You likely associate the month of May with budding trees and blooming flowers, but did you know that it’s also Root Canal Awareness Month? We’re guessing, probably not. That’s ok. Despite the fact that over 15 million root canals are performed in the US annually, this procedure has a bit of a PR problem. And while we’re not public relations experts, we think root canals deserve proper attention. What does a ...
April is oral cancer awareness month. While not as delightful as the other signs of spring – blooming trees and longer days – a focus on early detection is a beautiful thing. While oral cancer (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 ...
More than half of all respondents in a recent poll said they were insecure about the appearance of their teeth. If tooth damage, loss, or decay has you covering your mouth, take heart in knowing that you're not destined to a tight-lipped smile forever! Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are several ways we can restore your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term that refers to any dental work that adjusts the appearance of ...
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 ...
In an ideal world, we would all have a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss ready for use after every meal, snack, and coffee break. Realistically, however, this level of oral hygiene adherence rarely (if ever) occurs. So, what does that mean for those of us who generally go all day without so much as a swish of mouthwash? Are we really doing more harm than we know? And, what about those people who forget to ...
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. Unfortunately, the special treats we love so much can lead to damaged teeth and an unwanted trip to the dentist, which will definitely not have you feeling holly and jolly. We don’t want you to miss out on all the fun ...
Unlike homeowner’s or automobile insurance, dental insurance is something you definitely WANT to use. Other insurance plans are often designed to cover a loss. For example, your homeowner’s insurance will reimburse you if you lose your home to a fire or natural disaster and if your car is damaged in an accident, your car insurance pays to have it repaired. Of course, specific coverage amounts vary depending on the policy, but the premise ...
You know brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are staples of good oral hygiene, but is brushing your tongue really necessary? In short, yes. Why is my tongue important? Though the tongue often plays second fiddle to your pearly whites, it’s actually a critical body part. Without a tongue we wouldn’t be able to speak, chew, taste, or swallow food. Your tongue is an organ made up of a group of ...
Plaque, like many oral health concerns, begins as a silent menace. You may recognize this colorless, sticky film as the fuzzy coating you feel when you first wake up. For many people, a colorless film on the teeth may be the only sign. However, in some cases, more noticeable symptoms, such as receding gums or bad breath, occur. What is plaque and what causes it? Plaque forms in your mouth throughout the day as you ...
There's nothing worse than realizing something is wrong in your mouth. This is partly because it's really difficult to examine it for yourself. As a layperson, it's often difficult to know whether the problem is a dental emergency or something you can take care of yourself. Often, you can help alleviate your symptoms with some at-home first aid remedies. Other times, you should call your dentist immediately. To help you determine what ...
What is the most powerful and profound facial expression of all time?The one expression that transcends all cultures while simultaneously bringing positivity to yourself and those around you. It's the humble Smile! Even though there are drastic differences between the many cultures around the world, psychologists have discovered that the smile transcends them all. When we smile, it signals friendliness, openness to engaging, and an interest in people. 3 Facts About Having a ...
Even though our dental team enjoys working with teeth on a daily basis and looks forward to taking care of our patient's oral health, most people don’t rank going to the dentist at the top of the fun list. However, sometimes the reasons people don't come in for check-ups are due to preconceived dental myths. Let's examine five of the most common myths. Myth 1: My Teeth Feel Fine, So Why ...
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020 about 53,260 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, and an estimated 10,750 people will die from these diseases. If you think the mortality rate is high, you wouldn’t be wrong. However, this is not because oral cancer is hard to detect or diagnose, but because it is often discovered late in its development. That is why regular dental visits are more important ...
If your parents didn’t opt for getting you braces as a child, have no fear! It’s not too late! Considering the origination of Invisalign, more and more adults are discovering the beautiful smile they have always desired and with much less of the embarrassment. Those days of smiling at your third-grade crush at lunch with PB&J stuck in your braces are over. There are 5 significant advantages to going with Invisalign versus ...
Dental implants have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their high success rates. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are an effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Once in place, you’ll be able to go back to enjoying your teeth and smile once again. If you do not already have dental implants, here are the main three components ...
If you have a smile you don’t like due to teeth that are discolored, chipped, misaligned, uneven, or gapping, you probably find yourself refraining from showing your teeth. Perhaps you smile with closed lips or you cover your mouth when laughing. It is likely that you unintentionally walk around with an unfriendly, straight face. Do you realize that not being able to smile at your full potential can harm your social life, as well ...
It’s that time of year where sleigh-bells are ringing, children are singing, and the last thing we tend to think about is our oral health. I mean, we’re pretty sure no one is sitting on Santa’s lap and asking for peppermint floss for Christmas. So why worry about our oral health? It is only a few months out of the year, right? Well, that is where we can get ourselves into a ...
Despite a rogue news report a few years ago, the benefits of regular flossing and brushing have generally been widely accepted. So, why do only 30% of Americans report flossing daily and even more (32%) admit to never flossing at all? Most likely it’s because while the obvious benefits of regular flossing are worthwhile – gum health and fresh breath – they’re also relatively intangible. Let’s be honest. Possessing healthy pink gums doesn’t ...
Let’s see those pearly whites! You hear it all the time, but when was the last time someone wanted to see your healthy pink gums? Though they may be destined to play second fiddle to their white, show-stealing counterparts, gums are really the unsung hero of your mouth. Gingiva (i.e., gums) is the tissue that surrounds and protects teeth, along with the underlying bone. Gums attach to the teeth, forming a seal that ...
14 of every 100 individuals age eighteen and over smoke in the United States, according to a 2017 Center for Disease Control report. This means 14% of America is lighting up! The Surgeon General has been warning people for decades, emphasizing that smoking is bad for your health. But what makes it bad for you? And in particular, what does smoking do to your teeth? You're most likely aware of how smoking affects your ...
