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The practice of good dental health is something you can set in place with your child on early on. Instilling the habits of good oral hygiene is key to helping ensue the ongoing well being of your child’s teeth.

Here are some tips to help set the foundation for your child’s good dental health, provided by an experienced professional in family dentistry:

• Routine visits to your Indiana dentist

  Somewhere between six months of age and six months from the time first tooth pokes through, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants receive a thorough oral examination by a professional skilled in family dentistry or pediatric dentistry. Thereafter, children should receive a thorough dental examination at least annually. During these exams, your child’s teeth and gums will be checked to ensure they are healthy, and growth is on-par for the child’s age group.

• Brush and floss regularly

  Daily tooth cleaning should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Simply wipe the teeth with a damp cloth. As your child gets older, switch to a junior toothbrush with a children’s fluoride toothpaste. And remember flossing for your little one too! If you see two teeth that are touching each other, they should be flossed to avoid cavities from forming between them.

• Fluoride is vital!

  Fluoride is a naturally-occurring chemical that is essential to strengthening tooth enamel and helping repair damage in young teeth. Be sure you are using a children’s toothpaste that contains fluoride. Consider drinking water that has fluoride added too! This is an easy way to give your kids an extra boost of fluoride. If you feel your child needs more fluoride, consult with your Indiana dentist. You want to be sure not to provide too much fluoride, as that can result in fluorosis, or spotted teeth. Your family dentistry professional may recommend a fluoride paste be applied according to a scheduled regimen.

• Help your child eat right

  To help ensure good dental health, provide your child with a well-balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables – and plenty of water. Reduce sugary food and beverage intake, particularly just before bedtime or naptime, to help ensure a positive oral exam.

These helpful tips are brought to you by Dr. Joseph Majka, an Indiana dentist focusing on family dentistry. For the kind of gentle, caring dental care you have been searching for, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

Why is it so important to see your dentist regularly? Why do you really need to see your dentist every six months?

The reason is likely to sound like something your mother told you several times – “because it just is”! So listen to your mother – and your dentist!

Whether your dentist practices general dentistry or family dentistry, be sure to visit according to a predefined schedule of oral examinations. If you carry dental insurance, for most insurance companies, this will be twice per year. This schedule is ideal to keep a watchful eye on your teeth, gums and mouth. But this certainly does not discount the need for taking care of your teeth yourself!

Because you put so much into your mouth each and every day, you need to be certain you are performing a solid regimen of routine dental care. You probably have already been told this, but this means brushing and flossing at least twice a day – once when you get up in the morning and once before you go to bed at night (if not more often during the day). This will ensure that any food particles, as well as sugary substances from sweets and beverages or other residue, are cleaned away.

It is doubly important to both brush and floss because food and sugary substances left behind don’t always remain on just the surfaces of your teeth. They get trapped between teeth, behind teeth and at the gum line. With the double-action attack of both brushing and flossing, particularly when you do it at the recommended schedule of twice per day, you will be sure to wipe away as much of this leftover residue as possible – on both the front-facing and rear-facing areas of your teeth, as well as between teeth and at the gum line. This practice, combined with routine visits to your dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana, will help ensure good dental health.

You see, food and sugary substances from prior meals, drinks or snack left to settle on your teeth, between your teeth or on your gums, will do just that – settle in! They will take foothold and cause havoc in your mouth! If left alone, these little critters can grow and cause even larger problems including (but not limited to) cavities, abscesses, gum sensitivity (including bleeding gums), gum disease and more. So don’t risk it!

Whether your dentist practices general dentistry or family dentistry, be sure you visit twice per year, as your dental insurance provides for. And in between, be sure to practice a healthy routine of brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

If you are new to the area, or are looking for a new dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana, chose the gentle dentistry practiced by Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals. Skilled in both general dentistry and family dentistry, Dr. Majka and his team will provide the kind of professional, caring dental care you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Majka today for an appointment to ensure you keep your teeth and your mouth healthy for a lifetime!

Do you know if you have good dental health? If you have been to your dentist lately, you probably do. Your dentist is the very best person to keep watch over your teeth through routine checkups, examinations and cleanings. After all, these routine appointments are a key part of today’s general and family dentistry.

But at these appointments, has your dentist ever mentioned proper tooth brushing? Do you know if you are brushing your teeth properly? An integral component of good dental health is sound teeth brushing. Even if you think you brush perfectly well, these helpful tips will come in handy as a refresher. And remember - always consult your Indiana dentist for all concerns related to dental health.

