James P. Gagliardi, DDS, PS
Fircrest Dental Arts Center
1033 Regents Blvd #201
Fircrest, WA 98466
(253) 564-2570

Our Blog


Archive for February, 2012

The Clear Benefits of Invisalign

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At Fircrest Dental Arts Center, we have lots of experience using this technology to give our patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.

• Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
• You don’t need to change your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
• Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
• Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
• Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.

A straight smile makes you look great, but it also can help you keep the rest of your mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

Invisalign can be used by teens and adults, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about your teen’s orthodontic options, contact our Fircrest, WA office to learn more.

President’s Day Fun Facts!

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents’ Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Fircrest Dental Arts Center.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called “20-year curse,” in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

My teeth feel fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Simply put, yes! Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is essential to keeping your smile in top-top shape. At Fircrest Dental Arts Center, we offer a number of preventive services to ensure the health of your mouth and the beauty of your teeth. We’d like to think that your smile is just as important to us as it is to you!

Another good reason to visit Dr. James P. Gagliardi every six months is to check for “hidden” problems you may not even realize you have. Tiny cavities can form in the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and may only be found through a professional exam. If left untreated, these cavities can get worse, needing more extensive treatment, and costing you even more time and money. During your routine exam, your hygienist will also check to make sure your fillings or other dental restorations are in good shape.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our office, please give us a call! We look forward to your next visit!

Choosing the right toothpaste, from Dr. Gagliardi

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Overwhelmed by your choices? Here are some tips from Dr. James Gagliardi on how to choose the right toothpaste for you.

While your toothbrush does most of the plaque removal, abrasive agents in toothpaste will scour food particles and plaque from your teeth.

Fluoride is the best-known toothpaste ingredient, added to make the outer tooth structure more decay-resistant. Fluorides work best when teamed with surfactants (detergents), which help in remineralization.
Laurel sulfates, the most common surfactants, can dissolve plaque and fight bacteria. They also provide a foam that helps to carry away debris.

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva so they can’t form tartar on your teeth. Choose toothpaste with TSPP if you’re prone to tartar buildup despite diligent brushing and flossing.

Some toothpastes contain potassium nitrate to build protection against the pain of sensitive teeth. But don’t fight the hurt with toothpaste alone – if your teeth are causing you pain, let us know.

Baking soda adds foam and scouring ability and can fight acid-loving bacteria. Peroxide toothpastes not only lighten the teeth but also kill germs.

Finally, sweeteners and flavorings are added to mask the taste so that you’ll use it. Still not sure? Ask us for a recommendation by calling Fircrest Dental Arts Center at (253)564-2570 or emailing us at jpdental@pol.net today.