Sonicare Toothbrush Winner Announced Benefiting the Tigg Neuter Project Shelter Pets

The dental office of +Verde Pointe Dental Associates and cosmetic dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD have announced the winner of the Philips DiamondClean Sonicare Toothbrush Raffle.

Tickled Pink to Win!

Congratulations to the lucky winner, Cherylann Shaughnessy for purchasing raffle tickets benefiting the +TIgg Neuter Project, a local Cobb County group of citizens tired of adoptable animals die because there isn't space at the animal shelters and no one steps forward to adopt them.  

Tigg Neuter recognizes that that intake numbers continue to rise, and the only solution is to have less animals coming into animal control by spaying and neutering pets in the local community.

The Tigg Neuter Project helps educate the public while providing low-cost/no-cost vetting options. 

The Tigg Neuter Project is working with vets in Cobb County such as +Marietta Vet Clinic and +Julian Peckich DVM who wish to stop the numbers. These vets are providing opportunities for spay/neuters at an affordable fees.

On behalf of the Tigg Neuter Project, Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Marietta Vet Clinic, we ask everyone to be a responsible pet owner by spaying and neutering your animal. The Tigg Neuter Project is under "half the way home" who has 501c3 status.  All donations are tax deductible. 

Verde Pointe Dental T-Shirt Winner Announced

The staff at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates know how to have a good time.  Four teams were created to develop a "Fun Friday T-shirt" with patients voting for the one they liked the most.

Team +Suzanna Aguilera won by five votes, although team +Kirk Kimmerling was a close second.

We Win says two Dental Assistants!

The winning slogan was, "Don't be Dirty, Come to Verde!"  Getting a dental cleaning, at least twice a year is important, not only to your mouth, but your overall health.  Bacteria resides in the mouth that can enter the bloodstream to create havoc on the body.  The dentists at the Marietta dental office want patients to understand the importance of keeping your mouth healthy.

The contest was to raise awareness to the importance of keeping a mouth healthy, cavity free, and periodontal healthy.  The staff will wear the t-shirts to help the effort.  

The Marietta cosmetic dentists are accepting new patients to the practice by offering a New Patient $100 coupon to cover deductibles, and out of pocket co-pays.  Insurance accepted and filed on behalf of the patient.  

Are Cosmetic Dental Fillings Right for You?

Many have asked the question: Are cosmetic white dental fillings right for me?

Let's explore some facts.

Silver fillings, amalgams and metal fillings are all the same.  If you have any, chances are that they have been there for a long time.

Many older silver fillings have cracks, splits, chips, gaps, rough edges and decay, many times

Silver Fillings Can be Replaced with White Fillings

indicating a need for replacement.  As long as there is enough healthy tooth structure left, a white filling is a good replacement.

White fillings, tooth colored fillings, composite resins are all the same. The white fillings can greatly improve a smile, as they are indistinguishable to the untrained eye. They not only look better, but are just as durable.

White fillings are not just for repairing a tooth, the material can be used to improve the cosmetics of a tooth.They can be used for people without naturally perfect smiles.  Gaps, rough edges, and uneven surfaces many times can be improved with white filling material.  Our cosmetic dentists perform every procedure with the goal of improving the look of a tooth and smile.

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates are happy to help people that want to improve their smile. Drs. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD are dedicated to making beautiful smiles.

The First President of the US Only Had One Tooth

The first president of the United States, George Washington had horrible teeth. It's true, when becoming  president, he only had one natural tooth.   Perhaps, that's why we never see him smiling in pictures. Although many people of the time had missing teeth, only the aristocrats wore dentures.

                                       Smile GW. We can fix that smile with dental implants!

Many believe that George Washington's dentures were wooden.  That was a myth.  The Journal of the American Revolution, John Smith, Jr. wrote, "George Washington never had wooden teeth, nor did anybody of his time.  It would have been kind of dumb to make teeth out of wood when better materials were available."  It's been said his ivory dentures were stained from foods, such as wine.

Dentures of his time were made from human teeth and bone/ivory from hippopotamus.

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates .  +Kirk Kimmerling DDS , +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD help people with ill-fitting dentures.  Dental implants to anchor dentures can make a difference in quality of life by stabilizing the bite to stay in place.  It's better dentistry that hold your smile still.

Interested in finding out how to make your dentures look, feel and perform better?  Contact the dental implant dentists in Marietta, GA., Verde Pointe Dental Associates.

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!

When it comes to dentistry, there's a legion of people with the philosophy; If it ain't broke, don't fix

it!  Although this sounds good on the surface, dental disease like many other diseases of the body doesn't necessarily hurt until it's too late for a minor repair. 

