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Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, and this happens when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva in the mouth. In some cases, dry mouth is temporary, and can be caused by dehydration. In other cases, dry mouth is a chronic problem, and many struggle with this issue. Dry mouth can be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, or can be caused by an infected salivary gland.

When we do not have enough saliva production this can cause oral health issues. Saliva plays an important role in our oral health, and helps to protect our teeth and gums from acids or erosion. The saliva washes away bacteria or food, and keeps our teeth and mouth healthy.

What Issues Can Dry Mouth Cause?

Dry mouth can cause many issues including gum disease, tooth decay, staining, and erosion of enamel. When bacteria are not washed away, and plaque and tartar collect, this can cause gum disease, and in turn this increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. If not treated gum disease can cause tooth deterioration, or even tooth loss.

When your saliva production is low the bacteria and acids stay on your teeth longer, and this can lead to tooth decay or enamel erosion. If the acid and plaque levels are high, your teeth can become discolored or stained. It is always important to attend your regular dental exams and cleaning appointments to ensure your teeth and mouth are healthy, and do not have any decay.

How Can I Treat Dry Mouth?

The good news is there are ways to treat dry mouth and restore the health of your teeth and gums. Depending on the level of damage will determine what treatment is required. Restoration options include fillings, crowns, or gum treatments.

Tips To Prevent Dry Mouth

  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
  • Use an over-the-counter saliva treatment or substitute
  • Use a humidifier while sleeping to increase moisture in the air
  • Chew sugar-free gum to help saliva production
  • Stay on top of your oral health routine, and brush and floss daily to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup

Ready To Find Out More?

If you are suffering from dry mouth, and have concerns about your oral health, we encourage you to contact R2 Center for Dentistry. Scheduling a consultation with our team is the first step towards healthy teeth and gums. Our doctors will perform a thorough exam, and provide treatment recommendations that work for you. Dry mouth can lead to serious issues, and should always be addressed right away.

To schedule your appointment, please contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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How Come Some People Get Cavities Easier

Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice you get cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair, but there are other factors that play into keeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize. There are ways to reduce your risk for cavities outside of brushing and flossing regularly.

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

  • Diet – Reducing the amount of sugar you eat or drink can help prevent cavities. Your chance of getting cavities increases if you eat or drink foods with a high amount of sugar.
  • Gum Recession – If you suffer from gum disease and your gums are receding, the root of the tooth is exposed. Bacteria can reach the root area of the tooth and cavities can develop more easily.
  • Dry Mouth – If you tend to have a dry mouth your risk for decay increases. We need saliva to wash away bacteria in our mouths.
  • Genetics – Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency to develop cavities more frequently than others. This is because some people are more susceptible to a certain type of cavity causing bacteria.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk for cavities. This doesn’t mean you will never have a cavity again, but it does mean you are changing your habits, and putting forth a good effort to try and prevent decay from developing.

  • Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Make sure you attend your regular visits to your dentist. These exams help to identify potential cavities, and allow the dentist to get in front of issues before they become worse.
  • Reduce Sugars in Your Diet– Try and stay away from foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
  • Keep Up With Oral Hygiene – Stay on top of your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup that causes decay.
  • Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride – Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.
  • Use Mouthwash – Mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria, and if the wash contains fluoride this can help prevent cavities.

Knowing what you can do to help prevent cavities can help you avoid many trips to the dentist. Taking care of our teeth is very important, and can help avoid dental issues. Always practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

At R2 Center for Dentistry, we discuss what patients are doing at home to help prevent decay. Our staff provides tips and tricks to help our patients keep their teeth looking great. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and can avoid serious issues from developing. If you have not been to our office for your regular dental exam, we encourage you to schedule your appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, R2 Center for Dentistry is here to help. Our office has state of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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One of the common topics parents ask about when they visit our office is when they should bring their child to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that parents find a dentist for their child by the age of one, or when their teeth begin erupting. Primary teeth typically start to erupt around six months of age.

