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Sometimes we know what we need to do…but it’s just plain hard. The roadblocks to positive action could be shortages of time, money, or motivation. Or it may be anxiety or fear creating a tight leash that holds us back when nothing…

Fear. Ingrained in our DNA there’s a protective mechanism that helps us avoid danger. It’s essential to the survival of the human race. Our ancient relatives wouldn’t be part of our family tree if they hadn’t operated with a solid dose of…

Most insurance plans expire December 31, 2015, and our schedule is already filling up! While dental “insurance” features different limitations and benefits depending on the plan, they nearly all share one feature: Unused benefits expire at the end of the year. Most…

Often we think bad breath, clinically referred to as halitosis, as something that only afflicts adults who never brush their teeth or consume copious amounts of coffee and cigarettes. Truth is, bad breath can happen to anyone of any age, even those…

We’re fortunate to live in the age of modern healthcare, full of advancements and new options. But sometimes more also means more questions, more confusion. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you’ll find the array of options has grown significantly. But…

Have you or your teenager wanted to correct crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, but just the thought of metal braces gives you nightmares? Well, fear no more. New options in teeth straightening are like a dream come true. Advances in dentistry have…

Missing teeth can rage devastation through your entire mouth. No matter if your tooth received a TKO or it met its demise due to dental complications, losing just one tooth can affect your entire smile-inspiring teeth to shift and bone to degrade.…

A great pair of shoes or a nice suit can get you noticed, but a gorgeous smile can get results… and you can wear it to the beach. It’s the most valuable accessory you can have and here’s why: We all have…

Just because you have the tools to do something yourself, doesn’t always mean you should. Things can go wrong, and they do. You probably know – or have seen – someone who has had an unfortunate interlude with boxed hair coloring. They…

Most people recognize the need to fill a cavity – cavities lead to infection, infection leads to root canals or tooth loss. Simple. But the importance of replacing lost teeth is often not realized – losing just one tooth can lead to losing more…

A brighter smile is just around the corner.  Smiling can improve your mood, boost your immune system, and even make you appear more attractive to others. However, some people may try to hide their pearly whites because they are embarrassed by stained…

Get the most out of your at-home routine by getting back to the basics of dental hygiene.  Routines are part of our daily lives and it is easy to let your mind’s autopilot take over. However, when it comes to your smile,…

Having a healthy tongue is just as important as maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Signs of an Unhealthy Tongue: Tongues play a crucial role in your oral function. Without your tongue it would be essentially impossible to speak, eat, and taste all…

It is never too late to start bettering yourself. Many individuals focus on improving their eating or fitness to try to live a healthier lifestyle. However, focusing on breaking a few poor oral habits could benefit your overall wellness and keep your…

There is no doubt that fierce competition exists within teeth whitening products. But which one is best, and do they even work? Every consumer having pursued the quest for “pearly whites” has grappled with this question. Which product is the best? Is…

Where would we be without our patients? A dentist without patients is like…an astronomer without stars, a sculptor without clay, a sailor without a ship, a florist without flowers…you get the idea. We need you as much as you need us. We…

What is tooth decay, anyway? Simply put, it’s cavities. How are cavities created? By the bacteria in your mouth… everyone has bacteria in their mouth to some degree. As icky as that may sound, it’s true. And if your mouth is not…

Strong, healthy teeth help you chew the right foods which help you grow. Teeth also help you speak clearly and look your best! Taking care of your teeth helps prevent plaque, a clear film of bacteria or “Sugar Bugs” that stick to…

If you’re anxious before dental treatment, you’re keeping very good company. In fact, studies show that 3 out of 4 people feel anxiety prior to a visit to the dentist. But it may be more than that for you. Up to 15%…

As the days of another year accelerate forward, we’re all aware that time isn’t slowing down. The demands of modern life push and pull on us from every angle. Deadlines at work and headlines at home, with a little personal time squeezed…

We are thankful for you, our valued customer, all year long, of course. But in this season of gratitude and giving, we want to be sure we share with you our feelings of appreciation. Like any healthy relationship, we want to say…

Imagine this classic American scene: a well-kept house with a white picket fence. The fence sits perfectly straight and brilliantly painted, not a board out of place. That fence greets everyone who pulls up, making a first impression that’s not always consciously…

