Dental Info

Conventional toothpastes like Crest and Colgate may make snazzy promises to turn your teeth white as snow, freshen your breath, or ward off cavities, but the truth is that most of these promises are moot – and in some cases, the ingredients used to cater to these desires might be more harmful than helpful. First things first: as much as conventional toothpaste brands would like to have you believe otherwise, toothpaste is actually only meant to do one job, and that’s to act as an abrasive to help the toothbrush break up the film that naturally builds up on your teeth over the course of the day or night. The other promises that manufacturers make, like whitening teeth, cannot be achieved by toothpaste : in order to whiten teeth, for example, the chemical whiteners in toothpaste would need to be pressed up to your tooth for several hours or more – far longer than you’d spend brushing (we hope!) But empty promises are the least of your worries when it comes to conventional toothpast...

It’s no secret that diabetes is a health condition that must be treated because of the problems it can cause throughout the body—including in your mouth.  Consider that nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. who, according to the American Diabetes Association, have diabetes. Plantation dentist, Dr. Rizvi wants you to know the side effects diabetes can have on oral health. When people with diabetes experience high glucose levels, those levels could also be helping bacteria thrive—causing major problems for their teeth. Some diabetics have chronic inflammation and infections in their mouths. Because of the risk, it’s important that diabetics take extra special care of their teeth. People with diabetes have special oral are needs, so it’s vital that you share this information with your dentist. Common dental conditions associated with diabetes are tooth decay, gum disease, saliva gland dysfunction, infection, delayed healing and more. Everyone—especially those who ha...

There are lots of ways to deal with missing or damaged teeth. You’ve probably heard one of us at the office of AJ Gollofon, DDS talking about implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns, but have you ever wondered what they are and how they work? Dr. Gollofon knows that folks in Seattle like to be informed, so think of this as your personal guide to things that might end up in your mouth. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures, Oh My! At some point in time, most of us will lose at least one adult tooth. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, but it could also be an accident, a sports injury, or a cavity on steroids. Some people are even born without the ability to develop one or more adult teeth! Either way, the point is that most Seattle residents will one day face a decision: how do I replace my lost or damaged tooth? There are many ways fill a gap in your bite: Crowns Crowns themselves do not...

So you’re missing a tooth—or a few! An apple a day will not take care of this one, unfortunately. It’s time to consider dentures or dental implants. A variety of personal and practical factors will determine which solution is best for your new smile. Don’t feel lost among all the pros and cons of choosing a tooth-replacement plan. Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry in Denver is an experienced practice you can trust to  help guide you on your journey from missing teeth toward a complete, natural, and healthy smile. Not your grandma’s dentures Thankfully, t ime and technology have greatly improved the denture experience for our patients. Today, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Dentures are a whole set of false teeth held into your gums with secure bonding glue. This can be an affordable option if you need to replace multiple teeth. For added stability, functionality, and peace of mind, dentures can also be secured with dental implants. Added security with de...

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Dubuque in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. James Fili wants you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health, so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Dubuque Periodontics . The Big Five Sugar Substitutes The benefits of natural and artificial sugar-free sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, Dubuque residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. All of the following substances are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bacteria cannot f...

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know that we love to talk about tooth decay. The chances are, everyone in Salt Lake City has had or will have tooth decay at one point. It is classified by the National Institutes of Health  as the most prevalent disease in the world. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the factors involved in causing tooth decay and what you and Dr. Brickey and Dr. Povine can do to protect your smile. The unique makeup of your teeth Even within your own mouth, teeth vary widely in shape, size, and the quality and consistency of enamel formation. Some teeth are harder than others, and some, especially molars, may have deep fissures that can trap decay-causing bacteria. Additionally, defects in way enamel forms can cause yellow or brown areas on your teeth that are more susceptible to caries (tooth decay). The pH level in your mouth Research indicates that the acidity of your mouth plays an important role in facilitating tooth decay. A low pH (an aci...

We all know someone who asks for extra ice just so they can chew on it. And we’ve probably all heard that chewing ice is not healthy for your teeth. So what’s the truth? Is it best to put a stop to ice chewing? Absolutely, and for more reasons than most people are aware of. Dr. Barry & Dr. Love want all Columbus residents to know why chewing ice is a bad habit, so please read on for the facts!  Why should I stop chewing ice? Ice is hard. So hard, in fact, that pitting it against your teeth regularly will most certainly result in damage to your enamel. If you have pagophagia (the fancy name for ice cravings), it’s likely that Dr. Barry & Dr. Love will need to perform enamel restoration treatments, which are pricey and can be quite uncomfortable. However, that is not the most pressing reason to be aware of an ice chewing habit. Recent research indicates that pagophagia may actually be a sign of anemia (a lack of iron in the blood), which can lead to serious health compli...

