A Whole-Health Approach to Your Smile

When you come to my practice in Sandy Springs, you’re not just getting a cleaning or a quick fix—you’re getting a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to oral health. I believe your mouth is deeply connected to your overall well-being, and that’s how I treat every patient: as a whole person, not just a set of teeth.

Whether it’s preventive care or managing existing conditions, I’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and help you maintain a healthy, radiant smile for life.

Prevention Is Power

Good oral health doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through routine care, smart habits, and staying ahead of problems. Many people don’t realize that gum disease has been linked to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. That’s why I go beyond the basics when it comes to prevention.

I’ll help you understand how your mouth is doing today, what’s on the horizon, and how we can work together to keep your smile strong and your body healthy.

General Dental Services I Provide

Emergency Dental Care

Toothache? Broken tooth? Accidents happen—and when they do, I’m here for you. My team and I prioritize urgent care to get you out of pain and back to normal quickly.

Laser Dentistry

I use dental lasers for procedures like gum treatment and fillings. They’re precise, comfortable, and speed up healing—no scalpels or sutures needed.

Sedation Dentistry

If dental visits make you nervous, you’re not alone. I offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options to help you relax so you can get the care you need without stress.

Tooth Extractions

When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, removal may be the best option. I perform extractions gently and can discuss options like implants to replace what’s missing.

Custom Mouthguards

Whether you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, I can design a custom mouthguard to protect your smile comfortably and effectively.

Family Dental Care

From kids to grandparents, I treat patients of all ages. I’ll tailor care to your stage of life, making dental visits easy and comfortable for your entire family.

Diet & Oral Health: What You Eat Matters

I often talk with patients about how food affects their dental health. Sugar and acidic drinks are the biggest culprits behind cavities and erosion. Water, crunchy fruits, and calcium-rich foods, on the other hand, support strong teeth and gums.

I’m happy to give you practical tips on how to make smart choices that protect your smile—without giving up the foods you love.

Sugary Foods and Tooth Decay

Sugar is one of the biggest dangers to your teeth. When you eat sugary foods or drink sweet drinks, bacteria in your mouth use the sugar to create acids that harm your tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

Foods like candy, cakes, cookies, and soft drinks are common causes. To keep your teeth healthy, try to cut back on sugary treats.

Try eating fruits like apples or pears, which can help scrub your teeth as you chew. These fruits have high water content, which helps rinse away food particles and keeps saliva flowing, aiding in the fight against decay.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks are also harmful to your teeth. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and beverages like soda and sports drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth over time. When the enamel wears away, your teeth become more sensitive and prone to cavities. You should balance your diet and avoid eating too much of these acidic foods.

Drinking plenty of water with meals to help neutralize acids. Water is effective because it rinses away acids. It also keeps you hydrated and encourages saliva production, which further helps protect your teeth.

Calcium and Vitamin D

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential to strengthen your teeth and bones. Calcium helps build strong enamel, and vitamin D allows your body to absorb calcium more effectively. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, almonds, and tofu are also good options.

Dentists recommend adding calcium-rich foods to your daily meals. They may also suggest a vitamin D supplement, especially if you don’t get enough sunlight.

Hydration and Saliva Production

Staying hydrated is another key part of maintaining good oral health. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. It helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day increases your saliva levels and supports oral health.

Atlanta and Sandy Springs dentists often advise their patients to drink water regularly, especially after meals. Water with fluoride can provide additional protection by helping to strengthen your teeth.

Your Daily Habits Make a Difference

Brushing, flossing, and fluoride are your frontline defenses. I’ll help you dial in a routine that works for your lifestyle, and recommend products or techniques to make the most of your home care.

And of course, regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential. Seeing me at least twice a year helps us catch small issues before they become big problems.

Brushing and Flossing

The first step to a healthy smile is brushing your teeth twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean away food and plaque. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can lead to cavities and gum disease. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn out.

Don’t skip the floss! Flossing gets into those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and along the gumline that your toothbrush misses. It removes plaque and food particles to keep your gums healthy and prevent inflammation or infection.

The Role of Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel. Using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash helps fight off the acids that cause decay. Some cities even add fluoride to the water supply for extra protection. At Flax Dental, we might recommend a fluoride treatment for an added boost, or for patients at risk of cavities.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter

Routine dental visits are key to staying on top of your oral health. Coming in at least twice a year gives your dentist a chance to catch problems before they turn into something more serious. These visits also include a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that you can’t clear away with brushing and flossing alone.

Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious issue that can lead to tooth loss. It often begins with red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Unchecked, it can lead to infection, bone loss, and even tooth removal.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are your best defense against gum disease. Dr. Flax can detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatment to prevent it from getting worse.

A Healthy Smile Supports a Healthy Body

When you take care of your teeth and gums, you’re not just avoiding cavities—you’re lowering your risk for systemic diseases and improving your quality of life. I see the difference this makes in my patients every day.

If you’re ready to experience whole-health dentistry in a warm, welcoming setting, give my office a call at 404-800-3381 or request your appointment online. I’d love to partner with you on your journey to lifelong wellness.