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Why is it so important to see your dentist regularly? Why do you really need to see your dentist every six months?

The reason is likely to sound like something your mother told you several times – “because it just is”! So listen to your mother – and your dentist!

Whether your dentist practices general dentistry or family dentistry, be sure to visit according to a predefined schedule of oral examinations. If you carry dental insurance, for most insurance companies, this will be twice per year. This schedule is ideal to keep a watchful eye on your teeth, gums and mouth. But this certainly does not discount the need for taking care of your teeth yourself!

Because you put so much into your mouth each and every day, you need to be certain you are performing a solid regimen of routine dental care. You probably have already been told this, but this means brushing and flossing at least twice a day – once when you get up in the morning and once before you go to bed at night (if not more often during the day). This will ensure that any food particles, as well as sugary substances from sweets and beverages or other residue, are cleaned away.

It is doubly important to both brush and floss because food and sugary substances left behind don’t always remain on just the surfaces of your teeth. They get trapped between teeth, behind teeth and at the gum line. With the double-action attack of both brushing and flossing, particularly when you do it at the recommended schedule of twice per day, you will be sure to wipe away as much of this leftover residue as possible – on both the front-facing and rear-facing areas of your teeth, as well as between teeth and at the gum line. This practice, combined with routine visits to your dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana, will help ensure good dental health.

You see, food and sugary substances from prior meals, drinks or snack left to settle on your teeth, between your teeth or on your gums, will do just that – settle in! They will take foothold and cause havoc in your mouth! If left alone, these little critters can grow and cause even larger problems including (but not limited to) cavities, abscesses, gum sensitivity (including bleeding gums), gum disease and more. So don’t risk it!

Whether your dentist practices general dentistry or family dentistry, be sure you visit twice per year, as your dental insurance provides for. And in between, be sure to practice a healthy routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

If you are new to the area, or are looking for a new dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana, chose the gentle dentistry practiced by Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals. Skilled in both general dentistry and family dentistry, Dr. Majka and his team will provide the kind of professional, caring dental care you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Majka today for an appointment to ensure you keep your teeth and your mouth healthy for a lifetime!

You’ve probably seen dental veneers before and not even known it. The fact is, dental veneers have the uncanny ability to make an imperfect smile nearly perfect – and they do so without visible signs of dental improvement. How is this possible? What really are dental veneers?

Custom designed for your individual teeth, dental veneers are hard tooth-like shells made of ceramic / porcelain or a composite resin material. When applied over teeth, they have the ability to cover worn tooth enamel, fill gaps and spaces between teeth, even-up uneven teeth, or repair chips and cracks in your teeth. They have the ability to create a bright, white smile because the translucent quality of porcelain veneers enable them to look very much like your real teeth.

Dental veneers are commonly made of porcelain / ceramic material or a composite resin material. They are incredibly durable and attractive, and can become almost invisible to anyone looking at your teeth. Both porcelain veneers and composite dental veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory; but composite resin dental veneers can also be fabricated within your mouth while visiting your dentist’s office. Of the two types of dental veneers, porcelain veneers are typically longer lasting, and thus can be more costly.

Both porcelain veneers and composite resin dental veneers are bonded to your teeth with resin cement, forming a long-lasting and durable bond.

Did you know that over time, enamel (the thin, hard material that naturally covers your teeth) may become worn, discolored or dull? Such wear may very well be natural, or it may be the result of your genetic makeup. But, more often, wear may very well be the result of personal lifestyle choices such as drinking soda, coffee or tea – as well as smoking or taking specific types of prescription medications. Dental veneers can be beneficial in covering these dental imperfections and restoring the natural luster of your teeth.

Did you know that as you age, teeth become more brittle and prone to chipping, cracking, breaking and displaying a generally uneven appearance? Did you know that as you age, the gaps between your teeth can become more pronounced due to wear. It’s true, but your genetic predisposition may also have an impact on tooth wear. Regardless, dentals veneers have the unique ability to conceal these visible signs of tooth wear and create a more even smile.

Do you wake up in the morning and your mouth or jaw hurts? You might be grinding your teeth. Your dentist can help in deterring your tooth grinding. But, with composite resin dental veneers and porcelain veneers, a more even tooth appearance can be restored.

If any of these factors sound like conditions you have, dental veneers might benefit you. Dr. Joseph Majka and his dedicated team of dental professionals can evaluate your particular dental condition and discuss options for composite resin dental veneers and porcelain veneers. We can restore that bright, beautiful smile with expert dental care. If you’ve been wondering about how you could improve your smile, we welcome you to contact us today for a personal consultation.

When you look in the mirror, do you see a less than complete smile? If you do, dental implants might be the solution for you.

How do you know if a dental implant could benefit you? Ask yourself these simple questions:

• Are you missing any of your natural teeth?
• Are teeth missing in either the upper or lower jaws, or both?
• Do you find wearing removable dentures to be painful or uncomfortable?
• Do you have an oral defect?
• Do you have a missing portion of your mouth or jaw as a result of an injury, accident, illness or surgery?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you very well may be a candidate for a dental implant.

