dr. Sasson’s office one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, we emphasize the importance of regular exams and cleanings to ensure a solid basis for future oral health.

We Welcome You to Our Dental Family

At routine checkup appointments, Dr. Sasson and his caring, compassionate staff will begin by making you feel secure and comfortable in the welcoming atmosphere of our Brookline, MA office. Your teeth, gums and all other parts of your mouth will be carefully assessed for any signs of decay and periodontal disease, as well as any other problems that may require treatment.

Following a routine examination, your teeth and gums will receive a thorough cleaning to ensure optimal health and to protect against future problems. This process has been described as relaxing and rejuvenating, giving you that wonderfully clean feeling you can only achieve at the dentist’s office.

If you’re having your children seen in Dr. Sasson’s office, don’t worry – our experience spans the entire spectrum of family dental care and we’re always prepared to treat our patients in the gentlest way possible, no matter their age. In some cases, we may suggest the use of safe, proven sedation techniques to relieve anxiety for a more effective and pleasant experience.

General Dentistry Care You Can Trust

At Boston Smile Center, we treat all of our patients like family, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction from the very start. From our office in Brookline, MA, Dr. Sasson proudly serves patients from Cambridge, Boston, Newton, Chelsea, Somerville and beyond. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and find out how our family and general dentistry services can benefit you!

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health – Part 3

March 25, 2013

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 3:48 pm

What You Need to Know – Dental X-rays and Food Choices

Dental X-rays

Current American Dental Association guidelines say it is more risky for a pregnant woman to postpone dental treatment than to have treatment.  This is because dental disease that goes untreated during pregnancy can lead to greater problems later on.  It may also lead to the transfer of bacteria that cause oral diseases to your child.  In order to ensure your best dental care, at Boston Smile Center, we will take only the X-rays that are absolutely necessary to make a clinical diagnosis.  At Boston Smile Center, we are equipped with the latest digital X-ray system, ensuring that the radiation exposure is the absolute minimum.  We also use lead aprons with thyroid collar to help protect your and your fetus.

Food Choices shutterstock_9493105

It is important to a eat nutritious, well-balanced diet.  When you need a snack, choose foods that are nutritious for you and your unborn baby.  What you eat during your pregnancy affects the growth of the fetus, including the their teeth.  The baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of your pregnancy.  For teeth to develop well, they need enough vitamins, minerals and other nutrients – especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous.  Your OB-GYN may recommend calcium supplements or other prenatal vitamins to you.

To Ensure a Healthy Mouth

  • Brush and floss well and frequently after every meal or snack.
  • Eat a balanced diet.  If you snack, choose healthy foods low in sugar.
  • Visit our dental hygienist at Boston Smile Center regularly for a professional cleaning and dental examination.
  • Let Dr. Sasson know:
    • if you have a high-risk pregnancy
    • the month of pregnancy you are in
    • if you are taking any medications
    • any changes in your oral health such as swelling, redness, bleeding, sores, or inflammation in your mouth
    • if you notice any loose teeth

We can work together to make sure you maintain optimal oral health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Dr. Sasson’s goal at Boston Smile Center is for you to maintain a radiant and healthy smile for a lifetime!

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health – Part 2

March 11, 2013

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 3:48 pm

What You Need to Know – Tooth Decay

Of course anyone can get tooth decay, but pregnant women who snack a lot may have a higher risk.  That’s because bacteria normally found in everyone’s mouth feed on the sugars found in all foods and drinks.  These bacteria produce dental plaque and release acids.  It is the acids that attack and eat away at teeth.

When you have sugary foods or drinks many times a day, or sip on sugar filled drinks like soda or fruit juices all day long, the acid from the bacteria attacks and eats away at your teeth again and again causing cavities.  Cavities left untreated for a long time can become complicated and expensive to treat.  The best time for dental treatment, other than routine dental hygiene visits, is in the middle trimester.  Of course, at Boston Smile Center, we always seek input and approval from your OB-GYN.

