Lansing Dentist Helps Patients Avoid Missing Teeth

LANSING, MI, April 04, 2014 (Press-News.org) As a child, losing a tooth was an exciting event. However, as an adult losing a tooth is a whole different story-no one wants gaps in their smile. To help patients understand how to protect their smiles, Lansing dentist, Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler, offers helpful dental tips to help patients avoid missing teeth. And if missing teeth are unavoidable, Dr. Scott-Hetchler has solutions.

"As adults, the thought of losing a tooth or multiple teeth might make you cringe, which is completely different from what we once knew as children. Children are excited to lose a tooth because their adult teeth grow in, but as adults we don't have any more teeth to grow in, which is why tooth loss is so detrimental to our self-esteem. While prevention is key, sometimes tooth loss might still occur, but we offer solutions to replace those teeth without complications," said Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler, a dentist in Lansing.

People age, and missing teeth, dentures and implants seem to be commonplace. However, this isn't because teeth are not built to last a lifetime, it is because many people do not properly care for their teeth. Through disease and trauma, teeth can be lost as adults. To help patients understand disease and trauma, Lansing, MI dentist, Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler offers some further information.

The term trauma can cover a wide spectrum when it comes to a person's teeth. Trauma can describe anything from a person hitting their teeth on the ground during a fall to biting into something that isn't meant for teeth, such as a water bottle cap. While teeth might seem like perfect tools, Dr. Scott-Hetchler reassures her patients that teeth should never be used for much more than chewing. Patients should also avoid using their teeth for:

- Removing caps from food or products
- Cracking kernels, shells or nutshells
- Chewing on pens or office supplies
- Holding hangers
- Tearing thread or twine
- Loosening knots

To expand on tooth loss because of disease, Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler explains that plaque, which is the bacterial buildup that lingers in the food particles left on the teeth, causes decay and will lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. Periodontal disease causes flare-ups in the gums and harms supporting tissues, which leads to lost teeth.

"Taking poor care of your teeth on a daily basis and missing your regular dental cleanings are large contributors to tooth loss. Other factors that play a large role in the development of periodontal disease or decay are smoking, poor eating habits, diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. Taking charge of your oral health is vital for protecting yourself from tooth loss," said Dr. Scott-Hetchler.

By keeping regular dental appointments with Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler, a dentist in Lansing, MI, patients can further protect their teeth from disease. Patients can also invest in mouthguards to protect their teeth while participating in various activities. For more information, patients can visit the website for this Lansing dentist at http://www.hollydds.com/, or by calling (517) 487-6333. Dr. Scott-Hetchler is available to help patients take the next step toward optimal oral health.

About Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler, DDS: Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler has been a solo practitioner since 2002, providing cosmetic and family dental health care. Dr. Scott-Hetchler attended the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2002. She provides patients with quality dental care including treatments such as dentures, veneers and teeth whitening, among others. Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and Central District Dental Society. She currently holds a seat on the Central District Dental Society Standard of Care Board on Peer Review. She has also completed several continuing education seminars, including the prestigious Dawson Academy and Spear Education Institute, and has received certification in the areas of cosmetic improvement of smile, TMJ disorders, pediatric dentistry, and many more.

Media Contact:
Dr. Holly Scott-Hetchler
contactus@hollydds.com
919 Chester Rd.
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 487-6333
http://www.hollydds.com

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