Parents of teens know just how conscious their children are of their appearance. We’re often asked if teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry is suitable for teens in Everett. The answer is yes; with the right treatment, teens, and everyone, can enjoy a whiter smile in a relatively short time. Teeth whitening can be both safe and satisfying.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening for Teens

At Mukilteo Dental Arts teeth whitening is a common procedure for teens. We often do this right before the start of school or before a school dance. However, we encourage parents to educate their children. Be sure they know that white teeth do not equal healthy teeth.

Teens have a notorious tendency to binge on sugary snacks. This can lead to cavities and expensive oral surgeries down the road. We don’t recommend policing everything they eat because they are learning to make their own decisions. Still, it’s important for them to learn the principles of moderation and common sense regarding sugary foods.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening

Teenagers tend to follow the crowd when it comes to the latest trends. When a friend or classmate shows up to school flaunting a freshly whitened smile, it’s likely your child will soon be coming to you asking for a teeth whitening kit. As these types of at-home whitening products become more available, it’s important to understand the risks and possible side effects of applying teeth whitening products to a developing smile.

Visit Us for All Your Dental Procedures near Everett

After a checkup from our family dentists, we will be more than happy to visit with you about all our cosmetic dental procedures. We strongly recommend our in-office laser teeth whitening treatments for teenagers who want a brighter smile. These professional treatments allow for a quick and easy whitening process that is proven to be safe without room for user-error. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Adults and Teens near Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on November 12, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

A new DIY teeth whitening method is trending among younger folks. Some people are using activated charcoal as a way of producing pearly whites. Is this method safe? Find out what our cosmetic dentists have to say about activated charcoal as a teeth whitener in Mukilteo.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal isn’t a whole lot different from the charcoal used to fire up your grill. Charcoal, however, is porous, which allows it to absorb and trap certain chemicals. Charcoal in this form has various medicinal uses, such as lowering cholesterol and treating intestinal gas.

Charcoal as a Teeth Whitener

To use this type of charcoal to whiten teeth, you apply it directly on the teeth where it binds with the surface. When you remove the charcoal, some of the plaque and other teeth-staining particles come off with it. Charcoal is effective for removing minor stains and grittiness on the teeth. But it doesn’t create the level of whiteness you can achieve from professional bleaching.

Activated charcoal is available in tablet form, which you can grind into a fine powder. Mixed with water the powder creates a sticky paste that you apply over your teeth for about three minutes. Most people use a toothbrush to apply the charcoal paste. However, some also dab the paste to the teeth using a cotton swab.

Is This Method Safe?

Activated charcoal is harmless when ingested. It’s a whole other matter, however, when applied to the teeth. Charcoal is abrasive, which can damage enamel. Our family dentists specifically recommend against using charcoal if you have any existing cuts or abrasions on your gums or elsewhere inside your mouth.

We’ll Whiten Your Teeth Safely in Mukilteo

Call Mukilteo Dental Arts to have your teeth whitened professionally. Meet our oral surgeons to learn about the methods we use for achieving milky-white molars. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Activated Charcoal: Not Recommended for Pearly Whites in Mukilteo

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on October 13, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Eating doesn’t always make your teeth dirtier. In fact, some foods actually make them cleaner. In family dental circles, we refer to these edibles as detergent foods. We’ll list some of these foods for you to add to your daily diet in Mill Creek.

Eat More of These Detergent Foods

Here’s a short list to consider:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Pears
• Popcorn (minus the salt, cheese, butter, and other flavoring)
• Cheese (and other unsweetened dairy products)
• Unsweetened dark chocolate

As you can see, most of the foods on the list are of the firm and crunchy type. They act like bristles that scrub your teeth while you’re chewing. We also listed dairy because it contains bone-strengthening calcium. In addition, dairy neutralizes acidic buildup that occurs in the mouth after eating sugar, grains, and processed foods.

As for dark chocolate, cocoa contains an antioxidant known as tannin, which gives the chocolate its dark pigment. Tannin also provides a coating that prevents bacteria from clinging to the teeth. Dark Chocolate, however, is also a teeth stainer. Our cosmetic dentists recommend no more than one serving a day.

When to Eat Detergent Foods

Timing is important. We recommend eating these foods last with every meal. This is especially the case if you don’t have access to a toothbrush.

These selections also make great midday snacks or additions to a child’s school lunch. Consider adding string cheese, apple slices, and a bite-size dark chocolate bar in your kid’s lunch pail.

Healthy Teeth Start at the Lunch Table

Healthy dental hygiene is a three-step process: Eating healthfully, brushing daily and visiting the dentist. People neglect the third step all too often. Please stop by Mukilteo Dental Arts for a checkup from our oral surgeons. At home, make a habit of eating at least one serving of detergent food with every meal. Contact us today for an appointment.

