Category Archives: Dental Health

This post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise examines the complexity of human saliva. Saliva has a way of making some people squeamish, but it is important to your dental health.

Saliva is, in fact, a finely balanced body fluid that helps to maintain dental health, and also aids in digestion. So, without further ado, here are its main components.

1. Water. No surprise here! You saliva consists mostly of water.

2. Enzymes. Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.

3. Immunoproteins. These are effective cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.

4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most people produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This is a serious condition, because it causes the gums and tongue to get swollen, and can even accelerate tooth decay. If you’re coping with dry mouth, don’t wait until your next appointment, let us know right away.

Your body makes up to four pints of saliva every single day. Sound like a lot? It’s perfectly normal, and just what you need for ideal dental health. Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise provides general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Make an appointment with us today!

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

One of the most important aspects of good dental health is daily brushing with an effective toothpaste. In this post from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we’ll discuss toothpaste – and maybe tell you more about it than you ever thought you would know.

Toothpaste as we know it has only been in existence since the late 1800s. The earliest evidence of toothpaste or dental cream dates back to 3000-5000 BC. The Ancient Egyptians pulverized oxen hooves, egg shells, pumice, myrrh, and water creating one of the earliest forms of toothpaste.

The Greeks and Romans began adding crushed bones and bark to the mix. The idea, presumably, was to make it more abrasive. No minty fresh breath in those days! The taste, most likely, was hard to take. During this same time the people of China and India were using a similar paste, but adding flavorings, like Ginseng and herbal mints making it a bit more palatable.

Modern toothpastes began in the 1800s. The earliest toothpastes weren’t much like what we know today: most were powders, and some had soap and chalk in them. A description of toothpaste from the 1860s mentions charcoal.

Toothpaste first appeared in a tube in the 1980s. By 1914, fluoride was added. These pastes were much like what we know today.

This ends our brief history of toothpaste. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, we want to help our patients have excellent dental health and bright smiles. We provide general and family dentistry, professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Millions of Americans are filled with dread at the mere thought of sitting down in a dentist’s chair. It’s a serious issue, because some people avoid the dentist for that reason, and may end up paying a high price in dental health. At Blaisdell Family Denistry, we want anyone with dental anxiety to know that there are ways to get you comfortably through a visit to the dentist. Please keep reading.

There are many reasons why people suffer with dental anxiety. Our purpose here, though, is to offer solutions. We provide sedation dentistry that can help.

• Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, has been a staple of sedation dentistry for more than one hundred years. It may not make you laugh, but it will get you completely relaxed. There are no side effects, and it wears off quickly.
• Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative about an hour before your schedule procedure. It is safe, fast-acting, and effective. It has no real side effects, but you’ll need a ride home afterward.
• IV Sedation is administered intravenously. It puts you in a deeply relaxed state, and again, you’ll need a ride home when your appointment is over.
• General anesthesia puts you completely out. It is reserved for those patients with the most acute cases of dental anxiety. It is administered by trained professionals, and again, you’ll need a ride home afterward.

Don’t neglect your teeth because of fears or concerns about a dentist appointment. Sedation dentistry from Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise can get you through it. We also provide restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

If you are one of the many denture wearers in Boise, you know that dentures are not an ideal solution for missing teeth.

Problems with dentures include slipping, gum irritation, trouble eating and talking, bone loss, and an inability to taste food due to a covered palate.

To put it plainly, dentures do not feel and function like natural teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help you avoid the need for dentures later in your life, but other factors can make dental replacements an inevitability.

The good news? Modern dental implant technology offers a better tooth restoration solution. If you currently wear traditional dentures and are not happy with them, implant anchored dentures may dramatically change your life. Your chewing ability will be similar to that of natural teeth.

How about a thick T-bone at your favorite Boise steakhouse? Corn on the cob at the Western Idaho Fair? The pleasure of a crisp apple? Not only will you enjoy your favorite foods again, you’ll avoid the embarrassment of having your dentures rattle around in your mouth in public.

