Tuesday, August 9, 2011
When you need immediate dental care, we’re here for you.
At the office of Dr. Michael Long, we know dental emergencies are never convenient or timely. If you are a patient of record, we are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you.
We are here to help you, any time, any day, and when your dental health is at risk, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you’re treated as soon as possible at our Fresno dental office. While dental emergencies are rare, we know they can happen at any moment, and it’s important to know how to take care of your teeth no matter what.
Common dental emergencies include:
• A bitten lip or tongue
• Broken or cracked tooth/teeth
• Broken jaw
• Permanent tooth that has been knocked out
• Object caught between teeth
• Severe toothache
If you have a dental emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to contact Drs. Kasey or Kevin Perry.
We hope you’re all enjoying your summer.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ask Dr. Long: What, exactly, are cavities?
Dr. Long knows 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 you ask? 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.
The best prevention for cavities is regular checkups with Dr. Long and proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. A regular checkup with Dr. Long and our team consists of a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, Dr. Long also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack. Digital X-rays will also be taken to pinpoint the cavities and to help determine the best treatment options.
If you have any questions about cavities, or to schedule an appointment at Michael G. Long DDS, please feel free to give us a call.
We hope you're having a great summer!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Your oral health and overall health
Don’t put off your next visit to see Drs. Perry or Long! As we’ve shared in previous blog posts, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.
Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, their regular visits to Michael Long DDS can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. We’d also like you to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25).
Additionally, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our convenient Fresno dental office, please give us a call! Summer makes for a great time to check in with us!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tell us about your summer!
It’s summertime here at Michael G. Long DDS, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is here to stay for a couple more months. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, taking in a camping trip, hitting California’s open roads or just having fun around Fresno, we want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook page and tell us about your summer!
We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!
Happy & safe travels everyone!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Do we have your current contact info?
We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment with Drs. Perry or Dr. Long, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient during that time.
Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Fourth!
America turns 235 years old today! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers - past and present - who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.
Our team at the office of Dr. Michael Long would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the Fresno sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.
We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.
Our team at the office of Dr. Michael Long would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the Fresno sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.
We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Are regular checkups really that important? You bet.
Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after meals? If yes, that’s wonderful. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the office of Dr. Michael Long every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Perry and Long can:
• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth
During an oral exam we 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 visited our convenient Fresno office during the past six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling (559) 432-4850! Summer is a great time for a quick visit!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Connect with us on Facebook!
At the office of Dr. Michael G. Long, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in Fresno and surrounding areas over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?
By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates and announcements from our office – all through your news feed!
See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!
- Drs. Long & Perry and team
By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates and announcements from our office – all through your news feed!
See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!
- Drs. Long & Perry and team
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Monday, June 13, 2011
Moooover over, gum disease!
Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2009 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).
Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.
Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth, says Dr. Long. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!
Plus, did you know June also marks National Dairy Month?
For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Smile! June marks National Smile Month!
The American Dental Association discovered a while back - through a poll - that a person's smile was important than their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. After all, there's a big reason why Americans spend as much as they do on general and cosmetic dentistry each year: folks want to look (and feel) great.
That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month. It's a great time for Dr. Long and Drs. Perry to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so you can celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years:
* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit Dr. Long regularly (usually every six months or sooner).
If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at 559-432-4850. We hope you had a great weekend! Get out there and share your smiles with the rest of Fresno!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Is your child afraid of the dentist?
We hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Drs. Perry and Long know some children fear going to the dentist, and last week, we found a helpful article on how to help your child overcome fears of visiting our office, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.
It is our goal to make your child’s dental experience a positive one. Whether it’s a simple checkup or restorative care, Drs. Perry and Long and our experienced team provide comprehensive gentle dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. In fact, most of our patients look forward to their next visit! Schedule an appointment at our convenient Fresno office by calling (559) 432-4850, and we’ll see you soon!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!
Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Dr. Michael Long's office can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.
This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!
Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!
Please give us a call to set up a free consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!
At the dental practice of Dr. Michael G. Long, we treat patients in a casual, relaxed, and family-friendly environment. Dr. Long and his team are dedicated to giving you, our patient, the care you deserve and the healthy, bright smile you want. Oral hygiene is at the core of what we do. We believe that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and we always want you to feel like your smile matters – because to us, it does!
Whether you've visited Drs. Perry and Long for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.
After all, reviews help Dr. Long create more beautiful smiles in Fresno and surrounding communities here in Fresno County.
You may write a review here.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend! Dr. Long and team look forward to reading your reviews!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!
Did you know the month of May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into our lives. The reminder is even more significant today as people are more distracted by television, social networking, video games and working more hours. Living an active lifestyle can improve physical and mental health, productivity and overall well-being. The best part? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your reference. The guidelines call for people to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).
At the office of Dr. Michael Long, we always encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when doing so. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out these helpful tips, courtesy of our friends at the American Heart Association.
Friday, April 29, 2011
How to freshen bad breath, from Dr. Long
Dr. Michael Long, your Fresno, California dentist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.
We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Dr. Long's office, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!
We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Dr. Long's office, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!
Labels:
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Dr. Michael G. Long,
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
The importance of dairy, from Drs. Long and Perry
Drs. Perry and Long want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).
Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.
Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth, says Dr. Long. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!
For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Ask Drs. Perry & Long: When do I need an extraction?
Thanks for the question! There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth - sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.
When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a "tooth socket," and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.
Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.
Contact our Fresno, CA Dental practice, located in the Pinedale neighborhood today at (559) 432-4850 if you have any questions or are experiencing pain or discomfort!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
We support Oral Cancer Awareness Month!
Visiting the office of Dr. Michael Long on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
As your dentists, Drs. Perry and Long are specialists who work to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Connect with us on Facebook!
At the office of Dr. Michael G. Long, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in Fresno and surrounding areas over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?
By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates and announcements from our office – all through your news feed!
See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!
- Drs. Long & Perry and team
By “Liking” us on Facebook, you will receive regular updates and announcements from our office – all through your news feed!
See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!
- Drs. Long & Perry and team
Labels:
facebook,
social media,
social networking,
technology
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
How important is your smile?
At the dental practice of Dr. Michael G. Long, we treat patients in a casual, relaxed, and family-friendly environment. Dr. Long and our team are dedicated to giving you, our patient, the care you deserve and the healthy, bright smile you want.
And speaking of smiles, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?
Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well
Contact our Fresno, CA Dental practice, located in the Pinedale neighborhood today at (559) 432-4850 and start your journey toward a lifetime of bright smiles!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Gingivitis and gum disease
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease.
Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:
• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our Fresno office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Complimentary Consultations at Dr. Long's office
At the dental practice of Dr. Michael G. Long, we treat patients in a casual, relaxed, and family-friendly environment. Dr. Long and our Fresno team are dedicated to giving you, our patient, the care you deserve and the healthy, bright smile you want.
One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in dental treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Drs. Perry and Long, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning your dental treatment.
If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at our Fresno, CA dental office!
We look forward to working with you, your family and all of your wonderful smiles!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March is National Nutrition Month!
March is here, and this month happens to be National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Michael Long and Drs. Perry, as well as thousands of dentists take time to celebrate this occasion. This March, Dr. Long and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.
Dr. Long and team know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet beginning this March:
• Focus on fruits and veggies: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.
• Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Fresno.
• Make calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.
• Test your taste buds: Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.
• Trick yourself with treats: If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy some fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you care for a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts.
We hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions and have a great week!
Dr. Long and team know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet beginning this March:
• Focus on fruits and veggies: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.
• Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Fresno.
• Make calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.
• Test your taste buds: Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.
• Trick yourself with treats: If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy some fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you care for a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts.
We hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions and have a great week!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]
Happy Monday! We recently came across this video, and realized that it’s just what folks in Fresno considering Invisalign might be interested in watching. Invisalign sure gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.
At the office of Dr. Michael Long, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign, and always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else!
Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at our Fresno office to set up an appointment, so Drs. Perry and Long can discuss the specifics of your treatment.
We hope you had a wonderful Presidents’ Day weekend!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What's on your mind?
Week after week, Drs. Perry & Long and our creative team blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being, including innovative dental techniques offered at the office of Michael G. Long. Today, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our loyal patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!
So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
February is also American Heart Month!
You may remember our blog post from last week, when we discussed February being "National Dental Health Month." But did you know February is also American Heart Month?
It's a great time to take good stock of the health of your heart. Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, says the American Heart Association.
Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit a dentist, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of Michael G. Long. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. Perry and Long say it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment with Dr. Long, please give us a call today.
It's a great time to take good stock of the health of your heart. Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, says the American Heart Association.
Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit a dentist, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of Michael G. Long. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. Perry and Long say it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment with Dr. Long, please give us a call today.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February marks National Dental Health Month
Did you know February is National Dental Health Month?
It’s a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene. Today, Drs. Perry and Long thought we’d discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.
Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year’s resolutions:
*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.
*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach.
*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.
*If heart disease runs in the family, a diagnosis of gum disease increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, but an improved oral care regimen and healthy diet can lower the risk.
*Visit our office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit our Fresno office every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.
Each February, our team focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office during the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You
It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!
Signs to watch for:
• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment right away by calling the office of Dr. Michael Long, serving Fresno and Central Valley. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Share your story with us! Why did you choose Dr. Long's office?
At the dental practice of Dr. Michael G. Long, we treat patients in a casual, relaxed, and family-friendly environment. Dr. Long and his team are dedicated to giving you, our patient, the care you deserve and the healthy, bright smile you want. Oral hygiene is at the core of what we do at our convenient Fresno office. We believe that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and we always want you to feel like your smile matters – because to us, it does!
Whether you've visited Drs. Long or Perry for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.
After all, reviews help Dr. Long create more beautiful smiles in Fresno and surrounding communities here in Central Valley.
You may write a review here.
Thank you in advance and enjoy your week! We look forward to reading your reviews!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?
Great question. At Dr. Long's Fresno office, we know all too well the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!
This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!
Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
What is your New Year's Resolution?
2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at the office of Dr. Michael Long! Today, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?
We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!
What is your New Year's Resolution?
2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at the office of Dr. Michael Long! Today, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?
We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!
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