Monarch Dental & Orthodontics (2024)

Did you know regular dental checkups are opportunities for your dentist to look for any signs of oral cancer? Any cancer that develops in your mouth, sinuses, and throat is considered oral cancer. It is a life-threatening disease but early detection and treatment greatly increase the survival rate. To help you understand more about this cancer, we’ll be debunking common oral cancer myths.

Myth 1: Oral cancer is easy to detect

Fact: The earliest stages of oral cancer are the hardest to detect. Symptoms may not be obvious. It is important to visit the dentist for regular screenings – these examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment. The Monarch Dental team is at the forefront of advancements in oral cancer detection. If more evaluation is needed after the first exam, you will be referred to a specialist who will continue your care. At Monarch Dental, you’ll receive the best treatment possible. We prioritize your health and well-being and make sure to support you through the whole process.

Myth 2: Only high-risk patients need oral cancer screenings

Fact: It doesn’t matter how high-risk you are – everyone should undergo routine oral cancer screenings. This is crucial for early detection and improving treatment outcomes. The good news is that during every dental cleaning, our dentists and hygienists are looking for oral cancer signs – you won’t have to book a separate appointment to get a screening. These quick and painless examinations can save your life so don’t skip your next cleaning.

Myth 3: I don’t smoke so I can’t get oral cancer

Fact: It is true that tobacco users have a higher risk of developing cancer, but non-smokers are not immune to this disease. Other risk factors include excessive consumption of alcohol, a diet low in vegetables and fruits, overexposure to the sun (for lip cancer), and human papillomavirus (HPV). You can reduce your chances for oral cancer with regular exercise, eating balanced meals, and managing your stress. We also recommend getting vaccinated for HPV to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

A Brighter Future

We all hope that someday oral cancer is a thing of the past. That future is within reach thanks to increased awareness, early detection, and technological advancements in the prevention of oral cancer. To help ensure you’re safe from oral cancer, make sure to go to your routine dental visits. If it’s been over a year since your last visit, book a visit with the closest Monarch Dental office! Our team is ready to help you smile’s health and make sure you are oral-cancer free.

The post The Truth About Oral Cancer appeared first on .

It’s time to celebrate the month of love! This includes loving yourself so why not show some extra care to your smile? Did you know keeping your smile healthy also helps your heart health? We’ve come up with some simple habits you can introduce to yourself for two weeks to keep both your smile and heart happy!

Day 1: Ignite Success

Start your two-week journey by taking two minutes each morning and night to brush your teeth with good fluoride toothpaste. Don’t know which to choose? Consult your dentist! This simple habit will jumpstart your success to a healthier and brighter smile.

Day 3: Remember to Floss

Now it’s time to integrate flossing into your daily routine. The good news is that we have so many different types of floss products. Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or water flossers, you’re bound to find one that will work best for you.

Day 6: Keep Hydrated

Water is a big part of a healthy body. Drinking water throughout the day helps promote a healthy mouth environment which may also reduce your risk for heart disease. Muscles, including your heart, function best when they are well-hydrated. With each sip of water, both your smile and heart reap the benefits.

Day 9: Eating Healthy Snacks

Now it’s time to introduce some healthy snacking. Switch out one sugary snack or beverage a day for something more nutritious such as fruits and vegetables. You’ll be able to satisfy your cravings while boosting your overall health. Certain crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can also prevent stain build-up on teeth – a bonus for a brighter smile.

Day 12: Get Up and Move!

Your two weeks are almost done so it’s time to introduce some heart-pumping exercises! It not only benefits your heart but may reduce your risk of gum disease! Exercising regularly helps lower inflammation in your body including your gums! Don’t forget to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Day 14: Appreciate Yourself

Your two weeks are up so take the moment to be proud of the habits you now have to improve your overall wellbeing. Remember to keep these habits so your heart and smile stay healthy for many years!

Want an additional habit? Visit your dentist twice a year to make sure your teeth and mouth are in good health. If it’s been more than a year since your last visit,book a visit with your closest Monarch Dental office. Our team will make sure your smile is in tip-top shape and treat any dental issues that you may have.

The post 14 Days to a Heart-Happy Smile appeared first on .

Have you wondered about the purpose of saliva? It may get a bad rep, but your spit is an important part of your overall oral health. It consists of enzymes, proteins, and minerals that are crucial for a healthy mouth! Your body also uses saliva to communicate a variety of responses.

Your Mouth’s Protector

Saliva is on a mission to fight off cavities and defend your teeth from bacteria! Cavities form when acidic byproducts from bacteria and food build up over time. To prevent them from developing, saliva flow helps wash away food debris after eating. It also helps neutralize remaining acids and remineralize your tooth enamel.

