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Dakota Dental Announces Tips to Prepare for a Dental Emergency While Traveling During the Holidays

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Dakota Dental gives tips on how to prevent and be prepared for dental emergencies this holiday season.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Dakota Dental offers tips and information on how to handle dental emergencies during the holidays, and what patients can do to prevent those emergencies from occurring during the holidays. This holiday season, people are likely focused on gift lists, wrapping paper, favorite recipes, family, and travel plans. What may not cross their minds is what to do in the case of a dental emergency during their holiday travels, while they’re away from home and far from their regular dentist.

Some common dental issues that may come up while away from home include toothaches, cracked or broken teeth, or teeth getting knocked out. None of these are pleasant while traveling, but there are some ways to treat these ailments while away from home. For toothaches, rinsing with warm water and gently flossing can help to try and remove any debris that is caught and may be causing discomfort. However, if that doesn’t help, it may be a good idea to call a dentist.

For broken or cracked teeth, apply cold compresses to control swelling and go to a dentist as soon as possible. And for a knocked out tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse the root with water if it’s dirty. If you can’t hold the tooth in its socket, put the tooth in milk and get to a dentist for emergency dental work as soon as you can.

Though some dental emergencies can’t be avoided, there are some dental preventive care measures patients can take to reduce the chances of needing emergency dentistry services this holiday season. Especially if you have a history of dental health issues, make an appointment with the family dentists at Dakota Dental before heading out of town.

The dentists at Dakota Dental can also give patients tips for how to have healthy teeth throughout the holidays. From avoiding hard candies that may chip or crack teeth to ways to prevent toothaches, the dentists at Dakota Dental can help patients make sure their holiday plans don’t get derailed by dental emergencies.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Announces Teeth Friendly Foods for Thanksgiving

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Dakota Dental provides tips and teeth friendly food ideas for a perfect smile this Thanksgiving.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Thanksgiving brings together families and favorite recipes and though Thanksgiving is known for its turkey, pumpkin pie, and stuffing, it’s important to still take care of your teeth. Dakota Dental provides some teeth friendly foods and helpful tips for taking care of your teeth while still being able to enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

It’s well known that sugar isn’t great for teeth, but starches can be just as bad. Bacteria living in the mouth feeds off of starches and sugars sitting on teeth and the acidic byproduct from this bacteria is what causes the buildup of plaque and causes tooth decay. And research has shown that the combination of starch and sugar on teeth (like you would find in a piece of pumpkin pie) can compound the effects of decay.

There are some teeth friendly foods that you can add to your Thanksgiving menu that everyone can enjoy. For an appetizer, a tray of cheese cubes, raw veggies and mixed nuts are not only a healthy snack, but an option that helps with a healthy smile, too. Crunchy veggies and nuts can help scrub away plaque buildup; and the calcium and minerals found in nuts and cheese can help build up strong enamel, fortify the surface of teeth, and re-mineralize teeth.

Though it may be hard to fully deny having pie for dessert, offering an option of pears with a honey yogurt dip may help reduce serving sizes of pumpkin pie. Pears have been shown to neutralize acid on the surface of teeth, and a dip made of plain Greek yogurt, honey, and a dash of cinnamon provides calcium to strengthen teeth.

Research is also showing that cranberries and red wine might contain properties to help weaken the bacteria that is harmful for teeth; however, the sugary cranberries you eat on Thanksgiving might not be quite as beneficial.

Another important way to prevent cavities on teeth is by talking to the dentists at Dakota Dental about their preventative care program. Dakota Dental recommends that even if you indulge in plaque-building foods this Thanksgiving to make sure that you brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth with water, after the big meal to prevent bacteria from having their own feast. These simple preventative dental measures can make a big difference in your overall dental health.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Helps Children Go Back to School with the Basics of Dental Care

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Dakota Dental encourages patients to establish a regular brushing and flossing routine as the school year gets underway.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — With students headed back to school, now is the perfect time to establish healthy habits into a family’s daily routine. If brushing and flossing habits have faded throughout the summer, the structure of a school routine may be just the thing to help build back the habit of taking care of your teeth.

While everyone knows the basics and the importance of dental health, some people may have trouble being consistent in their brushing and flossing. In addition to brushing teeth twice a day, patients should be sure to take their time to do a thorough job. Each brushing session should last about two minutes, but brushing harder does not mean brushing better. The ideal way to brush teeth is to hold the toothbrush at a slight angle and use short, light back-and-forth motions.

