Oakville Archives - JL Dental Blog

Athletes & Cavities: Do Runners Have More Oral Health Problems?

February 10, 2015

Filed under: Arnold,athletes,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville — jldental @ 9:37 pm

It’s a well-known fact that men and women who run on a regular basis tend to be slimmer and physically healthier than their non-athletic counterparts. Running is wonderful for cardiovascular health, and it helps to build lean muscle mass in the legs and back when done properly. But have you ever considered how your regular workout might be affecting your teeth? At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears strive to help each and every one of their patients live healthy, happy lives. Today, we’d like to talk about something we believe all athletes – runners, in particular – should keep in mind to maintain healthy, beautiful smiles.

New Study Reveals Reason for Cavities in Runners

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports discovered a link between frequent strenuous exercise and an increased incidence of tooth decay and enamel erosion. The German researchers found that the cause for the higher number of dental caries in runners was twofold.

First, athletestend to breathe through their mouths when exercising heavily. This leads to a more arid environment, leaving teeth to fend off attacks by acid-producing bacteria without the protective barrier usually supplied by saliva. Secondly, a diet that is high in carbohydrates – such as those found in energy bars and sports drinks – has been found to contribute to cavities. Fortunately, with proper home hygiene, plenty of water, and regular visits to our office, even the most active athletes can enjoy optimal oral health for life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

At JL Dental, we understand that cardiovascular exercise is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle, and we’d never dream of discouraging our patients from following a doctor-approved fitness regimen. We would, however, like to remind those of our patients who run on a regular basis that their smiles require extra care in order to stay healthy. With general dentistry solutions designed with your health, comfort, and convenience in mind, we can help you keep your mouth safe from decay and disease. Contact us today to schedule your next visit to our Arnold, MO family dental practice, and learn more about how diet and exercise affect your oral health. We are also happy to serve patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Imperial, Oakville, Barnhart, and beyond.

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How Do Dental Implants Work? Strengthen Your Smile with Implant-Retained Dentures

January 7, 2015

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,dental implants,dental implants arnold,dentures,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville,tooth replacement — jldental @ 8:38 pm

If you are missing teeth and are considering implant-retained dentures, you are certainly not alone. In fact, the majority of edentulous patients (those who are missing all of their teeth) would rather smile, eat, and speak more comfortably with dentures that were firmly held in place than worry about the hassles associated with removable false teeth. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Dr. Jonathan Mears and Dr. Laura Mears specialize in providing their patients with a full menu of restorative dentistryservices, including implant-retained dentures.

Reclaim Your Smile’s Form & Function

Dental implants have rapidly become the gold standard of tooth replacement options over the past few decades. While other restorative solutions do still provide sufficient biting power and aesthetics for some patients, many others find that nothing quite feels or looks like a natural tooth like dental implants. This is because a dental implant actually replaces your entire tooth’s missing structure, including the sturdy root within the jaw bone. With just a few tiny, biocompatible dental implants, our team can secure an entire arch of replacement teeth to your jaw. Unlike traditional dentures, these implant-retained dentures are firmly attached to your gums and jaw bone, allowing you to eat and speak with complete comfort and confidence.

Another benefit of implant-retained dentures is that they are incredibly lifelike in appearance. You don’t have to worry about slipping or clicking dentures when you speak, smile, or chew. They look and feel just like natural teeth; smiling openly in public and with friends has never felt so good.

Find Out if Dental Implants are Right for You

Even if you have been wearing traditional removable dentures for years, you may still be a good candidate for implant-retained dentures now. Simply give us a call at our office in Arnold, MO and schedule your consultation with Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears. We genuinely can’t wait to show you what an amazing difference dental implants can make in the way you look, eat, smile, and feel on a daily basis. Our state-of-the-art dental practice warmly welcomes patients from throughout Arnold, Barnhart, Oakville, Imperial, and beyond.

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Choose JL Dental For Your Family’s Emergency Dental Care Needs

December 19, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,dental emergencies,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,emergency dental care,JL Dental,Oakville — jldental @ 10:28 pm

Do you know who to call in case of a dental emergency? Dental injuriescan occur anytime, anywhere, and can include: knocked out teeth, loosened teeth, or fractured teeth. Cuts to soft tissue like your lips, gums, or cheeks are also considered dental emergencies. Oral injuries can become serious and have lasting consequences if left untreated. In fact, getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. That’s why it’s so important to have a go-to dentist for your family’s emergency dental care needs. You can make regular dental checkup appointments with JL Dental to establish a relationship that you can count on in case of a dental emergency. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears want to help you keep your family safe and pain free. JL Dental is trusted by families throughout Arnold, MO, Oakville, Imperial, Barnhart, and the surrounding communities.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