Flashy metal grins fill the pages of most high school yearbooks, a rite of passage for many teenagers. Not long ago, misaligned teeth left you with two options: live with them or wire up. But today you’ll find new stealth ways to…

You’ve probably flipped open an issue of People magazine and seen a perfect, brilliant smile staring back at you. That smile likely looked different not very long ago. With today’s gorgeous dental materials, veneers can transform facial appearance dramatically in just a…

You’re enjoying a delicious handful of sugar-coated peanuts…actually, a second handful that you almost passed up. You bite down and hear a loud crunch, which just didn’t seem right. Your tongue makes a pulse-spiking discovery: A significant chunk of your upper left…

Stereotypes abound when it comes to aging. Advancing years bring imminent changes, but losing teeth doesn’t need to be part of your story. While dentures provide a valuable service for those who need them, they aren’t inevitable for most people. In fact,…

The tooth fairy has an average rate for baby teeth, and every kid looks forward to cashing in. But once the permanent teeth move into place, the value jumps upward. Along the way, the cost of maintaining and repairing teeth usually receives…

Healthy partnerships pay off. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, acclaimed author Stephen Covey offers the “synergy” habit. He outlines that if two people work together, the output is greater than the sum of their parts: 1+1=3…not 2! Cooperative efforts yield…

As the days of another year race forward, we’re all aware that time isn’t slowing down. The demands of modern life push and pull on us from every angle. Deadlines at work and headlines at home write the story of our lives.…

Sometimes patients develop toothaches or gum discomfort, but mouth pain comes in many other forms, too. Did you know your own body’s immune system can attack the lining of your mouth and create stinging sores? Chances are you or a loved one…

Fear. Ingrained in our DNA there’s a protective mechanism that helps us avoid danger. It’s essential to the survival of the human race. Our ancient relatives wouldn’t be part of our family tree if they hadn’t operated with a solid dose of…

We often know what we need to do, but it’s easier said than done. Shortages of time, money, or motivation frequently set up roadblocks on our journey to better health. Or anxiety may hold us back when nothing else really stands in the…

In 1992, author John Gray wrote a book declaring Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. Selling 50 million copies, the publication spent 121 weeks on the bestseller list and became a key theme in American pop culture. Researchers have since shown…

If the color of your teeth isn’t as bright as the whites of your eyes, it may be time to consider brightening your smile. Teeth whitening is simple, effective, and safe…as long as it’s done properly with quality products and methods. Take…

Did you know our bodies produce roughly 1-2 liters of saliva every day? Peak production occurs in the late afternoon, dropping off dramatically during the night. But for nearly 30 million Americans, there’s never enough moisture produced, day or night. Chances are…

Missing or damaged teeth may put you at risk for future dental problems. Reliable restorative options with innovative procedures allow us to offer a remedy to almost every dental dilemma. But what if you could actually grow a new tooth? Or a…

Everyone experiences headaches occasionally, but no one should live with them on a regular basis. If you know someone who deals with head pain, spending 5 minutes reading this article could make you their hero. Even if you don’t suffer from headaches,…

Your tongue plays a vital role in conversation and eating, but did you know it sends silent messages about your general health? Three different color changes offer subtle clues to overall wellness that are worth paying attention to. The human tongue is…

Unhealthy habits often seem benign, producing nearly undetectable changes to our bodies for a long time. But a little bit of damage leads to a little bit more, and the impact often shows after irreversible problems develop. As the hardest substance in…

Cancer treatment brings along a host of questions, feelings, and concerns. While oral health may seem like a small part of the equation, prescribed modalities often affect the mouth. But with the right strategies, oral wellness can be maintained with manageable side…

When you consider what teeth go through, it’s amazing how well they hold up. In a warm, moist environment they undergo a barrage of forces. Bacterial toxins wash over them while acidic foods and drinks flood their mineralized surface. So should teeth…

When you wake up in the morning, no one expects your breath to smell very good. With a few good hygiene habits, your breath is usually ready for the day. But if you’re struggling with bad breath, or you suspect it might…

Your teeth and the surrounding jaw muscles present a powerhouse capable of crushing even the hardest foods to pieces. But sometimes we use our teeth in ways that push them to the limit and lead to unnecessary problems and treatment. Learn about…

You probably know that your mouth is home to one of the largest populations of bacteria in your body. While they’re an independent bunch, you can dramatically influence their effect on your health. It starts with understanding how the key bacterial players…