Changing out a toothbrush every three to four months is another key to having healthy teeth. If it’s been awhile since you’ve bought a toothbrush, the start of the school year is a good time to get everyone in the family new toothbrushes as well. Rinse out your toothbrush after each use and store it upright to allow it to air-dry to reduce germs.

Flossing every day is another important habit to embrace in order to have a healthy smile. Flossing reduces the likelihood of gingivitis by reducing plaque buildup and strengthening gums. It only takes a minute or two a day and is very inexpensive – making it a worthwhile habit to prevent tooth decay.

The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental specialize in educating their patients about preventive dental care (http://www.dakotadental.com/general-dental-services/preventative-care-program/education) and giving practical advice about good oral health. As everyone gets back into the swing of the school routine, now is an ideal time to put these basics into practice and schedule your next dental appointment.

Dakota Dental offers children’s dental services and can help teach children the importance of regular brushing and flossing. The family dentists at Dakota Dental work with patients of all ages to ensure they have the best smile possible.

To make an appointment or for more information, contact Dakota Dental today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Advances the History of Dental Floss

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Dakota Dental encourages patients to take care of their teeth by regularly flossing.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Flossing is a crucial way to maintain a healthy smile, but many patients don’t floss daily – or at all. Dakota Dental encourages patients to brush up on the importance of flossing, as well as learn more about the history of flossing and taking care of your teeth.

The simple concept of flossing, or using a thin thread between the teeth to remove food and buildup, has been around for centuries. Discoveries made by researchers have suggested that cleaning between teeth has been practiced and can be traced back as early as the Prehistoric period. Grooves from floss and marks from toothpicks were found in the mouths of prehistoric humans. It’s also presumed that thicker horse hair was used as floss and things like small twigs were used like a type of toothpick. So though the overall concept of flossing hasn’t varied much over time, there have been some improvements and changes to floss.

By 1815, American dentist Dr. Levi Spear Parmly used waxed silk thread as floss. A few decades later, un-waxed silk floss begins being mass-produced for patients to use. By the 1940s, nylon replaces silk as the go-to material for floss, due to the rising costs of silk during World War II and silk’s tendency to shred. Today, floss comes in different flavors, thicknesses, waxed or un-waxed, as floss picks, and more.

Ultimately, each of these different types of floss serves the same purpose. Flossing can help reduce gingivitis and gum irritation, as well as reduce plaque and tartar. As important as flossing is, a recent study showed that only 30% of Americans floss daily and 32% never floss.

If you’re not in the habit of flossing, knowing the benefits that flossing can have for your teeth may be the incentive to start now. The cost of treatment for gum disease far outweighs the cost of buying some floss and the practice of flossing only takes a few minutes a day. The dentists at Dakota Dental work with patients to educate them about preventive dental care and good oral health practices including proper flossing techniques. Regular brushing and flossing will make trips to the dentist even easier.

If you have questions about how to clean your teeth properly, feel free to ask the dentists at Dakota Dental at your next appointment. Request an appointment today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Releases Important Information Regarding Taking Care of Your Teeth This Summer

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Dakota Dental educates patients tips on how to keep their teeth healthy this summer.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Picnics, ice cream, and lemonade are all summertime staples. However, it’s important not to let good oral health practices fall to the wayside during these warmer months. Finding the right balance between summer treats and taking care of your teeth will help ensure that this summer is filled with fun memories – not cavities.

Summer fruits and vegetables are great healthy teeth choices for several reasons. Berries like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are packed with vitamin C, and their natural sweetness can help curb cravings for more sugary sweets. Veggies like spinach, kale, and peppers have beneficial vitamins and minerals as well, such as magnesium, vitamin C, and calcium. Of course, calcium is an excellent nutrient for healthy teeth, and crunchy vegetables can help naturally scrub away plaque as you eat them.

Sugary drinks such as sodas, lemonade, and sports drinks are more common refreshments during the summer and it’s good to keep moderation in mind. Sugary drinks provide bacteria with plenty of fuel to create plaque, which can lead to cavities. So when possible, stick to water to re-hydrate. And if you can’t resist a lemonade or soda on a hot day, be sure to remember that moderation is key. When possible, rinse your mouth with water after having a sweet drink so that the sugars don’t sit on your teeth for a long period of time.

Flossing is also an important way to avoid oral health problems. Whether it’s popcorn at the fair or some corn on the cob, food lodged between your teeth can not only cause discomfort, but if left to sit on your teeth, could cause cavities on teeth as well. Stash some floss in your car or purse, or at the very least, make sure to floss at night to ensure your teeth stay healthy.