Detergent Foods for Children and Adults in Mill Creek

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on September 11, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Seeing a family dentist usually starts with a periodontal exam to assess your teeth and gum health. This involves a dentist poking and prodding your gums while reading off some numbers to the dental assistant. Many patients later ask what those numbers in a periodontal exam mean.

Numbers in a Periodontal Exam Explained

The numbers the dentist or hygienist reads aloud indicate the state of health of the bone and gums around each tooth. Each tooth has six areas the examiner measures and assigns a number. The numbers range from zero to seven, and sometimes higher. Essentially, the numbers refer to the size of a gum pocket, or the gap between the gum tissue and the tooth. A higher number indicates a larger gap. Large gum pockets are bad because they leave the tooth surface vulnerable to tartar buildup.

The Numbers at a glance

0 to 3

Ideally, you want to hear numbers three or below. This means there are no significant gum pockets that require immediate attention.

4 to 5

This indicates a slightly larger gum pocket. This can be due to gum inflammation. It may also be due to early signs of periodontal disease or bone loss around a tooth. A deep cleaning may be required.

6 and above

Hopefully, you don’t ever hear any numbers six or above. This is a sign of advanced periodontal disease. Some form of oral surgery may be required to save your tooth.

The Importance of a Regular Periodontal Exam

We can’t overstress the importance of a regular periodontal exam. Contact Mukilteo Dental Arts to schedule your next checkup. We have the wonderful team of general dentists and endodontists. We’ll take care of you if a periodontal exam yields high numbers that require further treatment. Contact us today!

Schedule Your Periodontal Exam Near Edmonds

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on August 11, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

At some point, your children may ask if they can get their teeth bleached. Kids are especially conscious of their appearance by the time they reach adolescence. Is cosmetic dentistry for children suitable, though? This is a question we dentists get asked all the time in Lynnwood.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children; Is It Alright?

Here’s our take; while we do perform some level of cosmetic dentistry on kids, we always make sure both parents and the child understand the nature of the procedure.

Teeth whitening is the most common form of cosmetic dentistry and is also fairly harmless for minors. We usually use a lower amount of bleaching solution to reduce chances of gum irritation. Teeth bleaching for children can be beneficial since it often boosts their self-confidence.

However, kids may get the impression that because their teeth are pearly white they’re in a healthy state. It’s important you your children realize that basic oral hygiene is still as relevant as ever.

How About Veneers?

We may recommend veneers if your child’s tooth has been chipped or damaged in an accident. Originally, veneers weren’t recommended for minors since the installation required filing away a bit of the enamel. However, the process is more commonplace nowadays thanks to improved technology.

Keep in mind, though, that veneers are just an aesthetic covering. The application should be supplemented by further treatment if there are clear signs of damage to the tooth, the root, or surrounding gums.

Once again, inform your child that the presence of a veneer does not mean the tooth is all of a sudden in tip-top shape. The same care is required for that tooth as it is for the rest of your child’s teeth.

We Promote Healthy Teeth for Your Kids in Lynnwood

Take your children to Mukilteo Dental Arts for an exam. Yes, we do cosmetic dentistry for children, but that is secondary to normal oral hygiene and any prevailing issues that have been treated by an oral surgeon. Contact us today for a consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children, Teens, and Adults in Lynnwood

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on July 12, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

We all know poor oral health correlates strongly with overall health. If you have periodontal disease you’re more likely to develop ailments like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. New studies are also now showing a link may exist between gum disease and asthma.

What the Research Says

According to a study published by the Journal of Periodontology, cavities drastically elevate a patient’s risk of developing moderate to severe asthma. The study consisted of a total of 220 participants, 107 from a control group, and 113 with a preexisting history of bronchial inflammation. After accounting for environmental and lifestyle factors, such as household income, education level and body mass index, the results revealed a startling conclusion: patients with gum disease were roughly 500% more likely to develop asthma than their counterparts with good oral health.

Having great oral health is no guarantee you’ll remain asthma-free. Likewise, the presence of plaque and tooth decay doesn’t automatically mean you’ll soon be using an inhaler. However, the findings do reinforce the fact that the health of your teeth and gums is an indicator of your overall state of health.

What You Can Do

Caring for your general health includes your oral health. Always return to the basics when it comes to oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day and flossing. In addition to dental care at home, you also need to visit your family dentist. The same goes for your children. According to the American Lung Association, over seven million kids under the age of 18 suffer from chronic asthma nationwide. Be sure to instill good oral habits in your little ones to lower their risk of becoming asthmatics.

Information About Gum Disease and Asthma in Mukilteo

Aside from general dentistry, the doctors at Mukilteo Dental Arts  also provide endodontics, cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery. Contact the center to book your first appointment. With studies indicating a correlation between gum disease and asthma, don’t needlessly elevate your risk of developing a malady that can be prevented.