Dry Mouth

What happens when you have a lack of saliva? Many people experience dry mouth which should not be overlooked as a minor inconvenience. When your mouth dries up, it leaves your teeth without protection, and therefore, your mouth is more susceptible to developing cavities and gum disease. Saliva production can decrease due to age, medication, dehydration, and certain diseases.

Boosting Saliva

Whether you experience temporary or long-lasting dry mouth symptoms, here are a few things you can do to help relieve them:

• Drink water throughout the day
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Take over-the-counter saliva substitutes like sprays or drops

If you’ve been struggling with dry mouth for quite some time, book an appointment with the closest Monarch Dental office near you. You’ll want to get it checked sooner than later and our dental team can come up with a treatment plan to boost your saliva game!

The post Saliva: Your Defense Against Cavities appeared first on .

Whitening your teeth has never been more convenient – especially since it can be done at home. Before starting, read our dos and don’ts for at-home teeth whitening. We want your teeth to shine while making sure it’s still healthy and strong.

Do: Ask Your Dentist | Don’t: Expect Instant Results

Before beginning any whitening treatment, visit your dentist. They will let you know if your teeth are healthy enough for whitening. Certain dental conditions can make the whitening process more difficult so consulting your dentist is a good way to find out what works best for your teeth and needs.

Teeth whitening can be a more gradual process with the best results taking time to develop. Don’t lose hope after the first round if your teeth don’t look the way you want them to be. Your desired brightness level may take a few weeks. By staying consistent and following your dentist’s instructions, you can achieve a bright and healthy smile.

Do: Choose the Right Products | Don’t: Make Your Own

Which teeth whitening kit should you choose? Again, ask your dentist! They are knowledgeable about which products will work for you and take the worry out of using something that can hurt your teeth. We do not recommend using DIY recipes that tend to use acidic and gritty ingredients. They can harm your tooth enamel resulting in tooth sensitivity. In addition, many of these DIY solutions only provide temporary results and fail to remove deep stains. For a safer and more effective whitening experience, use the products recommended by your dentist.

Do: Brush & Floss | Don’t: Waste Your 2023 Dental Benefits

Did you know brushing and flossing during the whitening process will boost your results? Doing these things prevents new stains from occurring so the product works more effectively. Additionally, a dental checkup and teeth whitening consultation at Monarch Dental is a great way to help ensure you accomplish the best results while making the most of your remaining 2023 dental benefits. Many dental insurance plans expire at the end of the year, so visiting your dentist soon is a smart choice if you haven’t done so all year. Consider this checkup as prep work for your 2024 smile goals! Schedule a visit with our Monarch Dental to start off 2024 with a healthy glow!

The post Read This Before Whitening Your Teeth at Home appeared first on .

Wondering if a cavity can spread to another tooth? It’s important to understand this dental issue so read on to learn about the risks associated with cavities and tooth decay.

About Cavities

Did you know you have naturally occurring bacteria that live in your mouth? This bacteria creates a sticky film called plaque. Unfortunately, when you eat sugary foods, plaque will use the sugars to create an acid byproduct. If you don’t have good oral hygiene, this acid can destroy your tooth’s enamel and eventually lead to a cavity.

What Happens After?

The presence of active decay in one tooth can mean that your other teeth are more likely to develop cavities. Because it’s easier for bacteria to get stuck in cavities, it will be harder to remove it from your mouth even if you keep up your daily oral routine.

If left untreated, the cavity can continuously grow and spread deeper into your tooth affecting the inner nerves. This is not only painful but can lead to an infection. Your tooth structure will also weaken and be more prone to chips and cracks.

Get Your Cavities Treated ASAP!

Early treatment is essential to prevent cavities from growing and affecting other parts of your mouth. If your cavity is still small, you can ask your dentist to do a quick filling. Putting off treatment can lead to more costly and invasive procedures such as a root canal or crown.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent new cavities from forming:

• Don’t slack off on brushing twice a day and daily flossing.
• Since plaque thrives with sugar, moderate the amount of sugary foods you eat.
• Book routine dental checkups and cleanings!

At Monarch Dental, we want to make sure your smile is cavity-free. Book an appointment if you suspect you may have one or if you haven’t had a checkup in a while. These exams are crucial for spotting and treating cavities early on!

The post Will My Cavity Spread? appeared first on .

As the end of the year approaches, we want to make sure you get the most out of your dental insurance benefits. Did you know most benefits expire on December 31st? This is why you should check on your remaining dental benefits and see if you should use them! Here are some practical tips to help you maximize your benefits!

