When you think of harmful drinks for your teeth, you may consider coffee that stains your teeth or high-sugared fruit juices that can cause cavities. While you are certainly correct, there is another component of your beverage that you need to be aware of: acidity. The acid in your go-to drink may be eroding your tooth enamel with every sip or swish. While sugar is in fact a primary culprit in tooth decay, sugar and acid together can wreak havoc on your smile.
(more…)

It’s a brand new year – the perfect time for making some fresh goals and sticking to them. When it comes to the health and beauty of your smile, here are some New Year’s resolutions worth considering:

#1 Invest in a Flossing Tool
How often did you floss last year? If it is anything less than daily, you need to step up your game. A floss holder, electronic flosser or even a water flosser may make the job easier and more convenient for you. Do whatever it takes to make sure you log more flossing sessions in this year.
(more…)

Will my child’s thumbsucking habit damage their smile? This is a frequently asked question and common concern for many parents. You may have been relieved to find that your baby could soothe himself to sleep by sucking his thumb. However, if the habit is lingering well into the toddler years, you may be getting worried. At what point should parents get serious about breaking their child’s thumbsucking habit before it impacts their smile, or their likelihood for future orthodontics?
(more…)

We all want a bright smile. Teeth that are white signal a more youthful, attractive and confident appearance. Teeth whitening is the most requested procedure in cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering teeth whitening, here are some FAQ’s that may help you prepare:
(more…)

Unless you have an honest and light-sleeper bed partner, you may not know if you are grinding your teeth at night. Bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, can cause permanent tooth damage and disruptive jaw pain if not addressed. While sleeping, the pressure of bruxing can be up to six times greater than when awake. That’s approximately 250 pounds of force per square inch!
(more…)

If your child is playing sports, we know you have a lot of equipment to purchase and keep up with. In your efforts to find the latest model cleats or right sized helmet, don’t forget about protective mouth gear. It may not be required for every sport, but if your child is on the roster for any type of contact sport, you need to consider a mouth guard investment.
(more…)

In the United States, oral cancer is projected to cause 8,000 deaths this year, killing approximately 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. The reason that the death rate for this type of cancer is so high is simply because it is often discovered in the later stages of development. Therefore, learning the warning signs of oral cancer becomes critically important. When detected and treated early, it is a highly treatable cancer.
(more…)

An accident or trauma involving the mouth can be a scary experience. Although it is always best to discuss your dental injury with your dentist, it is helpful to know when it’s okay to wait it out and when you need to seek emergency dental care. Here are some following situations that warrant a prompt call to your dentist:
(more…)

Unlike preventative dental care, cosmetic dentistry is considered elective. Improving the appearance of your smile is certainly not required, but have you ever really considered its powerful paybacks? Cosmetic dental treatments range from bonding and teeth whitening to porcelain veneers and full smile makeovers. Regardless of which procedure you choose, there are noteworthy benefits to be gained, including the following five:
(more…)

It is something you do countless times a day, yet you probably never think much about it. However, the way you bite, or bring your upper and lower teeth together, is an important part of your dental health and overall health. If your dentist has told you that you have a bad bite, you may be asking the following questions:
(more…)