Link Between Gum Disease and Asthma in Mukilteo

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on May 11, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

For children, brushing and flossing can be like eating vegetables. Most kids don’t look forward to cleaning their teeth and they won’t do it if parents don’t enforce it. However, oral care for your kids doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With a little creativity from you, the parent, you can make brushing and flossing fun for your kids.

Play a Song

While your children brush, play a song they like. Brushing is supposed to last at least two minutes, so have your children brush from the start to the end of the music. You can play a second song while your child flosses.  Here’s a fun children’s brush-along video.There are plenty of these songs available on YouTube. Find a few your children like and play whichever one they are in the mood for come brush time.

Develop a Reward System

Another way you can make brushing and flossing fun is with rewards. Children, like adults, are much more motivated if they get a reward. Every time they successfully brush and floss, reward them with a star, sticker, or token of some kind. Place a reward chart in the bathroom so they can see what they’ve earned. Visit this page for free printable dental reward charts.

Brush Along With Your Kids

Kids are natural copycats and follow the lead of their parents. Make brushing and flossing fun by brushing together.  As you brush with your children, make the experience joyful so they associate dental care with happiness.

Don’t Forget Visits to the Dentist

Also, be sure to get your children used to visiting a family dentist on a regular basis. The sooner you start, the less worried they’ll be. Mukilteo Dental Arts provides pediatric dentistry as well as endodontics,  oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family. Oral care for kids should start as early as possible to instill a lifelong and crucial habit.  Contact us today; we’re here to make you smile!

Make Brushing & Flossing Fun for the Whole Family

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Posted on April 10, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Preventive Dental Care in Mukilteo

Your family dentist can provide cosmetic dental work and restorative dental services, such as fillings, root canals, crowns, tooth extractions, and dental implants. Of course, you want to avoid requiring these procedures in the first place. Preventive dental care is your best defense against oral maladies. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and getting regular dental exams at your dentist’s office, you can enjoy years of great dental health and avoid expensive and often painful oral surgery.

Daily Brushing

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the most direct way to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean the front and back of your teeth with gentle, circular strokes. We also suggest brushing your tongue for a fresher breath.

Daily Flossing

Flossing daily between the teeth is necessary to remove hard-to-reach plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria. Not only is regular flossing vital for tooth and gum health, but research shows it can lead to an overall healthier life by preventing more serious ailments like diabetes, respiratory illness, and heart disease.

Routine Dental Exams

An annual or bi-annual oral exam is an important part of preventive dental care. Annual dental exams ensure you’re keeping your teeth clean and healthy at home and reveals any problems that may warrant in-clinic treatment.

Professional Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and bacteria that you can’t get from brushing and flossing alone. Just as your home needs a regular ‘spring cleaning’ in addition to regular housekeeping, your teeth should have a professional cleaning once to twice a year. A dentist can clean those hard-to-reach places, ensuring your teeth and gums are at their healthiest year-round.

Mukilteo Dental Arts can be reached at 425-276-7465. Give us a call today to arrange an exam for the whole family.

Preventive Dental Care in Mukilteo & South Everett

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek

Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Here is a post specifically for the dudes. Some men value the hair on their chin just as much as they do the hair on their head. However, can this inadvertently impact your dental health negatively? Does a connection exist between your beard and oral health?

Beards and Oral Health? What’s the Link?

There is a prevailing belief that a beard is a breeding ground for bacteria. Since the beard is located just below the lip, some of these bacteria can make its way into the mouth. Is there any legitimacy to this claim?

Our family dentists don’t believe so, and the studies do not support this. The belief originally stemmed from a study that has since been debunked for its lack of scientific merit.

Here’s the truth: Clean-shaven men actually had higher counts of bacteria on their faces compared to their bearded counterparts. This was according to a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. Here’s the reason: the men who shaved had more micro-abrasions, which harbored the bulk of bacteria.

Are Bearded Men at Risk?

With the above in mind, men with beards have little cause to worry. With that said, we can’t say that beards have zero impact on oral health. If you seldom clean your beard, then it probably does harbor excessive bacteria. Furthermore, a beard also obscures the jawline. This makes it harder to spot potential health problems that may require oral surgery. Beards may hide reddishness or lumps that may be a cyst or swollen lymph node.

Beard or Not, Stop by Our Clinic

Come by Mukilteo Dental Arts; our cosmetic dentists can give you pearly whites that complement your beard. That tuft of hair on your chin is no cause for alarm as long as you maintain good hygiene. Very little correlation exists between your beard and oral health.

Dental Care for Men, Women, and Children

General family dentistry for Mukilteo, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds & Mill Creek