oral health | Patrick Simone, DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry Henderson NV

September 26, 2018May 7, 2019

Too Much of a Good Thing | Henderson Dentist

“Your teeth can never be too white.”

We all want to have that perfect Hollywood smile and do anything we can to achieve that fantastic set of pearly whites. We straighten the crooked, we keep our mouths healthy with good dental hygiene and brighten our smiles through whitening treatments. And for the most part, these efforts have the desired outcome. Oddly enough, as the saying goes, some individuals are taking physical perfection to another level by over doing it on their teeth whitening procedures. The most widely used oral products today are whitening strips and tray-based over-the-counter whitening kits. While tooth whitening can be a safe and effective technique, some individuals are going above the recommendations of their dentists. And this is where they get into trouble.

Despite what we would like to believe, there is indeed such a thing as “too much of a good thing”. Individuals who overdo whitening techniques have noticeably “Snow White” teeth that oftentimes look unnatural. Some individuals get to the point where their teeth begin to inhibit transparent figures. Still not convinced that you can overdo it on whitening treatments? Overuse of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments.

If you are looking for a safer, more effective form of teeth whitening, consult your dentist. They will give you an overview of certain procedures available and even offer some over-the-counter techniques that may be used. Take their advice to heart and remember – follow instruction for best results.

Schedule an appointment today with cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

August 28, 2018May 7, 2019

What Exactly Is General Dentistry? | Henderson Dentist

We all know visiting the dentist is important, but when it’s time for us to choose a dental professional, it becomes a bit overwhelming. Between orthodontics and family dentistry, it’s difficult to choose which is best for your family. As far as dental treatments go in general dentistry, you will find that most general dentists offer the following procedures:

Fillings. Gold, amalgam and other options are used to restore a tooth.

Crowns. These artificial teeth fit over broken or damaged teeth to maintain structure and protect it from further damage.

Dental bridge. This is a dental appliance contains artificial teeth anchored to remaining teeth or crowns and fit over the natural teeth to help secure the replacement teeth in place.

Root canal therapy. This treatment is done when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected in order to save the tooth.

Professional teeth cleaning. This can take form of a scale and polish, or advice on brushing and flossing your teeth.

Dental bonding. Bonding is typically done to treat cracked, chipped, misaligned or discolored teeth by fusing composite resin to your teeth with a specialized light.

Dentures. These false sets of teeth are used to replace missing teeth and function like natural teeth would. They come in both partial and full dentures.

Maxillofacial treatments. This is the technical term that is used to describe procedures for the mouth, face and jaw. This includes dental implants and treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

The dental treatments mentioned above are the most common services offered by general dentists, in addition to a wide range of cosmetic procedures as well, such as teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic bonding.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

May 28, 2018

DIY Tips for Healthy Gums | Las Vegas Dentist

Keeping your gums in a healthy state is a lot more important than you may think. In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthy diet can also help you maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease. By eating properly, you are providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your gums and teeth, which can help keep your gums and teeth healthy. Not everyone knows this, but fluoride is found naturally in some foods, so by consuming them, you are effortlessly helping contribute to tooth decay prevention. Fluoride, also found in your water supply (in most areas), can help reduce cavities by up 60%.

While on the topic of food, it is important to point out that certain foods can be very detrimental to the health of your gums and teeth. Particularly, foods high in sucrose (also known as granulated sugar) are damaging to teeth. Although very tasty, it is the leading cause of tooth decay.

In addition to a healthy diet, proper dental hygiene can also keep your gums healthy:

Brush often. Whenever you eat, you are leaving behind bacteria in your mouth. If left untreated can cause plaque.

Floss daily. It is best to floss 2-3 times a day. Flossing is essential to getting rid of all the bacteria that is trapped between your teeth in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach.

