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!

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!

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!

Cosmetic dentistry in Fresno and greater Central Valley – Michael G. Long D.D.S

There are many dentists in Fresno and the Greater Central Valley area working hard to bring beautiful smiles to their patients. Cosmetic dentistry has begun to earn the positive acclaim it deserves due to the latest surge of makeover TV shows. Many of our patients have spent great time and effort when choosing Dr. Michael G. Long and Drs. Kasey and Kevin Perry to be their cosmetic dentists.

Located in Fresno, we treat patients from all over the Central Valley and provide flexible scheduling to optimize your convenience. When choosing a dentist, please use this blog and our website to learn more about cosmetic and general dentistry in all its forms from smile enhancement, to dental restoration, to regular checkups, and simple teeth whitening. The first step to making Fresno smile is to make you smile!

Please call our office to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, or check us out on Facebook!

Dr. Michael Long and team, supporting National Dental Health Month!

October is here, and for Dr. Michael Long and our staff, that means only one thing: National Dental Health Month.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Fresno office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Dr. Long's office? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at 559-432-4850 to set up an appointment.

We hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Ask Dr. Long: What is MI Paste?

MI Paste/MI Paste Plus is a one-of-a-kind product that restores minerals and helps you produce saliva. It is the only dental product with RECALDENT™, a special milk-derived protein that is a breakthrough in oral health care in helping to remineralize teeth.

At Dr. Long's office, MI Paste and MI Paste Plus:

• Strengthen your teeth with tooth-replenishing calcium and phosphate
• Release vital minerals into your mouth when and where they are needed
• Produce a saliva-like environment that maintains normal acid levels and healthy teeth
• Help condition, protect and rebuild your tooth surfaces
• Are water-based, sugar-free crèmes that comes in five delicious flavors

MI Paste can be used as a regular tooth strengthener to keep your teeth strong and healthy, but it’s especially helpful in:

* Reducing tooth sensitivity from whitening products
* Rejuvenating and preventing sensitivity after professional cleaning
* Preventing white spots while wearing braces, and eliminating when braces are removed
* Relieving dry mouth caused by certain medications or chemotherapy
* Reducing high oral acid levels from excessive soft drinks or alcoholic beverages

For more information on how we use MI Paste and MI Paste Plus at our convenient Fresno office, we encourage you to read a bit more about this product.

Healthy gums, healthy hearts! From Dr. Michael Long

Gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common in Americans than you may think. Year after year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and we at the office of Dr. Michael Long have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. Our staff recently found a great article outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains

In addition to these foods being gum-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your diet this fall. If you have any questions about periodontal disease, please give us a call at 559-432-4850.

Welcome Drs. Kasey and Kevin Perry!

Dr. Michael Long and our entire staff are happy to welcome Dr. Kasey and Dr. Kevin perry to our Fresno office. Drs. Kasey and Kevin are recent graduates of U.O.P. Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry. Born and raised in Fresno, they attended Clovis West High School, Fresno City College and graduated from San Diego State University with honors in Biology. While attending these institutions, they also played baseball.

Graduating from dental school with multiple awards, Drs. Kasey and Kevin bring a fresh approach to the practice of dentistry, which we're all excited about! We are sure you will enjoy meeting these two!

We are happy to now have the opportunity to provide more flexibility with appointments. Dr. Long, along with Drs. Kevin and Kasey will be able to deliver patients care during extended hours and Saturday appointments! Please give us a call at 559-432-4850 to schedule an appointment with our new doctors as soon as possible.

Happy Friday!

The importance of flossing, from Dr. Michael Long

Dr. Michael Long and our staff hope you're not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss daily. Or worse, we hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Our staff (as well as Dr. Long) will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes everyday is recommended, but it's important to know that even a minute of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last visit with Dr. Long? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling 559-432-4850!

We hope you're enjoying your summer! Have a great Friday.

Patient question: "What's the deal with nail biting? Is it all that harmful?"

OK, so you know that biting your nails is a bad habit, but many people still wonder: what’s so awful about biting your nails once in a while? Recently, Dr. Michael Long and staff came across an interesting article on biting nails and the effect it has on your teeth and oral health.

