There are a lot of things that you know you should do. Balance and rotate your tires periodically. Take your cat for his vaccines. Exercise three times a week. But in the midst of life’s busyness, all too often, these things go undone. Another thing you should do is floss your teeth. And, fortunately, this is one thing that is quick and easy to accomplish. Flossing can help prevent tooth decay and discoloration. It ...
Happy Children’s Dental Health Month! It’s a new year, and there is no better time than now to brush up on oral hygiene practices for you and your little one(s). As parents, we know there is nothing you wouldn’t do for your children, and taking care of their mouths is a great place to start. To celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month, here are a few resources you may find helpful ...
You want only the best for your child, which is why you prioritize their oral health. But, if your child begins developing dental issues, then you may be wondering when it’s time to visit a dentist. As a general rule of thumb, it is never a bad idea to visit a dentist for your child’s oral health concerns. But, in this post, we give you six instances that may warrant a trip to ...
What makes an attractive smile? Straight, even pearly whites with symmetry and balance contribute to a person’s overall attractiveness. In fact, studies show that next to a person’s eyes, one’s smile is the second physical attribute people notice. But we aren’t all born with excellent dental genes. If you want a gorgeous smile for yourself or your children, you aren’t alone. According to Humana, over 4 million Americans wear braces ...
The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Let’s talk about the amazing world of dental hygiene and our awesome dental hygienists. Dental hygienists assist the dentist with performing dental cleanings and other preventative care such as dental sealants and fluoride treatment. They are an essential part of every dental practice and celebrating Dental Hygiene Month means celebrating them too. How important is dental hygiene? Much like personal hygiene, dental hygiene focuses on your oral health ...
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. According to the CDC, “Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.” The list of health issues linked to smoking includes: Coronary heart disease Stroke Lung cancer Cardiovascular disease Respiratory disease Cancer anywhere in almost any part of the body Difficult becoming pregnant Early delivery Stillbirth Ectopic pregnancy Orofacial clefts in infants When it comes to oral health, smoking ...
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option for people who are insecure about their smiles. You may want to consider veneers if you have cosmetic flaws like extrinsic dental stains, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, or short teeth. One, two, or several veneers can be used to correct these issues. Veneers are not a permanent solution, and porcelain veneers are irreversible. We discuss exactly what that means and other considerations in this blog ...
Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and other forms of malocclusion (the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed) can be a source of low self-esteem and poor oral health. If you find yourself hiding your smile, being embarrassed by your teeth, or suffering from chronic oral health issues (like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath) it may be time to consider braces or clear aligners. Are you ready to start your journey to ...
Summer is almost here, and there are several good and important ways that people prepare for it: booking vacations, summer activities for kids, working out, saving money, and eating healthier. Another way to prepare for summer is to create a plan to take care of your oral health. Neglecting your teeth for any amount of time can lead to dental decay, damage, and staining. Thankfully, there are many practical habits you can integrate into your ...
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that treats dental misalignment and malocclusion. Orthodontists complete four years of dental school and two or three years of an orthodontic residency program to be able to practice orthodontics. During this time, they learn how to create treatment plans and position the brackets of braces (and other appliances), so that each patient achieves perfectly aligned teeth and jaws. General dentists can also offer orthodontic treatment as there are ...
After months of treatment, you’re finally removing your last set of Invisalign aligner trays! This momentous occasion is marked by a beautiful smile - no more gaps, crowding, or crooked teeth – and the beginning of the retention phase. Wait, what!? We know the treatment process can feel long, and you probably want nothing more than to check orthodontia off your list permanently. But before that can happen, there’s one more step to ensure your ...
Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March (this year, it's March 6-12), and we want to take this opportunity to give our hard-working dental assistants the recognition they deserve! Our dental assistants are crucial to the success of our practice. They perform multiple functions, and we couldn't provide the level of patient care we do without them. One of the dental assistant's most ...
For some patients, the most uncomfortable part of dental work happens before the actual procedure. The process of taking traditional dental impressions is never pleasant and can be particularly traumatic for those who experience dental anxiety or have a gag reflex. Though dental impressions aren’t necessary for all procedures, they are needed for those that entail tooth structures or appliances to be fitted in your mouth. Common procedures that require dental impressions include: Dental ...
Chewing gum may not have gotten your school teacher's approval, but as long as it's sugar-free, it will get a nod from your dentist! In fact, sugar-free gum is the only item in the candy aisle that can actually improve your oral health. Adding sugar-free gum to your day can help: Increase Saliva Flow Saliva plays a critical role in your overall oral health. In addition to washing away bacteria, saliva keeps your ...
Happy Birthday, the Alphabet Song, Stayin’ Alive – what do all these songs have in common? They make great hand-washing soundtracks! Over the past year and a half, hand washing has been everyone’s focus. Why? Because it’s the best way to prevent the spread of germs (lest we forget we are in a global pandemic). How Does Handwashing Work to Fight Disease? If done correctly, washing hands rids your hands of bacteria, viruses, and ...
There are some things those of us over a certain age know all too well, like minivans without screens, phones attached to cords, and silver dental fillings. We’re now reaping the rewards of advancing technology (for the most part). Road trips are quieter thanks to mobile entertainment systems, phones are everywhere (usually in our hands), and metal amalgam fillings are no longer the only option. Today, dental practitioners can place composite resins, also known ...
If you’re one of the estimated 50-80% of adults with dental anxiety, chances are you’ve avoided or delayed dental care at some point in your life. Whether it be a routine cleaning or a more in-depth procedure, such as a root canal or filling, putting off dental visits often results in more significant issues down the road. In the majority of cases, dental anxiety is a result of a prior traumatic dental experience ...
An estimated two in three Americans are missing one or more teeth, and a shocking 30 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one or both jaws. Given the role a healthy smile plays in one’s self-confidence and quality of life, tooth loss can significantly impact a patient’s life. Fortunately, we now have several treatment options available, and patients can opt for realistic dental implants. Not only do today’s implants ...
It’s summertime, and we’ve traded winter coats and hot cocoa for breezy linens and refreshing umbrella drinks. Unfortunately, though you might be counting down the days until your “Out of Office” is on and your feet are in the sand, because the culprits behind tooth decay and enamel damage never take a vacation. We don’t want to be the ones to rain on your parade (especially since you’ve waited all year ...