Before you pay for another denture reline, ask your Boise dentist about the possibility of dental implants.

Come see us at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise for more information about dentures and dental implants.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Hearing that you have periodontal disease or gum disease can be upsetting. Here at Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise, Idaho, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help.

Symptoms of Gum Disease
Bleeding gums
Swollen, tender gums
Receding gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Loose adult teeth
Sensitive teeth

Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to prevent gum disease for the future, we have answers.

Steps for Healing or Preventing Gum Disease
Brush at least two times a day – morning and night
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day
Visit dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
Avoid between-meal snacking
Avoid tobacco products

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease
Scaling
Root planing
Antibiotics
Surgery

Drs. Blaisdell knows gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and consistent, thorough oral hygiene is important for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best.

Drs. Blaisdell is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Boise patients’ dental needs including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Today’s Blaisdell Family Dentistry blog post focuses on three dental-related myths prevalent in the Boise area that can affect your dental health.

All Sugar Is Equally Bad For Teeth
We all know that sugar increases our risk of tooth decay, but some types are worse than others. Sugar-based foods that sit on the teeth are more dangerous than those that are swallowed immediately. For example, sipping a soda or sucking on a mint can be worse than eating a candy bar all at once.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Baby Teeth Because They Will Fall Out Anyway
Healthy primary teeth serve several important purposes. They allow the child to eat and speak properly. They retain proper spacing of teeth. A healthy smile instills confidence and self-esteem. Healthy baby teeth eliminate the pain of decay which disrupts normal daily activity.

Pulling A Tooth Is Just As Good As A Root Canal
We will let the American Associate of Endodontists explain this one:
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option. Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a dental bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.¹

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we provide accurate answers to all of your dental questions.

If you are interested in porcelain veneers, dentures or family dentistry, call us today to schedule an appointment.

¹“Myths About Root Canals and Root Canal Pain,” American Associate of Endodontists, http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/root-canals/myths-about-root-canals-and-root-canal-pain.aspx, accessed June 4, 2014

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Did you know that making small but critical changes to your diet can improve your oral health?

Most patients are aware that the sugar found in candy, cookies, juices and sodas can harm your teeth, but some don’t realize that all carbohydrates can cause cavities. A handful of pretzels or a piece of pumpernickel bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are converted into plaque, which can then cause cavities and gum disease. Carbs are naturally sticky and adhere to your teeth. Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime. Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to teeth.

At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, we continue to see tooth damage caused by sodas and sports drinks. If you choose to drink them, sip them through a straw. By limiting the contact of these drinks on your teeth, you will help preserve your enamel.

Another vital way you can improve yourr oral health is to get the proper amount of calcium (800mg of calcium a day for men and 1,000mg for women under 50). Calcium helps strengthen your jaw and secure your teeth firmly in the jaw bone.

Diet alone will not prevent cavities and detrimental gum disease for dental patients, however, wise eating encourages healthy teeth and gums.

We’re accepting new general and cosmetic dental patients in the 83709 zip code area. I encourage you to call 208-922-6902 today to schedule an exam and cleaning.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise offers a full menu of general and specialty dental services including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants. For more specifics, call today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry: 208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Imagine you are starting a new job in Boise and are going to talk to your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of Boise, Idaho, from ages 2 to 102. Regular dental checkups at Blaisdell Family Dentistry can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1981.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in Boise can result in a change in your breath.

Bad breath ordinarily originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem affecting as much as 25 percent of our Boise residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Brushing and flossing daily is a key step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors to examine include dry mouth, tobacco use, and detrimental health concerns such as infections. Come visit Blaisdell Family Dentistry located in Boise, Idaho; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 208-922-6902 to set up an appointment.

Dr. Lynn R. Blaisdell & Dr. Craig Blaisdell

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Too tired to touch a toothbrush. We’ve all been there.