Disease involving the mouth, such as dental decay and periodontal gum disease usually does not cause discomfort in the early stages of easy repair.  A cavity can progress invading the inner most portion of the tooth causing the need for a root canal.  When the bacteria invades the nerve from decay, the more extensive and costly root canal becomes necessary to restore the tooth.

Gum disease is much the same as decay.  When it is left to progress, scaling and root planning, gum surgery and extractions can be the only treatment to get the mouth healthy. 

Regular dental cleanings at the dentist gives opportunity for early detection, less expensive restorations and a healthier you. 

If it ain't broke, FIX it!

The dentists at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates . +Kirk Kimmerling DDS,  +Suzanna Aguilera DDS and Garrick McGrath DMD are happy to welcome new patients to the dental office. If your dentist suggests necessary #dental work is necessary, and you disagree, do not ignore the situation.  Get a second opinion about the tooth, toothache, dental emergency, dental decay, periodontal disease, crowns bridges, a root canal, denture or implant.
Ignoring necessary dentistry is a mistake. 

 

Big Red Gum Reduces Bacteria that Causes Bad Breath

Good news for those of you that worry about bad breath. 

Researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago have found that Wrigley's popular Big Red cinnamon chewing gum kills bacteria in the mouth that causes halitosis, bad breath.

Dental research was presented at an annual meeting, the International Association for Dental Research. Christine Wu, associate dean and professor of periodontics at the UIC College of Dentistry presented research that found a plant essential oil used by Big Red for flavoring, cinnamic aldehyde effective in killing bacteria that causes bad breath.  Dr. Wu searches for natural antibacterial agents to suppress decay and periodontal disease.

Big Red does not just mask the odor of bad breath, the antimicrobial agents temporarily eliminate the bacteria. 

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates , Drs. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS , +Suzanna Aguilera DMD, and Garrick McGrath understand the importance of a healthy, refreshed mouth.  These Marietta cosmetic dentists understand that #brokenteeth #rottenteeth #gumdisease #dentaldecay #periodontaldisease #cavities and more play a significant role in causing bad breath.  Let our #MariettaDentist help with
get your mouth healthy with, #dentalcleaning #rootcanals #dentalimplants #dentalcrowns, #dentalbridges, #emergencydentistry and more. 

The Elderly, Dentures and Pneumonia

A study conducted by Toshimitsu Iinuma, Nihon University School of Dentistry in Japan determined that

elderly people over the age of 85 should not sleep in dentures, as it doubles their chance of pneumonia. The team published the findings in the International and American Associations for Dental Research.

Five hundred twenty four randomly selected senior's were studied over a three year period concerning oral health behaviors and the incidence of pneumonia. Data collected associated those wearing dentures during sleep with oral inflammation, microbial burden and a doubled incidence of pneumonia. 

The study recommended discouraging geriatric patients from wearing dentures at night.

Verde Pointe Dental Associates and Marietta cosmetic dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS , +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and +Garrick McGrath DMD would like to invite patients that need dentures, partial dentures, single tooth extraction, or full mouth extractions to our Marietta dental office with a new patient coupon of $100.00.  

Women Tattoo Their Gums Black in the Name of Beauty

Although having aesthetic procedures to look more beautiful is common all over the world, tattooing your gums black is a painful, ancient tradition still practiced by people in Senegal, west Africa.  The excruciating procedure is an old custom performed to achieve a more attractive, whiter smile making it easier to lure a mate.

Although most gum tattoos are performed for appearance, the practice claims to protect gums from bleeding, while eliminating everything damaging to the mouth such as foul breath, and all for less than one euro.

A black powder mixture of burnt oil and shea butter is initially pressed onto the gums, followed by repeated needle sticks. Some find the procedure too torturous, such as a lady Marieme in the popular YouTube documentary.  She quits at the fourth layer, three short of the desired seven.

She says, “I want black gums to obtain a more beautiful smile. It’s become an obsession. I do fear the procedure. But I’ll be OK.” 

It's apparent the considerable pain Marieme's tries to tolerate.  “It hurts. I would never recommend this torture to anyone,” she said. “It really hurts. I thought I was going to die. But I tried to hang on.”

 Marietta cosmetic dentists , +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD welcome you to our dental office to discuss teeth whitening and options available.  It would be their great pleasure to welcome you to the practice with a new patient $100 coupon.

Bad News for Your Teeth if You Exercise Heavy

Could it be bad for your teeth if you exercise too much? 

Researchers led by Dr. Cornelia Frese, a dentist from the dental school at the University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany and other institutions recruited 35 triathlon athletes and 35 non-athletes to examine their mouths for cavities, decay, enamel erosion, and overall oral health.  The study concluded the following.