As you know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  To help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth after every meal, even after snacks or sugar-containing drinks.  A mechanical toothbrush, of any kind, is clearly more effective over a standard toothbrush.   Flossing as well is also necessary to prevent cavities from developing between your teeth.   If you already have a lot of dentistry or suffer from morning sickness, a prescription strength fluoridated toothpaste or tooth remineralizing mouth rinse may also be beneficial. At Boston Smile Center, we will tailor a regimen to meet your particular needs.

How Pregnancy May Affect Your Gumsshutterstock_11694115

Many women are prone to gingivitis (gin-ja-vie-tis) during pregnancy.  The plaque on your teeth can make your gums red, tender, inflamed, swollen, and likely to bleed easily when you brush your teeth.  This condition if left untreated can lead to more serious disease affecting the gums and the jawbone that hold your teeth in place.

During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise greatly.  These hormones can make your gums more sensitive to dental plaque.  That is why gingivitis is more common during pregnancy and why more frequent dental cleanings will be beneficial.  Your home care is especially important in keeping this condition in check.  Again, Dr. Alan Sasson will tailor a regimen to meet your particular needs.

Together we can work together to make sure you maintain optimal oral health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Dr. Sasson’s goal at Boston Smile Center is for you to maintain a radiant and healthy smile for a lifetime!

In an upcoming blog, I will discuss pregnancy as it relates to dental X-rays, food choices and looking ahead.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health – Part 1

February 25, 2013

Filed under: Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 3:46 pm

What You Need to Know – Dental Visits

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself

If you are pregnant or planning to become so, now is the time to pay close attention to your teeth and gums as an important part of your overall health.  It’s important for both you and your baby.  Pregnancy and the changing hormone levels that occur with it can make some dental problems worse.  Taking good care of your mouth benefits your overall health.  And, clearly if you are healthy, it is more likely your baby will be healthy, too.shutterstock_7618078

Dental Visits

If you are planning to get pregnant, schedule a dental checkup with us so that we can assess the current health of your teeth and gums and address any needs or concerns in advance.  We can also schedule you for an extra dental hygiene visit to keep your oral health at an optimal level during this important time in your life.

Inform us if there is any change in your general health, and change in the medications you may be taking, or any special advice your physician has provided to you.  This information will help us plan your treatment.  We would also be happy to speak directly with your OG-GYN doctor to coordinate any needed treatment.

It is important that you continue with regular dental visits during your pregnancy.  Having a dental cleaning every three months during your pregnancy can be very helpful to control gingivitis that frequently occurs because of normal hormonal changes.  Preventing periodontal gum disease is very important to you and your baby.

During the last months of pregnancy, it may be uncomfortable lying in the dental chair during your visit so let us know.  We have many options available in the office such as lumbar pillows, head, neck and back chair supports that adjust to many positions in order make you as comfortable as possible.

Together we can work together to make sure you maintain optimal oral health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Dr. Sasson’s goal at Boston Smile Center is for you to maintain a radiant and healthy smile for a lifetime!

In an upcoming blog, I will discuss pregnancy as it relates to tooth decay and gingivitis.

Straighten Your Smile Stress-Free with Invisalign in Brookline, MA

February 21, 2013

invisaligntrioIf you’re an adult with gaps or misalignments hindering their oral health, it can seem like only an impossible dream to find a solution that can help you achieve a perfectly straight smile. There are always traditional metal braces, sure, but what about that polished, professional image you’ve worked so hard to establish over time? You don’t deserve to have it damaged by a look that’ll make you feel like you’re back in junior high. Here at Boston Smile Center, we understand your hesitation, and we want to be the ones who provide you with an easy, effective solution. That’s why Dr. Sasson is happy to offer you Invisalign as a cosmetic option at his Brookline, MA office. With the help of Invisalign, you’ll soon have a beautiful, smile straight you won’t be able to help from showing off!

Beautiful Benefits, One Simple Solution

The procedure for Invisalign is simple enough – you’ll be provided with a set of custom-made, clear aligners. These will be made by the Invisalign lab after we’ve taken detailed impressions of your teeth, and they’ll each represent a different stage of your teeth as they move into their ideal alignment. There are no uncomfortable wires, no ugly brackets, and no pain with Invisalign – you simply wear each aligner for around two weeks and then switch to the next one. They can easily be removed when you eat, brush, or floss, meaning that neither your eating habits or your oral hygiene routine have to be altered in any way. Better yet, if you’ve got a big event like a wedding or graduation coming up where you want to look your absolute best, simply leave out the aligner while you’re there and slip it back in when you’re done. It really is that simple.