Blaisdell Family Dentistry in Boise and Drs. Lynn R. Blaisdell are committed to helping patients throughout the Sun Valley, Eagle, and Meridian neighborhoods to maintain balanced hygiene and to correct imperfections that can lead to inhibited confidence and self-assurance.

On our blog today we are offering two fabulously quick ideas for overcoming exhaustion in favor of brushing and flossing late at night.

Idea #1 Drag Tongue Along Teeth
After a long thankless day as you are lying there in bed and realize you forgot to brush, drag your tongue over your teeth a few times while mentally reviewing how plaque and tartar form. Within 48 hours they can start the dirty work of eating away at the teeth. Then jump up and give your mouth just 2 minutes of gentle, thorough cleaning. It’s that simple.

Idea #2 Scrutinize the Food You Eat
Another convenient and easy approach is to pay attention to what’s going into your mouth throughout the day. The higher the sugar content the sooner the teeth will need a brushing to avoid harm. Swish with water after coffee, tea or soda if brushing isn’t going to happen soon. Chewing sticky candy leaves debris all over in the mouth as does bread and crackers. Keep this in mind and commit to take care of the particles as soon as possible.

Shredded meat can remain lodged between teeth for days if you don’t pull it out with floss. Plan to floss or brush after eating if possible. With each particular type of food, learn to assess the effect it could have on your smile. Make the decision to brush before you are tired. By simply visualizing and committing, you reduce the likelihood of hemming and hawing later when you’re yawning and fading and have to choose between settling into bed and spending 2 minutes cleaning your teeth.

We know a long day of work or play can yield a worn out body. Likewise, we know consistent brushing will cut down buildup and help prevent decay and gum disease. And we know that sometimes cavities need filling, chipped teeth need fixing, crooked teeth need straightening, and wisdom teeth need extraction.

Some smile problems can be prevented and some just can’t. We are happy to help with teeth whitening, family dentistry, porcelain veneers, dentures, or prepless veneers. Come see our comfortable office at 8877 W Hackamore Dr in Boise, Idaho 83709 and we’ll help with any dental issues we can.

Cosmetic dentistry enhances a smile in several ways – straightness, coloration, conformity, and natural feel. Cosmetic dentistry helps our valued patients talk clearly, smile freely, and eat comfortably. A consultation with Drs. Blaisdell can open your eyes to the unique possibilities for your dazzling smile. Contact us at 208-922-6902 for an appointment or visit our website https://www.blaisdellfamilydentistry.com/about-blaisdell-family-dentistry/.

If we each do our part to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, then all of us can sleep at night.

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709

Sun Valley dental patients who have undergone a smile redesign are probably aware of the latest cosmetic dental procedures popular in the Boise area. These include metal-free fillings, porcelain veneers, invisible braces, implant-anchored dentures, and inlays/onlays.

Today’s Sun Valley dental post focuses on some nifty dentistry advances that are used behind-the-scenes to benefit Sun Valley dentists and dental patients alike.

Digital imaging is not just for Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest, many cutting-edge Idaho dental offices use digital X-Rays. Realtime digital images help Boise dentists more easily spot and treat oral problems including emerging cavities and bone recession. Digital X-Rays require far less radiation exposure and are easier to store and access.

Pinpoint-precise Diode lasers are used in myriad procedures including crown lengthening, root scaling, biopsies, root canals, teeth whitening, oral lesion removal, and treatment of dental decay. Laser procedures are easier on the patient and require shorter healing times.

CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) are used for many restorative procedures in Sun Valley including in-office inlays/onlays and same-day crowns. Boise dentists who offer dental implants can use CAD/CAM technology in every phase of the dental implant procedure. CAD/CAM is used in Idaho dental laboratories to fabricate crowns, bridges, veneers, and ceramic braces.

The future of dentistry is here today. I’m Drs. Lynn R. Blaisdell. Blaisdell Family Dentistry is located at 8877 W Hackamore Dr in Boise. We can be reached at 208-922-6902. Ask us about:

porcelain veneers
prepless veneers
teeth whitening
dentures
family dentistry

Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:

208-922-6902

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709