The Science of Tooth Decay

Tooth DecayIf you’ve visited our blog before, you know that we love to talk about tooth decay. The chances are, everyone in Ballwin has had or will have tooth decay at one point. It is classified by the National Institutes of Health as the most prevalent disease in the world. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the factors involved in causing tooth decay and what you and Dr. Postol can do to protect your smile.

The unique makeup of your teeth

Even within your own mouth, teeth vary widely in shape, size, and the quality and consistency of enamel formation. Some teeth are harder than others, and some, especially molars, may have deep fissures that can trap decay-causing bacteria. Additionally, defects in way enamel forms can cause yellow or brown areas on your teeth that are more susceptible to caries (tooth decay).

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Do Whitening Strips Actually Work?

Whitening StripsWhitening strips are among the most popular health and beauty products in Ballwin. Brightening up your pearly whites is a great way to give your smile a boost, and with all the over-the-counter options, there’s no reason not to pick one up and try it out. Dr. Kevin Postol wants you to be informed about every aspect of dental health, so here’s a guide to which whitening options can give your teeth a bright new shine. If you have any questions or would like to visit the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS for a consultation, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Teeth Whitening: The Basics

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A Guide to Cavity Prevention

Cavity Keep AwayImagine this- you have come to see Dr. Kevin Postol for a cleaning and routine check-up. The cleaning goes well, but then Dr. Postol tells you that you have a cavity. You’ve been dreading the possibility of this news and now you fear that something must be wrong, since you have been brushing and flossing regularly.

We at the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS see this happen every day and we want to put your mind at ease. Cavities are very common and usually a simple fix for Dr. Kevin Postol. Use this guide to learn about what cavities are and how you can prevent them.

Cavities: The Basics

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Choosing the Right Dentist

ChoosingIt’s no secret that Ballwin and St. Louis residents are careful about how they choose medical professionals for their family, but sometimes it’s not easy to find everything you want in a dentist. We at the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS understand that choosing a dentist is no small feat, so we’ve put together this guide to picking a dentist for individuals and families. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us! Even if you decide on a different dentist, Dr. Kevin Postol is always happy to help!

How to Choose the Right Dentist

There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at dentists in your area. For some Ballwin and St. Louis folks the most important thing is proximity, so it’s easy to narrow their search by location. For others, the key ingredient is affordable prices. Still others may be looking for just the right service mix and supreme comfort. The easiest way to start your search is by setting your top three priorities.

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Could you be doing a better job brushing with an electric toothbrush?

Electric ToothbrushesYou brush twice a day and floss to keep your teeth clean and free from plaque and tartar and to keep your smile bright. But you might be wondering if an electric or power toothbrush would perform better than your manual toothbrush or vice versa. Naturally, you want to know what Dr. Kevin Postol recommends. Which one is better?

Decide what works for you

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Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Bleeding Gums

Bleeding GumsOne of the most common and destructive myths about dental hygiene is that it’s normal for gums to bleed. Dr. Kevin Postol would like everyone in Ballwin to know that this is not the case! Imagine if we weren’t talking about gums- should any part of your body start to bleed whenever you touch it? The truth about bleeding gums is they are a sign of infection and/or irritation and can lead to serious problems that go way beyond your mouth if left untreated. Please read this article and educate yourself on how to keep your family’s teeth and gums safe.

Gums Are Not Supposed to Bleed

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Are Your Teeth Safe From Coffee Stains?

StarbucksFirst things first, put your worries away! We are not about to tell you that your coffee drinking days are over. We know that each shot of caffeine is crucial and we cherish our coffee, too! Here at the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS, we want to educate you on what causes coffee stains and what you can do to fight them.

It’s no secret how Ballwin and St. Louis residents feel about their coffee, and we’re not about to get in the way of that love. However, we will help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful with tips that won’t drastically affect your lifestyle. Dr. Postol and the rest of us at the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS are your oral health allies!

So let’s start off with the basics. What makes coffee stain your teeth?

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Save Your Broken Tooth!

Broken TeethYou should use your teeth only to eat and protect them as best as you can. But accidents happen and they can be scary. If you act quickly and take the first aid steps below, you can save your tooth.

If you chip, break or lose a tooth, Dr. Kevin Postol and team in Ballwin are here to help. Follow these steps and give us a call or come in as soon as you can.

Common causes of chipped or broken teeth:

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What Causes Sensitive Teeth? Acid Erosion Explained!

Acid EffectsSugar is not the only thing that can harm your teeth. In fact, there are plenty of other substances that slowly chip away at our smiles. One of the biggest offenders is acid. Maybe you have heard of acid erosion, but just in case you haven’t, Dr. Kevin Postol wants all Ballwin residents to have the facts about how dietary choices affect our teeth. Read on to learn what causes sensitive teeth, what acid erosion is, and how to stop it from tarnishing your smile.

How does acid affect teeth?

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Gentle Dental Care in Ballwin and St. Louis

10 YearsWhat if You Haven’t Been to the Dentist for Several Years?

Life is busy and we all have a long list of priorities to take care of, so it’s not hard to imagine that any number of things can get in the way of your regular dental hygiene routine, checkups and cleanings with Dr. Kevin Postol. You might just wake up one day and realize that you haven’t been to the dentist in years! That’s why we want to tell all our Ballwin and St. Louis patients about the gentle dental care we provide and why regular visits to the office of Kevin F. Postol, DDS are so important.

What happens over many years of dental neglect? Do your teeth turn black and fall out of your head? What if you are really good about flossing and brushing, but don’t go to the dentist? What are the consequences of putting your dental health on the back burner?

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