1. Grab your toothpaste tube and squeeze some on your brush. Look at that tube of toothpaste. It should clearly say it contains fluoride and show the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA). Make sue it does. And your toothbrush - it should have firm bristles. For most people, firm bristles are a must to adequately clean teeth, not soft bristles
2. Begin brushing your teeth using short, back-and-forth brushing motions to clean the outside, inside and tops of your teeth. Follow with up and down motions on the exterior and interior surfaces of the teeth.
3. Brush along the gum line, but be gentle to avoid damaging your gums. Gum disease typically starts at the gum line, so take extra care to brush well in this area.
4. Use extra care to brush in the back of your mouth - those hard to reach teeth such as your molars. Bacteria can hide back there and cause a lot of damage if left unchecked.
5. The final brushing step should be to brush your tongue. Doing so will remove all that nasty bacteria that accumulates on your tongue that typically causes bad breath - plus your mouth will feel so much fresher.
6. Tooth brushing is now complete! Spit out your toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water.
7. This final step could be performed first or last - different people prefer it differently. Even if you are an expert brusher, flossing is so very important to good dental health. It removes food particles and bacteria from between your teeth. And the fact is, most adult cavities occur between the teeth. The best thing to do for good dental health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day (after you wake up and before you go to bed). When flossing, insert the floss between the teeth and glide it gently between them, softly rubbing each side of the tooth.

With good teeth brushing and flossing techniques, you can be more assured of good dental health. Always consult your family dentistry practitioner to ensure optimum dental health. One of the best in our state is Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka. Offering a full range of general and family dentistry, Dr. Majka will provide the kind of gentle, professional dental care you have been searching for. Contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

Modern general dentistry is a strong proponent for flossing regularly. You probably hear it every time you visit  your family dentist. Have you been flossing? How often do you floss? Are you flossing correctly?

The fact is, flossing is one of the single most important tools in your arsenal on the war against plaque. In case you weren’t aware, plaque is that soft, sticky residue that accumulates on your teeth from eating food, drinking sugary beverages, and the bacteria that results from both. If plaque accumulates and is not removed in a timely manner, it can lead to cavities, gum disease and loss of teeth.

Flossing is a great supplement to brushing your teeth regularly because it gets all the gunk that gets stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush often misses. In fact, most in the general dentistry profession agree that flossing is an unrivaled tool in the battle for good oral hygiene. In fact, many dentists feel that flossing is as important, if not more important, than brushing!

Did you know that flossing can actually benefit your overall general health too? It’s true! Dangerous bacteria can build up between your teeth in as little as just eight hours after eating. Bacteria builds upon bacteria, and if left to accumulate, over time, can cause you to become mildly ill from swallowing the harmful bacteria.

The fact is, those in the family dentistry profession know that brushing alone cannot prevent gum disease, gingivitis and cavities. Your toothbrush cannot reach all the places that dental floss can. It takes the powerful combination of brushing and flossing to eliminate all the bad stuff that accumulates in your mouth. By brushing and flossing, you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher feeling mouth and ensure good ongoing dental health.

So do what the experts in family dentistry recommend: pick up your toothbrush and brush at least twice daily. And with each brushing, make sure you floss between each tooth to make sure you remove all those dangerous remnant food particles and bacteria collecting in the spots your brush cannot reach.

For trusted advice on proper dental care, call an experienced, caring dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana – Dr. Joseph Majka. Dr. Majka and his team of dedicated family dentistry professionals will not only provide the kind of dependable advice you need, they’ll provide the kind of dental care you’ve been searching for. For truly experienced dental care, contact Dr. Joseph Majka for an appointment today.

Practicing good dental health is not something you just wake up and decide to do one day. It is a learned skill that is instilled early in your childhood. Chances are – if you have good dental health now and practice a regimen of good dental hygiene - it is likely because you learned this from an influential person when you were growing up.

Did you know that your first set of teeth are actually almost completely formed at birth? It’s true! They are there – they are just hiding under the gums waiting to pop through. It is this first set of teeth that is so very important as a baby.

Why are first teeth so important? Because after they come in, they enable you to chew food, smile and speak well. Care for this first set of teeth is every bit as important as for permanent teeth. This is why the practice of ensuring dental health should begin early on.

Baby teeth become the placeholder for the child’s first set of permanent teeth. Their placement enables the child’s permanent teeth to come in straight and healthy.

Family dentistry begins at childhood and continues through adulthood. It is never too early to begin working for good dental health. In fact, when the first teeth push through, start thinking about dental care and planning for the child’s first visit to the family dentist.

Here are some suggestions to help ensure a positive plan for ensuring good dental health in your child from an early age.