1. Research found no correlation between sports drinks, diets and oral health.
2. The more hours athletes spent working out, the more decay present.
3. Athletes suffered greater erosion of tooth enamel than non-athletes.
4. Saliva of athletes and non-athletes, both at rest tested no differences in chemical makeup.

So why the difference?  The conclusion;

1. When athletes worked out, saliva production decreased, even with the extra consumption of water and other drinks.
2. The chemical composition of an athletes mouth converted to more  alkaline environment as the workouts progressed, contributing to more plaque.

“We had thought sports drinks and nutrition might have the most detrimental influence on dental decay,” said Dr. Frese, “but we saw no direct link. Instead, it was the changes in saliva during exercise that differentiated the athletes’ mouths from those of the control group. Since saliva “has a very protective function”  Dr. Frese said, implying a chemically different version during exercise could be problematic.

What athletes need to do concerning oral health;

Athletes should pay close attention and be aware of the condition of their mouths. Excellent oral hygiene, and extra professional cleaning appointments at the dentist for added fluoride treatments can help ensure ultimate dental health. This gives added opportunity for a dentist to fix pending oral conditions before they become more problematic. (Cavities, gum disease, root canals, dental extractions, toothaches, dental emergency and more.)
  
It's important to put the extra effort in maintaining a healthy mouth, just as you do for a healthy body. 

The Marietta dentists at  +Verde Pointe Dental Associates +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and Garrick McGrath DMD welcome athletes to the dental office.  It would be our great pleasure to ensure your mouth is healthy.  

Shocking Study about Bacteria and Your Toothbrush

Everyone knows a clean toothbrush is important, but a new study suggests that hollow head electric

toothbrushes harbor up to 3,000 times the bacteria over solid head toothbrushes.  The new study comes from researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry.  The conclusion gave much needed insight on cleanliness of a electric brushes.

The results of the study are published in the August issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene. Lead author and professor at the UTHealth School of Dentistry, Donna Warren Morris, R.D.H., M.Ed. determined the key to the design when it comes to bacteria is in the head. 

Choosing the right toothbrush may not be that easy.  Manufacturers do not expose on packaging if the heads are solid or hollow.

Regardless of the brush used, a few simple rules can tremendously help.

1. Let your toothbrush dry out in the open.  Do not put it in a case or dark cabinet.

2. When buying,  make sure to choose a brush with soft nylon bristles.

3. Try to look at the toothbrush head and choose one with the smallest attachment hole, making the
    brush-head more solid and less hollow.

4. If possible, wash your toothbrush in the dishwasher every night with the dishes on the "sanitize"     option.

5. Rinse your toothbrush with water after every use, and if possible Listerine or peroxide.  This will help to keep it clean.

Regardless of the toothbrush, it's always better to brush than not brush.  Brushers always have a cleaner mouth and lower bacterial count over those that do not.  J  It's your mouth, so it's best to take the time to do all you can.

Verde Pointe Dental Associates and Marietta dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Suzanna Aguilera and Garrick McGrath understand the importance of excellent dental hygiene.  It would be their privilege to keep or help get your oral health on track and discuss your toothbrush.  The dentists can also help with dental emergencies and cosmetic dentistry. 

Not All Cultures Value Front Teeth

As strange as this may seem, not all cultures value their front teeth.  The Surma people residing in

South Sudan and southwest Ethiopia have a tradition where front lower teeth are removed and the bottom lip is pierced at puberty to get ready for marriage. Over time the lip is stretched for insertion of an ever increasing size of clay plate.  Some are noted up to 16 inches in size.  Bigger plates are considered more desirable and beautiful, making the women worth more cattle.

Although plates are still a strong part of the culture, some modern day girls have begun to skip the tradition. 

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates and the dentists, +Suzanna Aguilera and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS are happy to present this informational article on cultures from around the world.  

Mexican Statue of Jesus Has Human Teeth

A 300 year old statue of Jesus found in Mexico strangely enough has real human teeth. The teeth were

found as a discovery when the statue was being restored. Although the practice seems strange to modern day people, apparently the 17th and 18th century practice of putting teeth into a statue made sense to them.

It was a tradition for human body parts to be donated to the church for religious purposes according to Fanny Unikel Santoncini, the discoverer and restorer of the teeth from the Escuela Nacional de Restauracion, Conservacion Y Museografic at the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia E Historia (INAH) in Mexico.  Many times, the statues used whole bones and teeth from animals.  Animal bones were carved into human teeth for statues.

Apparently, the people then were very religious and the donations were a common practice.   Apparently in Mexico there are other statues of the Virgin Mary and Saints with teeth as well.  Wigs were also donated to adorn statues.

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates +Suzanna Aguilera and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS have always known how important smiles are to people, and is seen even in statues.  Should you need a dentist in Marietta, GA, we would love to help.

