Category : Blog

Even if you take care of your teeth during the day, it’s possible there’s still damage happening at night. Some people clench and grind their teeth in times of stress or while they sleep, leading to a condition called bruxism. Over time, this habit can cause permanent damage, especially if you don’t realize you’re doing it! Luckily, with help from your dentist, you can take steps to identify and treat bruxism.

Know the Symptoms

If you wake up with a sore mouth and jaw, you might be suffering from bruxism. Take note of your mouth in high-stress situations to see if you’re clenching or grinding your teeth. When you clench your teeth, the increased pressure can wear away at enamel and fracture fillings. If this behavior is ongoing, you may also experience headaches or earaches.

Visit Your Dentist

Of course, the best way to get a sure diagnosis is by consulting your dentist. He or she will be able to assess your situation in more detail and look for any signs of damage to your teeth. After figuring out the root of your problem, your dentist can recommend the next step in treatment. These treatments may involve custom mouth guards, sleep apnea assessment or finding ways to reduce stress in your life.

Just remember, everyone is different. Here at Progressive Dental, we understand that bruxism can be a confusing prospect to deal with. We’re committed to helping you live the most comfortable life possible and finding a solution that works for you. 

If you have questions about your dental health, email office@progressivedentalNY.com or give us a call at 607-754-2273.

At Progressive Dental, we value our patients’ trust. Getting a referral is one of the best compliments we can receive. When you send a friend or family member to our offices, we take that recommendation seriously and understand that you’re putting your loved ones’ care in our hands.

We want to thank you for sharing your great experience. That’s why we’ve launched the Progressive Dental Referral Program. When you send someone to Progressive Dental, you will receive a $25 credit on your account to be applied towards any dental service. The person you referred must make and keep their appointment in order for you to receive the credit.

Send someone you love, to someone you trust. Click here to learn more!

If you have questions about your dental health or need to schedule a cleaning, email office@progressivedentalNY.com or give us a call at 607-754-2273.

Going to the dentist twice a year might seem like overkill, but regular dental checkups are key to maintaining your overall health. Here are three reasons to keep that appointment scheduled every six months:

1.  Keeping plaque and cavities in check

Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can build up in places where you can’t remove it yourself. Your dentist can help clean out plaque before it turns into tartar, which erodes teeth and causes cavities. Take advantage of your dentist’s expertise–it’s what they’re here for!

2. Detecting gum disease

If your gums become painful and inflamed, it could be the first signs of gingivitis or gum disease. Gum disease breaks down your gum tissue, causing teeth to become detached and vulnerable. Regularly going to the dentist will help you and your doctor keep a close eye on these symptoms and stop them from further development.

3. Improving personal dental hygiene habits

Without regular visits to the dentist, you may not know that you’re grinding your teeth, flossing incorrectly or brushing too hard. Your dentist can identify dental issues caused by these bad habits and help you adjust for a healthier lifestyle.

What you might end up paying in the long run for not visiting your dentist will likely be much higher than investing in preventive care.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and what we can add will most likely save you money, too. However, we understand that not everyone has access to dental insurance. That’s why we established the Smile Plan, our in-house payment plan that covers exams, cleanings, X-rays and more for one affordable yearly fee. Learn more here!

According to the Oral Health Foundation, flossing (or interdental cleaning) before brushing is the most effective way to keep your teeth clean. Their study showed that those who flossed before brushing had much cleaner teeth than those who flossed afterward. Flossing first helps loosen up bacteria and food particles so that when you brush, you remove much more plaque.

When you brush your teeth, you only reach three out of five sides. Flossing ensures that you thoroughly clean each surface and reach the areas that your toothbrush can’t.

Flossing also helps lowers your risk of developing gum disease, which has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Flossing is essential to maintaining not only a healthy smile, but an overall healthy life, too.

So next time you brush your teeth, make sure to floss first! If you have questions about your dental health or need to schedule a cleaning, email office@progressivedentalNY.com or give us a call at 607-754-2273.

Brush your teeth regularly, and the rest of your body will thank you.

According to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions meeting in Chicago, brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes drastically reduces your chance of having heart disease. Though the study was not intended to prove absolute cause and effect, it showed that those who maintain good dental hygiene habits tend to lower their risk of experiencing a heart attack, heart failure or stroke.

Gum disease can put the body in a perpetual state of inflammation, a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Taking care of your gums and teeth relieves your body of stress and limits the spread of bacteria in the bloodstream. The mouth is a good indicator and reference to the rest of your overall health. Maintain a regular brushing schedule, and it’s possible to see improvements elsewhere. While brushing and flossing your teeth can’t completely eliminate your chances of developing heart problems, it does lower your risk and provide additional health benefits.

Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is a low-cost, low-risk step to a more health-conscious life. What have you got to lose? If you have questions about your dental health or need to schedule a cleaning, email office@progressivedentalNY.com or give us a call at 607-754-2273. 

At Progressive Dental, we make giving back to the community a priority. We are thrilled to participate in Doctors with a Heart day for the 23^rd year in a row. For one day a year, doctors all around the world close their cash drawer to help those without insurance or means of payment get the care they need.

On Saturday, September 22^nd from 8 a.m. to noon, our amazing team of doctors, staff members and dedicated volunteers will help provide any dental service that can be completed in one visit, free of charge. These services include cleanings, x-rays, fillings and extractions. Those who have urgent dental needs are invited to visit our Endwell, Norwich, Kirkwood or Montrose offices where we can help on a first-come, first served-basis.

Thirty-one years ago Dr. Duane Schmidt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa founded Doctors with a Heart, Inc. Today, it has grown to be one of the largest medical charities in the world with over 15,000 doctors and staff members giving back to those in need. At Progressive Dental, we’re so proud to have donated over $1 million in services to nearly 6,000 local residents.

We look forward to Doctors with a Heart day every year knowing that it’s our chance to relieve some stress from our neighbors’ lives. Whether you’re between jobs, uninsured, or just having some financial troubles, we’re here to help.

We’re bringing the Lourdes Mobile Mammography Van to our offices for breast cancer awareness month. The Lourdes Mobile Mammography Van is a mobile van that can travel to places like health fairs, worksites and community events to make vital health services more accessible to those in need. It is also a part of the Cancer Services Program, a New York State funded program that provides comprehensive medical care at low or no cost.

While the Lourdes Mobile Mammography Van is at Progressive Dental, women can receive a 3D mammography screening, completely free of charge. We will also provide free, in-office oral cancer screenings to anyone who needs it. Just stop by the office and ask for assistance, and our team will help set you up for your screening.

Dates and Locations of Van:
Endwell Office: October 1, 7:00 am- 4:00 pm

Norwich Office: October 16, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

Kirkwood Office: October 17, 7:00 am- 4:00 pm

Binghamton Office: October 31, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

We believe that everyone should have access to the care they need, and we’re very honored to work with Lourdes Hospital to help our community during this important month of awareness.