Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that are the final teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth are so called because these teeth typically do not erupt until a person reaches their late teens or early twenties, when they have supposedly gained enough life experience to benefit from this third set of molars. Although wisdom…
September is National Gum Health Month, and that means it’s time to brush up on your oral health knowledge! Did you know that gum disease has been linked to all sorts of other diseases like diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease, and more? In honor of National Gum Health Month, here is what you need…
With the exception of an annual physical, most people only visit their doctor’s office when they are not feeling well. For this reason, it may come as a surprise that the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings. While this may seem a bit excessive at first,…
Did you know that your dentist sees more than just your teeth and gums when they look in your mouth? For starters, your dentist can see how well you brush and whether or not you really floss everyday. However, your dentist can even see things that could indicate a problem with your overall health. This…
Have you ever wondered whether your new dental restoration will eventually become stained over time? Just because all dental restorations can become stained does not necessarily mean that they will. In fact, certain restorations are more likely to stain than others based on the dental materials that they are made from. However, there are ways…
Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and medical professionals have been trying to learn as much about the virus as possible. Towards the beginning of the pandemic, it was believed that the virus was inhaled through the upper respiratory system where it would then reach and infect the lungs. While this is still…
Although most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist, there are some people who struggle with visiting their dentist more than others. In most cases, this is due to some form of dental anxiety. However, some people may also avoid going to their dentist if they suffer from chronic back pain. This is…
There are various different factors that can have an impact on your oral health. Some of these factors are within your control, such as your oral hygiene habits. Other factors, such as your medical history, are not as easy to control. However, it is important to know that certain medical conditions can impact your oral…
Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do for your body, especially when you consider the fact that the human body is around 60% water. Your body uses water for a variety of different functions and even losing 2% of your total water content can cause headaches, fatigue, and a decrease…
Have you been considering having dental implants placed? If so, then you probably have a lot of questions. One common question that people ask about dental implants is how long they last. Since the process of getting dental implants is slightly more involved than getting a denture or bridge placed, most people want to make…
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic illnesses in America. In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes as many as 85% of adults between the ages of 20-34 years and 95% of adults ages 35-64 years are affected by tooth decay. Of all these adults, it is estimated that…
Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontists reported that 90% of their patients requested teeth whitening services? How about the fact that when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked patients what they would like to improve about their smiles, the majority of people said they wanted whiter teeth? Both of these organizations…
If you’ve ever looked at the packaging of dental products such as toothbrushes, floss, toothpastes, or mouthwashes, you may have noticed that they often mention reducing or eliminating dental plaque. Chances are, you’ve even heard your dentist talk about plaque from time to time during your appointments. However, how much do you really know about…
During every dental appointment for as long as you can possibly remember, you have probably been told the importance of brushing and flossing. Anytime your dentist found a cavity or swollen gums, they likely told you that you need to brush and floss more. For as long as you have had natural teeth you’ve always…
Memorial Day weekend has long been regarded as the unofficial start of summer. With the arrival of summer comes more time spent in the sun, at the beach, and in the swimming pool. Although swimming is a beneficial form of exercise that also helps to cool you down, it can potentially threaten your oral health.…
Are things about your smile that you wish you could change? If so, then you may want to try getting a dental crown. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of an existing tooth. They have a variety of uses and can completely make over your entire smile. Normally, it takes two…
In honor of National Women’s Health Week, which is May 9th-15th, we would like to explore the relationship between hormones and women’s oral health. Hormones are produced by the body as chemical messengers responsible for initiating various functions or actions. Despite the fact that men and women have the same hormones, each sex produces hormones…
If you’ve ever experienced the deep, horrible sensation that is tooth sensitivity, then you know how horrible it can be. Not only is tooth sensitivity extremely uncomfortable, but it can even rob you of enjoying your favorite foods and beverages. Tooth sensitivity is a term used to describe the phenomenon of external stimuli reaching and…
If you have begun to notice a red ribbon of blood or abnormally pink toothpaste foam in the sink after you brush or floss, then you are likely wondering what is going on with your mouth. After all, your blood is supposed to stay inside your body and should not be oozing out of your…
Have you been thinking about getting veneers to improve the look of your smile? If so, you are not alone. In fact, veneers are so in-demand that they are the second most popular cosmetic dental treatment. Despite their popularity, however, some people still have some reservations about having veneers placed. The most common reservation is…
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Are you looking for a tooth replacement option? Have you been considering having dental implants placed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you have some questions of your own. Even if you have heard of dental implants, there is still probably a…
With any type of emergency, it is normal to want to be treated immediately and effectively. Such is the case with dental emergencies as well. However, dentistry has a reputation for multiple, lengthy appointments to restore teeth. While this may have been true in the past, modern dentistry has had a variety of technological advancements…
Did you know that you may be at an increased risk for experiencing a dental emergency? This is because there are certain behaviors that can increase the risk of damaged or decayed teeth, which are two common dental emergencies. Conversely, there are also things that you can do in order to protect yourself from undergoing…
Did you know that your teeth can talk? While they may not be able to literally speak to you, teeth can tell quite a bit about a person. This is the case whether teeth are being evaluated in a skull that is thousands of years old or in the mouth of a 30 year old…
For many women, pregnancy is a time of great joy and excitement. However, it is also usually filled with a variety of doctor’s appointments to make sure that both mama and baby stay healthy and receive the nutrients they both need. While many women know the importance of prenatal medical care, not as many know…