Science and Your Teeth Reveal Where You Grew Up

There's no hiding where you are from, as scientists can now take a look at our teeth to reveal where

we grew up, according to a new study written about by George Kamenov from the University of Florida and Brian Gulson, of Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

 

The discovery is about lead, an element that exists in four isotopic forms in the development of teeth.  As our tooth enamel develops, it creates a lead isotope composition distinct to the environment.  The amount of each isotope differs according to where it is found in the world's rocks, soil and ores, giving teeth specific isotope markers for geographic areas.  Four isotopes exist with slightly differing compositions in different parts of the world. 

Lead isotope profiles accumulate in a child's body from inhalation and contact with the soil.  Unlike bone that regenerates constantly, tooth enamel is set once developed.  This allows for a unique lead isotope profile with set information on location during enamel formation.

If you a a foreigner in a new land, your dental enamel is different from those around you.  We know have the ability to tell you from where a person came.

Marietta Dentists, from +Verde Pointe Dental Associates +Suzanna Aguilera and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS  welcome new patients to the cosmetic and emergency dental practice

Vampire Teeth Not Just For Halloween Anymore

A strange new fad wearing vampire teeth has begun to hit professional dental offices across the country.  Mostly young teens and twenty somethings have begun to wear vampire teeth as a new fad.  People are surmising the hype is a side effect from the popular Twilight series.  Regardless of the cause, momentum is gaining.

Many of those donning the teeth are looking for quality only a professional dentist can provide. 

A handful of dentists have now been reported to make the fangs with dental veneers as a safe option to get the desired look.  The dentists are reported to charge about $200 a set.  The tooth veneers are cemented on with a safe glue, allowing the fangs to be removed without damaging existing tooth structure. It's like bonding on braces.

Goth scenes and modern day vampires are also expected to get in on the action.

Some say it's just as fad, as they look at it as an extension of rapper gold grills and Katy Perry's jewel adorned teeth.  Since some are grinding natural teeth to points, this is a better alternative damaging teeth for good.

The fad has been steadily growing, perhaps offering a safe alternative is an answer.

A Toothbrush Must Read

Taking proper care of your toothbrush is important to your overall health, according to Maria L. Geisinger,

DDS, assistant professor of periodontology in the School of Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts and even intestinal bacteria can become present on a toothbrush. Appropriate care and storage should be a main concern.

Let's take a look at protecting yourself.

1. Toothbrushes are not required to be packaged in a sterile manner, immediately requiring sterilization.
Soaking your toothbrush in Listerine or an antibacterial mouth rinse when new will reduce the levels of bacterial.

2. Remember to change out your toothbrush after an illness, or soak it in mouth rinse.  It is possible to reinfect yourself with your toothbrush.

3. Toothbrushes should be replaced if possible every three months, if not every month.  If your bristles have become frayed or bent you are past the time when your toothbrush should be replaced.

4. Wash your hands after using the rest room.  Fecal contamination of toothbrushes is more common that you may think.  Enteric bacteria from intestines can be released from the toilet in microscopic airborne droplets or on your hands, both able to infect a toothbrush.

5. Never share a toothbrush.  Your mouth does not need a foreign bacteria introduced.

+Verde Pointe Dental Associates +Suzanna Aguilera and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS are happy to offer tips on toothbrush care. New patients welcome at the Marietta cosmetic dentist office.

Tooth Tattoo

A new "Tooth Tattoo" developed by Princeton nano-scientist Michael McAlphine and Tufts bio-engineersNature Communications.  The new technology is a ultra-thin oral sensor that measures bacteria levels in the mouth.  It is a small device temporarily attached to a tooth, and may one day help dentists with oral conditions and overall health.

Fiorenzo Omenetto, David Kaplan and Hu Tao was published in the journal

The senor has three layers; gold foil electrodes, a layer a graphene and a layer of peptides.  The peptide is the chemical structure that is able to indicate bacteria.  The sensor is soft and pliable enough to wrap around the irregular contours of tooth structures.  A silk backing dissolves within 15 to 20 minutes leaving the sensor.  It's a advantageous way to monitor the bacteria.

The senor has a built-in antenna for power, allowing the  team to ping it with radio waves to send back information if bacteria is present.  The idea is for dentists to develop customized treatment plans for patients with chronic gum disease.  Patients with a high number of cavities could be given a fluoride varnish  or rinses.
As for overall health, the tattoo may have a future to monitor biological markers for diseases such as AIDS or stomach ulcers before it becomes serious.

Marietta Cosmetic dentists are also Marietta Emergency dentists welcoming new patients to the dental office.  +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera can help with dental fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, toothaches, broken teeth, periodontal disease, gum disease and any dental emergency you may have.  Please accept a new patient coupon to help cover insurance deductibles and co-pays.