• From the time the first new tooth pokes through, begin cleaning it every day. When baby’s first teeth poke through, simply rubbing them gently with a clean wet washcloth will provide sufficient cleaning. As the teeth get bigger, begin using a children’s toothbrush to gently brush them — with water only.
• We are often asked about toothpaste for kids. Should toothpaste be used on kids? The answer is NOT ON ALL AGES OF KIDS! Children under the age of two should not use toothpaste. A simple brushing of the teeth with a children’s toothbrush soaked in water will be sufficient to ensure good dental health.
• Never let your baby go to sleep with a bottle containing milk or juice. This liquid can settle on the child’s teeth and cause cavities, known as “baby bottle tooth decay”. While this damage may be relatively invisible to baby’s teeth, it is the potential unseen damage to the teeth coming in under the gum line just behind them that is really at risk.
• Encourage children from an early age to eat low-sugar healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables and cheeses. Avoid sticky, chewy candy.
• When your child is old enough, teach them the proper way to brush their teeth. As we have said, the foundation for good dental health begins early on. This includes regular brushing and care in what is put into the child’s mouth.
• We are often asked at what age children should begin seeing the dentist. Most experts in family dentistry agree that children should begin seeing their dentist at approximately one year of age. Following the initial visit, be sure to work with your dentist to schedule routine visits.

Family dentistry is not a mystery. With children or with adults, the key is to begin the practice of good dental hygiene early on. This regimen will instill a solid routine of working toward good dental health that begins in your child’s early years and serves them well all the way through adulthood.

Not sure who you should see for family dentistry? Looking for an Indiana dentist that offers quality dental care for all ages? Call the caring staff of Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals. Conveniently located in Northwest Indiana, this Indiana dentist is who you need to ensure good dental health, for your children to yourself. For the dental care you have been searching for, contact Dr. Majka for an appointment today.

Why not I say…

In this economy, all consumers could use some help now and again – and this is certainly no different with family dentistry. In fact, what better way to entice people to try our general dentistry practice than with the offer of a money saving coupon!

You might be asking yourself: Are these coupons for real?

Sure they are! They are real coupons with real value – that save you real money!

Maybe you’re asking yourself: What kind of dentist offers coupons anyway?

Well all kinds actually…and lots of dentists too! It is one of many forms of marketing that we and many other dentists do to continually make name awareness for our practice and to show you all that we have to offer. If it takes a coupon to show you, we’re fine with that. But you won’t see us outside our office holding signs with directional arrows – or any of our staff dressed as a chicken to entice you in as you drive by!

The truth is, offering money saving coupons is not really all that new in the field of general dentistry or family dentistry. In fact, many well known dentists from coast to coast rely upon marketing to broaden their exposure and consumer reach.

You’ve probably seen dentists’ yellow pages advertisements when you travel. Marketing for general dentistry might also encompass billboards, mailers, and newspaper ads.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana,  stop by our office, pickup our informational brochure, grab of our business cards or one of our appointment reminder cards. Take a look at our attractive take-home bags that help transport your new toothbrush and other essentials to remind you of proper dental hygiene. All of these are examples of our tasteful marketing.

Of course, we strongly believe in word of mouth “advertising” from our many satisfied clients. We know this speaks volumes about our general dentistry practice – after all, if one of our clients has found us to be a pleasant choice when shopping for a new dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana – someone else might as well. It is a fact that some of our very best and most successful marketing is from the mouths of our very own satisfied clients (click here to read some of our real client testimonials)!

We also believe our family dentistry services define us as well. We offer a broad spectrum of dental services – ideal for the whole family. From general oral cleaning and exams, to fillings, whitening, implants and more – our comprehensive family dentistry services will help everyone in your family maintain good oral health.

Try us – and use our coupon for free x-rays on all new patient consultations. Or, if you’re looking for an improved smile – use our coupon for a free dental implant consultation and $500 off your first dental implant procedure. Click the graphics below, print the coupon and bring it in on your next visit.

If you’re in the market for a dentist in Valparaiso, Indiana  – or you’re near Valparaiso – stop by and let us show you our difference! For the dentistry you deserve, trust Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals. Hope to see you in our office soon!

When you look in the mirror, do you see a bright white smile?

Teeth are naturally white, but the effects of time can take their toll on the brightness and the whiteness of your teeth. For example, coffee and tea can discolor your teeth; and so can smoking. It is also possible for some prescription medications to discolor teeth.

If you are not satisfied with the present brightness or whiteness of your teeth, you might be a candidate for teeth whitening. There are several things you can do in an effort to improve the whiteness of your teeth.

