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Dentist - Newton
400 Allison Street
Newton, KS 67114
 

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Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (1)
        • What Tara Lipinski Does to Protect One of Her Most Valuable Assets - Her Smile
  • 2020
      • December (3)
        • This Laser Procedure Promises Big Benefits for Gum Disease Treatment
        • How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
        • Some Bite Problems May Require the Help of Other Tools in Conjunction With Braces
      • November (3)
        • Vivica Fox and Zendaya Have This in Common: A Gorgeous Smile
        • Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
        • Keep Your New Straightened Smile Straight With an Orthodontic Retainer
      • October (3)
        • If You Thought the Last Century Was Amazing for Dental Care, Just Wait
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
      • September (3)
        • Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
        • Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
      • August (4)
        • We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
        • Mouth Breathing Can Lead to Serious Oral Problems, Especially for Children
        • 4 Simple Things You Can Do to Stop Bad Breath
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
      • July (3)
        • Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
        • Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
        • Enjoy Your Ice Cream - But Just a Little for Your Dental Health's Sake
      • June (3)
        • Why Kathy Bates Chose This Alternative to Braces and so Might You
        • 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
        • Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
      • May (3)
        • 4 Ways to Avoid Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
        • Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
      • April (3)
        • Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
      • March (3)
        • Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
        • One Visit May Be All You Need to Restore a Chipped Tooth
        • Something Between Your Teeth? Don't Use Anything Else but Dental Floss
      • February (3)
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • 3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease
        • Why Vaping isn't a Safe Choice for Your Oral Health
      • January (3)
        • Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
        • Find Out How These Famous Celebrities Protect Their Smiles From Teeth Grinding
        • Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
      • November (3)
        • New "Behind the Teeth" Braces Could Give You the Advantage of "Invisibility"
        • Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
        • Getting a 'New Tooth in One Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
      • October (3)
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
        • How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
      • September (3)
        • You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
      • August (3)
        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • July (3)
        • Your Age Doesn't Have to Keep You from a Straighter Smile
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
      • June (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
        • Smoking Could Shorten Your Implants' Longevity
      • May (3)
        • Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
        • Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
      • April (3)
        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
      • March (3)
        • 3 Things You Should Know About Teeth Grinding
        • Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
        • Spring Into Better Oral Health
      • February (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
      • January (3)
        • NSAIDs Could be Just as Effective as Narcotics Managing Dental Pain
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
        • New Year, New Smile
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
      • November (3)
        • Retain Your New Smile After Braces with a Retainer
        • Practice Caution with Energy or Sports Drinks to Protect Your Enamel
        • 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
      • October (4)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • Try the Conservative Path to Jaw Pain Relief First
        • What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • September (3)
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
      • August (3)
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
      • July (3)
        • Get Your Vitamins the Natural Way for Optimum Dental Health
        • What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • June (3)
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • Artificial Sweeteners Could Help You Reduce the Risk of Dental Disease
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
      • May (3)
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • 3 Things You Need to Know about Easing Anxiety Over Dental Visits
        • 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
      • April (2)
        • Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • March (2)
        • Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
        • 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
      • February (2)
        • A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • January (3)
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
        • New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
        • You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
      • November (2)
        • Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
        • Not Your Granddad's Dental Care: the New Approach to Tooth Decay Treatment
      • October (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
        • Your New Implants Need Proper Hygiene Just as Much as your Other Teeth
      • September (2)
        • Risk Factors for Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • August (2)
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • July (3)
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Your Child's Impacted Front Teeth can be Saved - but Don't Wait too Long
      • June (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
      • April (2)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
      • March (2)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
      • February (2)
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • There are Good Reasons to Check Your Blood Pressure During Dental Visits
      • January (3)
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Watch Out for Re-Infection After a Root Canal Treatment
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
      • November (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • An Assortment of Orthodontic Tools helps us Solve Complex Bite Problems
      • October (2)
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • September (3)
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Grafting can Help Regenerate Gum Tissue Lost Through Recession
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • August (2)
        • We may Still be Able to Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal Alternative
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • July (2)
        • Patchy Discolorations on the Tongue Aren't a Cause for Worry
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • June (2)
        • A Retainer Helps you Keep Your New Smile after the Braces Come Off
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • May (2)
        • 3 Causes for Implant Failure and What You can do About Them
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
      • April (2)
        • Your Teenager may need to Wait on an Implant for a Missing Tooth
        • A Royal Fix
      • March (3)
        • Jaw Surgery may be Necessary to Correct Some Types of Poor Bites
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
      • February (2)
        • A Toothless Tiger?
        • Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
      • January (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Stopping Tooth Decay Could Require Root Canal Treatment
  • 2015
      • December (3)
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Don't Delay Treatment of Gum Disease
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
      • November (2)
        • Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • October (2)
        • Dental Implants Help Maintain Bone Health
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
      • September (2)
        • Don't Allow Your Age to Stop You from a New Smile with Orthodontics
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • August (2)
        • Weighing the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • July (3)
        • Some Blood Pressure Medications May Affect Your Oral Health
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
        • Crown Lengthening Opens up New Teeth Restoration Possibilities
      • June (2)
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • Dentistry is Changing to Meet Dental Care's Emerging Challenges
      • May (1)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • April (2)
        • Fixed or Removable: Deciding Which Implant-Supported Bridge is Best for You
        • How to Impress Supermodel Bar Refaeli
      • March (3)
        • Dental Hygienist - Your Partner in Preventing Disease and Maintaining Oral Health
        • Actress Florence Henderson Shares Her Secrets for Keeping Your Natural Teeth as You Age
        • Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
      • February (1)
        • Matthew Lewis's Metamorphosis
      • January (2)
        • An Early Orthodontic Evaluation May Alert to Developing Bite Problems
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • Extra Care is Required When Treating Teenagers With Lost Teeth
        • 50 Cent Has His Own Style - Even in His Smile
        • Your Dentist can Help Guide you in the Best Treatment Option for Sleep Apnea
      • November (2)
        • Martha Stewart Shows Off Renovation Work - In Her Mouth!
        • Assessing Your Risk for Severe Gum Disease
      • October (2)
        • Jane Fonda Chooses New Teeth Over a New Car!
        • Other Factors Besides Hygiene Could Contribute to Gum Disease
      • September (2)
        • What Oral Appliance Does Oliva Newton-John Use to Protect Her teeth?
        • Acute Tooth Pain may be Signaling Your Need for Root Canal Treatment
      • August (3)
        • How Dental Implants Saved Taylor Hicks' Smile
        • Dental Health: Do You Make the Grade?
        • From Model to Mogul, Kathy Ireland Maintains a Sparkling Smile
      • July (1)
        • Crowns Preserve the Tooth While Offering Greater Protection Than a Filling
      • June (1)
        • Braces Are No Hurdle for Olympic Track Star
      • May (3)
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
        • Florence Henderson Talks About Preventative Dentistry
        • Implant-Supported Teeth: a New Option for Patients With Total Tooth Loss
      • April (2)
        • The Gap Is No More
        • Does Root Canal Treatment Last Forever?
      • March (2)
        • Jerry Rice's Advice on Protecting Your Children's Teeth
        • Reducing the Risks and Effects of Dental Sports Injuries
      • February (2)
        • Jamie Foxx Gets Into Character With Help From His Dentist
        • Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay and a Diseased Root Canal
      • January (1)
        • Dental Sealants: One of the Childhood Secrets TV Designer Nate Berkus Credits for His Beautiful Smile
  • 2013
      • December (3)
        • TADs Contribute to Greater Precision During Orthodontic Treatment
        • Flossing: An Important Part of TV Designer Nate Berkus' Oral Health Routine
        • Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
      • November (2)
        • Follow in Vanna White's Footsteps and Replace That Missing Back Tooth
        • Protecting Children's Teeth From Decay With Sealants
      • October (3)
        • Actress Jennie Garth Shares Tips for Making Oral Health Fun!
        • "No-Prep" Veneers may be an Option for Some Patients
        • Grandpa Knows Best: How Kristi Yamaguchi Manages Her Kids' Oral Health
      • September (1)
        • Are You an Athlete? Here Are Five Reasons You Should Wear a Mouthguard
      • August (2)
        • Actor Ed Helms' Tooth-Yanking Trick: It Was a Dental Implant!
        • Whitening is a Safe and Effective Way to get That "Hollywood Smile"
      • July (2)
        • Hilary Duff's Chipped Front Teeth Repaired with Veneers
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Posts for: February, 2020

Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
February 23, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   orthodontic treatment   braces  
LadyGagaWasntBornThisWay

Sometimes, looking at old pictures can really bring memories back to life. Just ask Stefani Germanotta—the pop diva better known as Lady Gaga. In one scene from the recent documentary Five Foot Two, as family members sort through headshots from her teen years, her father proclaims: "Here, this proves she had braces!"

"If I had kept that gap, then I would have even more problems with Madonna," Lady Gaga replies, referencing an ongoing feud between the two musical celebrities.

The photos of Gaga's teenage smile reveal that the singer of hits like "Born This Way" once had a noticeable gap (which dentists call a diastema) between her front teeth. This condition is common in children, but often becomes less conspicuous with age. It isn't necessarily a problem: Lots of well-known people have extra space in their smiles, including ex-football player and TV host Michael Strahan, actress Anna Paquin…and fellow pop superstar Madonna. It hasn't hurt any of their careers.

Yet others would prefer a smile without the gap. Fortunately, diastema in children is generally not difficult to fix. One of the easiest ways to do so is with traditional braces or clear aligners. These orthodontic appliances, usually worn for a period of months, can actually move the teeth into positions that look more pleasing in the smile and function better in the bite. For many people, orthodontic treatment is a part of their emergence from adolescence into adulthood.

Braces and aligners, along with other specialized orthodontic appliances, can also remedy many bite problems besides diastema. They can correct misaligned teeth and spacing irregularities, fix overbites and underbites, and take care of numerous other types of malocclusions (bite problems).

