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.