Learning About Your Dental Benefits

The first step in making the most out of your dental insurance benefits is to understand your insurance plan. Review the details of your policy, deductible, annual maximum as well as any waiting periods. If you need help in further understanding your insurance details, contact your insurance provider. You can find their contact information on the back of your insurance card. Make sure to review your plan annually, since policy details can change year-to-year.

Book a Checkup Today!

Have you had a dental checkup or cleaning this year? Many insurance plans completely cover these services so check to see if yours does. You don’t want to waste this benefit, and these important services are opportunities for your dentist to check for any dental issues you may not realize you have. If the dentist finds a dental problem that needs addressing, they’ll create a treatment plan for you and explain recommended services as well as how much they cost. Your insurance may cover some of these services too! Don’t wait till next year to get a checkup, since you’re not only wasting your benefits, but delaying necessary dental work can lead to more expensive future treatments.

Maximize Your Dental Benefits Now!

Life will get busier as the year ends so don’t procrastinate in using up your benefits. Schedule an appointment with your local Monarch Dental office today! You can visit our insurance page to see which insurance plans we take. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices and they will give you more information about your insurance coverage. We’re ready to help you maximize your dental benefits so give us a call today!

The post Use Up Your Dental Benefits! appeared first on .

Your child’s oral health may not be your main priority as you prepare them to go back to school. We’re here to remind you their oral health is important since it not only affects their overall well-being but their confidence as well. We know you’re busy so we created an easy checklist for you to make sure your child’s teeth are ready for the new school year.

1. Check their toothbrushes

How old is your child’s toothbrush? We recommend replacing them every 3 to 4 months or when the tooth bristles start to wear. A new one will help ensure your child brushes properly and keeps plaque at bay. Add a pack of new toothbrushes to your Back-to-School shopping list!

2. Guard their Teeth

The new school year means more sports practices. Whether they’re playing basketball, soccer, baseball, or any other sport, accidents can happen. Give your kids extra protection by investing in a mouthguard which will help shield their teeth from dental accidents and injuries. If your child does break or chip a tooth during physical activities, call the closest Monarch Dental office to you and we’ll schedule you for an emergency visit. Our dentists will make sure your child is taken care of so they can get back on the field or courts doing what they love.

3. Make sure they hydrate

A reusable water bottle helps your kid hydrated throughout their busy school days. Water is also a natural cleanser and can be used to remove unwanted food debris and sugars that can get trapped in their teeth. Teach your kids to rinse their mouths after eating sugary or acidic foods so they can keep their enamel healthy!

4. Practice good homecare oral habits

Is your child brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time? How about flossing daily to reach nooks and crannies or using mouthwash? If you answered “No” to any of these questions, then now’s the time to teach them good oral habits so they can keep smiling for the whole school year!

5. Schedule dental checkups

Dental checkups are crucial for your child’s growth and overall well-being. We know the school year gets busy but don’t skip your child’s dental visits. During these checkups, dentists make sure their teeth are healthy. They’ll fill any cavities and give your kids tips on taking care of their teeth. If you don’t have a dental checkup already scheduled, book a visit with one of our Monarch Dental offices. Our dental team is ready to set your child up for success with their oral health!

We hope you found these tips helpful as your child starts the new school year. We want to help ensure they have a smile that’s shining from the start to the end of the year. If you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, schedule a visit with a Monarch Dental office and our dental team will answer all your questions.

The post Back-to-School Dental Checklist! appeared first on .

In honor of Shark Week, we would like to share some toothy trivia about our favorite apex predator. Keep reading to learn how shark teeth compare with human teeth.

Shark Vs. Human Teeth

Did you know sharks can have 15 rows of teeth? This solidifies why they are one of the most feared creatures in the ocean. Their teeth are like a conveyor belt where new teeth continuously move forward to replace any lost or worn-out ones. If only humans had that ability! On the bright side, even though we can’t regrow our missing adult teeth, we can do things to protect our teeth from falling off. Make sure to brush them twice a day (using fluoride toothpaste), floss daily, and go to your routine dental exams to keep your teeth healthy. If you are missing teeth and want to restore your smile, ask our dentists about dental implants! Best thing about them is that they act and feel like your natural teeth.

The Strength of a Shark Bite

Have you ever wondered how strong a shark’s bite is? These massive chompers can exert up to 1.5 tons of bite force and withstand an incredible amount of pressure! Human teeth, on the other hand, obviously are not as powerful, but they are stronger than you may think. Our tooth enamel is harder than our bones which is why we can munch on many hard and crunchy foods. Just remember to take good care of your enamel and keep it strong and healthy by brushing twice a day and avoiding overly acidic foods which may wear them down.