One of the main benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore natural chewing function in people who previously had missing teeth. This is because when implants are placed into the jawbone, they will fuse with the surrounding bone as they heal. In about 95-96% of cases, dental implants are able to fuse successfully…
During the temporary shutdowns associated with COVID-19, many people were forced to take a DIY approach to many services that were formerly provided to them, such as haircuts and manicures. Even as things slowly return to normal, dentists have still noted a rise in DIY dentistry articles and videos on social media. When you consider…
Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the biggest threats to your oral health. In most cases, these dental issues are both the result of excess bacteria in the oral cavity. Tooth decay is caused by excess bacteria accumulating on the tooth enamel, while gum disease is the result of bacteria accumulating along the…
When it comes to staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, most people think of doing things like wearing a mask, washing their hands, and social distancing. Additionally, some people may even try to eat a balanced diet, take immune-boosting supplements, or even exercise regularly to maintain their health. However, not as many people are concerned…
Nowadays, improving the function and appearance of your smile is easier than ever. In fact, there are a multitude of cosmetic dental procedures available to address just about any cosmetic concern. With so many treatments available, however, it can make it hard to know what treatment is best for you. To make things easier, we…
When it comes to taking care of your oral health, most people are aware that brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are essential. However, when it comes to using mouthwash, not as many people know whether or how they should be using mouthwash to improve their oral health. Some people even shy…
Have you ever wondered what your dentist sees when they look at your dental x-rays? Or why they make you do dental x-rays almost every time you visit their office? While dental x-rays may look like random light smudges on a black background, they actually tell your dentist many important things about your teeth. In…
Did you know that cavities are the second most common condition behind the common cold? Unlike the common cold, however, cavities take much longer to develop. Have you ever considered just how long it takes for a cavity to form? Even if you have never wondered this before, it is an important thing to know…
As 2020 draws to a close and we start looking ahead into the new year, many people are making new year’s resolutions that they hope will improve themselves and their lives. While common resolutions deal with losing weight and exercising more, not very many people think about their oral health when making resolutions. However, your…
Nowadays, there are a variety of foods that use artificial sweeteners in place of traditional sugar. Unlike traditional sugar, artificial sweeteners have little to no calories and don’t raise blood sugar levels. This makes them an ideal option for individuals trying to lose weight or those who have diabetes. Because of these benefits, many people…
Have you begun to notice that you can see through your teeth when you look in the mirror? This may be a startling discovery, since your teeth are supposed to be opaque. Upon noticing that your teeth are translucent, you may start to wonder why this happens and what can be done to fix it.…
Many people are aware of the negative effects that tobacco use has on their overall health. In fact, cigarette smoking alone is responsible for approximately 480,000 deaths every year. While smoking cigarettes is the most common form of tobacco use, unfortunately it is not the only way tobacco can be consumed. Other forms of tobacco…
As dentistry continues to evolve, so do the types of dental restorations. For instance starting in the 1800s, metal fillings were the dental restoration of choice. At that time, this was because metal fillings were the strongest, easiest to apply, and cheapest material for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. Metal fillings, also known as amalgam…
When it comes to replacing an entire arch or mouthful of missing teeth, dentures and dental implants are the two options. Most people are familiar with dentures since they have been a part of dentistry for many decades. While dental implants are quickly becoming more popular, they are still not as recognizable as dentures. Perhaps…
If you have just had your teeth whitened, you are probably thrilled with your bright, new smile and want to do everything to make it last as long as possible. Even if you haven’t had your teeth whitened and just have naturally bright teeth, you may also be looking for a way to keep your…
If you’ve been thinking about having your teeth straightened, then chances are you have at least heard about Invisalign. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that uses clear, removable aligner trays to straighten the teeth. It was developed in 1999 by Align Technology and since that time, 80,000 dentists have successfully used Invisalign to straighten…
Like other parts of your body that are frequently used, your tooth enamel will gradually wear down over time. Really this comes as no surprise when you think about how much you use your teeth for chewing and biting. Not only that, but an article published in the New York Times states that the force…
Do you have seasonal allergies? Does your dentist know? Every year, the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America estimates that 50 million Americans are affected by allergies. While many people think that seasonal allergies have nothing to do with their teeth, seasonal allergies actually have quite the effect on your oral health. Here are the…
If you are looking for a cosmetic dental treatment that addresses a multitude of cosmetic concerns with a single treatment, then chances are that you’ve heard about dental bonding and veneers. Both treatments are commonly used because they can correct the size, shape, color, alignment, and spacing of imperfect teeth. In some cases, they can…
When was the last time you evaluated your dental hygiene habits? Chances are, other than brushing and maybe flossing, you probably haven’t thought about your dental hygiene since the last time you went to the dentist. However during the month of October, the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) wants to make sure that you pay…
Did you know that the human sense of smell is closely linked to memory? Unfortunately, this can mean that if you have bad breath, people are more likely to remember the smell of your breath over anything else about you. Many people have bad breath every once in a while and the American Dental Association…
Although many people associated teeth with dentists, your general dentist is also concerned with the health of your gums. This is especially true considering the fact that the CDC estimates as many as 47.2% of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. The most common cause of gum disease…
Dental implants are exceptionally strong and make excellent replacements for missing teeth. Made from small, titanium posts, dental implants are placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. As they heal, they fuse with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. This process is what gives dental implants their strength and allows…
Part of getting a beautiful smile with cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of dental material used. With any cosmetic dental treatment, you can expect your cosmetic dentist to use an aesthetic material, however different treatments can sometimes require different materials. For example, when it comes to direct restorations one commonly used dental material is…
When many people feel the sudden, deep pain of a pulp infection, they automatically assume that they will need a root canal. While it is certainly true that pulp infections do require prompt dental treatment to remove the infection, a root canal is no longer the only option. In fact, dental implants are another treatment…