Use mouthwash. Not only does it leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean, it also helps get rid of bacteria. However, it is important to note that mouthwash is not as effective as brushing or flossing.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

April 23, 2018April 23, 2018

April Is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month | Henderson Dentist

If there’s anything we know, it’s that cancer is not to be taken lightly, so it shouldn’t be a surprise this includes oral cancer. It doesn’t have the most blatant symptoms – in fact, sometimes only a dental professional can correctly diagnose it. And while there are several areas of the body that fall into the “oral cancer” circle (lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat), routine visits to the dentist will allow for an examination of your mouth, head and neck. The sooner you have any abnormal lumps or tissue, the sooner you can catch anything suspicious. But what exactly can you do to be proactive about oral cancer? Make yourself aware of what to look for.

The symptoms of oral cancer can be tricky because they can come and go or may go unnoticed. The most common symptoms are swelling, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroding on lips, tongue, or any area in the mouth. More importantly, if you find that you have difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss, make an appointment as soon as possible. It may be nothing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

It is important to be responsible for your own health. Self-checking every month is a good way to be aware. Simply, being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different. Being proactive is your best bet to avoid any oral cancer symptoms from developing into something more.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

March 26, 2018

What to Expect When You Don’t Brush Daily | Henderson Dentist

Did you know it only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar? It’s scary but true. Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention, so brushing your teeth on a daily is extremely important. If left untreated, only a dentist can help bring your smile back. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that are difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line. But that isn’t all you can expect from these important periodontal treatments:

Diagnostic x-rays. Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Examination of existing restorations. Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Examination of tooth decay. Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

Oral cancer screening. Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Oral hygiene recommendations. Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

Teeth polishing. Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Remember that prevention is the best treatment, however if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to visit the dentist.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

December 30, 2017January 2, 2018

Quick Holiday Dental Tips | Las Vegas Dentist

You may be hosting a holiday party or even have special holiday events to attend, and these festivities are most likely going to have lots of appetizing food and beverages, but as you indulge the sugars you consume could be taking a toll on your teeth. Most of us know how detrimental sugar is to teeth but during these times your oral health can slip your mind, don’t let it. While indulging in the delightful food and beverages, keep these six tips in mind so you can maintain a healthy mouth this holiday season:

Healthy routine. Always brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes. This simple routine can make a huge difference over time.

Avoid hard candy. Not only do hard candies promote tooth decay, but the act of chewing on them can lead to a cracked or chipped tooth.

Limit chewy candies. During this time of year it’s hard not to munch on chewy candy like caramel, fudge or toffee. Just remember, sticker candies take longer to get washed away by saliva and may increase risk for tooth decay.

Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink water in between consuming sugary foods and beverages to rinse away excess sugar to decrease the chances of getting a cavity.

Teeth aren’t tools. Some people get caught up in the excitement of opening gifts that they’ll use their teeth to rip tags off new items or to bite through string. Avoid using your teeth as tools because this can cause teeth to crack, chip or break.

Dentist visits. It’s important to maintain regular preventative oral care during the holidays and throughout the entire year, so take the time to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

October 29, 2017

Let’s Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month | Las Vegas Dentist

It is important to know that our dental health doesn’t just affect our smiles. In fact, our dental health is the first line of defense for many of our illnesses, so keeping our mouths as healthy as possible is important. If our dental hygiene is subpar, it could lead to various health issues down the line. One way you can ensure that you are doing your best to prevent dental health issues is to make sure you are taking care of your teeth properly.

