If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

You have probably heard a lot about both teeth whitening and dental sealant. Both of these procedures offer a lot via today’s modern dentistry. But which one is what you really need?

A dental sealant is typically applied to protect the chewing surfaces of teeth. Dental sealants are not typically applied to provide a cosmetic benefit, but rather a protective benefit from longer term tooth decay and the potentially hazardous impacts that a lifetime of chewing can afford. For those individuals particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, such as with some children, a dental sealant can be highly effective. Consult with your Indiana dentist to find out if this procedure is right for you.

Typically an acrylic-like substance, a dental sealant forms a strong barrier against the innumerable bacteria that are ever present in the mouth. As food and drink is broken down in the mouth, bacteria and acids are deposited on the teeth and gums that, over time, can wreak havoc on teeth. The fact is, at least 75% of tooth decay begins in this way.

The dental sealant bonds to the enamel of the tooth it is applied to, covering the small indentations and pits where acid and bacteria can be deposited. How is a dental sealant applied?

A solution is applied to the tooth surface to help prepare the tooth enamel for bonding. After allowing the solution to settle, the teeth are rinsed and dried thoroughly. The dental sealant is then applied, and is hardened under an ultraviolet light. Depending upon you chewing pattern, and what you typically eat and drink, a dental sealant can last for many years with proper care and routine checkups with your Indiana dentist. An additional layer of sealant may be applied in worn areas to provide good ongoing protection.

On the other hand, teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic procedure, used to make the teeth appear whiter and brighter.

Even though we all start with bright white teeth, over time, routine chewing, eating and drinking (not to mention all the things we put in our mouth over time) wears down the natural bright white of tooth enamel, exposing  the natural yellow color of the tooth dentin below.

While the dentin remains intact, the tooth enamel begins to become cracked – and it is within these cracks that stains, bacteria and leftover food/dink residue collect. This causes the tooth to become dull.

Through teeth whitening, the stains and debris on the tooth enamel are washed away. The result is whiter, brighter teeth you can once again be proud of. Could your teeth use a shot of brightness? Consult with your Indiana dentist today.

Looking for an Indiana dentist who is experienced in both teeth whitening and dental sealants – and can help you achieve a brighter, whiter, more healthy smile? Contact Dr. Joseph Majka for the gentle, caring dentistry you have been looking for. Contact Dr. Majka and his team of dental professionals for an appointment today.

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.

Many of us make New Year resolutions to begin a program of self-improvement. One way to improve your appearance – and self-confidence! - is to improve your smile with teeth whitening from an experienced Indiana dentist .

If your smile could use some brightening, you may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Prescription-strength teeth whitening employed by your Indiana dentist is far different than kits or teeth whitening gels available over the counter. 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.

There are several things you can do at home in an effort to improve the whiteness of your teeth:

• Brush twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride - and floss and clean between your teeth at least once a day. Remember to see an Indiana dentist on a regular basis. Good dental hygiene is the foundation for a bright smile.
• Some toothpaste has a built-in teeth whitening agent that may help improve the whiteness of your teeth. The improvement you see with this approach may vary greatly depending upon your teeth and the degree of improvement in teeth whitening that is needed and desired.
• Several manufacturers sell at-home teeth whitening kits that 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 may be dependent upon your individual dental health and the whitening agent itself. Results vary by user.

If your at-home teeth whitening efforts fail to deliver the results you would like to see, an Indiana dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services that may provide the results you are looking for.

In addition, your Indiana dentist might recommend a dental sealant following successful teeth whitening. In this procedure, a thin layer of liquid plastic material is painted upon the teeth, forming a hard, thin layer covering the teeth. A dental sealant can be effective at filling 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 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.

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.

You have probably heard of it before — or you have seen those Hollywood types with bright white smiles. When you look in the mirror, do you see a bright white smile? No? You could – with teeth whitening!

But do you know what teeth whitening really is and how it works?

Teeth whitening is a process that removes stains from teeth – producing an overall whiter, brighter smile. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, stains can and do accumulate on the surface of your teeth, as well as on the inside / backs of your teeth. Such stains are typically caused by food and drink that have staining power – such as soda, coffee and tea. Tobacco smoking can also cause stains. Such stains are typically yellow or light brown in color and can be overcome through teeth whitening.