Different Types of Shark Teeth

Shark teeth come in many different shapes and sizes. Just like human teeth, each type of tooth serves a specific purpose. For example, long and pointed teeth are used for grasping prey. Teeth that are flat and serrated are used to tear. Similarly, we use our incisors to bite down on foods and our canines to tear. To finish the job, we use our molars to grind up the remnants.

We hope you found these sharky facts interesting! Tune in to Discovery’s Shark Week to learn more. One thing that you have access to that a wild shark doesn’t is a great dental team. Monarch Dental is here to make sure your teeth are in their best condition. If it’s been some time since your last dental visit, find a Monarch Dental office near you and book an appointment!

The post Shark Week Special: Shark Teeth Trivia appeared first on .

Summer’s here which means hello to trips, vacations, and more! We don’t want dental issues to ruin your summer fun so here are a few tips to help keep your teeth in tip-top shape during the vacation season.

1. Keep brushing and flossing

Just because you’re taking a break from work or school, doesn’t mean you should put a pause on good oral hygiene. If you come back from your trip with red puffy gums and a mouth filled with plaque, your next dental exam and cleaning won’t be much fun. Pack convenient travel-sized versions of all your dental essentials and if you forget, ask your hotel if they provide some. For those who have had their teeth straightened with braces or clear aligners, don’t forget to bring your retainers with you! If you’re going on a trip that lasts for several months, make sure to replace your toothbrush every three months.

2. Eat well

Remember to keep a balanced and tooth-friendly diet during your trip. If you already have pre-existing dental conditions, ask your dentist for a list of foods you should avoid to prevent your condition from worsening. We recommend not skipping out on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts when available since these types of foods can protect your dental health. If you will be eating a lot of sugary or acidic foods, make sure to have water nearby so you can rinse your mouth after eating these foods. This will help prevent your teeth from forming cavities or your enamel from wearing down.

3. Have a plan for dental emergencies

Though a dental emergency will most likely not happen during your trip, it’s still good to be prepared in case something does come up. Before you set off, research nearby dental providers in the region you are traveling to. If you happen to be vacationing in an area with Monarch Dental offices, use our office finder to learn which office will be closest to you. Dental issues such as a knocked-out tooth, dental abscesses, and facial trauma or oral injuries from an accident (including severe scrapes, bleeding from the mouth, or swelling of the gums) must be taken care of immediately. You should never wait till the end of your vacation to resolve these issues so make sure to contact the nearest dentist office for an emergency visit. Lastly, we also recommend purchasing travel insurance to help cover any surprise emergencies.

We hope you continue to prioritize your dental health during your vacation or trips this summer. If you have any dental concerns before your trip, schedule a visit with your local Monarch Dental office. Our team of dentists will inform you of all you need to do to avoid any dental emergencies.

The post 3 Dental Tips for Summer Vacations appeared first on .

We love our pets and want to keep them healthy! Prioritizing their dental health is one important way we can ensure they are living their best life possible. Just like humans, an animal’s dental health is related to its overall health. Below are five questions you should ask yourself to help ensure you are providing the best dental care to your pets.

1. What are you feeding them?

It may be hard to say no to those puppy eyes, but constantly feeding your pets sugar-filled treats can lead to cavities. Look at the ingredient list of your pet’s treats and check the sugar content. For hamsters, their teeth are constantly growing, and eating certain foods will help them file them down. If their teeth are too long, it can cause oral injuries and they may not be able to properly eat.

2. Are their toys safe?

Pay attention to what toys you purchase for your pets. For example, antlers, real or synthetic bones, and raw hides can be harmful to your pets and cause tooth fractures. Only give your pets toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

3. Are you brushing their teeth?

Brushing teeth does not only apply to humans – our furry companions can have plaque build-up just like us! Routinely brushing their teeth can help ensure good oral health. Remember to use enzymatic pet toothpaste and not yours which is dangerous for pets.

4. Do you schedule routine vet visits?

Don’t just go to the vet when there is an emergency. Similarly to how we schedule routine dentist appointments for ourselves, our pets should have regular vet visits such as wellness checkups and dental evaluations. During your pet’s yearly dental examination, the vet will check for gum disease, fractures, or plaque build-up. Similar to your dental checkups, your pets may also receive x-rays, gum measurements, oral cancer screens, and cleanings!

5. Do you have pet insurance?

We know visits to the vet can be expensive so we recommend getting pet insurance! This can allow vet services and treatments to be more affordable. Some pet insurance may cover yearly checkups, dental cleaning, and more. Do your research and select the one that is best for your pet’s needs.

Whenever you have questions about their oral health, ask your vet! They are the experts and will let you know all the things you need to do to keep your pet’s teeth healthy!

The post Pet Dental Health appeared first on .