Dakota Dental, an Apple Valley dental clinic, provides dental services for the whole family. Dakota Dental cares about their patients and wants to educate them about tips to have perfect teeth all summer long. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dakota Dental today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Releases Important Information Regarding Dental Crowns

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Dakota Dental educates patients about what dental crowns are used for, and the features and benefits of different types of crowns.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — While taking care of your teeth is extremely important, a trip to the dentist often requires more than a regular teeth cleaning or dental x-rays. The dentists at Dakota Dental are skilled at handling those procedures. Dakota Dental provides important information when patients are in need of a dental crown, helping them to understand the different types of dental crowns and which are best suited for them.

A crown is like a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over the existing tooth as a way to re-establish the tooth’s shape and strength. There are several situations where a crown may be used. If a tooth is weak or cracked, a crown might be placed on that tooth to prevent it from breaking further. Or, if a tooth is already broken or misshaped, a crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it.

If a tooth has a large cavity filling that takes up the majority of the tooth, a crown could be added to support and strengthen it. Additionally, if a patient has had a root canal procedure or a dental implant, their dentist might add a crown to stabilize that tooth.

Crowns can be made of a combination of gold and porcelain. crown could be all porcelain, all gold, or a veneer of porcelain over a gold framework.

All-porcelain crowns are most commonly chosen if the crown will show when smiling, since it will look almost identical to enamel. It is very strong and the newest types of porcelain crowns are fracture resistant and non-abrasive.

The family dentists at Dakota Dental use the highest grade of American-made materials when making crowns and each crown is certified to be free of any lead or other metals not approved by the FDA. To provide the best fit for their crowns, the Apple Valley dentists use a computer to precisely scan the dimensions of each tooth in need of a crown.

If you’re in need of a crown, talking to the Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental can help you make the best choice. Contact Dakota Dental to find out more about crown options or to make an appointment.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Educates Gum Disease Symptoms and Treatments

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Dakota Dental advises patients to educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of gum disease, and to take action to treat gum disease if it occurs.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Gingivitis and other types of periodontal disease are more common than people think – in fact, three out of four teeth lost after the age of 35 is due to gum disease. Dakota Dental works with patients to educate them about the importance of taking care of your teeth and identifying gingivitis symptoms.

While many people focus on having healthy teeth, they oftentimes neglect to take care of their gums. Taking care of gums is equally as important, since gums protect and support teeth and the tissue that holds them to the bone. If there is an issue with the gums there is an increased risk of eventually losing teeth.

However, gum disease can sneak up without many obvious signals – discomfort and pain aren’t usually signs, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of gum infection. Things like swelling gums (called gingivitis), bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, loose teeth, mouth sores, a receding gum line, and constant bad breath can all be indicators of gum disease.

If these symptoms persist and go untreated the gums then begin to pull away from the teeth, letting in more bacteria. This process causes the tissues and bone that support your teeth to break down and loosen the teeth – and eventually, fall out.

To treat existing gum disease, the Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental start by removing the root cause of gum disease: plaque buildup around the teeth. They may also take X-rays to determine if there is any bone loss.

To avoid these problems, Dakota Dental recommends regular, twice-a-year checkups. There are several ways to prevent gum disease day to day such as, brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing daily, and using either an antiseptic or fluoride mouth rinse. If you do notice signs of gum disease, make sure to make an appointment right away to address the issue. For more information, contact Dakota Dental today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Announces Timely Dental Services in a Relaxing Atmosphere

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Dakota Dental provides information on what takes place during a typical exam to give patients peace of mind on what to expect at their visit.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — A patient’s first appointment at a new dental clinic can be filled with unknowns. To help alleviate those concerns, the family dentists at Dakota Dental communicate what happens in a typical appointment so patients know what to expect when they come for their dental visit.

The waiting room at Dakota Dental was designed specifically with their patients’ peace of mind as the priority. Comfortable leather furniture, an aviary with songbirds, and a fully stocked snack counter help to make patients feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. There is also a special play area for children with puzzles, books, and toys.

Following a short wait, a hygienist takes patients back to an exam room to go over any concerns patients may have with their teeth or overall dental health as well as review the patient’s medical history. They then check the patient’s vitals and begin the examination.