If someone is in pain, it’s an emergency. Getting quick treatment significantly improves the odds of saving your injured or damaged teeth. Any obvious damage should be treated as soon as possible. Trauma like chips or fractures can damage the living tissue inside the tooth, causing more problems in the future. JL Dental can prevent the damage from getting worse. Also, if you lose a dental filling or crown, you should seek dental attention right away. Any injury to teeth or gums should not be ignored, because nerves or blood vessels could be permanently damaged. There’s also an increased risk of getting an infection. If an infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the head and neck and cause serious health concerns, and in extremely rare cases, become life threatening. That’s why it’s so very important to always seek immediate treatmentfor a dental injury.

Arnold Emergency Dental Care Appointments

Getting injured teeth or soft tissues repaired and treated as soon as possible after dental trauma is the best thing to do. Accidents happen, but knowing what to do and who to call when one occurs, can make a big difference for your family. JL Dental always finds a way to make time for emergency patients. If you need to, you can make an immediate emergency dental care appointment with JL Dental. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears are experienced and compassionate family dentists. JL Dental proudly restores smiles daily throughout Arnold, MO, Oakville, Imperial, Barnhart, and the nearby areas.

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You can Live Pain-free with TMJ Therapy from JL Dental in Arnold, MO

October 17, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville,TMD,TMJ,TMJ therapy — jldental @ 9:18 pm

Do you often wake up with a headache in the morning? Have you even been experiencing migraine headaches? Both may be the result of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, which can cause temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. In Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan Mears and Laura Mears of JL Dental practice TMJ therapy to help patients eliminate pain and enjoy comfort.

The temporomandibular joint is located on either side of your head just in front of the ears. TMD occurs when something interferes with the natural motion of this joint, which is hard at work when you chew, talk, and yawn, smile, or laugh out loud. However, if this joint cannot function properly, then the pain that results is no laughing matter.

In some cases, the pain is caused by bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, which exerts unnatural pressure on your teeth. If this is the case, then our dentists may use the NTI-tss splint for TMJ therapy. The NTI-tss separates your lower and upper back teeth and keeps your jaw in its proper position. Thus, teeth grinding and clenching are prevented and the resultant pain is avoided.

Other Symptoms of TMJ

Headaches are not the only sign that you may need TMJ therapy. Other common symptoms include jaw soreness; a popping or clicking sound when you open or close your mouth; facial swelling; an earache without infection; or unexplained tooth sensitivity. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may benefit from a custom-fitted night guard to prevent bruxism. After a thorough assessment of your teeth, bite and jaw—and this may necessitate x-rays—we’ll be able to determine if a night guard is the solution for you. If so, then an impression is made of your teeth in order to fabricate your custom night guard.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are having any type of jaw, head or facial pain, call the office of JL Dental in Arnold, MO, today. Drs. Jonathan or Laura Mears will carefully analyze your pain and recommend the best TMJ treatment for you. Our office also serves patients in Oakville, Imperial, Barnhart and the surrounding communities.

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Children’s Dentistry at JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Will Make You and Your Child Smile!

September 18, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,children's dentistry,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville — jldental @ 7:10 pm

If only taking care of your children’s teeth were child’s play. Actually, at JL Dental in Arnold, MO, the husband and wife team of Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mearsmakes children’s dentistryseem as enjoyable as, well, child’s play. From that very first visit, through the teen years and on into adulthood, we strive for a friendly relationship that builds a foundation of lifelong oral healthcare.

The ABC’s of Children’s Dentistry

The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” couldn’t be more true than when it comes to caring for your children’s teeth. That’s why JL Dental puts prevention to work in their practice of children’s dentistry. We’d much rather prevent a problem from ever starting than treat a problem later.

With this in mind, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mearsrecommend that your child start visiting JL Dental around the age of three. At this first visit, we will count their teeth, perform a quick exam and try to make them feel comfortable in a dentist’s office. As they grow and move through the progressive phases of oral development, we we will apply dental sealants to their adult molars in order to prevent decay and use fluoride treatments to strengthen their teeth. Of course, if we do notice a problem at one of their regular six-month check-ups, we will treat that, too.

Children’s Dentistry and Beyond

You may be surprised and happy to know that JL Dental also offers orthodontic treatment in our Arnold, MO, office. We offer both traditional metal braces and ClearCorrect for our orthodontic patients of all ages. After treatment, your child’s smile will be straighter and healthier, and they will have the confidence to face the world!

Call Us Today for Your Child’s Appointment at JL Dental

JL Dental is the one-stop shop in Arnold, MO, for all of your children’s dental needs. Call our office today for an appointment. We happily serve parents and children in Imperial, Oakville, Barnhardt and surrounding communities.