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids get screened for orthodontic problems at age 7. Even if an issue is found, most won't get treatment at this age—but in some instances, it's possible that early intervention can save a great deal of time, money and effort later. For example, while the jaw is still developing, its growth can be guided with special appliances that can make future orthodontic treatment go quicker and easier.

Yet orthodontics isn't just for children—adults can wear braces too! As long as teeth and gums are healthy, there's no upper age limit on orthodontic treatment. Instead of traditional silver braces, many adults choose tooth-colored braces or clear aligners to complement their more professional appearance.

So if your child is at the age where screening is recommended—or if you're unhappy with your own smile—ask us whether orthodontics could help. But if you get into a rivalry with Madonna…you're on your own.

If you have questions about orthodontic treatment, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “The Magic of Orthodontics” and “Orthodontics For The Older Adult.”


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3 Things You Should Do to Avoid Harm From Gum Disease

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
February 13, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health   gum disease  
3ThingsYouShouldDotoAvoidHarmFromGumDisease

In the world of movies and television, the lead actors get the lion’s share of the credit. In reality, though, there wouldn’t be much of a show without the supporting cast. You’ll find a similar situation in your mouth: While your teeth get most of the attention, another dental structure plays a critical supporting role—your gums.

It’s only fitting, then, that we put the spotlight on your gums, especially in February. The second month of the year is Gum Disease Awareness Month, when we highlight the importance of our gums and the dangers they face.

While the gums are an important part of your smile, they’re not just for show. Your gums play a critical role in helping to keep your teeth securely attached within the jaw. Their network of blood vessels also supplies nutrients and disease-fighting agents to your teeth. We’re not exaggerating, then, when we say your teeth can’t survive without them.

But although they’re resilient, they do have one major vulnerability: a bacterial infection known as periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease arises from bacteria that thrive within a thin, built-up film of bacteria and food particles called dental plaque. Untreated, an infection can advance deep into the gums, down to the tooth roots and jawbone.

Gum disease is as much a problem for your teeth as it is for your gums: Weakened gum attachment and loss of bone can put your teeth in danger of being lost. Fortunately, though, there are things you can do to keep gum disease from ruining your dental health.

Brush and floss. To prevent a gum infection, you must keep plaque from building up on your teeth. The best way is a combination of thorough brushing and flossing. Don’t neglect the latter, which is necessary to remove hard-to-reach plaque between teeth. And do it every day—it doesn’t take long for a gum infection to occur.

Get your teeth cleaned. Even the most diligent hygiene practice may still miss some plaque and its hardened form calculus (tartar). These stubborn deposits, though, are no match for our dental cleaning equipment and techniques. Semi-annual visits are also a good time to evaluate your overall dental health, including your gums.

See us at the first sign of infection. Gum disease is often symptomless, especially in the beginning. But there are signs to look for like gum swelling, redness or bleeding. If you notice any of these, see us as soon as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the less harm the disease will cause.

Taking care of your gums isn’t just good for your dental health—it’s good for your overall health and well-being. It also doesn’t hurt that your gums are good for your appearance as an important part of a beautiful smile.

If you would like more information about gum disease prevention and treatment, please contact us or schedule a consultation.


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Why Vaping isn't a Safe Choice for Your Oral Health

By Dr. Brett A. Roufs
February 03, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health   vaping  
WhyVapingisntaSafeChoiceforYourOralHealth

Vaping, the use of an electronic cigarette or E-cigarette, has exploded in popularity over the last few years. But although touted by proponents as a cleaner and healthier alternative to smoking, vaping has also gained recent notoriety with the rise of lung injuries and even deaths linked to the practice.

But long before these headlines of late, dentists were sounding the alarm about vaping in regard to oral health. There are a number of elements associated with vaping that can make it as hazardous to your teeth and gums as traditional smoking.

Nicotine. While vaping and smoking are different in many ways, they do share one commonality: They both deliver nicotine through the lungs into the bloodstream. Nicotine in turn can constrict blood vessels, including those in the mouth. This restricts the delivery of nutrients and disease-fighting agents to the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Flavorings. One of the big appeals of vaping, especially with young people, is the availability of various flavorings. But while they may have cool names like “cotton candy” or “cherry crush,” the additives themselves and the compounds they create in the mouth can irritate and inflame oral membranes. They may also diminish enamel hardness, which dramatically increases tooth decay risk.

Mouth dryness. The vapor produced by an E-cigarette is an aerosol: Many of the solid particles for the various ingredients in the vaping solution are suspended within the vapor. The combination of all these chemicals and compounds can lead to mouth dryness. Not only can this cause an unpleasant feeling, it creates an environment favorable to bacteria that contribute to dental disease.

For the good of both your general and oral health, it's best to avoid vaping. The risks it may pose to your teeth and gums far outweigh any proposed benefits over smoking. The best course if you're a smoker wanting a healthier lifestyle, including for your mouth, is to undergo a medically-supervised tobacco cessation program to quit the habit. That's a far better way than vaping to protect your general and oral health.

If you would like more information on the oral hazards of E-cigarettes, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Vaping and Oral Health.”


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Dentist - Newton, Brett A. Roufs, 400 Allison Street, Newton KS, 67114 (316) 283-2273

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