Boy Staged Own Kiddnapping to Avoid Dentist

Fear of the dentist has hit the absurd, as a 12 year old French boy staged his own kidnapping to avoid a trip to the dentist.  He had an  incredible flair for detail describing his abductor to police as a muscular European man in his 30's with a black shirt, light jeans and a vertical scar on his right cheek.  All lies.

Fear of the Dentist is Quite Common for Children.

Although, odontophobia, or fear of the dentist is common, faking a kidnapping is taking it to the extreme.  

For a month, police searched to no avail.  Skepticism grew after police viewed camera security footage, and re-questioned the child.  He admitted the kidnapping was a rouse to avoid his dental appointment. His parents have not commented as of yet.  

If you have dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, you suffer odontophobia.  +Verde Pointe Dental Associates and dentists +Suzanna Aguilera +Kirk Kimmerling DDS would be happy to accommodate your needs.  The office caters to cowards, chickens and people of all ages.  The Marietta dentists understand how fear can escalate.  Far too many people suffer dental fear and anxiety.  Let Marietta emergency dentists help achieve a healthy mouth.  

Would You Stuff Your Mouth With Rags to Look More Beautiful?

Queen Elizabeth I is an iconic beauty from past centuries with chalky white skin and a receding hairline.

The Tudor Queen used white face paint and plucked her hair to get the receding look. She was self-conscious about her sunken hollow cheeks from missing teeth, so she reportedly stuffed rags into her mouth to puff out her appearance. 

The Queen had interesting make-up. Let's take a look;

• She mixed red dye with toxic mercuric sulphide to redden her lips.  (mercury poisoning)
• She dabbed on a pasty white lead and vinegar over her face and neck to maintain snow white flawless skin.(banned in most counties)
• A black lead sulphide, Kohl was used to outline her eyes, a trick still used today.

This iconic look was preserved in only a few portraits, and +Verde Pointe Dental Associates along with +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera have noticed she's not smiling.  Perhaps she can't wait to get the rags out of her mouth.  

If need to get a tooth extracted, or need an emergency dentist Marietta, GA, our dentists are always ready to help by offering a New Patient Coupon of $100 towards services.

Dental Implants Have been done for 2,500 Years

A 2,300 dental implant replacing an upper incisor was found in the timber burial chamber, Le Chene,

First Known Dental Implant

Northern France.  It is believed to be the oldest dental implant in dental history dating back to the Iron Age. The tooth was placed in a 22 year old woman after death for decorative purposes. During the Iron Age, teeth were added after death to improve appearance for after life. The procedure would have been too painful and excruciating to endure while alive. If placed while alive, it would have led to infection and death.

The corpse was found and excavated by Guillaume Segin in 2009.  The skeleton was not well preserved, however the teeth were in correct position with a metal pin located in missing tooth position.  A tooth would have been attached.  The implant preceded the oldest known by 400 years, also found in France.

The Marietta dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates place modern day dental implants at the dental office.  The dentists are happy to consult and answer questions concerning missing teeth and replacing them with dental implants at our expert dental facility.

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This Teeth Whitening is Unbelievable for Difficult Cases says Marietta Dentist

Teeth bleaching is common now-a-days, so it take a lot for the dentists at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates.

to get overly excited about new gels and lights.  However, there's now teeth whitening that is a deep bleaching system that is incredible for difficult cases.

The KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching(tm) System is an incredible teeth whitening process.

Let's take a look at why KoR works so well.

1. KoR has a proven system that allows oxygen to be absorbed deeply into the tooth and dissolve stain molecules.

2. The KoR Whitening system produces little to no sensitivity, allowing most patients to remain free from gum and tooth pain.  The sensitivity is reduces to 10% felt from other whitening gels.

3. Younger teeth are easier to bleach, however the KoR Whitening system whitens even older teeth incredibly well.

4. KoR Whitening even whitens tetracycline-stained teeth significantly.

5. Wearing the KoR Whitening trays is easy, as they are very different than normal trays.  They are so form fitting, that most people find them easy to sleep in, and forget they even have them in.

For more information on KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching System, schedule an appointment at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates and +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera would be happy to invite you to have the white teeth you have always desired.  Call for a new patient consultation, and receive a $100 coupon towards the process of teeth whitening Marietta, GA.

You Love Soda but Your Teeth Hate It

More people than ever are facing enamel erosion of their teeth, and what they're drinking is the

Sensitive Teeth Can be Excruciating

culprit.  Enamel, the outer, protective layer of the tooth can erode away leaving exposed more sensitive portions of the tooth. Once the enamel's gone, it's gone for good and can not be reversed. It's a significant problem for many people and dentists alike.