At R2 Center for Dentistry we are the leading family dentists in Marion, KS, serving many patients in the area. Our doctors and staff are trained to work with children, and we support superior dental health. We encourage parents to start early to build a foundation for good oral hygiene
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There are many benefits to bringing your child to the dentist. Our team can make sure your child’s teeth are coming in properly and get in front of any issues. We can provide tips and tricks to help your child learn how to care for their teeth. Creating a relationship with our patients is important and we enjoy watching them grow each year when they come in for a visit.

Benefits of Primary Teeth in Children

It is important for children to keep their primary teeth until they are lost naturally. Starting out with proper dental care can set the stage for the future. Our team can help teach your child how important it is to take care of your teeth.

• Primary teeth help save space for adult teeth in the future.
• Help children to chew food properly.
• Promote a healthy smile, and give children confidence about their appearance.
• Primary teeth help with speech development.

During your child’s routine visit to our office, our doctors will check to make sure we do not see any issues or decay. Our team will also monitor the development of their teeth as they grow.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Marion?

To find out more about dental exams for your child we welcome you to contact our office. Let us take care of your teeth and become your preferred Marion Dentist. R2 Center for Dentistry provides quality and affordable dental care for the whole family. We welcome new patients looking for a dentist in Marion to come and tour our office. Our office is newly remodeled with state-of-the-art technology and a relaxing environment for our patients.

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist near you, our Marion office is conveniently located near St. Luke’s hospital, making it a great choice for families in the Marion area. To schedule your child’s appointment please call R2 Center for Dentistry and, our friendly staff will be happy to help.

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1h2guy74

Choosing to move forward with dental implants is a big decision, and many patients would like to financially plan for this big investment. The first question patients ask about is if insurance will cover the cost of their implants. At R2 Center for Dentistry we are the leading Dental Implants practice in Wichita, and we offer many financial options to help patients lower their treatment costs.

We always recommend patients check with their insurance provider before undergoing any treatment in our office, so they can understand what is covered. Most basic insurance policies do not typically cover dental implants. Researching if you have any cosmetic dental coverage is important, because many insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost for cosmetic procedures.

Most insurance companies cover around 50% for cosmetic procedures, and you should take into consideration any deducible you have to pay before the insurance company will cover any cost. Another item we recommend is all patients check their medical insurance benefits. Many medical insurance policies cover dental implant procedures and this varies based on the type of policy.

What Are My Options Outside of Insurance?

At R2 Center for Dentistry we strive to become your preferred Wichita dentist by providing a loyalty membership for our patients. Our program offers multiple options to help patients lower treatment costs, and many of our procedures and treatments are provided at 20 percent off to our patients. During our consultation process our staff will discuss the details of our loyalty program. We also encourage new patients to call our office, and our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our program.

Looking for an Affordable Dentist in Wichita?

If you are interested in finding a dentist in Wichita that offers affordable dental care, R2 Center for Dentistry can help. Our highly trained staff and state of the art technology provides exceptional dental care for our patients. We look forward to you joining the R2 family!

Our office is conveniently located near the Wichita Brewing Company and Pizzeria, making us a convenient option for patients in the Eastborough and Crown Heights areas.

To schedule your implant consultation with us, please contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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tosvsnf8

Taking care of your teeth includes not only practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, but also includes attending regular visits to our office for your exam and cleaning. Regular cleanings and exams help to keep your teeth and mouth looking healthy, as well as help to get in front of any issues such as cavities.

At R2 Center for Dentistry we are the leading destination for Wichita dentistry and offer many services for our patients. If you are looking for a general dentist in Wichita to take care of your entire family, we welcome you to schedule an appointment in our office.

When patients come in for their cleaning and exam many ask how soon they can eat after their appointment. In some instances, the patients come in to the office hungry and can’t wait to eat when they are done.

Patients do not have to wait hours after their cleaning to eat. After a cleaning your teeth may be extra sensitive to hot or cold. We recommend choosing sensible foods directly after your cleaning.

What Foods Should I Avoid Directly After a Cleaning?

• Foods with citrus
• Spicy foods
• Crunchy foods
• Sticky foods
• Cold foods

After a few hours if you have any sensitivity, this should subside and you can return to eating normally. We do recommend patients start out with soft foods initially, and then gradually move back to your normal diet.

Staying hydrated is very important, and we recommend patients avoid drinks with high levels of sugar as this can be rough on freshly cleaned teeth. Water is always the best choice because this will not stain or discolor your teeth.