Most Lexington folks have had some exposure to the concept of wisdom teeth. Perhaps you have had yours removed, are considering a removal, or Dr. Brewer has just shown you an X-Ray with the infamous third molars creeping into view. It’s common to hear patients ask how they are removed, but we rarely hear people talking about the reasons for getting rid of wisdom teeth. Today, we at Brewer Family Dental are going to explain what wisdom teeth are, why they don’t deserve to stay in your mouth, and how we can help! As always, feel free to call us with any questions or concerns. What are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third set of adult molars. Unlike the rest of your adult teeth, they appear many years later, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people get four wisdom teeth (one in each back corner), but some get fewer, some get more, and some lucky folks never get any. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not confer any special knowledge or enlightenment upon their owners. ...

We’ve all got our reasons. Money. Time. The fear of pain. Juggling insurance. Facing one more reminder that we really should be flossing more. Any of these might cause us to avoid and put off regular visits to the dentist. Has it been so long since your last dental appointment that you’re not even sure how to find a dentist you can trust? Or perhaps you know and love your dentist but you dread the idea of trying to catch up on life with the hygienist while your mouth is being propped open by a tiny plastic jack. (Yes, we think about that too!) Portland dentist, Dr. David Case, and our staff are happy to help you prioritize your dental health, which is why we go to great lengths to remove any barrier that might keep you from stepping through our doors. Sedation options, flexible payment plans, plentiful office hours, and competent staff team can become your personal assets to achieving your best smile. Our relaxed office is comfortable from the waiting room to the dentist chair. Fam...

It’s no secret that St. Augustine residents are careful about how they choose medical professionals for their family, but sometimes it’s not easy to find everything you want in a dentist. We at Gordon Dental Associates understand that choosing a dentist is no small feat, so we’ve put together this guide to picking a dentist for individuals and families. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us! Even if you decide on a different dentist, Dr. Gordon is always happy to help! How to Choose the Right Dentist There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at dentists in your area. For some St. Augustine folks the most important thing is proximity, so it’s easy to narrow their search by location. For others, the key ingredient is affordable prices. Still others may be looking for just the right service mix and supreme comfort. The easiest way to start your search is by setting your top three priorities. These may be location, cost, and comfort, or good reviews, service ...

The root word “ortho” means “straight or upright.” And orthodontics, you guessed it, makes your teeth straight! But oh, how it can do so much more! A lovely smile with straight teeth and an even bite is equal parts functional and beautiful. And thanks to scientific progress, all this can be yours. Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on how the bones and teeth of your mouth are placed and fit together. Dr. Colleran in San Luis Obispo is a professional provider of orthodontic treatments. Read more for our general overview of orthodontics and what teeth straightening can do for you. How Do Orthodontics Work? Orthodontics moves the placement of your teeth slowly over time. Appliances (fixed or removable pieces in your mouth) add a tiny bit of pressure to help your mouth and teeth achieve the perfect shape and alignment. Your mouth is an incredible machine with many parts that work (or should work) in harmony to let you eat, speak, and smile easily. Dentists and orthodon...

Did you know the same plaque that decays your teeth can cause major heart problems? What if you could fight plaque and heart failure both by improving your oral health? Dr. Ron Wagner, Dr. Kent Wagner, Dr. Rich Cannon, Dr. Tom Lawler & Dr. Richard Nelson in Las Vegas is here to tell you more! Someone dies from a heart attack every minute , according to the American Heart Association , and most heart attacks (and 85% of strokes) are caused by cholesterol build-up – aka plaque . But there is good news. You can work with your Las Vegas dentist and your doctor to understand and minimize your risk factors for developing plaque and tooth decay. Risk Factors for Tooth Decay In 2010, tooth decay was the most common condition in the world! Everyone struggles with tooth decay and plaque build-up for reasons unique to their own body and lifestyle. By learning what puts you most at risk for decay, you are investing in your health for the long term. It’s a Two-Way Street Your oral heal...