The skyrocketing sensitivity epidemic is caused by many factors, however a big culprit is soda. The phosphoric and citric acids prevalent in sodas alter the pH balance of the mouth and causes enamel to erode.

The sensitivity can be extreme and plague people the rest of their life. Even hot and cold temperatures of food and drink can be continually bothersome and painful.

People are drinking more soda than ever, an estimated 44 gallons a person per year, according to the National Soft Drink Association.

The best way to ward off erosion is to abstain from soda. However, for those who insist, here's a few tips to consider.

1. Limit consumption only to meals.
2. If you must have a soda, drink it at once.  Do not sip it continually throughout the day.
3. Drink water after you have a soda to cleanse the mouth.
4. Brush after drinking a soda, if possible.
5. Chew Trident Gum after drinking.
6. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments in the office and product to take home.

The Marietta cosmetic dentists are +Verde Pointe Dental Associates are happy to answer any questions you may have about tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion.  A sensitive tooth can become like a toothache, giving way to a trip to the dentist.  Drs. Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Suzanna Aguilera offer a New Patient $100 Coupon to help with co-pays and out of pocket expenses.  Let us help you with sensitive teeth.

Considering Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a common subject people want to know about to perfect their smile.

Dental Veneers can make a smile better!

Dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth by changing the color, shape, length and even size.  A veneer is a custom-made, thin porcelain tooth colored shell that is bonded to the front of the tooth.  They are made of mostly porcelain, but resin dental material is used on some occasions.  Porcelain veneers mimic natural reflection of light better than resin.  Porcelain is also more resistant to stains and easier to keep white.

Dental veneers are a process that usually requires three appointments.  The first appointment will be a consultation to discuss if veneers are the right treatment plan for the patient.  Make sure to write down all questions before going to the consultation to be prepared to understand the whole treatment plan to achieve your dream smile. This would be the time to ask and discuss any questions.  The second appointment will be preparing the tooth for a dental veneer and scanning an impression for the lab. The third appointment will be the actual bonding of the veneers.

For many, dental veneers are a great investment for those who are unhappy with the cosmetic look of their teeth.  It has shown in many studies, that a great smile helps with self-esteem.  +Verde Pointe Dental Associates and Drs. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera invite new patients to visit the dental office to discuss dental veneers and options.

Experience 3-D Cinema Movies at The Dentist

Marietta Dentists have just moved the dental experience into the twilight zone.  You can now watch Netflix cinemizer OLED virtual reality video glasses from Carl Zeiss while at the dentist.  Patients can enjoy a three-dimensional movie with 3d images and stereo sound on a projected 40" movie screen from inside the glasses. The OLED creates sharp, crisp images with vibrant colors and excellent black contrast.

Every experience is a full cinema experience at the dentist.

The glasses make longer procedures pass by more quickly with less stress.  They are light weight and adjustable making them easy and comfortable to wear. Most importantly, they are easily cleaned and sterilized between every patient, as the soft silicone nose pad is easily removable, and other parts cleanable.  

If you are the type of person that needs a distraction at the dentist, or would just enjoy the incredible experience, then Marietta cosmetic dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS , +Suzanna Aguilera and Garrick McGrath have the perfect experience for you!

Ancient Egyptians Were Tatted and Suffered Toothaches, But There Were Remedies

Ancient Egyptians Suffered Toothaches While Building the Pyramids

Ancient people were not that different from you and I, according to mummies exhibited in  the "Ancient Lives: New Discoveries," at the British Museum.  Eight mummies dating between 3,500 BC to 700 AD were examined by CAT scan, infrared technology and carbon dating.  The procedures proved mummies suffered oral disease and had tattoos. One woman was found to have the Archangel Michael tattooed on her inner thigh, while almost all suffered poor dental health; tooth decay, tooth abscesses, and terrible toothaches.

The earliest known dentist was the "Chief of the toothers," an Egyptian named Hesy-Re also spelled Hesy-Ra from the third dynasty. He was not only the chief dentist, but also a physician for Pharaoh Djoser in 27th century B.C.  He died with his tombstone being inscribed with "Doctor of the Tooth."  He tended to the dental health of people working on the pyramids. He was the first known man to recognize gum disease.

Let's take a look at some of the remedies;

1. Egyptians turned to superstition as a prevention.
2. The body of a dead mouse was applied to the aching tooth while still warm.
3. Drilled holes in teeth to drain infection to treat abscesses with out anesthesia.  Pre-cursor to dental fillings and root canals.

Suffering toothaches in ancient Egypt would have been common. +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera DMD would have been treated like Gods.