Hygienists examine teeth, checking for gum irritation or any signs of tooth decay. They remove any plaque or tartar buildup they find as well. After the examination portion of the appointment, the hygienist will polish and floss teeth. Depending on the patient’s history, they may also receive X-rays.

The dentist will come in and discuss with the hygienist anything found during the exam and cleaning, and will look over the patient’s teeth and X-rays. If any further steps are necessary for treatment, such as needing a cavity filling, a discussion will take place and a treatment plan will be made. At the conclusion of the appointment, the patient is led back out to the front office to set up their future or follow up appointments.

The dentists at Dakota Dental, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, are both highly qualified dentists that are passionate about making preventative dental care and taking care of your teeth as easy and stress-free as possible. They believe that dental awareness and good oral health not only make their patients’ visits to the dental office less stressful, but also supports their dental health for the long-term.

Contact Dakota Dental to make an appointment or ask any questions on what to expect during an appointment.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Announces Teeth-Friendly Foods for the Super Bowl

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Dakota Dental offers practical tips on how to avoid sugary pitfalls at Super Bowl parties.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental know that maintaining good oral health can be a challenge, especially when surrounded by sweet treats during a big get-together, like at the Super Bowl. To make taking care of your teeth easier, it helps to go in to a gathering like the Super Bowl with a game plan in mind to help make healthy and teeth-friendly choices.

In moderation, these snacks will help maintain healthy teeth and keep football fans away from other, more damaging foods.

Sides like a jalapeño dip or hummus are not only low-sugar simple options, but eating them with vegetables is a smart tooth-friendly solution. Raw vegetables help to build strong teeth and can help prevent gingivitis. Raw veggies, as well as hummus, are also more filling snacks, reducing the temptation to go for those high-sugar snacks.

Meat and cheese trays are another good option. Again, they are filling choices; cheese also contains calcium, which can prevent tooth decay, and casein, a protein which helps protect the surface of your teeth.

However, be careful eating these with breads, crackers, and chips – these foods can stick to teeth, encouraging bacterial growth. Rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth as soon as you can will decrease bacterial growth. If you do indulge in sugary snacks or sodas, even a simple rinse with water afterwards can rid the surface of your teeth of those damaging sugars and acids, diminishing the harm they do to your teeth.

Dakota Dental offers many general dental services to help prevent, or help repair, damage to your teeth. The dentists at Dakota Dental have extensive experience with fillings, sealants, and gum disease treatments. They also have a top-of-the-line dental preventative care program, which includes regular cleanings and checkups, and additional tips and recommendations for keeping your teeth healthy. The dentists at Dakota Dental can also help with teeth whitening or any other dental health issues you may have.

Contact Dakota Dental for more tips to have healthy teeth, or to make an appointment today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Announces Teeth Straightening Services For All Ages

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Dakota Dental offers teeth straightening services through both Invisalign and traditional braces.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental want patients to have their best possible smile. From regular checkups and teeth cleanings to a total smile makeover, Dakota Dental has many dental services for patients to get a great smile. One of the most dramatic ways to improve a smile is to straighten it, by using traditional metal braces or using Invisalign.

Straightening teeth not only improves a smile cosmetically, but it also helps correct bite issues as well. Traditional braces consist of wire and metal brackets, and are affixed to the front of the teeth. Traditional braces are especially helpful for more complex teeth issues, from large gaps, fixing bites, and fixing crooked or crowded teeth. Traditional braces can also move the teeth faster than Invisalign, though the treatment plans for Invisalign can be shorter.

Invisalign is a set of clear trays that are custom-made for each individual patient. These trays are comfortable, removable, and they are typically changed out every two weeks. A benefit of Invisalign is, as its name implies, that it is virtually invisible. That makes Invisalign a great option for adult patients. Invisalign is typically used for fixing more cosmetic issues versus fixing complex dental problems.

Though knowing the difference between traditional braces and Invisalign, it’s important to discuss these options with your dentist to figure out the best choice for you. The family dentists at Dakota Dental will work with you and discuss your options. All it takes are a few simple steps:

1. Contact Dakota Dental to make a consultation appointment.

2. Discuss your options – Invisalign vs. braces – to see if straightening your teeth is a more simple or more complex fit, and to see which option makes the most sense for you and your teeth. You and your dentist can also discuss cost and what would make the most sense for you.

3. Come up with a treatment plan with your dentist.

4. Start creating a perfect smile!

Dakota Dental offers both traditional braces and Invisalign, and has years of experience helping patients get the perfect teeth they’ve been dreaming of.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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