Children’s Dentistry Tips: 4 Ways to Protect Children’s Teeth this Halloween

October 17, 2014

57612597Together, we spend a whopping $1.9 Billion on Halloween candy every year. This equals a huge dose of cavity causing sugar unloaded onto our families each holiday. Though your child may be looking forward to the coming festivities, you may be thinking about the toll this holiday takes on your family’s health every year. But there are steps you can take today to make sure that your family’s dental health is protected this time around. The first and most important step is to make an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou and Dr. Soncini at Papageorgiou Dental Associates. They can help you guard against cavity causing bacteria on your children’s teeth with dental sealants and fluoride treatments. The experienced and gentle family dentists of Papageorgiou Dental Associates proudly serve patients throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and surrounding communities.

Children’s Dentistry Tips for the Holidays

  • Discard the Worst Offenders– Don’t allow your children to eat a lot of hard candies, taffy or gummy bears. These treats get stuck in the teeth and are the hardest to remove. Also, try to limit the amount of dried fruits your family eats this season as they can be just as harmful.
  • Know Your Limits- Set your sugary treat limits and stick to them. Work out a schedule, establish set limits and develop a plan around how to handle the leftovers. The worst thing to do is to leave a stash of sugar available for your family to snack on for the rest of the year.
  • Get Creative- There are many healthy foods that you can substitute for the sugary snacks that we typically find this time of year. Get creative with healthy choices like fruit, yogurt, pretzels and even dark chocolate.
  • Trade Unhealthy for Healthy– Create a trade in system for your children to trade candy in return for something they wish to do or have instead. Find activities that your child loves and set a fair trade amount. That way, you are disposing of excess candy and encouraging your kids to be active throughout the season.

Children’s Dentistry in Natick, MA

With all you have to worry about this holiday season, don’t let your family’s dental care be one more thing on your list. Cross it off today by making an appointment with Dr. Papageorgiou and Dr. Soncini at Papageorgiou Dental Associates. They can help you find solutions to keep the entire family cavity free this Halloween. The dentists of Papageorgiou Dental Associates are now proudly serving families throughout Natick, MA, Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley and surrounding cities.

Periodontal Disease Therapy with Dr. Papageorgiou

September 17, 2014

472315273Many people may not know this, but having a healthy smile goes far beyond having white teeth that are straight. Like many things in life, it is imperative to have a solid, healthy foundation before you are able to have a thriving result of any kind. The same concept can be applied to your smile, as it is very important to make sure that you have healthy groundwork for your smile to be able to grow and flourish. Having healthy gums are critical to having a healthy smile, though many people consider their gums an afterthought. If you are suffering from gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, your smile is in danger of deterioration, and it is crucial you have them on the mend as soon as possible. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou is able to help your gums by offering periodontal disease therapy to her patients.

One of the main reasons why taking care of your periodontal disease is so important is because it can affect both your oral health and the health of your body. Untreated periodontal disease has the potential to lead to bone loss, tooth loss, respiratory complications, dementia, stroke, and put you at a higher risk for heart disease. Also, you chances of experiencing periodontal disease are increased if you have crooked teeth, have bad fillings or cavities, suffer from diabetes, use tobacco-based products, and much more. If you are unaware whether or not you are suffering from periodontal disease, a few symptoms are red and swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, teeth that are shifting or become loose, and tenderness to the touch.

One way we are able to treat your periodontal disease is by scaling. This means we remove the harmful bacteria from below the gum line, prevent it from furthering the attack on your gum tissue. We will also do root planing, which means we will smooth out your tooth’s root that have become jagged due to the bacteria. If you would like Dr. Papageorgiou’s help in treating your periodontal disease, contact our office today!

Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Our Natick team is happy to provide you with whatever cosmetic, general, or restorative dentistry needs you may have. We are proud to see patients from Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and all surrounding areas.