Thousand Year Old Mouth Bacteria Found

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and an international team discovered a 1,000 year old mouth

1000 year old Mouth Bacteria Found That Causes Gum Disease in Tartar

bacteria preserved in dental plaque.  The find  proved  inflammatory disease causing bacteria existed in a Medieval population from 1,000 years ago.  It is the same bacteria found in 13 percent of the population today.

Christina Warinner, a researcher in the Molecular Anthropologies Laboratory, OU College of Arts and Sciences and an international team of experts extracted DNA to analyze proteins on a molecular scale.  They were able to reconstruct the infection and the immune process.  The find gives insight and valuable information between people and their disease causing microbiome.

The research was initially considered high risk, as no one knew if something harmful was preserved in the calculus.

The dental plaque was harmful to the health of people 1,000 years ago, just as it causes periodontal disease; gum disease today.

Depression and Anxiety Lead to Tooth Loss

People that are depressed or suffer anxiety are more likely to lose a tooth than others.

A recent study from the International & American Associations for Dental Research found depression and anxiety were linked with tooth loss. Participants over 19 years of age were used in a complex telephone survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) where complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss was gathered.

The study concluded that there was a link between those that suffer depression and anxiety with tooth loss. Individuals with anxiety may avoid professional dental care, and those suffering depression neglect to perform home care.  Since cavities and gum disease occur from complex and chronic conditions, neglect and avoidance over time will result in tooth loss.

If tooth loss does occur, there are ways to restore your smile with procedures such as dental implants, dental bridges, dental partials. If you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist for a dental extraction, root canal or emergency dental visit +Verde Pointe Dental Associates can help.  We at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Dr.+Suzanna Aguilera and Dr. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS will offer options and associated fees when tooth loss occurs.

Hops From Beer May fight Cavities and Gum Disease

Hops from beer has just given beer enthusiasts something to talk about.  Most know that hops is what

Part of the Hops discarded in making beer may help prevent tooth decay and gum disease

gives beer its delicious bitter flavor.  Researchers have found a substance in the in the discarded part of hops that contains healthful antioxidants that may be able to battle tooth decay and gum disease. 

A specific laboratory technique known as chromatography identified new and already known compounds in hops.  Yoshihisa Tanaka and colleagues found the antioxidant polyphenols in the leaf extracts.  This extract stopped the bacteria responsible for disease from sticking to surfaces, and prevented the release of some of the bacteria's toxins. 

Since the leaves are not used to make beer, there is a large potential to repurpose it for dental applications.  +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS  and +Suzanna Aguilera welcome discussions concerning dentistry and dental applications.

The study was published in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2014, Comprehensive Separation and Structural Analyses of Polyphenols and Related Compounds from Bracts of Hops (Humulus IupulusL.) Yoshihisa Tanaka, Akio Yanagida, Satoshi Komeya, Miho Kawana, Daiki Honma, Motoyuki Tagashira, Tomomasa Kanda, Yoichi Shibusawa.

First Ever Spay and Neuter St. Patti's Event at a Dental Office

Call us crazy, and that's ok, because, here at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates we are hosting our first

"Gone to the Dogs" event this St. Patrick's Day 2014.  Our dental office is full of shelter pet enthusiasts. That's why we're dressing up in green and giving out St. Patti cookies in lieu of a spay and neuter donation for the Tigg Neuter Project!

The office in conjunction with +Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM will be collecting monies to help shelter dogs and cats get spay and neutered.

"It's always a pleasure to help needy pets in the community," say Julian Peckich DVM.  "It's great to work with such a caring veterinarian office," says Kirk Kimmerling.

For more information on the upcoming event;

http://mariettavetclinic.blogspot.com/2014/03/st-pattis-2014-event-to-help-tigg.html

Monkey Gets Root Canal byTwo Veterinarians and Dentist

A collaboration between a dentist and two veterinarians have made life a whole lot happier for one Allen root canal specialist , Kimberly Lindquist came together to perform a root canal on Noqui, an Allen swamp monkey with a toothache.

Allen Swamp Monkey Gets Root Canal

swamp monkey at Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, MN.  Veterinarian, Louise Beyea, veterinarian Michael Overend and human

 The zoo noticed a lesion on Noqui's face and determined the necessary treatment would be a root canal, just like humans get.

However, the dental procedure posed interesting challenges to the team.  Noqui's root length was extremely long compared to a human tooth, so human instruments were impossible to use.  Specialized tools needed to be located.

The palate of an Allen swamp monkey is very thin and shallow, and the accompanying narrow jaw made the root canal difficult, yet not impossible.  All in all, the procedure went well and was considered a success.  Noqui now lives pain free and able to get back to enjoying the things monkeys enjoy without chronic pain.

