Are sweets and ice really bad for my teeth?

Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities. Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease. While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws. Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you’re stressed may crack them. Biting your nails is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together.

How can I fix my teeth and smile?

Caps and crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root and inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach with special cement. Veneers and bonding improve your smile by sticking a layer of smoother and whiter materials like porcelain or resin to the natural tooth. Talk with your dentist about which fix is right for you.

What’s the best way to whiten my teeth?

Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal. Check with your dentist for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. And don’t keep using them, or you could damage your teeth.

Do teeth need fluoride?

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the CDC all agree that kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care not to swallow it. Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too.

Are dental X-rays safe and needed?

Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. Your dentist should take as few as possible. Expect to get them during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have gum disease, the dentist may want pictures every 6 months. For regular check-ups, it’s about every 2 years, depending on your dentist’s plan. Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and because they get cavities more easily.

Dentists

Friendly, Caring Dentists in Bremen, Elkhart, Millersburg, and Goshen, Indiana.

The staff at Springer Dental Care is passionate about delivering exceptional results with our diverse range of dental treatments. But even more importantly, we care about each patient’s individual experience. We work hard to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, whether you are simply coming for a routine cleaning or we are performing an extraction. At our offices in Bremen, Elkhart, Millersburg, and Goshen, IN, you will find a team that is excited to meet you and help you reach your dental goals!

Dr. Troy R. Springer D.M.D.

Elkhart Location

Dr. Troy Springer hails from Harrisburg, PA. He followed family tradition by attending Goshen College, where he played basketball for the Maple Leafs, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and met his future wife, Catie. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and graduated with honors. He is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honors Society.After graduation, Dr. Springer returned to Indiana in 2009 and has been practicing dentistry in northern Indiana ever since. His training has allowed him to provide patients with all aspects of dentistry, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, implants and surgery. Even though he is well-versed in these fields, Dr. Springer believes that continuing education is very important. Therefore, he spends many hours in advanced training every year. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, North Central Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Springer and his wife, Catie, have three children, Drew, Lauren and Ellie. He enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers whenever they are playing.

Dr. Shellie Godina D.D.S.

Millersurg Location

Dr. Shellie Godina is a Hoosier who grew up in New Paris and is a graduate of Fairfield Jr/Sr High School. She then attended the University of Indianapolis and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Godina then attended the Indiana University School of Dentistry and graduated with honors.After graduation, Dr. Godina did dental volunteer work in Argentina for 8 months, before beginning as an associate dentist for a family-owned office in Indianapolis. After several years in Indianapolis, she and her husband Chad decided it was time to move back home and they are enjoying putting roots down and becoming a part of this local community. She is a member of both the Indiana Dental Association and the American Dental Association and has participated in several dental study clubs. In her free time, Dr. Godina enjoys cooking, music, and spending time outdoors.

Dr. Chris Sicinski D.D.S.

Crossroads Location

Dr. Chris Sicinski is a compassionate, enthusiastic dentist who is resilient in providing patients with the highest quality of care. He places a strong emphasis on comprehensive dentistry, explaining the importance of oral health by educating on all outcomes before treatment. Dr. Sicinski values creating strong professional relationships with patients by carefully listening and ensuring they receive the most desirable result.

Dr. Sicinski is a lifelong Hoosier from Munster, IN and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, with distinction, at Indiana University Northwest. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Sicinski is dedicated and passionate about dentistry and has accumulated hundreds of hours in clinic and continuing education to learn the most advanced techniques and topics available.

Dr. Sicinski is affiliated with several professional organizations: American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success Dr. Sicinski currently lives in Mishawaka, Indiana with his loved ones. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Sicinski enjoys being outdoors, spending quality time with friends and family, cooking, and trying different flavors of ice cream. Dr. Sicinski considers himself a pizza connoisseur and believes that the thin “bar style” Chicago pizza is the best pizza available.

Dr. Vruti Patel

Keystone Locationn

Dr. Vruti Patel is a resilient, compassionate, enthusiastic dentist who values providing patients with the highest quality of care. She places a strong emphasis on comprehensive dentistry, explaining the importance of oral health and educating patients on outcomes before treatment. Dr. Patel focuses on developing professional relationships with patients by carefully listening and offering them the best care possible.

Dr. Patel comes from Brownsburg, Indiana and received her bachelor of science degree from Loyola University Chicago and then went on to receive her Masters in Biological science from Purdue University. Dr. Patel earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Patel is affiliated with several professional organizations: American dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, and Indianapolis District Dental Association. Dr. Patel currently lives in Mishawaka, Indiana with her loved ones. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Patel enjoys being outdoors, traveling, spending quality time with friends and family, gardening, making pottery, loves peanut butter, and visiting different aquariums.

Dr. Nicholas Webb

Bremen Location

Dr. Webb was born and raised in Huntington, Indiana. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University-Bloomington and went on to Indiana University School of Dentistry to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. He then moved to the South Bend area and has been practicing dentistry ever since.

In his free time, Dr. Webb enjoys golfing, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Webb is a Hoosier through and through and loves IU basketball and football. He also grew up attending Notre Dame football games every year as a child and continues to enjoy ND football, basketball, and hockey games.

Dr. Webb has been married to his beautiful wife, Kelly, since 2018. They adopted their fur baby, Scruff, from the local humane society and enjoy spoiling him daily.

We are welcoming new patients! For more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our offices, call us today at 574-875-6595 for our Elkhart office, 574-642-4449 for our Millersburg office, 574-875-3817 for our Crossroads office, or 574-533-5925 for our Keystone office