Dr. Long, reminding you that regular checkups are important

Dr. Long and his team want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit our office every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Long can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam Dr. Long and team will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Happy New Year from the entire team at Michael G. Long D.D.S.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Dr. Long and team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Long and his team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2010? Opening
presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

A great article about changes in dentistry, from Dr. Long

The world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces you're wearing on your teeth! Recently, Dr. Long and his team read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Long to discuss your implant options.

Happy Wednesday!

What do you love about Michael G. Long, D.D.S?

From your very first visit to our office Dr. Long and his team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Long? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Thank you and happy Wednesday!
The team at Michael G. Long, D.D.S

Is fluoride your friend? You bet it is! Dr. Long explains...

There are so many ways you protect your teeth! You brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dr. Long uses in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental procedures.

Fluoride used in the our office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Dr. Long how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or Dr. Long's recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Dr. Long may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

--From Dr. Long and his team

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Long and team

Dr. Long and his team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially if you have braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Dr. Long talks about the importance of avoiding cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but, what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, Dr. Long can repair your cavities, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

•Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
•Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
•Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
•Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
•Be sure to visit Dr. Long and team every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Getting Married This Fall? Let Dr. Long Give You a Brighter Smile!

It’s Fall. Leaves are turning shades of orange and red, the wind is picking up and getting cooler, and pumpkin patches are full of bright orange pumpkins. Families gather together, kids head out trick-or-treating, and as always, wedding bells are ringing. That's right, Fall is one of the best times of year to tie the knot! If you are gearing up for a wedding this Fall, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Michael D. Long D.D.S. we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a call and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

Meet Dr. Long

Dr. Long, a native of Fresno, California, has been serving the Central Valley and surrounding communities since 1980. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco in 1980.

Dr. Long is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Fresno-Madera Dental Society, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and serves as a peer review board member for the Fresno-Madera Dental Society. In the past he also served as a board member of the U.O.P. Dental School Alumni Association.

Dr. Long, a third-generation Fresnan, was born and raised locally. He graduated from Fresno High in 1972, attended Fresno City College, and graduated from the University of the Pacific at Stockton in 1976. He has been married to his high-school sweetheart, Debbie Howell, for 33 years. They have three sons, Conner, Chris and Jordan.

Dr. Long is committed to providing his patients with excellent comprehensive dental care. He personalizes all treatment to each of his patients’ individual needs in a comfortable and friendly environment. An excellent, experienced team that strives to deliver patient care second to none surrounds Dr. Long. The relationships Dr. Long and his staff have developed with his patients and their families are the most rewarding aspects of his career.