No one likes looking in the mirror to see damaged, discolored teeth, but for many, this is the reality they face. Many patients who are unhappy with their smiles report smiling less often, covering their mouth when the laugh, smile, or speak in public, and avoiding photos whenever possible. If this describes you, Dr. James J. Kalina and his Mankao cosmetic dentistry team are here to help you reclaim your smile confidence.
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How can Your Mankato Cosmetic Dentist Improve Your Smile?
December 8, 2015
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Straightening Teeth: How Old Is Too Old?
October 3, 2015
Most of us associate “braces” and orthodontics with teenagers. But the truth is you are never too old! Patients in their 70’s and 80’s have seen the benefits of straighter teeth and a corrected bite.
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Dental Implants Mankato Relies On for Complete Smiles
September 25, 2015
Whether it’s just one or several teeth you’re missing, their absence causes a real problem. Beyond the most evident issues — difficulty speaking, chewing and a reluctance to smile or laugh — missing teeth has even more serious effects on your overall dental health. Many people are willing to sacrifice a back tooth, thinking the front teeth most important esthetically. What they don’t know is the back teeth preserve facial structure. Lose back teeth and your cheeks begin to cave in – making you look older than you are! Functionally, the back teeth are designed to tackle the bulk of the chewing. Without them the front teeth wear down, possibly loosen, and even fracture as a result of pressures they are not designed to withstand. You have a lot of options in tooth replacement, but dental implants in Mankato are the best solution for several reasons — read on to learn why.
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BEFORE YOU PIERCE……
September 11, 2015
I once had a patient who had 27 piercings on her face/head and multiple (couldn’t count them all) tattoos. Naturally, I thought she would be a breeze to work with. Ummm…No. She was afraid of needles. (WHAT?????)
Oral piercings (lips, cheeks, tongue) are on the rise, and unlike the cartilage of the ears, piercing the soft tissues of the mouth and face can pose serious oral and general health risks. Knowing the risks before you decide to pierce will help you avoid some of the pitfalls.
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Do You Have Dry Mouth? Ask your Dentist, Mankato
July 21, 2015
- Dry, chapped lips
- Mouth feels dry or sticky
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking
- Burning sensation in mouth or throat
- Tongue dry, red, cracked, or bumpy
- Mouth sores
- Waking up at night with dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Dental decay
Dry Mouth – also called Xerostomia – is a common problem and can have a serious impact on quality of life. Dry Mouth occurs when salivary glands stop producing adequate amounts of saliva. The dry, sticky sensation can make it difficult to chew, swallow, or speak. It can also lead to detrimental health effects. Saliva helps moisten food to aid in swallowing and is the first phase in the process of food digestion. It also is essential in keeping our mouths healthy. Saliva helps protect teeth by buffering the acids and sugars that lead to tooth decay. It also helps prevent oral infections and gum disease by moderating bacterial growth. Without adequate amounts of saliva, we risk poor nutrition, severe dental decay, and debilitating oral infections. (more…)
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