Straighten Your Smile Seamlessly with Invisalign

August 15, 2014

177000598With many things, people who want to alter their appearance do not wish to look like a completely different person, but more so an improved version of their original self. Whether it is their hair or their nails, many people just want to look as natural as possible, all the while getting the treatment they want. People feel the same way about whatever treatment they go through with their smile. If you have a misaligned smile, you may have been deterred from getting treatment because of the thought of wearing braces. Fortunately, you can get the orthodontic treatment you deserve while being discreet by making an appointment with our doctors and receiving Invisalign.

Invisalign is a great aspect of dental technology, as it allows you to seamlessly straighten your smile, all the while looking like your natural self. Invisalign works through a series of aligning trays, and sit nearly invisibly on your teeth. Each tray is indicative of a new phase in your straightening process. When you wear a certain tray for an allotted amount of time, simply remove the tray and move on to the next tray in the series. Simple and convenient, Invisalign is able to change the way you view orthodontic treatment forever. Also, each aligning tray is made to fit your smile only, not only making your treatment simple, but customized just for you.

One of the great things about Invisalign is the fact that you are able to have better oral health while receiving your treatment. You do not worry about what you can and cannot eat, as you have complete freedom. Also, any time you need to eat, drink, floss, or brush, simply remove and reapply the aligning tray when needed. If you would like to set up a consultation with our doctors and see how Invisalign can help improve your smile, contact our office today!

Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Our Natick team is happy to provide you with whatever cosmetic, general, or restorative dentistry needs you may have. We are proud to see patients from Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and all surrounding areas.

Children’s Dentistry for the Natick, MA Community!

July 18, 2014

shutterstock_166055237One of the beautiful things about children is that their lives are just beginning. They have a whole world to discover and life to live, and it is important that they get started on the right path as healthily as possible. One aspect that is very important is a child’s smile. When a child’s smile is beautiful and healthy, it establishes a healthy oral routine that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Dr. Christina Papageorgiou and Dr. Jennifer Soncini are here to make sure your child’s smile is as healthy as possible, which is why they offer children’s dentistry at their Natick, MA dental office.

When your child comes in for their first appointment, we will be able to evaluate their smiles fully, making sure everything is copasetic. We will inspect every tooth to make sure there are no signs of infection or decay, such as cavities and periodontal issues. We will look at their jaw and their bite, making sure everything is aligned as well as determining the need for orthodontics in the future.

We will also take that opportunity to educate your child on proper brushing and flossing techniques. If we teach your child the proper ways of oral care now, they will be able to carry that knowledge with them throughout their teenage and adult lives. This gives them a better chance at having excellent oral care! We will give your child fluoride treatments and dental sealants during their appointment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that makes teeth stronger, fights of cavities, and attracts other minerals that are conducive to a healthy smile. Dental sealants are thin plastic covers that are painted over your child’s molars. This helps prevent bacteria settling in the grooves of the teeth, reducing the odds of cavities.

If you feel as though your child can benefit from a visit at our office, make an appointment today, and we would love to help your child begin their journey of excellent oral health!

Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Our Natick team is happy to provide you with whatever cosmetic, general, or restorative dentistry needs you may have. We are proud to see patients from Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and all surrounding areas.

It’s Not Easy Being Green- It’s Great!

June 16, 2014

shutterstock_185075840A tall, ice cold glass of tea is a wonderful way to cool off in the summer heat. A summer staple, tea of all types has been able to cool us down, quench our thirst, and please our taste buds. From black tea to herbal, from peach to spearmint, the options often are overwhelming, but the end results are always delicious! What you may not know is how green tea is able to give you amazing benefits, both to your smile and your body! This summer, we want to make sure you are fully knowledgeable about what type of tea you are drinking and how it can promote your body’s wellness!

One of the amazing advantages to drinking green tea is the fact that it helps with your brain and your heart. Green tea is full of catechin, which are antioxidant that fight off, and have the ability to prevent, cell damage. Studies have proven that drinking green tea is directly linked to having a larger amount of activity in the working memory part of your brain. Also, drinking green tea has been shown to block the development of plaques that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

For those with diabetes, green tea helps been the blood sugar level stable! If you are over worked and very stressed, green tea has an amino acid called theanine, something that can have a calming effect on people. For those trying to lose some weight, green tea can help increase your metabolism, helping you burn more fat calories! There are so many amazing advantages to having a cup of delicious green tea, and you should definitely experience it for yourself!

Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Our Natick team is happy to provide you with whatever cosmetic, general, or restorative dentistry needs you may have. We are proud to see patients from Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and all surrounding areas.

Cosmetic Dentistry with Dr. Papageorgiou in Natick, MA

May 15, 2014

shutterstock_95709055Having a perfect, beautiful smile is definitely something a lot of people strive for. A flawless row of teeth is a sign of health and vitality, and people go through great lengths to achieve such a goal. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and it is important to make sure you put your best smile forward! Papageorgiou Dental Associates is able to offer an assortment of cosmetic dentistry options, always keeping in mind that her patient’s flawless smile is the goal.

Our dental practice offers teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry options. We offer in-office whitening using Kör, and take-home whitening using NiteWhite. Both options give you a dazzling, beautiful smile that you can be proud of. We also offer Invisalign, giving you the ability to straighten your teeth seamlessly! Involving a serious of aligners, Invisalign aligners sit nearly invisibly on your teeth, allowing you to straighten your smile without all of the metal you may have been concerned about.

We also provide porcelain veneers to our patients, giving them a smile makeover in such a short amount of time. Able to cover up cracks, misalignments, discoloration, and much more, porcelain veneers make it easy for you to have a smile you cannot wait to show the world!

If you are curious about how our line of cosmetic dentistry options can help improve your smile, make an appointment at our Natick, MA dental office, and we will be more than happy to help!

Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Our Natick team is happy to provide you with whatever cosmetic, general, or restorative dentistry needs you may have. We are proud to see patients from Framingham, Wayland, Sudbury, Wellesley, and all surrounding areas.

Give Your Kids the Advantage of a Healthy Smile with Children’s Dentistry in Natick, MA

March 5, 2014

Shutterstock Children Girl ToothbrushLifelong oral hygiene habits begin with a foundation of early dental care. From the time your son or daughter is between one and two years of age, he or she should begin visiting your local Natick, MA dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. Early pediatric dentistry helps ensure that your little one’s smile stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Why is Children’s Dentistry So Important?

While you do everything you can at home to maintain your kids’ oral health – including brushing and flossing at night before bed – there are a number of reasons to bring them in for regular dental visits as well. Throughout the childhood years, teeth, gums and jaws are still developing. Our experienced oral care professionals examine your little one’s entire dentition, looking closely for signs of proper growth and problems like tooth decay.

Because we believe that prevention is the best medicine, particularly for little smiles, we may recommend dental sealants to protect against cavities. Optional fluoride treatments help fortify developing enamel, further reducing your child’s potential need for fillings or crowns. Regular cleanings at your dentist’s office supplement all of the brushing, flossing, and rinsing you do at home.

Prevention and Protection for Your Child’s Smile

Whether your child is ready for his or her first visit to the dentist, or you’re simply in need of a routine check-up with an oral health professional you can trust, your Natick children’s dentist is here to help. Contact our office today to reserve your appointment and find out how our gentle, caring approach can make your kids’ next dental visit a pleasant and memorable experience. We happily welcome families from nearby communities in Weston, Framingham, Sherborn, Wellesley, Wayland, Ashland, and the surrounding areas. We look forward to giving your children the consistent, quality dental care they need and deserve.

Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection: Periodontal Therapy in Natick, MA

February 11, 2014

It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, putting them at a higher risk for a variety of potentially life-threatening health problems. At Papageorgiou Dental Associates in Natick, MA, Dr. Christina Papageorgiou performs comprehensive periodontal therapy to help reduce the risk of associated complications before they become even more serious.

