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How DID the end of the year get here so fast? Perhaps challenges in recent months have understandably riveted our focus on other things. Yet the days have moved quickly onward, and now we find ourselves about to head into a new year. Before 2024 is over, we at MaconSmiles in North Macon will give you a few important dental reminders.

Let's face it. You know you should. But often you don't. Yet there's no need to feel guilty. A large percentage of the rest of the population sometimes falls short here too, despite the fact that visiting the dentist - at least once every six months - should be an important part of each person's overall health plan.

If you want to consider a grand gesture as a gift for a special person in your life, look beyond the typical gifts. Giving a certificate for teeth whitening treatment could be a unique gift that will always be remembered!

Snoring may seem like a harmless habit, but it could have a bigger impact on your daily life than you realize. Beyond the social stigma often associated with being a "snorer," snoring may also be a signal that your health could be compromised.

Take a deep breath in. Now exhale slowly. Do you notice a difference in how you feel already? Controlled breathing is a powerful tool to help reduce stress, allowing for better relaxation and quality of sleep.

Are you getting enough sleep? Do you have a difficult time going to sleep or staying asleep? For optimal health, it’s vitally important to get quality sleep. Yet, according to cited information in a recent online article at sleepfoundation.org, more than one-third of people nationwide report sleeping less than seven hours nightly, and almost half report experiencing trouble with falling or staying asleep.

Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night? Do you or your partner have snoring issues? Do you find yourself getting sleepy while driving or doing other daily tasks? Dr. Sheila Shah at MaconSmiles is here to help you with the best snoring therapy in Macon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. One of the most common sleep disorders is obstructive sleep apnea. It afflicts an estimated 54 million adults in the United States. Sleep apnea is a serious disease that can cause you to stop breathing up to hundreds of times per night for anywhere from a few seconds to more than a minute. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of several other health problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

Parents sometimes fail to recognize the value of starting dental care at such an early age. Perhaps it's because they reason these are "only baby teeth," and think because those teeth will be lost in the future they aren't as important as "permanent teeth." However, just as preparing a solid foundation for a house is essential, your child's gums, baby teeth, and other oral structures are the preparation blocks for a strong and healthy maturing smile.

Are sharp winter winds starting to set your teeth on edge? We've all had those moments when something hot or cold can create unexpected twinges in your teeth. Maybe sweets or something as simple as breathing cold air has become a painful experience for you. Sensitivity can affect anyone.

How DID the end of the year get here so fast? Perhaps challenges in recent months have understandably riveted our focus on other things. Yet the days have moved quickly onward, and now we find ourselves about to head into a new year. Before this year is over, however, we’d like to give you a few important dental reminders.

It’s no secret that candies and cavities often go hand in hand. Indulging once in a while is fine – but only in moderation, and with special attention to prevent the negative after-effects that sugar and acidic candies can have on your smile. Because of this, one dentist in Macon, Dr. Sheila Shah, with MaconSmiles is offering “Cash for Candy” collected by kids during the upcoming trick-or-treat season, distributing it further to minimize exposure to kids who might otherwise consume excessive amounts from their Halloween holiday haul.

Worried about bad breath? Are you concerned and unsure whether mints, gum, and toothpaste are helping to cover your mouth odor? You aren’t alone. According to online sources, roughly 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. In fact, just about everyone experiences bad breath from time to time. Maybe you’ve just awoken and have “morning breath,” or perhaps you had garlic or onions in your lunch, creating a temporary bad breath situation. Maybe coffee, alcoholic drinks, or tobacco smoking are the bad breath culprits of the moment. But, for some people, halitosis – the Latin word for “bad breath”, maybe a daily struggle.

Math and reading aren’t the only important skills that can affect your child for a lifetime. A healthy smile gives your child confidence and added social acceptance, increasing their chance for a successful future. Parents sometimes fail to recognize the value of starting dental care at an early age. Perhaps it’s because they reason these are “only baby teeth,” and think because those teeth will be lost in the future they aren’t as important as “permanent teeth.” However, just as preparing a solid foundation for a house is essential to building a strong home, your child’s gums, baby teeth, and other oral structures are the preparation blocks for a strong and healthy maturing smile.

Whether it’s for your dad, or any other gentleman, like an uncle, godfather or friend, on whom you have depended for strength and support, Father’s Day marks a grand occasion for showing your gratitude for all they’ve done for you. If you want to consider a grand gesture as a gift for that special man in your life, look beyond the typical gifts of keychains, coffee mugs, neckties, etc. Giving him a teeth whitening treatment could be the unique gift he will never forget.

Is the "daily grind" getting to you - or maybe to your teeth? Stress is one of many causes of teeth grinding, also known as "bruxism." Clenching, gnashing, or grinding your teeth is a common involuntary reaction to anger, fear, or stress. Most people likely do this unconsciously from time to time without problems. Done only occasionally, it usually does not cause any harm. If done regularly, however, teeth can become damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Snoring may seem like a harmless sleeping habit, but it may be having a bigger impact on your daily life than you think.