But what is a dental implant? A dental implant is a device used to fill in for missing teeth. Crafted to look more like your real teeth, dental implants have the capability of restoring your natural smile and dental appearance with a durable long-lasting dental solution.

Always consult with your family dentist or your dental implant dentist to determine your specific viability for dental implants, as well as exactly what would be involved with your specific procedure. Age may be a determining factor, as very young or very old patients may not be the best candidates for dental implants.

Dental implant dentists have become quite advanced in recent years regarding their ability to provide complete dental restoration. Once considered hi-tech dentistry, dental crowns, bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures are today, for the most part, considered old-fashioned. Through the use of dental implants, however, you can achieve a more contemporary, complete smile and enjoy a more permanent long-lasting, durable and attractive solution.

Your dental implant dentist will assess your oral situation and help you evaluate all the possible dental implant solutions that might be best for you – to provide the most natural, long-lasting solution.

Look in the mirror today. Do you have any gaps that a dental implant could fill? Dental implant dentist Dr. Joseph Majka in Valparaiso, Indiana can assess your mouth and teeth to determine your candidacy for dental implants. We can help you craft a more complete smile – and provide the kind of professional, gentle dental care you have been searching for. Contact us today for a personal consultation.

Many of us make New Year resolutions to begin a program of self-improvement. One way to improve your appearance – and self-confidence! - is to improve your smile with teeth whitening from an experienced Indiana dentist .

If your smile could use some brightening, you may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Prescription-strength teeth whitening employed by your Indiana dentist is far different than kits or teeth whitening gels available over the counter. This procedure should only be employed by a trained dental professional. Again, results vary depending upon how much teeth whitening is actually required and your current state of dental health.

There are several things you can do at home in an effort to improve the whiteness of your teeth:

• Brush twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride - and floss and clean between your teeth at least once a day. Remember to see an Indiana dentist on a regular basis. Good dental hygiene is the foundation for a bright smile.
• Some toothpaste has a built-in teeth whitening agent that may help improve the whiteness of your teeth. The improvement you see with this approach may vary greatly depending upon your teeth and the degree of improvement in teeth whitening that is needed and desired.
• Several manufacturers sell at-home teeth whitening kits that may include bands that are placed upon your teeth, or trays you fill with a provided liquid and place upon your teeth — both for predetermined periods of time. Again, the improvement you see with this form of teeth whitening may be dependent upon your individual dental health and the whitening agent itself. Results vary by user.

If your at-home teeth whitening efforts fail to deliver the results you would like to see, an Indiana dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services that may provide the results you are looking for.

In addition, your Indiana dentist might recommend a dental sealant following successful teeth whitening. In this procedure, a thin layer of liquid plastic material is painted upon the teeth, forming a hard, thin layer covering the teeth. A dental sealant can be effective at filling the tiny pits and fissures in your teeth that can attract germs, food and drink particles, and be an early cause of tooth discoloration and tooth decay. Dental sealants can provide a protective shield for several years, and can help extend the benefits of successful teeth whitening.

Take a look at your smile. Could teeth whitening benefit you? Indiana dentist Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals can provide an assessment of your current state of dental health and recommend a teeth whitening option that would work best for you. Contact us for a consultation today.

Do you know if you have good dental health? If you have been to your dentist lately, you probably do. Your dentist is the very best person to keep watch over your teeth through routine checkups, examinations and cleanings. After all, these routine appointments are a key part of today’s general and family dentistry.

But at these appointments, has your dentist ever mentioned proper tooth brushing? Do you know if you are brushing your teeth properly? An integral component of good dental health is sound teeth brushing. Even if you think you brush perfectly well, these helpful tips will come in handy as a refresher. And remember - always consult your Indiana dentist for all concerns related to dental health.

1. Grab your toothpaste tube and squeeze some on your brush. Look at that tube of toothpaste. It should clearly say it contains fluoride and show the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA). Make sue it does. And your toothbrush - it should have firm bristles. For most people, firm bristles are a must to adequately clean teeth, not soft bristles
2. Begin brushing your teeth using short, back-and-forth brushing motions to clean the outside, inside and tops of your teeth. Follow with up and down motions on the exterior and interior surfaces of the teeth.
3. Brush along the gum line, but be gentle to avoid damaging your gums. Gum disease typically starts at the gum line, so take extra care to brush well in this area.
4. Use extra care to brush in the back of your mouth - those hard to reach teeth such as your molars. Bacteria can hide back there and cause a lot of damage if left unchecked.
5. The final brushing step should be to brush your tongue. Doing so will remove all that nasty bacteria that accumulates on your tongue that typically causes bad breath - plus your mouth will feel so much fresher.
6. Tooth brushing is now complete! Spit out your toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water.
7. This final step could be performed first or last - different people prefer it differently. Even if you are an expert brusher, flossing is so very important to good dental health. It removes food particles and bacteria from between your teeth. And the fact is, most adult cavities occur between the teeth. The best thing to do for good dental health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day (after you wake up and before you go to bed). When flossing, insert the floss between the teeth and glide it gently between them, softly rubbing each side of the tooth.