A Teenager Poised to Change the Future of Dentistry

Tooth decay has been around since prehistoric man.  In years past, the only alternative was to pull a decayed tooth.  Then came the onset of dental fillings and root canals, crowns, veneers and dental implants to restore the mouth.  These procedures among others have given dentists the ability to make a mouth whole.  Now, it looks like a high school student has been named a semifinalist in the 2014 Intel Science Talent Search,a prestigious pre-college science competition, and it's all about teeth.

Laura Fulton,18 is has a promising patent on tooth enamel that she has researched for two years as a student at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This is where she tested her synthetic tooth enamel and the adherence to damaged teeth.  It's been proven safe, biocompatible and having the structure of natural teeth.  It's safer than amalgam filling and does not leach the dreaded (BPA Bisphenol A).

Currently, gold, silver, mercury, plastics or and amalgam are used to restore teeth. The new synthetic enamel could change it all.

+Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera from +Verde Pointe Dental Associates will enthusiastically be waiting the arrival of the new tooth enamel.

Who Invented Serration as in Serrated Steak Knife?

If you think you know who invented serration as in the steak knife, you must have been around 298 millions

Serration and the Dimetrodon

years ago to meet a Dimetrodon.  Paleontologist suggest this prehistoric reptile predator developed serrated teeth to eat large pray.  Joseph Burns from Syracuse, New York is credited with adding already developed serration to knives in 1919. The Dimetrodon's teeth, serrated ziphodont are credited for putting the Dimetrodon at the top of the food chain in the early Permian period. The serrated knife has been put at the top for cutting modern meat, an interesting comparison.

The Dimetrodon predator is considered a forerunner to mammals.  Scientists believe it to be the first terrestrial vertebrate to have teeth similar to crocodiles.  They were the first terrestrial vertebrate to develop cusps, teeth with points.  Dr. Robert Reisz from the University of Toronto Mississauga said, "The steak knife configuration of these teeth and the architecture of the skull suggest Dimetrodon was able to grab and rip and dismember large prey."

Putting it into perspective, the Dimetrodon lived at least 50 million years before the first dinosaurs evolved 280 million years ago.

Strangely enough, researchers looked at Dimetrodon across a 25 million year span and found that even though skull shapes did not change, tooth shape did. Serration was benefit 280 million years ago, and still is used today.

The Dimetrodon invented serration, and Joseph Burns put it to good use for modern man.

Kids Receive a Children's Dental Health Month Surprise Gift at the Dentist in February

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and Marietta dentists +Kirk Kimmerling

Add caption

DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera  DMD from +Verde Pointe Dental Associates want to help children establish good oral habits that can last a life time.  Each child receives a surprise gift at a dental cleaning and checkup to help promote good oral health and excitement concerning clean teeth.

The American Dental Association has been sponsoring the event every February for 63 years.  Dental professionals, parents, and teachers alike are encouraged to participate with the ADA. Worksheets and games can be downloaded on ADA site  to help children understand the importance of oral health.

"Children are impressionable, so Verde Pointe Dental Associates are participating in the February event, adding excitement around proper brushing and flossing.

Each appointment receives surprise a colorful gift full items such as; toothbrush, floss, stickers, ADA worksheets, coloring, games, and Trident gum."

It's a big hit every year, and the Marietta dentists expect no difference this year.

Root Canal Technology Has Changed

Root canal therapy to treat a tooth is much different than years past.  Modern dental instruments and techniques give dentists more sophisticated ways to treat teeth in need of endodontic or root canal therapy.  Patients can now get the procedure done in just one pain-free visit.

Let's take a look at some on the new technology.

A. Modern anesthetics allow for easier numbing of the entire tooth.  More fearful patients can request nitrous oxide.

B. High-torque motor hand pieces are faster and enable dentist to better shape root canals.

C. Ultra sonic instruments vibrate to clean the root before a filling is placed.

D.  Modern digital x-rays allow a dentist with less radiation to develop immediate x-rays to check the status of a tooth.

E.  Apex locators help a dentist to clean and fill a tooth to the very end of the root.  The instrument measures the root and finds the apex with sound waves, help guiding the dentist, so infection is not left behind.

F. Dentists use a medicated rinse sodium hypochlorite to wash away leftover debris and infection.  A tooth is then dried with paper points, absorbent paper files.

G. Filling material, Gutta percha is used to fill and seal the tooth from reinfection.

Other than extraction, sometimes a root canal is the only treatment for a badly decayed, toothaches or infected tooth. Root canals in the past have had a bad reputation of being painful, when actually it is usually no worse than having a filling replaced.  The procedure doesn't cause pain, it relieves it.  Saving your natural teeth, when possible is always the best course of action in a dental emergency.

+Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Verde Pointe Dental Associates want to help you understand a root canal and the lastest technology available.