At R2 Center for Dentistry we take care of our patients, and ensure we provide the highest level of service using state of the art technology. We offer affordable dental care to families and patients in the Wichita area. Your oral health is our priority, and we welcome any new patients to our practice.

Looking for a Dentist in Wichita?

If you are interested in scheduling a dental cleaning in Wichita, R2 Center for Dentistry can help. Our convenient hours and location near Wichita Brewing Company make our practice a great choice for patients in the Eastborough and Crown Heights areas.

To schedule your dental exam and cleaning contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

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9h 5x1wa

When looking for a pediatric dentist in Wichita there are a few things to consider. At R2 Center for Dentistry, we serve patients of all ages, and we are the premier family dentist in the Wichita area.

Our team strives to provide excellent care, and we take pride in caring for our patients’ oral health as they grow.

Planning for your child’s first dental visit can be stressful. Our team makes it easy and ensures your child will have a positive, calm experience. The perfect time to bring your child in for their first exam is by the age of one or when you notice the first signs of teeth erupting.

We understand parents worry how their child will behave or feel when visiting the dentist for the first time. Starting your child out in our office at a young age will set the stage for the future, and ensure they feel safe and comfortable every time. Our staff at R2 Center for Dentistry is specially trained to work with children of all ages.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist

• Make sure the practice has a new patient welcome process. At R2 Center for Dentistry, we welcome all new patients including children, and offer the parents and child to tour our office prior to their visit. This helps to ensure the child feels comfortable before their actual visit.

• Finding a dentist that is positive and encouraging is a key factor when choosing a pediatric dentist. We recommend that parents talk to their child about their appointment to get them ready. Our staff always has a positive attitude to help your child feel excited about taking care of their teeth.

• R2 Center for Dentistry has many books and materials in the waiting room to keep your child busy while you wait for their appointment. We also encourage parents to seek out dental videos or books to show your child prior to their visit.

• A Pediatric Dentist that will make special accommodations for your child can be important. We give our parents the option to bring in a stuffed animal or blanket to help comfort your child and feel relaxed.

• Incentives for good behavior during your child’s appointment is a great way to make sure the visit is a success. Our office gives each child a small reward for making it through their first appointment.

• It is very important to talk to your child about oral hygiene and how important it is to take care of your teeth. Our staff always reviews with each patient how to clean your teeth and gums, and we teach our little patients good habits form a young age.

 

Looking for a Dentist in Wichita?

R2 Center for Dentistry is the premier place for quality dentistry in Wichita, KS, and we take pride in providing high level dental care that is affordable to all of our patients. Our office is conveniently located near Wichita Brewing Company and Pizzeria, which is a great option for families in the Eastborough and Crown Heights areas.

If you are looking for quality pediatric dentistry near you, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

To schedule your appointment please call R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you! 

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Family Dentistry

Creating an oral hygiene routine at home is important to help maintain your oral health and keep your teeth and gums feeling great. Brushing and flossing each day is extremely important, and the order in which you do these two items is a common question. Many wonder which way gives the most benefit.

Is Brushing First Better?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing cleans your teeth and removes plaque, as well as prevents cavities from developing. Brushing is not the only thing you need to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. Flossing is another integral part of oral hygiene. The order in which you do these two items is a popular discussion.

Brushing does allow the toothpaste with fluoride to get in-between the teeth and help lift residual plaque when you floss after brushing. Studies show that flossing first is better, and is a more efficient way to keep up with your oral health. Flossing last also leaves particles in your mouth if you do not remember to rinse afterwards.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

Benefits of Flossing and Brushing

  • Prevents gum disease that is caused by poor dental hygiene or not brushing and flossing properly. Routine dental cleanings in our office are important and we recommend dental cleanings at least twice a year.
  • Removes plaque that is the leading cause of gum disease. If you floss and brush your teeth regularly plaque does not have the chance to harden on your teeth.
  • Prevents decay and costly dental procedures. If you take care of your oral health you can avoid serious complications or dental procedures in the future.

Overall, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Cavities and gum disease are preventable, and remembering to floss and brush each day will help keep your mouth feeling great. Visiting our office regularly for your cleaning and exam is another way to stay on top of your oral health.