Gum Disease & Systemic Health

Though the thought of periodontal disease typically evokes images of bleeding gums and eventual tooth loss, the truth is that this common affliction actually affects the entire body. Bacteria that accumulates around and beneath gingival tissue can seep into the blood stream where it can wreak havoc on other tissues and various organs. When left untreated for any extended period of time, gum disease can contribute to the following health complications in men and women of all ages:

  • Cancer, namely of the blood and pancreas
  • Respiratory illness, including pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Preterm birth – and resulting low birth weight – in mothers with periodontal disease
  • Complications in patients who also have diabetes
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Increased risk of stroke and heart attack

Fortunately, the use of periodontal therapy significantly reduces a patient’s risk of suffering from these and other medical conditions when implemented in a timely manner.

Restore Health & Vitality to Your Smile

If you or someone in your family is affected by any of the common symptoms of gum disease, it’s time to take the first step toward improved oral and overall health with periodontal therapy. Contact our office in Natick, MA to see how Dr. Papageorgiou can help you reclaim your smile today. We proudly serve patients from throughout Natick, as well as from the surrounding communities of Sudbury, Wellesley, Framingham, Wayland and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our dental care family!

 

Protect Yourself From the Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease

February 4, 2014

Shutterstock FlossingWhile periodontal disease gets the majority of its reputation for sore, bleeding gums and a greater chance of tooth loss, the fact of the matter is that this common infection affects the entire body in many unexpected ways. When left untreated for an extended period of time, advanced gum disease can contribute to a variety of potentially life-threatening health problems. Only professional periodontal therapy can completely reverse the disease and therefore lower your chances of developing these complications.

The Mouth-Body Connection

When bacteria that has accumulated along the gum line seeps into the blood stream, it can quickly spread throughout the rest of the body. Over time, the infection can begin to affect various other tissues and organs, resulting in health problems that may go undetected for years until symptoms develop. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, some of the most common medical complications associated with untreated periodontal disease include the following:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer, particularly of the pancreas and blood
  • Respiratory disease, including pneumonia
  • Complications in patients with diabetes
  • Preterm birth and low birth weight

Fortunately, patients treated with periodontal therapy have been found to be at a lesser risk of developing these problems. This is why it is critical that patients experiencing the symptoms of gum disease seek treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Bleeding when you brush and/or floss
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Redness and severe discoloration along the gum line
  • Sensitivity
  • A feeling of soreness in the jaw directly beneath teeth

Contact your local dentists in Natick to find out how periodontal therapy can help keep you protected from serious health problems associated with gum disease. We also happily welcome patients from the surrounding areas of Sherborn, Weston, Wellesley, Framingham, Ashland, Wayland and beyond.

Understanding Bruxism and How It Affects You

January 9, 2014


Do you often wake up with a headache or a sore, throbbing jaw? For many men and women, this is a common occurrence. The act of excessively clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth during sleep is called bruxism and, when left untreated, can result in damage to the teeth and jaw.

What Causes Bruxism?

Most individuals who suffer from sleep bruxism are unaware of their condition. Typically, a partner, roommate or sibling is the first to notice the tell-tale gnashing sound while the affected person is asleep. In extreme cases, teeth may even crack or break free of the gum over time due to the immense pressure involved.

Causes of bruxism range from psychological stress and sleep disorders to certain medications and daytime consumption of caffeine. Approximately 86 percent of bruxism instances throughout the night occur during periods of light sleep.

There is evidence that people who smoke, consume medications containing amphetamine or have sleep apnea are more likely suffer from bruxism. All of these things are known to disrupt sleep patterns.

Treatment of Sleep Bruxism

Dr. Papageorgiou and her team have extensive experience in the management of this condition. We offer simple, effective treatments for bruxism that fit your lifestyle.

If your bruxism has caused damage to the teeth or bones of the jaw, reconstruction may be needed to restore the beauty and function of your smile. Dr. Papageorgiou may prescribe an occlusal splint, or dental guard, that you wear at night to prevent further grinding. Most patients report almost immediate relief with this method of treatment.

Contact your local Natik dentist today to find out how our caring, experienced team can help you manage your bruxism with a nighttime mouth guard, custom-fit to your teeth. We also happily serve patients from Wayland, Wellesley, Framingham, Ashland, Weston, Sherborn and the surrounding areas.

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