The holidays are here, and with them come all the joys of the season – lights and decorations, time with friends and family, and those special treats we only get this time of year. The best way to enjoy the holiday festivities and keep your oral health intact is to balance those sticky, sugary foods with some that actually benefit your teeth and gums. We promise it’s not as hard as you might think!
Fruit & Vegetable Platter
Every gathering has one! Not only do fruits, such as apples, strawberries, and kiwis, add some natural sweetness to your plate, they also scrub […]
Once you’ve decided to use Invisalign® to improve your smile, the next step is to select the right provider. When choosing any healthcare provider, it’s essential to do your research and not simply go with the first name Google serves up. There are over 40,000 Invisalign providers in the US, so it’s important to weigh factors beyond the designation alone.
Here are five factors to help you make the right choice:
Experience
You wouldn’t feel comfortable having a mechanic with minimal hands-on experience replace the brakes on your car, nor should you consider a dentist with limited knowledge of Invisalign. Fortunately, Invisalign makes […]
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. However, there are patients with dental anxiety who have never visited a dentist yet still fear the experience. Dental anxiety typically comes down to one or more of […]
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. Teeth stains fall into one of three categories:
Extrinsic Stains
An extrinsic tooth stain is one on the surface enamel or outside of the tooth. Although it’s the hardest part […]
Anyone who has ever experienced the agony of a toothache knows that poor oral health is more than an inconvenience; it negatively impacts your quality of life. Not only can damaged teeth cause physical pain, but they can also create extreme self-consciousness and pose significant health risks if left untreated.
Damage occurs to teeth for a variety of reasons, from disease and facial trauma to years of teeth grinding or a misaligned bite. Fortunately, dental advancements allow us to treat or correct even the most severely damaged teeth. Specific treatment options will depend on a patient’s circumstances and health history; however, […]
The toothbrush is a staple of good oral hygiene, but owning a toothbrush and knowing how to use it properly are two different things! Most of us don’t really give it much thought; we apply toothpaste, brush, rinse, and move on with our day. Unfortunately, simply brushing twice a day doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Read on for some toothbrush knowledge you’ll wish you had known!
Choosing your toothbrush – If you’re using the wrong toothbrush for your mouth, all the brushing in the world won’t help. In fact, it might damage your gums or tooth enamel. When selecting a toothbrush, the […]
If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, your inclination might be to just pull the problematic tooth and be done with it! Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. So, before you choose to extract it, make sure you take time to understand the ramifications.
Benefits of saving a natural tooth
When possible, saving your natural teeth is the best option. While today’s dental prosthetics are made to last, they simply don’t have the same strength as natural teeth. Not only are natural teeth stronger, but they also offer better functionality than prosthetics or crowns. Plus, your natural teeth will are more durable and […]
As children, we’re taught that if we don’t take care of our teeth properly – brush daily, floss regularly, and watch our sugar intake – we’ll get cavities. However, as adults, we realize that there’s more to oral health than avoiding cavities alone – enter enamel erosion.
What is tooth enamel?
Enamel is the tooth’s thin, translucent outer layer. Harder than bone, tooth enamel is the first line of defense against decay. It protects the inner, sensitive part of the tooth, called dentin. Without enamel, the inner part of your tooth, which houses thousands of microscopic channels, is exposed and vulnerable to […]
If you’re considering treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners, you’re probably focused on the aesthetic benefits – straighter teeth and a movie star smile! But, the oral health benefits of using Invisalign go beyond a megawatt smile. A popular option for patients with mild-to-moderate alignment issues, Invisalign has also proven to be effective in helping patients improve function and general oral health. In contrast to traditional braces, which consist of metal brackets glued to the teeth and tied together with wires and small rubber bands, Invisalign uses aligner trays made of smooth, BPA-free clear plastic worn over teeth. These trays focus […]
Have you ever winced with sudden pain after gulping an icy beverage or slurping a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you’re likely one of the 40 million Americans the Academy of General Dentistry estimates experience tooth sensitivity each year.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity (i.e., dentin hypersensitivity) occurs when tooth enamel wears away, leaving the dentin exposed. This soft, inner part of your tooth houses thousands of microscopic channels that, when left unprotected, allow stimuli to reach the nerves causing pain.
Some people naturally have more sensitive teeth due to having thinner enamel. However, in many cases, tooth enamel can be […]