With good teeth brushing and flossing techniques, you can be more assured of good dental health. Always consult your family dentistry practitioner to ensure optimum dental health. One of the best in our state is Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka. Offering a full range of general and family dentistry, Dr. Majka will provide the kind of gentle, professional dental care you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

Before you select your next family dentist, be sure you do your homework. Finding a family dentist should not be done by opening the phone book and picking a name. Finding a family dentist or a dentist practicing in general dentistry is best done by thoroughly looking into the dentist and his/her practice.

There are plenty of general dentistry practitioners available today. Make sure you find the family dentist that best meets your specific needs — and the needs of your family members.

To aid you in your search for a new family dentist, use this handy list of research points:

• Is the family dentist you are considering close to your home or work location? This will make keeping your appointments much easier.
• Ask how long the dentist has been a practicing family dentist.
• Ask about the training the dentist has received, including clinical experience in performing the types of procedures and dental work you are seeking. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, be sure to ask if the family dentist you are pursuing is trained in cosmetic dentistry.
• What sorts of societies or organizations are the dentist involved in to keep current with modern dental procedures?
• If the family dentist you are pursuing is not familiar with or does not perform the procedure you are seeking, ask about his/her referral process to other dentists/specialists.
• Visit the office of the family dentist you are considering. Is it clean and well organized?
• Are the hours of the dental office you are considering conducive to your lifestyle? Are after hours appointments available? How are emergencies handled?
• Are the staff at the dentist office you are considering friendly and helpful – ready to answer any questions you may have without being offended by your asking?
• Does the family dentist you are considering accept your form of dental insurance? What are his/her insurance procedures regarding filing and co-payments?
• What sorts of pain remediation procedures does the family dentist you are considering follow? Do these work for you and your family?
• Ask your family or friends for dentist recommendations.

There are plenty of dentists available today in the area of general dentistry and family dentistry. You don’t have to accept a family dentist that does not meet all of your needs – nor do you have to just randomly select a name out of the phone book. Shop around and find the family dentist that is right for you.

Looking for a Valparaiso dentist? Searching for an experienced Valparaiso dentist who sincerely cares about each of his clients? Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dedicated professionals will provide the kind of gentle, professional, caring dentistry you’ve been searching for. For the best dental care you’ve ever experienced, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are fast upon us! Many of the stores already have their Christmas décor on display for those eager shoppers and for those ready to begin decorating in October! Before you start thinking of carving the Thanksgiving turkey or stringing those Christmas lights, take a look in the mirror! Are you happy with your smile?

People are often more concerned with their attire than their teeth. But while a jacket or a specific style of slacks can conceal body imperfections, what conceals your teeth when you smile?

When you smile, you literally bare all. Very little can conceal issues with your teeth other than keeping your mouth closed.

Smiling is such a big part of the festive holiday season – why hide behind a closed mouth? With a cosmetic dentist, your teeth can look new again. Cosmetic dentistry really can work wonders – and in time for the holiday season too!

Take a look in the mirror right now. What do you see? Be honest! Do you see stained teeth, cracked teeth, gaps in your teeth, dingy teeth? Cosmetic dentistry can help!

With teeth whitening, stains on your teeth can be a thing of the past. While some stains such as coffee and tea stains can be particularly difficult to eliminate with over-the-counter teeth whitening products, the teeth whitening products used by a cosmetic dentist can be far more effective at wiping out those stains. In just a couple of painless office visits, your teeth can look whiter and brighter than they have in years. Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening can give you a brighter smile quickly and easily!

If your teeth are cracked or chipped – or have gaps between them – you could benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Through the use of today’s contemporary cosmetic dentistry procedures, you can achieve a nice even smile, with less gaps.

By applying dental veneers such as composite veneers or porcelain veneers, cracks can be concealed, chips covered and a new smile can be yours. The magic of dental veneers should not be underestimated. The transformation of a person’s smile before the application of dental veneers such as composite veneers or porcelain veneers is without parallel. As a cosmetic dentist, we help many people improve their smiles through the wonders of cosmetic dentistry. You could benefit from dental veneers and enjoy a bright, new smile – just in time for the holidays!

So before you start decorating for the holidays, take an inventory of your teeth. Would you like a brighter, whiter, more complete smile? Would you like to smile and laugh with confidence? Before the holidays come into full swing, let us help get your teeth ready for the holiday season!

Call a cosmetic dentist with experience in helping people restore their beautiful smiles. Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dedicated dental professionals can help you enjoy a brighter, whiter, more complete smile. For truly experienced dental care, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.