• Blogs

  • SO HOW DOES FLUORIDE HELP TEETH?!?

    November 28, 2023

    Fluoride plays a crucial role in promoting dental health by strengthening tooth enamel and preventing tooth decay. When teeth are exposed to fluoride, it combines with hydroxyapatite, a mineral in enamel, to form a more robust compound called fluorapatite. This strengthened enamel is more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars, reducing the risk of cavities. Fluoride also promotes remineralization, aiding in the repair of early-stage tooth decay. Incorporating fluoride into dental care, whether through fluoridated water, toothpaste, or professional treatments, is a proven and cost-effective strategy to enhance oral health and maintain strong, healthy teeth throughout a person's life. Regular use of fluoride contributes significantly to overall dental hygiene and the prevention of common dental issues.

  • Why Is The End Of The Year So Important Regarding Usage Of Dental Benefits?

    October 28, 2023

    Utilizing dental insurance before the year-end is crucial, ensuring optimal oral health while maximizing financial benefits. Many dental plans operate on a use-it-or-lose-it basis, meaning any unused benefits vanish at year-end. This urgency prompts individuals to schedule regular check-ups, cleanings, and essential treatments, preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. Early detection of dental concerns not only preserves natural teeth but also minimizes potential discomfort and expensive procedures down the line. By leveraging insurance benefits, individuals invest in preventive care, maintaining healthy smiles. Moreover, timely visits aid in identifying underlying health conditions, as dental problems often reflect overall well-being. Thus, seizing the opportunity to utilize dental insurance fosters a proactive approach, promoting both oral and overall health, while maximizing the value of the insurance coverage

  • SO HOW DOES GUM DISEASE, OR PERIODONTAL DISEASE, AFFECT MY OVERALL HEALTH?

    September 07, 2023

    Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is not limited to oral health; it has systemic implications that extend to overall well-being. Scientific research has established significant connections between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions. One critical link is with cardiovascular diseases, as chronic gum inflammation may contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, periodontal disease is associated with diabetes, as oral inflammation can affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. It also poses risks to respiratory health by introducing oral bacteria into the lungs, potentially leading to infections and worsening conditions like COPD. Furthermore, there are emerging connections between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral health for overall systemic health and well-being.

  • Have you ever wondered if you should be wearing a nightguard while you are sleeping? No doubt, many of you have seen "nightguards" for sale at the store or even online... But are they safe?

    May 16, 2023

    Many of my patients have had custom nightguards made at my office. In some cases, tooth wear and cracking from tooth clenching/grinding is so excessive that someone will lose all of their teeth if they do not intervene! In other cases, when the forces are not as great, cracks will develop in teeth, teeth will break, and cosmetic changes in your smile will be noticed. Either way, having a custom nightguard made by a dentist can be very protective.
    I also tell my patients NEVER to buy a nightguard from the store or online. In fact, I tell them that they are better off wearing nothing rather than going that route! If you have a nightguard made to cover your upper teeth, the manner in which the lower teeth touch the nightguard when you close has a huge effect on your muscles and joints.
    Consider a scenario where you are taking a walk but you have a small pebble irritating your foot in one shoe. Your body will adapt to the pebble and do its best to avoid the pain that it is causing. The adjustments that your body makes can lead to a sore calf, entire leg, lower back, or even your neck! In essence, much of your body could become problematic and all because of a small pebble under one of your feet. The mouth is the same way as we need balance and support in order to avoid problems. The ONLY way to achieve this with a nightguard is to make sure your dentist checks for the proper balance and support when you are biting down into it.
    So, yes, a nightguard can be an excellent tool in order to protect your teeth... But only if done properly by a professional. Otherwise, over time you may end up in a worse condition than when you started!
    If you have any questions or would like to become a patient at my office please call 262-548-3555!
    Dr. Salm

  • Many of you have heard of clear aligner orthodontic therapy, also known as INVISALIGN, SURESMILE, and other names. Compared to having braces with metal brackets and wires, clear aligners are barely visible to the eye yet typically give you the same great result! So, how does this work?

    April 19, 2023

    In our office, we take a digital scan of your teeth to ensure perfect accuracy (as opposed to the gooey impression material everyone loves!). As a patient, you wear a series of clear plastic trays which you switch every 7-14 days. As you continue through the series of trays, your teeth are moved and straightened... Just like braces, but without the metal!
    As you can see from the pictures and videos, the color intensity on certain teeth is much heavier than others. This imbalance means that certain teeth are under much more force than others and in essence, are being "beaten up". Once treatment is complete, this balance of biting force is greatly improved which results in your teeth being far more protected against unnecessary overload and resultant wear, crack formation, and breakage! Also, straight teeth are far easier to keep clean than crooked/crowded teeth!
    Call us today at 262-548-3555 to learn more about how are digital impression scanning and clear aligners can give you the smile you have always wanted... Without the metal braces!

  • Did you know?

    March 31, 2023

    Dr. Salm is one of only 6% of all dentists to have earned the distinction of becoming a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. This is a result of his extensive continuing education hours and passing a rigorous exam!

  • Did you know that not only does our CEREC technology allow us to make your permanent crowns in only one appointment, but we can also scan your entire mouth for Invisalign / Clear Correct and even bleaching trays!

    February 16, 2023

    When it comes to straightening your teeth without metal braces, Invisalign / Clear Correct benefits greatly from using a scan vs. an impression. Considering that an entire set of teeth aligning trays (often more than 10 trays at a time!) are constructed from the first orthodontic visit, having a perfectly accurate scan to begin with provides the best outcomes possible as we do not have to worry about potential distortion, such as is the case with impressions. Not to mention, the trays fit better to your teeth which makes a huge difference in comfort!
    If you are interested in straightening your teeth, definitely consider clear tray aligners such as Invisalign or Clear Correct. If you want the best results, start your case with our scan of your mouth to ensure accuracy and the fastest, most-effective treatment possible.
    If you are interested in straightening your teeth with clear aligners such as Invisalign or Clear Correct, or perhaps would like to take advantage of our opportunity to provide Same Day Crowns, call us today at 262-548-3555. We are looking forward to hearing from you!