Everyone experiences dental issues from time to time. Often those issues can be prevented by avoiding the common mistakes we mentioned in last month’s article. Remember, it’s always good to...

Let’s admit it. Few of us brush our teeth as well as we could. Often we’re in a hurry, running late for school or work, or we are tired and simply eager to relax. Maybe we just go to bed before brushing. Don’t. Skipping brushing your teeth is a mistake that can cost you in the long run. Investing in proper oral care means you’ll be less likely to have to invest in dental work down the road.

Did you know The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing for two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste? You can brush more often if you like, or more often if needed, but the minimum for healthy teeth and gums follows the 2/2 rule – two minutes, twice per day.

How many times per day do you smile? According to an online Forbes article, “The Untapped Power of Smiling,” more than 30% of people smile more than 20 times a day, and less than 14% smile less than 5 times a day, while children smile as many as 400 times a day!

If you are simply a snorer or have only mild apnea, your dentist may recommend an oral appliance that you wear during sleep.

Are wintry winds setting your teeth on edge? We've all had those moments when something hot or cold can create unexpected twinges in your teeth. Maybe sweets or something as simple as breathing cold air has become a painful experience for you. Sensitivity can affect anyone.

Drop off your Halloween candy Monday, November 1st through Friday, November 11th, any time between 8:00am-5:00pm.

Have you seen a dentist for your second checkup of the year? Perhaps we should ask if you have seen a dentist for a first checkup this year. It’s okay. A lot of people are finding themselves in the same situation. Just, please, remember it’s normally best to schedule a dental visit at least once every six months.

Anyone who has experienced frequent migraine pain or has chronic headaches can tell you how disrupting they can be to normal daily routines. More than 36 million Americans suffer with such pain, thinking there is little which can be done. Those who live with TemporoMandibular Joint problems, more commonly referred to as TMJ, often believe there's little relief available. However, Macon Smiles can offer valuable solutions with our trained professionals (physicians or dentists).

Are you a person who smiles regularly? It's wonderful to be happy and confident with your smile. But what about those who don't smile as often? Perhaps it isn't because they are unhappy; it may simply be due to a lack of confidence in their smile.

A lot of patients not only want to improve their dental health but their dental appearance as well. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes into play. Teeth can stain, chip, or shift, changing the way your smile looks. However, some patients worry that cosmetic dental procedures will hurt. This can cause some patients to ignore cosmetic dental treatment. But do most cosmetic dental procedures hurt? Learn the facts from MaconSmiles, and how we can help you restore your smile.

Long gone are the days of your grandparent’s dental treatments. Today, dental technology has advanced at an accelerated rate where patients can find results faster and more effectively. Laser dentistry, specifically, has become a popular technique for improving tooth/gum health and appearance. At MaconSmiles, we have seen more and more patients seeking out laser treatments at our office, and it’s easy to see why. Learn how laser dental treatments can beneficially improve your oral health.

Many patients wonder if teeth whitening is safe, and whether or not there is a threshold to using teeth whitening products or getting teeth whitening procedures done. Can there be dangerous side effects? At MaconSmiles, let Dr. Shah down the facts about teeth whitening, and what you should know about how to brighten your smile safely and effectively.

Snoring, or sleep apnea is more than just an annoying nighttime occurrence. It is a sleep disorder that causes your airways to become blocked while you sleep, and can cause serious complications or at least a highly disrupted sleep cycle. MaconSmiles treats patients with sleep apnea in Macon, GA in a variety of ways. Our snoring therapy is tailored to alleviate your symptoms effectively and to suit your lifestyle. Here are 7 tips to help you get started relieving symptoms at home.

At Macon Smiles in North Macon, our dentist and staff work hard to provide each patient with customized dental treatments that meet their oral health needs. For some patients, that may mean getting dental veneers for their teeth. A veneer is a thin porcelain covering that has the same essential look and feel like the natural enamel of teeth, without the tendency to stain. Veneers can fix unsightly tooth chips, help with discoloration and stains, and give your teeth the shape you’ve always wanted. Ask our North Macon dentist how veneers can improve your smile!

Cavities are not just a concern of the sugar-toothed youth, but can affect patients of any age, often developing without symptoms until they reach the nerves inside the tooth and become very painful! Macon Smiles treats patients in North Macon of all ages, providing laser dental treatment, restorative dentistry, early treatment, and a range of cosmetic procedures in addition to general cleanings. Find out why adults tend to get cavities, and how we treat them effectively.

Snoring may seem like a harmless habit, but it could have a bigger impact on your daily life than you realize. Beyond the social stigma often associated with being a "snorer," snoring may also be a signal that your health could be compromised.

Headaches caused by TMJ can be constant and debilitating, having a negative impact on the patient’s day-to-day life, and making it hard to function normally. Macon Smiles has dedicated time and resources to search for the best ways to treat TMJ headaches so that you can find relief and a better quality of life. The experienced staff at our North Macon dental practice offer free introductory headaches and TMJ consultations. Your treatment will be tailored to you to provide you with the best possible improvement.