This October, the American Dentist Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company are teaming up during National Dental Hygiene Month for the eighth straight year. Both the ADHA and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) are motivated to increase public awareness about the important of maintaining good oral health. The focus of this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month is the Daily 4, a program centered on the four components of good oral health maintenance. These four components are made up of:

Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes
Floss every day
Rinse with anti-microbial mouthwash
Chew sugar-free gum

During National Dental Hygiene Month, the ADHA, WOHP and more allied partners will work to help dental hygienists all over the country make a difference in their communities. They will offer valuable resources and product samples to dental hygienist community outreach. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly to make sure you’re in good oral health. Keeping your smile healthy is plenty of reason to smile.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

September 28, 2017

Can Your Teeth Be Too White? | Las Vegas Dentist

We all know that having a bright white smile is one of the first impressions one can make. Have you ever heard the saying, “Your teeth can never be too white”? Chances are you believe this way of thinking and have taken physical perfection to another level by over doing it on their teeth whitening procedures. And there are quite a few ways to brighten your smile, making it difficult to dispute the saying. In fact, the most widely used oral products today are whitening strips and tray-based over the counter whitening kits. While tooth whitening can be a safe and effective technique, some individuals are going above the recommendations of their dentists. Therein lies the problem…

Individuals who overdo whitening techniques have noticeably “Snow White” teeth that oftentimes look unnatural. Some individuals get to the point where their teeth begin to inhibit transparent figures. Over use of whitening products will cause major tooth sensitivity and leave patients more prone to needing root canal treatments. You may be surprised to know that if you over-whiten your teeth, you are essentially wearing down your enamel and that enamel is naturally tinged in yellow, so you are making your teeth yellow by overdoing the whitening.

Don’t worry – there is hope. If you are looking for a safer, more effective form of teeth whitening, consult your dentist. They will give you an overview of certain procedures and even offer some over the counter techniques that may be used, however only if used correctly.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

July 31, 2017August 3, 2017

When You Visit Your Dentist More than Twice a Year | Las Vegas Dentist

Most people already know that they should visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional cleaning. However, what a lot people don’t take into consideration is that they may have to visit their dentist every now and then for treatments that go beyond a routine cleaning. This may involve dental restorations, which are different types of dental treatments. This type of dental treatment involves the restoration of either decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored or missing teeth with fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants.

When it comes to dental restorations, you can essentially sum up the importance of them in two words – prevention and restoration. Not only do dental restorations allow dentists to treat teeth, they also prevent present infections from spreading any further. Another plus about dental restorations is that these procedures also aim to improve the aesthetics of patient’s teeth.

Having your damaged, infected or missing teeth restored or replaced doesn’t mean that you don’t have to worry about dental problems reoccurring. No matter what type of materials are used to restore or replace your teeth, bacteria and plaque will still form around the restoration. The chances of such dental problems happening again is even higher if you don’t take proper care of your teeth. Because, apart from the costs, dental professionals may no longer be able to treat or reverse the effects of certain kinds of dental problems, such as advanced periodontitis. So make sure you take care of those restorations if you want them to take care of you.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

April 28, 2017

Do You Brush Your Teeth in the Garden? | Las Vegas Dentist

Dental hygiene is important. But we all can admit – there have been times we have neglected our teeth because carrying a toothbrush with us isn’t a priority. As we wrap up National Garden Month, it is important to know that even when we don’t have a toothbrush handy, there are natural ways you can keep your teeth clean. Just turn to Mother Nature…

When it comes to foods that are good for us, we all know that fruits and veggies are the obvious choices to keeping us healthy, but they can also clean our teeth at the same time! The crispiness of the apple is strengthening your gums, while the juiciness produces saliva, clearing out the bacteria that gives us cavities. In fact, all crispy handheld fruit works similarly. The vitamin C in citrus fruit is great, and the citric acid also scours your teeth. One fruit that may surprise you as a whitening agent is the strawberry. The berries with the seeds that always get stuck in your teeth are also scrubbing them so eat up!

Vegetables are obviously good for us but an onion as a dental secret? Yes, this colorless veggie won’t stain your teeth and let’s face it, you’re also much more apt to brush your teeth afterwards. Broccoli is basically a natural toothbrush, so munching on these little “brushes” will supply your body with iron while giving a quick scrub. Celery is full of vitamins and water for saliva production and if you think about it, it’s like nature’s floss!

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.