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Oral Cancer Screening: The Important Facts You Need to Know from JL Dental

August 18, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville,oral cancer screening — jldental @ 9:04 pm

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 42,440 men and women in America will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2014. Of these, only 62.7 percent are expected to survive for more than five years. Research tells us that the successful treatment of oral cancer is contingent upon early detection and diagnosis. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears provide families with all of the preventive and general dentistry services they need to maintain optimal oral health, including routine oral cancer screening.

Protect Yourself with Oral Cancer Screening

Because oral cancer is such an aggressive disease, early treatment is pivotal to success in fighting it. At your routine general dentistry checkup at JL Dental, our team will thoroughly evaluate the gums and other soft tissues in your mouth, utilizing proven oral cancer screening technology to detect problems that aren’t yet visible to the naked eye. While an oral cancer screening is the only definitive way to spot and diagnose a potentially cancerous lesion, there are some signs that you can keep in mind between your visits to our office. These include:

· White or red patches anywhere in the mouth

· Unexplained bleeding

· A persistent cough or hoarseness

· Numbness or tingling in the mouth or on the lips

· Sores in the mouth that recur or simply do not go away

· Lumps or thickening of the skin of the cheek lining

· A change in the way dentures fit

· Difficulty swallowing

· Soreness when moving the tongue

· Pain in the teeth or jaw bone

· Persistent halitosis (bad breath)

If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect their presence in a loved one, call us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with our doctors and friendly, experienced staff. We’ll work with you from day one to develop a treatment plan that is customized to meet your individual needs.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Even if you are completely free of these symptoms, oral cancer screening is an integral component of your routine dental checkup. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Jonathan Mears or Dr. Laura Mears, and discover the difference our patient-centered approach and gentle touch can make in your next checkup. Our family-friendly dental practice in Arnold, MO, proudly serves patients from throughout nearby neighborhoods as well, including those located in Barnhart, Oakville, Imperial, and more.

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Caring for Dentures: Helpful Tips from the Team at JL Dental

July 16, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,dentures,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville,restorative dentistry — jldental @ 6:38 pm

Everyone wants their dentures to look and feel their best, and at JL Dental, we want to help. At our state-of-the-art dental practice in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears provide an all-encompassing menu of restorative dentistry solutions that fit your lifestyle, including full and partial dentures. Keep these simple tips in mind when caring for your dentures to ensure that they continue to look, feel, and function as they should.

Proper Denture Care

Despite the fact that they are designed to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, denturescan still be susceptible to damage if not handled with care. The teeth portion of your dentures, for example, should never be brushed with a regular toothbrush and toothpaste. These implements are too abrasive for the materials used to make dentures, and can actually cause visible erosion to their surfaces over time. Instead, use a daily cleanser and special brush specifically designed for dentures. Also remember that your dentures should be rinsed with water following every meal to prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.

When removing your denturesfor cleaning, do so over a soft, folded towel or a sink full of water. If you happen to drop them accidentally, they are far less likely to break or crack. Every night, store your dentures in a container of water or specialized cleanser to keep them moist. If allowed to dry out, dentures can warp and lose their shape, negatively affecting the way they fit within your mouth. As always, our doctors are here to help with answers to all of your questions about restorative dental solutions, including dentures, crowns and bridges, dental implants, and more.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Do you currently have dentures and are interested in alternative restorative options (including dental implants)? Perhaps you’d simply like to learn more about to properly care for your dental prosthetics so that they’ll continue to look their best. Our team is here to help. Contact our officein Arnold, MO today to schedule your appointment with Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears. We can’t wait to show you how our dedication and patient-centric approach can benefit you and your oral health. Our family-friendly office happily welcomes patients from throughout Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, Barnhart, and beyond.

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Dental Implant Post-Op Diet Tips from JL Dental in Arnold, MO

June 3, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Arnold cosmetic dentist,Barnhart,dental implants,dental implants arnold,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville — jldental @ 6:35 pm

Dental implants have quickly become the preferred method of tooth replacement in the United States, allowing patients with missing teeth to enjoy the benefits of a complete smile once again. Following your dental implant procedure, you may wonder what kind of post-surgery diet to follow while you heal. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Dr. Jonathan and Laura Mears offer both the surgical placement and restorative steps of the dental implant process, as well as helpful information regarding post-op recovery.

Oral Surgery Post-Op Diet

While our doctors will provide you with specific instructions regarding post-op careafter your surgery, there are a few fundamental aspects of recovery you can keep in mind now and following your procedure to ensure a successful recovery.