During your dental exam our team will discuss any hygiene recommendations, and review how to keep up with your oral hygiene care at home. Taking care of your oral health is important, and your health is our priority.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, or to schedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

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oral health

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

What Are The Different Types of Mouthwashes Available?

Mouthwash With Fluoride

Fluoride mouthwash contain sodium fluoride, and this helps to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride is also found in toothpaste and is added to our tap water. Only using the required amount each day is important because too much fluoride can be harmful to your health. Reading the labels can help to ensure you are only using the appropriate amount that is recommended daily.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common mouthwash used by most patients. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and can help to stop bacteria in its tracks. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help fight bad breath, and prevent infections. Patients must be careful using this type of mouthwash. Overuse can lead to stains or discoloration on your teeth. Following the recommended daily guidelines is important to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Cosmetic Mouthwash

This type of mouthwash is used to only freshen your breath. Cosmetic mouthwash does not do anything to help with your oral health. Using this type of mouthwash can help rinse food particles away, and is a temporary solution for bad breath.

Natural Mouthwash

Natural mouthwash is a common type of mouthwash that helps keep bacteria away and freshens your breath, but contains only natural ingredients. Natural mouthwash brands do not contain alcohol, and the ingredients are safer compared to other types of mouthwashes available.

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

Interested in Finding Out More?

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

If you are interested in finding out more about what mouthwash may be best for you, or to schedule your next exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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family dentistry

Dental care can be costly, and simple procedures can even run up your bill. Caring for your teeth is necessary to keep your oral and general health in check. Many people have no dental benefits at all, or if they retire their benefits are lost.

Skipping dental care is not an option, and can lead to other more serious health issues such as diabetes, or heart conditions. There are ways you can reduce your dental care costs, and help pay for those costly procedures that are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Ask Your Dentist if They Offer an In-House Membership Plan

Many dental practices today offer their own dental membership for patients. These plans act like an insurance plan, and give patients discounts on procedures that are done in their office. If a patient does not have insurance it is wise to inquire about an in-house plan to help keep costs down.

Sign Up for a Dental Plan Through Your Employer

Many companies offer both medical and dental insurance plans. Most plans pay for at least half of the cost, and preventative services are typically covered 100 percent. Routine procedures are usually covered around 80 percent, and larger more involved procedures such as crowns are usually covered at 50 percent. Using in-network providers can help you save money, and allow you to get the dental work you need.

Dental Savings Plan

Dental savings plans are available to participants who pay a fee to join. The fee is typically annual, and allows you to choose from a network of dentists that offer discounts for members. Dental savings plans allow patients to get the work done that they need at a discounted price without insurance.

Affordable Care Act

Patients can apply for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Logging on to their website can let you know if you qualify to purchase dental coverage.

Dental HMO Plan

A dental HMO plan may be available in your state. Typically cleanings and exams twice a year are covered, and procedures are at a discount. Many dentists participate and accept HMO plans, and this is a good way to help save on dental care.

Veterans Benefits

If you are a veteran you qualify to receive insurance at a reduced rate. Disabled veterans are also eligible for free dental care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do Your Research

If you are required to have a costly procedure, research the average price of that procedure. Ask your dentist for a discount, and most likely they will work with you, and help find a price and payment plan that fits your needs.

Create an Emergency Dental Fund

Setting aside money each month for dental care can help cover procedures or emergencies that are unpredictable.  Knowing you have a savings account will put you at ease if an emergency arises and you need dental care.

Looking for an Affordable Dentist Near You?

Taking care of your oral health is a great way to prevent costly dental procedures. Brushing and flossing each day, and staying away from foods and drinks that contain sugar can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visiting our office regularly for exams and cleanings is extremely important to maintain your oral health. Regular visits allow our team to get in front of issues before they become urgent, and we can help you keep your teeth and mouth looking and feeling great.

We care about our patients, and our team is here to help take care of your oral health. Ask our team if you have questions on coverage or payment plans, and we will work with you to ensure you can receive the very best care.

To find out more about dental programs we offer, or to schedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Want to Schedule an Appointment?

We would love to be your dentists. Send us an inquiry and we will get back to you as soon as we can! 

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