Your bite, or occlusion, is the way that your top and bottom teeth align when you open and close your mouth. While most patients are concerned with straightening their teeth, dentists and orthodontists prioritize bite correction– and for good reason! A misaligned bite, or malocclusion, may cause the following problems: Not being able to chew food properly or fully Speech impediments Worn teeth caused by additional pressure in odd areas Jaw problems Dental decay Gum ...
The first week of March is Dental Assistants Recognition Week, and our dental assistants are especially worth celebrating. Our office wouldn’t run as smoothly without them and our patients wouldn’t feel as welcome, relaxed, or comfortable during their visits! Dental assistants have numerous responsibilities in a dental office. On a daily basis, they provide excellent patient care, support the dentist, and complete various technical duties, all with smiles on their faces. Continue reading ...
In a perfect world, your natural teeth would last a lifetime. Unfortunately, our world isn’t perfect, and tooth loss happens. Sometimes tooth loss occurs because of a car accident or sports injury, but other times a necessary tooth extraction is the cause. Dentists typically recommend extractions as a last resort to help patients avoid additional health issues. You may benefit from a tooth extraction if you have any of the following oral health problems ...
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 ...
One gift that’s in short supply during holiday vacations is relaxation. Instead, it’s go-go-go and ho-ho-ho! Travel. Shopping. Parties. More parties. Healthy habits often take a backseat, and dental health? Well, it’s buried under the luggage in the trunk. You’ve invested some of your precious holiday time in reading this article, so think about how you can implement these pro-tips into your busy schedule. If you keep your teeth as white ...
Every year, Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place in November. But, even though we dedicate an entire month to calling attention to it, there is very little public knowledge about mouth cancer. This year, let’s give Mouth Cancer Action Month the awareness that it deserves. In this post, we define what mouth cancer is, discuss potential risk factors, and explore shocking facts about oral cancer. This information could end up saving more than just ...
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 ...
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 ...
It’s a great debate among husbands and wives, roommates, parents and children, and partners– is it better to brush your teeth before breakfast or after? Well, regardless of which side you are on, the answer isn’t as black and white as it may seem. First, let’s talk about what the American Dental Association recommends. It has long been established that people of all ages should brush twice daily and for two minutes ...
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 ...
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 ...
With so many preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options, tooth extraction is often the last resort for dentists. In many cases, a tooth can undergo root canal therapy, have a crown placed over it, or be restored with dental bonding or veneers. However, there are instances when an extraction is necessary to improve the patient’s oral and overall health. Five of the most common reasons dentists recommend a tooth extraction include: Tooth decay Gum ...
Spring is the season of renewal! Trees are blooming, birds are singing, and…we’re reminding you about the dangers of oral cancer. We know it doesn’t really fit with spring’s eternal feeling of hope and optimism, but April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and early detection is a beautiful thing. The Prevalence of Oral Cancer The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cancer (oral cavity and oropharyngeal ...
Turn that frown upside down! You know smiling is an outward sign of happiness, but did you know that the simple act of smiling can also create tangible physical changes? In case you needed another reason to flash your pearly whites, we’re sharing a list of benefits below: Elevate Your Mood Some sayings are more wishful thinking than hard fact (i.e., an apple a day keeps the doctor away), but it turns out ...
The only permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants have gained favor as the preferred method for tooth replacement. Not only do today's implants restore function, but, just as importantly, they also fulfill patients' esthetic expectations. What exactly are dental implants? Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that create a strong foundation for artificial teeth known as crowns. Crowns are custom-made to fit a patient's mouth and match their natural teeth. Many ...
The benefits of preserving tooth structure goes beyond cosmetics to impact your overall health. Teeth are part of an intricate network of bones, tissues, and nerves. While they may look straightforward (i.e., a hard surface that grinds down food), teeth have a complex structure. Each tooth is comprised of the following components: Gums – Gums house the teeth and protect a tooth's roots and any teeth that have yet to break through. Crown - The ...
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 ...
While oral cancer (i.e., oral cavity and oropharynx cancers collectively) accounts for almost 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, it is responsible for 1.8% of all cancer deaths. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high because it is generally not discovered until late in its development. Early-stage symptoms of oral cancer are often painless, such as a white or red patches of tissue or a lesion ...
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 ...