First, it is important to remember that food is the fuel your body needs to heal following any surgery, so you have to get the right nutrients into your diet every day. Because your gums will be sensitive at first, it is recommended that you stick to a diet of soft foods for the first few days following the placement of your dental implants. Smoothies, oatmeal, soups, and broths are great choices, as are mashed potatoes and yogurts. Moving on to foods like cooked vegetables and soft meats is recommended when your mouth feels capable of handling them without pain. A good rule of thumb is to avoid eating anything that hurts your gums, including crunchy snacks like chips or nuts.

Protein, calcium, and iron are all integral factors of healing after surgery. Eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, and leafy greens like spinach and kale are ideal sources of these vital nutrients. Talk to our doctors if you have any questions about your diet or your surgical site following your procedure.

Your Healthiest Smile Yet

Whether you have recently undergone dental implant surgery or you are planning your procedure for the near future, we are here to help you along every step of the way. Contact our office in Arnold, MO today to schedule your consultation with our experienced, caring doctors. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a more beautiful smile with dental implants. Our family-friendly office happily serves patients from throughout Arnold and the surrounding areas, including Oakville, Barnhart, Imperial, and beyond.

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The Role of Root Canal Therapy in the Health of Your Smile

May 2, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Barnhart,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,general family dentistry,Imperial,JL Dental,Oakville,root canal therapy — jldental @ 8:33 pm

In an ideal world, we’d live our entire lives enjoying perfectly healthy teeth and a bright, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, however, life doesn’t always treat our teeth so well, and problems like decay and injury do arise. At JL Dental in Arnold, MO, Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears help patients protect and preserve their natural teeth with a comprehensive menu of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services, including root canal therapy.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

When the nerve-filled inner pulp of a tooth becomes damaged due to injury or decay, the infection can quickly spread and cause further damage, often in the form of an abscess. If left untreated, severe cases can lead to the need to extract the tooth entirely. In order to save the natural tooth and prevent the spread of infection, a root canal treatment is performed. The infected pulp and any remaining bacteria are completely removed from the tooth, and the cavity is then filled with a specialized material called gutta-percha. Then, to add structural stability and aesthetic appeal, a crown is placed over the entire tooth.

Signs that you may need root canal therapy include a toothache that does not go away, pain in the gum or jaw directly adjacent to one or more teeth, and a darkening of the enamel. Any pain that occurs within the mouth should be evaluated by a dentist, so don’t hesitate to contact JL Dental if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you or anyone in your family is experiencing tooth or jaw pain that persists for any extended period of time, it is important that you contact our office today and schedule an appointment with our team. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears are dedicated to providing you with the care you need to ensure lifelong oral health and a beautiful smile. Our family-friendly office in Arnold, MO happily serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Oakville, Imperial, Barnhart, Mehlville, Byers, and beyond. We look forward to seeing your smile!

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Revitalize Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers at JL Dental in Arnold, MO

March 12, 2014

Filed under: Arnold,Arnold cosmetic dentist,Barnhart,cosmetic dentistry,Dr. Jonathan Mears,Dr. Laura Mears,JL Dental,Oakville,porcelain veneers — jldental @ 8:36 pm

Dental imperfections – including yellow teeth, gaps and misalignment – can leave you feeling self-conscious and embarrassed when you smile. This can affect your sense of confidence and self-esteem, whether it’s at work, at family gatherings or in social situations. Fortunately, there is a solution to common smile flaws that may fit your case perfectly: porcelain veneersfrom JL Dental in Arnold, MO. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears provide patients just like you with advanced cosmetic dentistrysolutions every day, revealing happier, more aesthetically pleasing smiles.

How Can Porcelain Veneers Help Me?

Dental veneers are durable, ultra-thin sheaths of finely crafted porcelain that are precisely affixed to the front surfaces of your natural teeth. They look and feel natural, even reflecting light the same way that enamel does. Some of the cosmetic dental flaws that are frequently corrected using porcelain veneers are:

· Cracks and/or chips in enamel

· Unsightly gaps between teeth

· Mild to moderate crookedness

· Teeth that appear too crowded in the front of the mouth

· Deep, persistent stains and discoloration

· Teeth that are worn down

· Teeth that are too small, too large or misshapen

Perhaps one of the most desirable features associated with porcelain veneers is how quickly they can be completed. Following your initial consultation and assessment, you’ll only need one more appointment at our office before you’ll enjoy your brand new smile!

Take Back Your Smile

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a vibrant, more beautiful smile today, contact our office in Arnold, MO and schedule your appointment now. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears look forward to helping you realize your vision of a bright, confident smile with porcelain veneers. Our office also welcomes patients from surrounding communities in Barnhart, Oakville, Imperial, and beyond.

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