Bagley, Goodwin, & Hrinda Dental Blog

Deerfield, MA Dentists Discuss the Power of Smiling

February 15, 2013

Yearbook You may expect to hear about dental based studies on various foods or extracts that can stop gum disease or tooth decay. Research on general health is an expected element of modern science. Studies on smiling might sound more frivolous. After all, a smile is just an involuntary reaction to happiness, isn’t it? Well, there might be more to the effects of smiling than we think, which is why there has been various science-based studies on the way we contort the muscles in our face, and how that might predict anything from career success to relationship success. Your Deerfield, MA dentists will tell you more.

Smiling Research in the UK

A British study recently focused on the therapeutic properties of smiling. One single smile was compared to the same endorphin release that has been pin-pointed from the consumption of chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, you know the (more…)

Greenfield General Dentists Suggest Heart Healthy Diet

February 8, 2013

Whole Foods We’re continuing a focus on the heart for February’s National Heart Month. You also may have noticed all of those delicious looking candy choices for another heart-centric February event – Valentine’s Day. Naturally, no dentist is going to suggest that you eat all the candy you want. Sugar contributes to cavities, plain and simple, and while good oral hygiene can help, limiting sucrose in your diet will be all the better for your teeth. Your heart will benefit from a better diet, as well. Your Greenfield general dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will describe some of these heart healthy foods.

Whole Foods for a Healthy Heart

When you go grocery shopping, consider sticking to the perimeters. The outer aisles are generally where the foods that are best for your heart are kept. Inner aisles boast more pre-packaged or “junk” foods that rely on preservatives and chemicals and high sodium for longer shelf lives. While you may have trouble transitioning back to healthy food when you’ve gotten used to the over-processed types, you can retrain your taste buds with will-power and diligence. Besides, when you experience how much better your body wiIl feel, you’ll have more of an incentive to keep up the good dietary work. (more…)

Greenfield Dentists Present Gum Disease Research: Protein Power

February 2, 2013

Preventive dentistry focuses on the health of your gums and teeth so that dental issues won’t arise in the future. Think of preventive dental care as a similar concept to maintaining your car with oil changes and other such things that will keep the automobile from much more expensive and time-consuming mechanical work in the future. Periodontal disease (gum disease) consists of inflammation when gums are infiltrated by bacteria. Gum recession and tooth loss are down the road if gum disease isn’t tended to with help from your dentist. Periodontal treatments and a new outlook on prevention can help with future gum disease issues, but there’s no definitive cure for gum disease. However, your Greenfield family dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will highlight a new study that focuses on utilizing protein filled capsules to alleviate periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Research

Dr. Steven Little presented research at the 244^th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society regarding protein in relation to periodontal disease. The study began with laboratory experiments on mice. Efforts were set forth to discern if regrowth of the gingival tissues ravaged by periodontal disease was possible. Scientists focused on the periodontal response to protein exposure as a means of halting gum disease and restoring gum tissues. (more…)

Greenfield Dentists: Dental Care for Patients with Heart Disease

February 1, 2013

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Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, on average, one in every three deaths is a result of heart disease and stroke. Many people suffering from disorders of the heart don’t realize they may require special care when undergoing even routine dental procedures. February is American Heart Month, which is why your Greenfield family dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, are using today’s blog to discuss the dental care needs of our patients with heart conditions.

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Greenfield Dentists Offer Orthodontics for Adults

January 25, 2013

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A recent Kelton Research study found that we perceive people with straight smiles as happier, more attractive, and more successful. In fact, over a third of the people questioned said the smile was the first thing they noticed when meeting someone. Greenfield cosmetic dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, understand what a beautiful smile can mean for their adult patients. They also understand the hesitancy of adults to correct their smile using traditional orthodontics. Thankfully, with Invisalign, your smile can be improved without the use of embarrassing metal braces.

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Greenfield Dentists on Fighting Tooth Decay with Vitamin D

January 18, 2013

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Sometimes we all need to relax outside and enjoy some fresh air. A little time in the sun can make you feel rejuvenated, but did you know the sun also helps protect your teeth? Your Greenfield family dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, explain the benefits of vitamin D and how the sun’s rays can help prevent tooth decay.

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Greenfield Dentists on Age-Appropriate Dentistry for Kids

January 7, 2013

kid dental Taking your child to the dentist should be a positive, rewarding experience. If you take the right steps, great dental visits are a sure thing. Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, want you to know, we adore children and provide age-appropriate dentistry for our youngest, most eager patients.

Children’s Checkups

A children’s dentist should teach parents and children about preventive dentistry,which begins with regular dental checkups after the first few teeth erupt. We recommend children visit our office as soon as they can sit in the dental chair, even for a few moments at a time. A first visit for toddlers usually involves a ride in the dental chair, a sampling of our suction and water tools, and a quick oral examination by the dentist. As children grow into little walking, talking, opinionated people, our children’s dentists may suggest dental sealants and fluoride treatment. These procedures strengthen and protect young teeth against the starches and acids that cause decay.

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Your Greenfield Dentists Want to Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety in 2013

January 3, 2013

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Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet? While most people resolve to lose weight or start a new hobby, your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, have another suggestion. Why not resolve to overcome your dental anxiety this year? For many Americans, the thought of going to the dentist is a terrifying prospect. Many avoid regular dental checkups, and soon they find themselves dealing with tooth decay, gum disease, or in some cases, tooth loss. The dentist office is nothing to fear, and your Greenfield dentists want you to know, they work hard to give patients a positive dental experience.

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Taking a Second Look at Root Canals With Your Greenfield Dentists

December 17, 2012

Young Man With Toothache For many people, a root canal is a disconcerting dental procedure. Even people who have no idea what a root canal is or what it involves worry about the thought of undergoing one. While a root canal is not ever going to be fun, the idea that they are extremely traumatic has been exaggerated. Your Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, discuss the purpose and procedure behind root canals and why they are often the best treatment option.

The Purpose of a Root Canal

Root canals treat infections within the interior of a tooth. Inside a tooth’s canal is soft nerve tissue called the dental pulp, and it contains a number of tiny tubes that provide nutrition and remove waste. Should harmful bacteria invade the pulp, the tooth will become infected, leading to a buildup of pressure. As the pressure grows, the tooth begins to ache. Eventually, without any treatment, the tooth will die and extraction will be required. A root canal will clean out the infection and relieve the pain.

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Greenfield Dentists Discuss the Safety of Teeth Whitening

December 10, 2012

Teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular option for many people over the past few years. The number of over-the-counter products that promise to produce a brilliant white smile has exploded. In addition, many dentists now offer teeth whitening services in their offices. For those who are considering such a procedure, it is natural to wonder about the safety of the products and techniques. Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda, your Greenfield cosmetic dentists, discuss how safe teeth whitening truly is.

Teeth Whitening is Safe

When done carefully and properly, teeth whitening is completely safe. There is no harsh brushing or scrubbing involved in the whitening procedure, so there is no danger to your tooth enamel. Teeth whitening is achieved through the use of agents, often including peroxide, and gels. Most whitening procedures are designed for home use. If you do choose to whiten at home, make sure you follow all instructions. The agents we use for our in-office, one-hour whitening procedure are considerably stronger than any approved for home use. However, only our trained dentists and hygienists will be handling them and you will be supervised at all times during the procedure. Whether you choose to whiten at home or in our office, you can be assured that, as long as you follow all directions, your teeth and your overall health will not be harmed.