At MaconSmiles, our family dentist and staff provide comprehensive dental care to patients throughout North Macon and the surrounding communities. It is our mission to get to the root of a dental issue and alleviate any pain you may be experiencing. Many patients may not even realize that migraine pain and headaches can actually be associated with their dental health and teeth. In North Macon, we can treat migraines with NTI therapy and reduce your symptoms.

At MaconSmiles, we want to ensure that you and your child are equipped with all of the right tools and techniques to have a successful back-to-school dental appointment. Our Macon family dentist understands that some oral hygiene routines may have slipped a bit over the summer, that’s why it’s great to get back into the swing of things with a thorough dental appointment at the beginning of the school year. To confirm your child’s teeth are in tip-top shape and cavity-free, schedule their back-to-school dental appointment with our pediatric dentist in North Macon today!

Is it your wedding anniversary? Is Father’s Day coming up? Your best friend’s birthday? Did your child recently graduate? Whatever the occasion, giving someone a teeth whitening treatment may just be the gift they never forget. At MaconSmiles, we ensure our patients are pleased with their Zoom! Teeth Whitening results. We love to see the smiles on our patient’s faces when they realize what a difference our treatments make.

It’s possible that you haven’t heard about oral cancer—but that’s not because people aren’t dying every day as a result of oral cancer and related conditions. While it may not get as much coverage as some of the more talked about cancers, oral cancer kills thousands every year, at a rate of about one person per hour every day. Here at MaconSmiles we believe that awareness of the symptoms and willingness to get a screening is one of the most important ways to prevent oral cancer, so we are promoting Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April. Learn more about Oral Cancer Awareness month below and why it's so important that more people know about this deadly disease and how to stop it.

Chewing gum is a fun habit that most kids, teens, and adults enjoy. However, there are a few misconceptions about what gum can actually do for your oral health. At Macon Smiles, we are constantly working to educate our patients on the proper dental practices, how to improve their dental health, and what are the potential risk factors for poor dental health.

At Macon Smiles, we offer services for the entire family ranging from preventative dentistry to dentures & cosmetic options. In addition to our dental services, we love to give back to our community and support healthy lifestyles for all. That's why every Halloween, we offer a candy buyback program, giving you $1/lb for candy you don't want or can't eat. We then ship the candy packages to military troops with Operation Shoebox!

Summer is the perfect time to relax and enjoy some sunshine. However, there can be a lot of sugary temptations during the summer months. MaconSmiles encourages you to indulge in a treat once and while, but consume mostly healthy foods that are also great for your oral health.

Oral health is important, no matter what’s going on in the world. In order to help you enhance your oral health from the comfort of your home, we’ve got plenty of tips! Your dentist in Macon, Dr. Sheila Shah and her team members have come up with simple and easy ways to keep your teeth clean and maintain your oral hygiene.

When you begin wearing dentures, it is completely normal to experience gum pain or discomfort for the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts to its new dental appliance. Even people who have worn dentures for a long time can experience discomfort because the gums and bone structure change over time. However, once you address this discomfort and get used to wearing your dentures correctly, you’ll be happy with your beautiful smile. If you are experiencing pain from your dentures, the following are five tips to help alleviate any discomfort you may feel.

Giving you a healthy smile is our number one priority here at Macon Smiles and we’re proud to offer our high-quality dentistry services for all those located in or around Macon, Forsyth, and North Macon, GA. As your all-inclusive stop for dentistry, one of these efficient dental options that we offer is our Macon periodontics. If you’re unsure what periodontitis is or what periodontitis treatment is like, we’d love to explain more about it right now.

At Macon Smiles, our passion is creating beautiful and healthy smiles for patients of all ages. As your dedicated children’s dentist, Dr. Shah and her friendly staff are committed to providing superior dental care to keep your child’s smile healthy, clean and sparkling.

Your new dentures open up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to boosting your confidence and allowing you to feel like yourself again. While getting new dentures is exciting, there are some adjustments you will have to make, at least initially. While you won't have to modify your diet too much, these denture friendly foods will undoubtedly help you transition into your new smile.

At Macon Smiles, it is our mission to help our patients maintain strong overall dental health. Our family dentist is proud to offer a variety of quality dental treatment to patients throughout North Macon & surrounding areas. Our team can help with a number of dental problems, including bad breath.

Are stained, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth causing you to want to hide your smile? If so, you're not alone. Many people experience a lack of confidence due to issues with their teeth. You’ll often find them covering their mouths when they laugh, speak or simply grin. Do you find yourself perhaps doing that as well?

For a truly great smile that shines, it's important that your teeth are white and bright. However, many people cannot obtain bright, white smiles without the help of a cosmetic dentist. While there are a number of over-the-counter teeth whitening products which all claim they can do wonders, some work better than others at whitening and brightening smiles.

It is never pleasant to experience headaches or TMJ symptoms as your quality of life is affected. Fortunately, there is help available for people suffering from headaches and symptoms of TMJ so they can get the relief they need to live pain-free, normal lives.