Have you ever heard someone say, “It was worse than a root canal?” Most of us in Charlotte are used to hearing root canals compared some genuinely unpleasant circumstances, but Dr. Berglass would like set the record straight and talk about how root canals can do some serious dental good. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have, so please feel free to give Central Avenue Dental a call . Root Canals Save Teeth Here it comes, the question on everyone’s mind – why on Earth would you want a root canal?! There is one thing all dentists in Charlotte and beyond will agree on – saving your natural teeth is always the best option. There are many ways that Dr. Berglass can replace missing or damaged teeth , but nothing is as good as the real thing. If you have a tooth with inflamed or infected pulp, a root canal, or endodontic treatment, can get rid of infection and save it. Thus, root canals are preferable to extraction. Here are some more advantages of endodontic treatm...

In today’s calorie-obsessed culture, it can be hard to find the truth among all of the health-conscious noise. Often times, Gwinn residents are misinformed and mislead about the health benefits of trends like as cleanses, sugar alternatives, diets, organic vs. nonorganic, and a myriad of other common topics. Today Dr. Buck would like to clear up any misconceptions about dental health and diet soda. If you have any questions please call us at Northern Trails Dental Care . Are Diet Sodas Healthy? The short answer is no. Originally conceived as low-calorie alternatives to one of America’s first commercial legacies, diet sodas have become extremely popular amidst our country’s battle to lose weight. There’s only one little problem – diet sodas are only marginally better than regular soda. Compared to water, diet soda has zero nutritional value and contains many ingredients that are harmful outside of moderation. Diet Soda & Dental Health Diet soft drinks are not good for your te...

Seeing blood in your sink after you brush your teeth can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. You may be able to cure your bleeding gums without even seeing a dentist, depending on the situation. In this article, I’ll explain the common causes of bleeding gums, what you can do to stop the bleeding and how to know when it’s time to see the dentist. How Your Gums Work If you examine your gums, they should be a healthy shade of pink, not red. You can notice they make a C shape around the neck of the tooth (where your tooth begins to get skinnier). Where they touch your teeth, they form a small groove, like a collar around the tooth. Though they are a tiny part of your body, gums have a big job. They protect the neck and roots of your teeth from bacteria. Without healthy gums guarding your teeth, bacteria can sneak beneath your teeth, damaging tissues. Over time, the tissues become too damaged to hold your teeth, leading to loose teeth that can even fall out. What Causes Bleeding...

Gum disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world —60% of us have it. When did we become okay with this? It’s not normal for a population to be this sick! If we were talking about heart disease or diabetes being this prevalent, we’d call those rates unacceptable. And yet still, gum disease persists. Many of us, including dentists, think of gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis as solely a problem of dental health—the way I see gum disease though is that it is the beginning of a systemic infection telling a story of inflammation inside the body. And while you might see a lot of chatter about antibiotic rinses or more invasive procedures while trolling the web for solutions for gum disease, I’d rather talk about the vibrant colors, rich smells and the flavorful tastes of culinary spices with you instead. Because food is medicine and what we eat influences our degree of inflammation. And in our daily search to feel great, minimizing inflammation is our number one...

Now that you’ve made the decision to get a dental implant, you may be experiencing a little apprehension wondering what comes next, if it will hurt and how long it will take to recover. Relax. It’s easier than you think. While a dental implant is by no means a simple procedure, just knowing what to expect will make all the difference. The main steps of a dental implant 1. X-rays: The perfect picture Your dentist needs x-rays for evaluative and prognostic purposes. X-rays, panoramic x-rays or  a 3D CT scan will be used to determine bone and gum condition and to identify any potential caveats. For an in-depth look at the different types of dental x-rays, click here . 2. Making a good impression Your dentist will need to take an impression of your mouth which will provide a pretty good replica of your teeth, gums and surrounding tissues from which to work with. He or she will determine the right size plastic or metal impression tray for your mouth and fill it with a soft liquid...

Losing a tooth can be a very traumatic experience, both emotionally and financially. If a dental implant is an option you are considering, you need to understand the process and just how much that implant will set you back before making a decision. How much will my dental implant cost? The simple answer is, it depends. Just like any surgery—because yes, it is surgery—there are many factors that go into determining the price of a dental implant. The dentist’s overhead, geographical location and individual fee structure will all be calculated into the cost of the procedure. And, each patient’s physical circumstance must be evaluated as well. Jaw bone and gum condition, whether or not a bone graft and / or an extraction is necessary and temporary tooth and anesthesia options are all considered in the cost of an implant. Because of all these variables, I hesitate to quote a price. But, that’s not what you want to hear. You want to know just how much an implant is going to set you back....