Michel Dental Archives - Page 4 of 8

Have A Seamless Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings

August 21, 2014

Whenever someone receives any sort of dental treatment, they tend to like for their results to look as natural as possible. Though some would like to opt for a drastic change in their appearance, there are some who simply wish to look like improved, natural versions of themselves. The same concept can be applied when talking about fillings. Having metal, also known as amalgam, fillings can give your smile an unpleasant aesthetic, making your dental work obvious. Though you may think nothing can be done regarding your metal fillings, Dr. Michael Michel is able to give his patients the natural appearance to their smile that they have been wanting by offering tooth-colored fillings at his Topeka, KS dental office.

Aside from being displeasing to the eye, metal fillings are also unhealthy to your body. Metal fillings contain mercury, a highly toxic element. When left to sit in your smile, the toxins have the potential to enter your blood stream, affecting other areas of your body. Tooth-colored fillings are not only better for your smile, but for your overall health as well.

One of the great things about tooth-colored fillings is the fact that more of your natural tooth structure is able to be saved than with metal fillings. This form of conservative dentistry gives us the ability to not only make your smile look more natural, but it will actually be more natural. Being able to be sturdy against temperature change and breakage, tooth-colored fillings are much stronger than traditional metal fillings. When making your filling, we will be able to make it to where it exactly matches the color of your natural smile, making it blend it seamlessly. If you would like to make your smile look and feel more natural with tooth-colored fillings and would like the help of Dr. Michel, contact our office today!

At Michel Dental, we offer quality dental care for a distinctive smile. Our Topeka dental office serves patients from Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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Which Toothpaste Is Best for You?

August 7, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Emporia, general dentistry, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, toothpaste, Topeka — docmichael @ 2:43 pm

Many people underestimate the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth every day. Though it may seem simple, brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, multiple times a day, can really affect the overall health of your smile and your body. Any time you walk down the oral care aisle, you may feel overwhelmed with the hundreds of options for toothpastes. With different flavors, some promising a whiter smile, you may not know which toothpaste is just right for you and your smile. Dr. Barry Polansky wants his patients to well-informed when walking down the oral care aisle to make sure they are knowledgeable in toothpastes and how it can benefit their smiles.

When looking for a toothpaste, a very important thing to look for is making sure the toothpaste has fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that deters tooth decay, such as cavities, as well as attracts other minerals to strengthen your smile. Also, any time you eat or drink, the bacteria in your mouth release an acid when feeding off of the sugars and starches left behind; fluoride is a great way of fighting off that acid.

Making sure your toothpaste as tartar control is another great thing to look for. Tartar, which is hardened plaque, has the potential to put your smile at a higher risk for gum disease and other types of dental decay if left untreated. There are some toothpastes out there that contain Triclosan. Triclosan is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria in your mouth. Making sure whatever toothpaste you choose is ADA approved is essential. When a toothpaste is ADA approved, it contains fluoride, killing two birds with one stone. These few tips will definitely make it easier for you when deciding on a toothpaste that is right for you, and you will be on the road to better oral health in no time!

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The Importance of Cleaning Your Tongue

July 21, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: cleaning tongue, Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, tongue, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:20 pm

With summer gripping us with its warm rays, many people are making an effort to look their absolute best for the summer season. There is no doubt you will be meeting many new people and reconnecting with old friends and family during the season, and many think it is important to have a perfect smile to greet them with! What many people may not realize is cleaning your tongue daily is just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth! Often left to fall to the wayside, the tongue holds a lot of bacteria that can cause many negative effects on your body. Cleaning your tongue daily can hold many benefits for your smile and the rest of your body, and the Dr. Michael Michel wants you to be as knowledgeable as possible regarding proper oral care!

One of the prominent reasons to clean your tongue is to be able to have fresher breath. There are millions upon millions of bacteria that thrive on your tongue and, eventually, through your saliva, make their way throughout the rest of your mouth and body. Research shows that not cleaning your tongue can be the reason for 80 to 95% of halitosis (bad breath) cases. Another reason to clean your tongue every day is so you will be able to better taste your foods and drinks. Without all of the bacteria covering up the taste of your food, you will be able to fully enjoy and savor every bite and sip you take!

A very important reason to clean your tongue daily is to prevent the possibility of cardiovascular problems, infertility in men, and increased risk of diabetes. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and when it is not taken care of, it can have brutal side effects. The bacteria that manifest on your tongue have also been linked to periodontal (gum) problems, such as tooth decay, recession of the gums, and tooth loss. In order to truly reap the benefits of having a beautiful, healthy smile, not just during summer but all year round, make an effort to clean your tongue every day, and you will not be let down!