Occasionally, teeth will display dark brown or bluish gray stains – which can be the result of taking certain kinds of medications. These types of stains are typically much harder and more time consuming to overcome with teeth whitening.

But how does teeth whitening in your dentist’s office differ from store-bought kits? There are, after all, many over-the-counter teeth whitening kits available today.

The fact is - the success of teeth whitening is all dependent upon which procedure you employ or which product you buy, your teeth, and the degree of teeth stains. If you are considering teeth whitening from your Indiana dentist, you might be interested in understanding how it works.

A bleaching gel, typically made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to your teeth. The dentist will apply a protective cover to the rest of the mouth, apart from the teeth being whitened. The peroxide in the gel breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate your teeth, which break down stains that reside within the pores of the tooth’s enamel. You see, stains cause less light to shine through teeth, making them dull and dingy. Breaking the stains apart creates less blockage for light – and the more light being able to penetrate the tooth, the whiter the tooth appears!

Once the whitening gel is applied, a laser or bright light is applied to force the peroxide to oxygenate — and attack the stains. The duration of this procedure in the office of your Indiana dentist is typically one to two hours. Following completion, your dentist may also recommend a dental sealant to help deter future staining and better protect your teeth.

Your Indiana dentist may also provide a custom-fit mouthpiece for you to take home, along with home whitening gel. Following the instructions of your dentist, you apply the gel into the mouthpiece, and then place the mouthpiece into your mouth for a predetermined period of time. This gel is not as strong as that used in the dentist’s office, so the time for achieving success can take three weeks or more. This gel is still stronger than store bought teeth whitening products – and the mouthpiece is typically more comfortable, since it is designed for your unique mouth. However, store bought teeth whitening products, applied once or twice a week for ten days or so, can be effective on less severely stained teeth, as is generally a less costly procedure. Always consult your Indiana dentist for the best approach for your teeth.

Whether you are looking for a brighter, whiter smile through teeth whitening, improved ongoing protection from stains by a dental sealant, or just looking for a caring, experienced Indiana dentist, Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals are here for you. Conveniently located in Northwest Indiana, this Indiana dentist will provide the kind of professional, dependable care you’ve been searching for.

For experienced dental care, contact Dr. 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.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a dental implant dentist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Whether you may have lost a tooth due to injury or decay, or you are generally in good dental health, dental implants may be an ideal option for you.

Unlike a bridge, dental implants are more advanced in technology and offer more tooth saving benefits than a traditional oral bridge because they do not rely on any of the neighboring teeth for support.

Esthetically appealing and comfortable, dental implants are very natural looking, and feel quite comfortable too. A dental implant, with proper care and maintenance, can truly last a lifetime!

As you know, self-confidence has a lot to do with the state of your smile. If you find yourself not smiling often or trying not to open your mouth much due to a gap in your teeth or missing teeth — or if you have difficulty chewing or have lesser confidence when eating — a dental implant may be the solution you’re looking for!

A dental implant can offer a substantial improvement to your mouth, restoring your smile, enhancing your ability to chew, and providing a boost to your self-confidence. You may soon forget you even have a dental implant in your mouth!

There are two primary types of dental implants in use today:

• An endosteal (or IN the bone) dental implant is the most commonly used type of implant. These implants vary in application from screws, cylinders, or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant is capable of holding one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of dental implant is often used as an alternative for those with bridges or removable dentures.
• A subperiosteal (or ON the bone) dental implant is another type of implant used today. These types of dental implants are placed on top of the jaw, with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis firmly in place. This type of dental implant is often used for those unable to wear conventional dentures, or for those with minimal bone height.

Do you have a gap in your teeth, missing teeth, or issues with chewing? Is a dental implant right for you? Do you have the oral conditions for which a dental implant could improve upon? Which dental implant is right for you?

A dental implant dentist like Dr. Joseph Majka can tell you more and explain in detail about just what is a dental implant – and what it can do for your specific dental situation. Indiana dentist Dr. Joseph Majka and his team of dental professionals can provide an assessment of your teeth and recommend a solution, which may include dental implants, to best meet your dental needs. Contact us for a consultation today.

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.