Etown Dental Blog

Oral piercing is a popular form of body-art in Elizabethtown, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’m Dr. Ed White, a dentist serving Elizabethtown and surrounding areas. When my patients ask me about the safety of oral piercings, I make sure they understand the possible consequences.

First, Elizabethtown residents should know that infection is always a major concern with any piercing, but because the mouth is the perfect environment for breeding bacteria, oral piercings are especially problematic. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking can also be impaired by an oral piercing.

Oral piercings can lead to an increase in saliva flow and, possibly, excessive drooling, something my Elizabethtown cosmetic dental patients generally want to avoid. (I don’t know anyone in Elizabethtown who thinks drooling is attractive.) Chipped or cracked teeth, damage to dental fillings, and metal sensitivity are other possible results.

Another serious risk associated with piercings that should concern Elizabethtown, Lancaster, and Hershey residents is nerve damage. Many people experience temporary numbness after a piercing, but for some, sensations never return. An injured nerve can also affect facial movements as well as your sense of taste.

Do you really want to risk looking like a stroke victim for the rest of your life?

If you’ve read through this and you’re still sure a tongue bar or lip piercing is for you, please consult your Elizabethtown area family dentist so they can help you make the safest decision possible for your dental health. If you are looking for a dentist around Elizabethtown, our caring and professional staff here at Elizabethtown Dental Associates would be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We offer sedation dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign clear braces, and more!

We may even convince you that safe, effective cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding would be a smarter and safer way to express your personality and boost your confidence. Give us a call today!

Dr. Ed White
Elizabethtown Dental Associates
100 Continental Dr
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
717-689-2055
http://www.etowndental.com/dentist-elizabethtown/

Tooth whitening has really taken off in Elizabethtown. It has become a popular dental procedure and can provide excellent results if done properly.

There are a lot of options when it comes to tooth whitening. You can choose from a selection of over-the-counter options that you can get at your local pharmacy, or can go to a professional to get a complete tooth whitening solution.

It is a good idea to consult with your dentist before a tooth whitening, regardless of whether you choose to use an over-the-counter product. Your dentist will be able to help you understand the results you can expect, and can help recommend a product that will work for you.

There are many variables when it comes to tooth whitening. The color of your teeth at the beginning of your treatment will make a difference for your ending result. Different teeth whitening treatments will each produce a different result. Your Elizabethtown dentist has experience with tooth coloration and the types of treatments available.

In many cases, your Elizabethtown dentist will be able to provide you with a tooth whitening solution that you can take home with you. In some cases, your Elizabethtown cosmetic dentist may recommend a professional treatment that is done at the dentist’s office.

Professional zoom whitening can produce dramatic results in a single treatment, and is often done over a few treatments.

Tooth whitening is less expensive than it was in the earlier days of tooth whitening technology. Today, tooth whitening treatments are very affordable, and don’t take the time they used to.

If you are interested in a tooth whitening consultation in the Elizabethtown area, please call Elizabethtown Dental Associates and make an appointment to see me. I will be happy to give you a check up, assess your tooth color, and recommend tooth whitening treatments that may be right for you.

-Dr. Ed White

If you have visited the toothpaste aisle at your Elizabethtown Wal-Mart, you have probably noticed dozens of products that claim to whiten your teeth. A few years ago, the only over-the-counter tooth whitening options in Elizabethtown were whitening toothpastes and Crest Whitestrips. Now there is a wide variety of products at every drugstore counter in the Elizabethtown area.

Whitening Rinses
Elizabethtown whitening rinses are similar to mouthwashes. They kill bacteria, freshen breath and may help remove plaque. Whitening rinses, however, contain tooth whitening ingredients not found in mouthwashes. Manufacturers advise taking a mouthful of the rinse and letting it slosh around on your teeth for one minute twice a day. Though this method is simple, many users never notice a lightening of their teeth. This is probably because the rinse does not touch your teeth long enough to truly whiten them.

Whitening Strips
The whitening strips you can buy in Elizabethtown grocery stores have a couple of drawbacks. Though they contain a bleaching agent, it is much less potent than those used in cosmetic dental offices. Another problem is that they do not whiten between teeth because the strips only touch the front surface. Though it is possible to remove stains, it can take months to see any whitening. By that point, you have probably spent more money than you would have if you’d have chosen the professional system at your Elizabethtown teeth whitening dental clinic.

Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are painted onto teeth with a small brush. One problem with whitening gels is that they only stick to dry teeth. If any saliva gets on the teeth during treatment, the gel is more likely to slide off.

If you are serious about dramatically whitening your teeth, the safest, quickest, and most affordable system is at your Elizabethtown family dentistry office.

Elizabethtown Dental Associates is located at 100 Continental Dr in Elizabethtown. Our phone number is 717-689-2055. You can find more information on our Elizabethtown dental website online at http://www.etowndental.com/about/.

Hello, I am Dr. Ed White.

Whether you are a local Elizabethtown family dentistry patient, or a blogosphere visitor, welcome to my dental blog.

My family and cosmetic dental practice is called Elizabethtown Dental Associates and is located at 100 Continental Dr, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. I have been practicing dentistry since 1984. Since opening my Elizabethtown cosmetic dental practice, I have seen a lot of changes in dental techniques and tooth restoration materials, however, my commitment to the highest quality of care and personal attention to my patients has not changed.

At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, my caring and professional staff and I provide a full menu of preventative, restorative, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. If you are looking for a gentle kid-friendly family dentist or a smile design specialist, I invite you to schedule a consultation. We work hard to make each visit as quick and pleasant as possible.

Some of the services we offer are porcelain veneers, dental implants, tooth-colored fillings, gum grafts, safe tooth whitening, and invisible braces. Ask us about fluoride treatments, tooth bonding and complete smile makeovers. You can find more information about our services at http://www.ETownDental.com.

If you have Pennsylvania dental insurance, call my office to see if we are contracted with your provider. If you don’t have dental insurance, call us at 717-689-2055 for information on our rates and smile makeover financing options. Budgeting for regular cleanings and checkups can ensure a healthy and beautiful smile for life.

What could be a better investment?

Elizabethtown Dental Associates
100 Continental Dr
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022
http://www.ETownDental.com

It’s no secret that most Elizabethtown people dread going to the dentist. Everyone knows it and despite your best efforts, even your Elizabethtown area dentist knows it. But when you start visiting your dentist for the latest cosmetic dental treatments, you may find that you LOVE going to the dentist!

Dentists in Elizabethtown and the nearby areas have so many procedures and advanced materials at their disposal to make your smile as beautiful as it can be. Dental crowns, porcelain veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and clear braces are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in and around Elizabethtown.

Many Elizabethtown residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

I’m Dr. Ed White a cosmetic and family dentist in Elizabethtown and I want to help you love your dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 1984, and I find it especially rewarding when my local patients find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Elizabethtown practice we offer porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, and dental implants. If you have any questions, the caring and professional staff here at Elizabethtown Dental Associates would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see what cosmetic dentistry procedures would be right for you.

Dr. Ed White
Elizabethtown Dental Associates
717-689-2055
http://www.etowndental.com/about/

A brilliant smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional whitening of teeth can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine contribute to the staining. Most of us are aware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it is an enemy to beautiful teeth. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first decide which method to use. At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our clients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 717-689-2055.

At-home Pennsylvania whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to achieve barely noticeable results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in appearance of teeth.

Zoom whitening procedures performed by a Pennsylvania dental professional achieve dramatic results that last far longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you’re a Pennsylvania resident who has dental crowns, porcelain veneers or bonding, it is important to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

-Dr. Ed White, DDS
http://www.ETownDental.com

We do smile makeovers!

Imagine you are starting a new job in Elizabethtown and meeting your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath. Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, from ages 2 to 102. Regular family dentistry checkups at Elizabethtown Dental Associates can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1984.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in Elizabethtown can result in a change in your breath.

In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem effecting as much as 25 percent of our Elizabethtown area residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to your sedation dentist Elizabethtown Dental Associates can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath for Elizabethtown residents include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Elizabethtown Dental Associates located in Elizabethtown; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 717-689-2055 to set up a cosmetic dental appointment. We can also offer a wide variety of cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and dental implants.

-Dr. Ed White

Here at Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we want your teeth to last a lifetime! Tooth enamel is one of the hardest parts of the body, but it is non-renewable so it is important not to not neglect or abuse our teeth. Daily teeth and gum care is the best way to protect tooth enamel.