• Always remember to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that contains fluoride - and floss and clean between your teeth at least once daily. And remember to see an Indiana dentist on a regular basis. Good dental hygiene is the foundation for a bright smile.
• Some toothpastes have a built-in teeth whitening agent that may help improve the whiteness of your teeth. The improvement you see with this approach may vary depending upon your teeth and the degree of improvement in teeth whitening that is desired.
• Various manufacturers sell at-home teeth whitening kits. These kits may include bands that are placed upon your teeth, or trays you fill with a provided liquid and place upon your teeth — both for predetermined periods of time. Again, the improvement you see with this form of teeth whitening can be dependent upon your individual dental health and how much whitening effort is actually required by the agent. Results vary by user.
• If all of these teeth whitening efforts fail to deliver the results you would like to see, an Indiana dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services that might better provide the results you’re looking for. Prescription-strength teeth whitening used by your Indiana dentist is far different than store-bought kits or teeth whitening gels. This procedure should only be employed by a trained dental professional. Again, results vary depending upon how much teeth whitening is actually required and your current state of dental health.
• Following successful teeth whitening, your Indiana dentist might recommend a dental sealant. A dental sealant is the application of a thin layer of liquid plastic material, painted upon the teeth. Once dried and cured, this material forms a hard, thin layer covering the teeth. A dental sealant can be effective at filling in the tiny pits and fissures in your teeth that can attract germs, food and drink particles, and be an early cause of tooth discoloration and tooth decay. Dental sealants can provide a protective shield for several years, and can help extend the benefits of successful teeth whitening.

Take a look at your smile. Could teeth whitening or dental sealants benefit you? Indiana dentist Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals can provide an assessment of your current state of dental health and recommend a teeth whitening option that would work best for you. Contact us for a consultation today.

We are often told: “I am so glad I found you Dr. Majka. You and your staff are so professional - so warm and inviting. I was just not happy with our dentist before I found you”. We are so very glad to hear this!

Fortunate for us – but unfortunate for other dentists in Indiana, for we hear it all too often! The fact is, not all family dentistry providers are the same! The difference is clear - and when you pay a visit to Dr. Majka and his team, you will experience OUR difference first-hand.

Whether for cosmetic dentistry, general family dentistry or restorative dental procedures, you can find the right Indiana dentist. Just follow our five helpful tips to finding a dentist and feel confident in the selection of your next dental health provider.

Location

When choosing your Indiana dentist, you’ll find a seemingly endless array of dental professionals to select from. Ideally, you’ll want to choose one close to your home or place of work. This will make going to appointments less time consuming and less stressful, and thus more likely that you will keep your appointment. We understand there are many factors when choosing your dental health professional, but remember, the location of your dentist in Indiana can make all the difference in the world.

Costs & Insurance

Cost is certainly one of the big factors in choosing a dentist. The fact is, there truly is no “menu of services” across all dentists in Indiana. Each dental health professional offers services that are pertinent to their specific training. Likewise, each dentist charges fees they deem appropriate for their office and services provided. Additionally, not all dentists accept the same dental insurance. So - before deciding on any one dentist in Indiana, be sure to ask if your insurance will be accepted. And it never hurts to ask what a dental procedure will cost in advance. At Dr. Majka’s office, we accept a variety of insurance plans – and we feel our fees our competitive with other dental health professionals in the area. We invite your questions and want you to feel confident in every decision you make that affects your overall dental health.

Dental Office

Before deciding on a new dentist to serve your family dentistry needs, visit the dentist’s office. Review the waiting area, ask for a tour of areas you may encounter in your visit. Check for neatness, cleanliness, non-functioning equipment and clutter.  Most dental health professionals will be happy to honor your request. But be prepared to return at a later date - the dentist may ask you to come back at a less busy time. At Dr. Majka’s office, we would be delighted to show you our dental health facility. Please contact us to schedule a tour time.

Professional & Warm Staff

When you enter your dentist’s office, are you warmly greeted – or do you feel as if you are imposing on a busy person’s day? From the moment you sit down in the exam chair, are you treated by the staff with professional courtesy and respect – as the valued customer you are. If not, you should find a dental health professional who truly believes in treating his customers the way they should be treated. At Dr. Majka’s office, we understand you have a choice in your selection of providers for your family dentistry needs. We will do all we can to ensure your happiness and complete satisfaction from the moment you walk in. Learn more about Dr. Majka and his team by clicking here.

A Doctor Who Listens & Genuinely Cares

When you speak to your dental health professional, is he/she listening? Do they tell you – or do they listen to you and offer recommendations to address your needs? Do they look like they care – or do they look like they are thinking of their golf match after your appointment? When searching for a new family dentistry provider, be sure they are good listeners, empathetic and caring – showing genuine concern for your dental health. You’ll find Dr. Majka and his team to provide the kind of kind, general family dentistry you have been searching for.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth.  Even for denture

wearers, implants can make a difference.  Implants can be placed to support the existing dentures.

Our Valparaiso dental office provides dental care for the entire family.  From tooth colored fillings

to full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Majka and his team are here to help you keep your teeth for a

lifetime.