There are about 53,000 new oral cancer diagnoses each year, which is why awareness is crucial. Our goal is to ensure that more people know about the disease and will take measures to prevent it and screen for it. Because when oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is significantly increased. An oral cancer screening is included every time you have a dental checkup. Our team is dedicated to helping patients prevent oral ...
Trying to decide between a dental crown and veneers, a tooth extraction, or a dental bridge? Each of these options provides numerous benefits as well as some disadvantages. Veneers are more for aesthetic benefits and a dental bridge can replace up to three missing teeth. Dental crowns, on the other hand, can be used to meet a variety of needs. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits directly over a natural tooth that ...
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If that’s true, does it really matter what we eat, or does it just matter that we eat? Doctors, dieticians, dentists, and other health experts will tell you that what you eat for breakfast matters. You can’t have donuts and a caramel macchiato for breakfast most mornings and expect it not to affect your oral and overall health! According ...
Do you often feel as if your smile could use a little more tender, loving care? If so, then you’re not alone. Recent data suggests that an estimated 60% of people are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles, especially in pictures. But, a lackluster smile isn’t just embarrassing – it can be unhealthy, too. Luckily, you can address aesthetic and functional issues with a Smile Makeover. This comprehensive procedure combines cosmetic and restorative ...
If you’re a victim of tooth loss, you may know that traditional bridges, partials, and dentures have long been the standard for tooth replacement. However, the replacement option that most imitates the natural design of teeth, with crown and root, is the dental implant. One implant can replace a single tooth, a few can anchor a bridge or partial, and four to six implants can secure a denture on the upper or lower jaw ...
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 ...
Enamel is an incredible part of our body. In fact, tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body! How is that fun fact? Despite the powerhouse strength of this mineral, teeth are highly susceptible to damage and decay. We all know that eating healthy is important to our bodies, but it is also vital to our teeth. These eight, innocent products are items we consume every day. Clinical studies show the ...
The goal of dentistry is to help patients achieve a healthy mouth, not just healthy teeth. This includes your gums (aka gingiva). Your gums seal and protect your teeth, teeth roots, and jaw bones, against disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, the gingiva hold your teeth in place. Without gum tissue, your teeth would fall out and bacteria along with food debris would cause serious destruction to your sensitive teeth roots. To recognize National Gum Care Month, we ...
If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, a standard cleaning may not be enough. In these cases, dentists often recommend a deep dental cleaning, or deep teeth cleaning to gently and skillfully remove plaque and tartar from all parts of the teeth, preventing decay and disease. Learn more about the deep cleaning process, benefits, cost, and more in this blog. The Deep Teeth Cleaning Process The deep dental cleaning process involves ...
According to a study completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful smile can make a person appear more attractive, intelligent, happy, and successful. Would you like for those things to be said about you? We all would! Even more important than what others will think is what you think and feel about yourself. If you have stained, gapped, or crooked teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. This can lead to ...
The American Dental Association recognizes June as Oral Health Month. This is an opportunity for families to evaluate their oral health habits, get back on track, and create oral health goals. That may sound like a strange thing to do, but if you suffer from chronic gum disease, cavities, or bad breath, your oral health may be affecting your overall health. Additionally, if you don’t love the way your smile looks, it may be ...
When you chew, there are about 30-40 pounds of pressure put on your teeth. If you grind your teeth, that pressure can increase to 250 pounds. Yikes! It’s no wonder that people who suffer from regular teeth grinding (or bruxism) often experience excruciating toothaches, dental damage, and jaw pain. In many cases, a person doesn’t know that they grind their teeth because it typically happens during sleep. A family member, roommate, or spouse ...
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the United States have implants, and that number grows by 500,000 each year. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, educating yourself on what to expect and how to ensure a successful outcome is key. Below, we’ve listed five common mistakes that can derail your dental implants. 1) Being unaware of your options The dental implant journey is lengthy yet ...
Tooth decay, or softening of the enamel, is one of the most prevalent dental conditions. Acids produced by bacteria weaken tooth enamel over time, which results in a cavity. According to one study, 92% of adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth. The good news is that decay occurs in stages, and early treatment can prevent it from progressing and potentially spare you from needing a root canal or complete extraction. While our busy ...
You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule dental cleanings every six months, so do you really need a new set of dental X-rays every year? Maybe. Like all things health-related, the answer depends on your personal health history and your dentist’s specific concerns. Why do I need dental X-rays? Just as X-rays on other parts of your body allow doctors to identify damage beneath the surface, dental X-rays provide your ...
‘Tis the season for reflection and resolutions. Of course, you can improve your oral hygiene any time of year, but there’s something about looking ahead that makes it seem not only possible but probable. Here are our top 10 Dental Resolutions – take any or all of them into 2022! 1. Floss Regularly We know we’re supposed to floss every day, but many people (maybe even most) don’t. There’s always a good ...
There’s nothing like an unexpected trip to the dentist to derail the most wonderful time of the year. To ensure your teeth stay healthy through the holidays and beyond, follow these tips: 1. Teeth aren’t present-openers or nutcrackers This sounds like a no-brainer, but when an impatient child hands you a toy double sealed in Teflon-strength packaging, your instinct might be to do whatever you can to rip it open. Do yourself a ...
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 dealing with tooth loss, you’re not alone. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 178 million Americans are affected by this serious problem. We understand the significant role a healthy smile plays in self-confidence and the far reaching-impact tooth loss can have on a patient’s quality of life. We know there are many restorative options available and believe patient education is the key to choosing the right treatments. Dentures and ...
There’s no shortage of teeth whitening solutions. From in-office lasers to at-home whitening kits and snap-on veneers, there have never been more ways to achieve a white smile! But, before you order a custom kit or hit up the drugstore for whitening strips, there’s more you should know about teeth discoloration. Not all stains are created equal, and the cause of yours needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a whitening solution ...