Even though every Elizabethtown drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we recommend brushing with a soft brush after every meal to gently brush away acid. Scrub too hard, and you can erode enamel. It is ideal to brush immediately after eating, but brushing within 60 minutes of a meal has benefits. The quicker you remove food from your teeth, the better it is for your enamel.

Flossing regularly is also important to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces, or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.

Dr. Ed White recommends a family dentistry checkup and thorough cleaning every six months. Our skilled hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken the teeth’s structures. Regular checkups prevent problems and save you money on expensive restorations down the road.

Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we see damaged teeth and dental work as a result of patients using their teeth as tools. Biting down on something too hard, like ice or hard candy can also damage enamel. If you have a cracked or damaged tooth, you may be a candidate for a root canal as a way to save the tooth.

Attention Elizabethtown athletes: be sure to use a mouthguard for team, contact, and recreational sports.

Teeth grinding is also a common dental threat. Be careful not to grind teeth, this can not only wear away enamel but also pave ways for cavities to get in. If you already have a cavity, we provide tooth colored dental fillings for a metal-free smile. If you grind your teeth while you are sleeping, make an appointment to be fitted for a night guard. Your enamel will thank you.

Lastly, remember: drink water. Coffee, sports drinks, soda, wine, and tea all contain a lot of acid or sugar, and in some cases both. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of tooth decay for non-water drinkers in the Elizabethtown area.

We hope you find these Elizabethtown Dental Associates tips helpful. For more information on dental care, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Elizabethtown cosmetic dental office today at 717-689-2055!

Dr. Ed White
Elizabethtown Dental Associates
717-689-2055
http://www.ETownDental.com

If you are afraid of your Elizabethtown cosmetic dentist, you are not alone. At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we encounter many nervous first-time Elizabethtown dental patients. How do we calm their fears, provide a comfortable dental environment and earn lifelong clients?

1) We carefully explain the findings of the initial dental examination and thoroughly outline any recommended procedures. The consultation also includes a discussion about pain control including oral conscious sedation dentistry medications. This allows our Elizabethtown dentistry clients to make informed decisions about their oral health and necessary dental procedures.

2) Dr. Ed White practices gentle, pain-free dentistry. Elizabethtown cosmetic dentistry treatment will not begin until you are numb. Keep in mind, however, that every dentistry patient reacts to numbing agents and sedation medications differently.

Speak up quickly if you start to feel discomfort. We will pause treatment, administer additional analgesic and wait until it takes effect. At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we never rush endodontics or cosmetic dental procedures.

We will do our best to make you comfortable, whether you are receiving dental veneers, undergoing crown-lengthening treatment, having your teeth whitened, or replacing your old silver fillings.

3) We provide many in-office amenities at Elizabethtown Dental Associates which help our dental patients focus on something pleasant during cosmetic dental treatment. Not every Elizabethtown area dental patient chooses sedation dentistry. Sometimes chemical-free diversions such as listening to your favorite music provide a diversion while letting you remain clear-headed.

At Elizabethtown Dental Associates, we understand dental anxiety and will help you overcome it. We are located at 100 Continental Dr in Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

To schedule a friendly consultation, call 717-689-2055 or visit http://www.ETownDental.com.

Your face is always on display for others to see. You can’t hide it behind long sleeves or baggy jeans, and a hat won’t hide it away on a sleep-in Saturday.

Many lucky Elizabethtown residents who have received smile makeovers at Elizabethtown Dental Associates believe their dazzling new smile brightens their whole face. Some local professionals have corrected tooth problems prior to beginning a search for new employment.

A beautiful smile is essential to a polished appearance. Elizabethtown cosmetic dentistry is not just for people in the public eye, it is for anyone who desires a youthful looking smile.

Elizabethtown teeth whitening is quicker and more popular than ever. Some of our Elizabethtown cosmetic dental clients invest in total teeth restoration because they have always been self-conscious about chips, gaps or crooked teeth.

Cosmetic dental treatment may consist of dental bonding, dental implants, dental bridges, clear braces, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening or a combination.

If you are unfamiliar with the latest materials and procedures, see smile makeover expert Dr. Ed White for a cosmetic dental consultation. Some transformations are completed in just one visit! And don’t forego a new smile because you are afraid of dental treatment. Nervous Elizabethtown cosmetic dental clients can wake up to a new smile with sedation dentistry.

It is never too late to get a movie-star smile!

Elizabethtown Dental Associates
100 Continental Dr
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022
717-689-2055