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Protect Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns!

July 7, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, porcelain crowns, restorative dentistry, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:18 pm

With summer here, many people are making it a high priority making sure they look their absolute best. Whether it is visiting the gym more often or getting a haircut, people are making an effort in their appearance, knowing they will meet many new people and reconnect with old friends during the summer season. It can be very difficult living with a smile that you are unhappy with, leaving you to feel insecure and worried about how people may perceive you. Broken teeth can be displeasing to the eye, as well as result in declining oral health, and Dr. Michael Michel wants to make sure you have a smile that is complete, beautiful, and flawless by offering porcelain crowns to his patients.

If you have a broken or significantly damaged tooth, the entire Michel Dental team will be able to fix your smile with ease and comfort! A crown covers a broken tooth, and is also known as a dental cap because of the way it literally caps over the preexisting tooth structure. A crown is able to protect an already damaged tooth from any further harm, allowing the natural tooth to repair and be protected. The wonderful thing about your crown is the fact that it will match your natural tooth exactly. We are able to find the exact right shade of porcelain to match your natural tooth, so your smile looks natural and as organic as possible.

One of the great things about crowns is the fact that it does two jobs in one! Crowns are able to protect your teeth from wear and tear, while also making your smile look as natural as possible. Dr. Michael Michel, as well as the entire Michel Dental team, is here to make sure your smile is the best is has ever been, and we hope to deliver that to you! If you are curious as to how Dr. Michel can help protect your smile using crowns just in time for summer, make an appointment today!

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Find Relief in your Tooth Pain with Root Canal Therapy

June 19, 2014

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Michel Dental endodontics, Michel Dental root canal therapy, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:35 pm

Living in pain is never an easy thing, especially when it comes to your teeth. Tooth pain can be excruciating, and doing nothing about the pain will only make it worse. If you are suffering from an ongoing tooth ache, it is most likely because your tooth is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can wreak havoc on the rest of your smile, leaving you with a much more expensive and painful results down the road. Michel Dental understands the importance of making sure your smile is as health as it can be, which is why we offer root canal therapy to our patients!

A root canal needs to be performed when the tooth’s structure has been compromised. Perhaps due to a crack or a large cavity, the tooth’s inner structure has become infected with bacteria, causing you much pain and discomfort. Other things that can cause the need for root canal therapy are deep restorations and dental trauma.

We begin your root canal by focusing on the infected tooth and removing the harmful bacteria. The tooth’s pulp is removed, and then the tooth is filled. After that, a crown is usually placed at the top, protecting the tooth from further harm. At the end, you feel relieved and alleviated of pain!

If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain, swelling, throbbing, and a bad taste in your mouth, you may need a root canal. Make an appointment at our office, and we’ll be glad to help!

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Just How Important is Fluoride?

June 5, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, fluoride, general dentistry, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka — docmichael @ 8:35 pm

Though many people may not know this, fluoride is a key mineral that helps keep your teeth nice and strong. Especially important in children’s dentistry, fluoride treatments can begin a healthy foundation for your smile to thrive and take life’s knocks. In case you have forgotten, or do not know, about the many benefits fluoride can give, let Michel Dental inform you!

One of the benefits to fluoride is the fact that it naturally makes your teeth resistant to cavities. The mineral acts as a shield, not allowing harmful bacteria to ruin your smile. Fluoride also strengthens teeth, making them resilient to the end! Fluoride treatments are common practice in children’s dentistry, as studies show that children who receive them are 40% less likely to get cavities.

Another great way to get fluoride is through tap water, as well as certain toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride is also beneficial to those who suffer from constant dry mouth, people with crowns and bridges, people with braces, gum disease, and those who have a history of having continual cavities. Everyone young and old and benefit from fluoride, and we encourage you to find a source! So, as you see, though fluoride may be in the back of some people’s minds, it really should be at the forefront. It’s a wonderful way to protect your teeth, keeping them beautiful and healthy for years to come! If you have any questions about fluoride treatments, call our office and we will be happy to help!

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How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Heart

May 22, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 3:22 pm

It is no surprise that something that affects one area of your body has the potential to affect another area. Though it may seem odd to some, our bodies are connected and weaved together, so our systems do not work independently of each other. This cause-and-effect relationship our body has can be wonderful, but depending on what is going on, it can also be detrimental. There have been many studies that support the idea that periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked to heart disease, and the reasons how they are connected may surprise you.