Not only is nail biting unsanitary, it's also unattractive, unhealthy for your teeth and expensive!

Look at it this way:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.

• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good those pearly whites. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth, contributing to teeth misalignment.

• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your that pesky habit of biting your nails. Have any questions about nail biting? We encourage you to ask Dr. Long next time you're in for a visit!

Featured patient reviews for Dr. Michael Long

Once in a while, Fresno dentist Dr. Michael Long and team get patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do at our convenient Fresno office: creating beautiful smiles. Check out these two reviews we received from two longtime patients and please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

"I've been going to Dr. Long for 20 years and will not go anywhere else, ever. He gives the most painless shots possible. He is soft spoken and kind. His front office is professional and most helpful. His hygienist staff mirrors his personality: kind, helpful and professional. I cannot say enough about the experience there. I highly recommend Dr. Michael Long."

"He and his staff are fun and friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you and your family. I have gone to him for 15 years and trust him and his staff. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that the staff knows your name and who you are. I highly recommend."

Dr. Michael Long, protecting you from oral cancer

In our continuing efforts at Michael G. Long DDS to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality dental care available to our patients, we screen our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the United States, someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the deadly 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 with time.

Fresno dentist Dr. Michael Long will tell you early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. Ask Dr. Long about a screening at your next appointment and have a great weekend!!

Write a review of Dr. Michael Long!

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 Dr. 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 Local listing 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 week! Dr. Long and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Dr. Long wants to know: could you be a teeth whitening addict?

Dr. Michael Long knows people want to look and feel great, and at a time when a set of sparkling teeth might mean the difference between getting a job, more and more folks are complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, excessive teeth sensitivity and translucent teeth.

At Michael G. Long DDS, we are proud of offer the latest in in-office whitening. The process takes just about an hour in our office. During chair-side bleaching, Dr. Long will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

We also have in-home whitening treatments, including teeth whitening trays, teeth-whitening strips, paint-on teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste. While all toothpastes help remove surface stain from your teeth through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Lastly, our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

Mr. Bean goes to the dentist! From Dr. Long

How about a treat today? Above is a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff loved it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

Dr. Michael Long, helping kids overcome fears of the dentist

Dr. Michael Long is well-aware that many children have fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. Our team at Michael G. Long DDS found a great article on helping kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Long and our team excel at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited us in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment!

Smile wider, live longer, from Dr. Michael Long

Folks with big smiles may live than those who don’t, according to a new study at Michigan’s Wayne State University.

We’ve known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (big smile, no smile or partial smile).

The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. The researchers found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer!

-- Dr. Long

Ask Dr. Long: Why cosmetic dentistry?

At Michael G. Long DDS, we know your smile is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. With the advent of new aesthetic dental treatments, a stunning, memorable smile is now easily within your reach. Offering cosmetic dentistry in Fresno and Central Valley, Dr. Michael Long would love to see you for a smile makeover if you are experiencing the following "symptoms":

* Do you hesitate when you smile?
* Would you like to increase your self-confidence?
* Do you want to look your best in social or professional situations?
* Are you ready to reverse dental imperfections caused by Mother Nature or an accident?

Dr. Long and our dedicated team can help you achieve your smile goals. Cosmetic dentistry is art and science working seamlessly together to offer smile enhancement, restoration, and maintenance for your optimal dental health. Using cutting-edge techniques and advanced materials, Dr. Long proudly offers you a beautiful, natural smile and all the benefits that come with it. You will look and feel better because a beautiful smile is a healthy smile.

If you have been wanting that perfect smile, please give us a call at 559-432-4850! We'd love to help!

March is National Nutrition Month! From Dr. Michael Long

You may remember our post from a few weeks ago about February being National Children's Dental Health Month. Well, we're now well into March, and March happens to be National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Michael Long, 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!

Five helpful tips to avoid plaque, from Dr. Michael Long

Dr. Long and our staff know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth, much less hearing the word 'plaque.' Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with not brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is not flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, avoiding a trip to visit Dr. Long's office is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your dentist at least twice a year, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables.

Finally, before you pick that candy up, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, please give us a call or schedule an appointment!