There’s no tightening or adjustments with Invisalign, either – you’ll only need to come in every four-six weeks so that Dr. Sasson can check to make sure your teeth are moving properly. Invisalign will take around 12-18 months to complete your treatment. In many cases, this is a much shorter time than traditional braces take, which often need to stay on for two years or more.

Are you ready to finally have the straighter smile you’ve always dreamed of? Invisalign can treat your teeth, improve your self-confidence, and more. Call Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson.

Make Your Smile Shine with Porcelain Veneers

February 7, 2013

Filed under: Boston Dentist — Tags: , , , , — Dr. Alan Sasson @ 7:55 pm

A beautiful smile can go a long way towards helping your confidence. Straight, white teeth suggest youth, success, and vitality to those around you – but as an adult, it can feel like you’ve missed your chance to undergo treatments like braces and teeth whitening, or maybe you just don’t have the time to wait on results to gradually appear. Here at Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, we understand the pressures and expectations of your daily life. Dental care should accommodate your needs, not the other way around. That’s why Dr. Sasson is happy to offer you the option of porcelain veneers, a cosmetic treatment that can cover up stains, cracks, chips, or even stubborn misalignments.  With porcelain veneers, you’ll have a four-star smile you can’t wait from sharing with the world!

What are porcelain veneers, exactly?

Porcelain veneers are a wafer-thin piece of porcelain that, in most cases, is fitted in the “smile zone” – the teeth people always see when you smile.  They aren’t one-size-fits-all, though; your veneers will be crafted so as to enhance your own unique smile. Using his patented Ceramel® technique, Dr. Sasson designs veneers that mimic the translucency, color, and shape of beautiful, natural teeth. With SmileMagic software, you can see how your new smile will look before treatment even begins!

Porcelain veneers are also:

  • Virtually undetectable by those around you
  • Resilient to nearly all foods and drinks ingested on a daily basis
  • Available after only two appointments, including a in-depth consultation that addresses your wishes concerning the look of your new veneers, and a personalized fitting

The beautiful look of white and straight teeth doesn’t have to feel out of reach – with Dr. Sasson and his team on your side, you’ll have the smile you deserve before you know it with the help of porcelain veneers. Call Boston Smile Center today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson.

Teeth Whitening Can Make Your Smile Sparkle

January 31, 2013

Here in Brookline, MA, we see several patients who are dreaming of beautiful, white teeth – and it’s not hard to understand why. White teeth can suggest youth, charisma, attractiveness, wealth, and a variety of other positive attributes to people you meet before you even speak. Talk about a good first impression! But of course, that dream isn’t always possible, whether because of age, medication, or simply because you like to have a cup of coffee in the morning. At Boston Smile Center, we want to make your smile shine no matter what, which is why we offer teeth whitening as a treatment option.  As a leading cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sasson can offer you several methods that will result in a brand-new, glowing look.

In-Office Whitening

With the help of the patented Zoom! Teeth whitening system, we’ll treat you here in the office. After only around an hour, your teeth can be lightened up to ten shades, with minimal sensitivity afterwards. We’ll also provide you with a teeth whitening kit to take home, for results that are both beautiful and long-lasting.

Customized Take-Home Whitening

If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth at home, we can provide you with a choice of a thirty-minute system that will perfectly fit both your routine and your mouth. When choosing this option, Dr. Sasson will create a customized tray that fits to the contours of your mouth specifically, and in addition, you’ll be given prescription-strength teeth whitening gel. Use these tools daily and you’ll see significant results in no time.

Take Home Whitening Tray

For those of you with little time and a tight budget, you can still undergo teeth whitening! Although Trèswhite disposable trays aren’t customized to fit your mouth, they still produce stronger results than over-the-counter brands will. Simply wear the tray for sixty minutes a day and you’ll see whiter teeth in the mirror before you know it!

Are you ready to pursue your dream of a whiter smile? Let us help you look your best, here at Boston Smile Center. Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Sasson, or feel free to peruse our website to learn about other dental procedures we can offer you.

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