Bacteria from the mouth can enter the blood stream, making a beeline for your heart. The bacteria in your mouth can be found in your arteries, slowly clogging them while simultaneously lessening the blood flow to your heart. Also, because your body is filled with natural defense mechanisms, such as swelling, the bacteria from your mouth has the possibility to cause your blood cells to sweet, narrowing an artery and increasing your risk of clots. With blockages such as these, it is not too difficult to connect the health of your mouth with the health of your heart.

One of the ways you can keep the bacteria in your mouth at a minimum is by flossing and brushing every day, preferably after every meal. The longer bacteria are able to sit in your mouth, the better the chance of it entering your bloodstream and making its way to your heart. With simple preventative measures, your mouth, as well as your heart, can be happy and healthy.

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How Green Tea Can Protect Your Body

May 8, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka, Topeka dentistry — docmichael @ 3:22 pm

There are so many types of teas out there, the choices can be overwhelming! From black to white, ginger to spearmint, tea has been around for thousands of years, and has been proven to have many beneficial to the body in so many ways. One of the most beneficial teas the world has to offer is green tea. Being able to be a super food for many areas of your body, some people may not know about the amazing contributions a cup of green tea can make!
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!
At Michel Dental, we offer quality dental care for a distinctive smile. Our Topeka dental office serves patients from Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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Foods and Drink That Can Damage Your Smile

April 30, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka — docmichael @ 3:50 pm

The foods and drinks we put in our mouths play a much larger role in our overall oral health than what people may think. Certain foods and drinks can really cause an immeasurable amount of harm to your smile. Though some people may know what foods and drinks to avoid, others may be in the dark, continuously indulging in the foods and drinks that will, over time, ruin their smile. Being informed as to what to avoid is half the battle, and the people at Michel Dental want to keep you up to date as much as possible in order to protect your smile.

Some of the most harmful things people can consume is carbonated beverages and sports drinks. These types of beverages can contain high amounts of sugar which eats away at your tooth’s enamel. Sodas and other carbonated beverages have tooth-eroding acids, like phosphoric and citric acids, all leading to the demise of your smile. Also, excessive alcohol consumption is bad for your smile, as it causes dehydration in your body. Because you body will not produce the acceptable amount of saliva, your teeth and gums are more at risk of decay and disease.

Some harmful foods you should avoid are dry fruits and candy. Some examples of dry fruit include raisins, dates, and prunes, all of which have high amounts of sugar and loiter in your mouth for a long time, even after you have eaten it. Also, things like potato chips, ice creams, and other splurges can all be harmful to your overall oral care. Should you wish to partake in these sweet, salty, and bubbly treats, enjoy in moderation and always remember to brush your teeth afterward.

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Get a Better Night’s Sleep with the Help of Dr. Michel

April 24, 2014

Filed under: Sleep Apnea — Tags: Dr. Michael Michel, Dr. Michel, Dr. Michel Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, Manhattan, Michel Dental, Topeka — docmichael @ 3:49 pm

There are very few things more frustrating than a bad night’s sleep. Sleeping gives your brain a chance to recharge and your body to rest, and when that is interrupted, it can be extremely disappointing. Waking up groggy or irritable, louder-than-normal snoring, and sleepiness throughout the day are a only a few symptoms that you are suffering from sleep apnea. Luckily, Dr. Michael Michel is ready and able to help with your sleep apnea woes!

There are many things that can agitate sleep apnea, like smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and eating a large meal right before you go to bed. However, if you are able to identify a specific reason why you do not sleep well, you may have sleep apnea. The most common type of sleep apnea is OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This is where your breathing is compromised while you sleep. Your breathing pauses during the night for several seconds at a time, and can happen more than 25 times in a night! With this type of sleep apnea, the snoring one may experience can be quite excessive and boisterous. This causes severe exhaustion, high blood pressure, lack of concentration, and much more.

Dr. Michel helps his patients with their sleep apnea by offering his patients the Oasys Sleep Snoring Device. This FDA-approved appliance is able to help you get a better night’s rest in two ways. First, it repositions your jaw, propelling it forward as to open your airflow. Second, it will dilate your nasal passages, eliminating the airflow resistance and decrease the snoring. There are also things you can do to help with your sleep apnea, like going to bed at the same time every night, making the room as dark as possible, and exercising on a daily basis.

If you have any questions on how Dr. Michel can help with your sleep apnea, make an appointment at our Topeka, KS office, and we will be glad to help you get a full night’s rest!

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