Did you know that the simple act of smiling could add up to 7 years to your life? That’s what the results from one study suggest! A healthy, confident smile is a valuable asset worth protecting. Don’t overlook these clues that hint…

Did you know that Americans drink nearly 45 gallons of soda and sports drinks on average every year? Teeth are made of the hardest substance in your body and withstand a lot of chewing and grinding, but sugar and acid from these…

Every year, Over 175 million teeth are filled in the U.S. to repair damage from cavities. A blend of bacteria, sugar, and immune factors create a complex process that affects the quality of life in every age group. Did you know that…

Everybody loves the brilliance of a friendly smile and the pleasure of chewing their favorite foods. But in the 1990’s, researchers discovered a correlation between gum disease and other health problems, including heart disease. Over the last 30 years, evidence has continued…

No matter how much you love your favorite sweater, you only show it to the world a few days a year. On the other hand, your smile travels with you every day through every season. Find out how a new smile can…

Families juggle an endless list of activities and commitments, and the pace isn’t likely to slow as the years go. Keeping the dental health, growth, and development of kids on track takes an ongoing commitment for busy parents. When it comes to…

One of the first things that people notice about you is your smile. In today’s youth-obsessed culture, a twenty-something with dingy teeth can appear older than a forty-something with a bright, white, sparkling smile. Here are five things to keep in mind…

Not all dental cleanings are created equal. Find out why some hygiene appointments cost more than others and learn how you can save time and money in the dental chair. A “regular” cleaning is clinically called prophylaxis or a prophy cleaning and…

Electric toothbrushes are an excellent idea for everyone, but for people with arthritis, cognitive impairments or those who have suffered a stroke, an electric toothbrush can be a little breath of independence that gives a boost of self-confidence. Little has changed design-wise…

What is an Abscess? An abscess is an infection. There are two types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess, which happens at the root of a tooth and a periodontal abscess which happens in the gum. A periapical abscess can occur when…

With a little help from your dental team, a healthy mouth during pregnancy is something that’s easy to deliver. Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but it is also full of a seemingly endless list of do’s and don’ts. Thankfully,…

There comes a time when the tides change, and we become a caregiver to those that raised us, drove us to soccer practice, dance recitals, and music lessons. They helped us brush our hair and taught us to brush our teeth. Now…

There comes a time when the tides change, and we become a caregiver to those that raised us, drove us to soccer practice, dance recitals, and music lessons. They helped us brush our hair and taught us to brush our teeth. Now…

The holiday season is over, and everything is slowly returning to normal. Now is a great time to focus on your New Year’s resolutions. Instead of making general resolutions like wanting to lose weight or saying you want to be healthier, why…

After you eat, sugar bugs go crazy over the sugar on your teeth, like ants at a picnic. The sugar bugs turn the sugar into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing holes called cavities. The sugar bugs also cause gingivitis, which…

Do cold foods make your teeth feel like a hot mess? Do hot foods give your teeth the chills? You’re not alone. Read on for some tips to keep your mouth (and you) happy. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, but you…

Calcium is an important mineral essential for the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. The FDA recommends getting between 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium every day depending on your age and activity level. In the past, cow’s milk was touted as…

Extractions are necessary for many reasons. By following some simple tips, you can avoid many post-op complications and lessen your healing time to get back to normal as quickly as possible. If a tooth is cracked below the gum, has a root…

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or if you have difficulty sticking to a regular brushing and flossing routine, your hygienist or dentist might recommend root planing and scaling. While it might sound scary, scaling and root planing…

If you’ve lost some or all your natural teeth, your dentist will recommend dentures so you can speak and chew properly and keep your bite correctly aligned. Dentures can be removable or fixed appliances that replace missing teeth and keep your smile…

Bad breath isn’t fun for anyone. Here are a few causes and some ideas to keep your breath fresh. Sometimes bad breath is the result of a garlicky dinner or morning coffee but sometimes it’s caused by a chronic condition called halitosis.…

Professional dental exams and a regular homecare routine do more than keep your mouth clean – they might just save your life! Taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gums are important to your overall health and can prevent cavities, periodontal disease…

Get in early! Schedule your appointments now before the schedule fills up! Each year, millions of dollars are wasted by not maxing out your dental benefits or using up the money set aside in your FSA. Most dental insurance companies reset their…

It’s tempting to give up basic hygiene when you’re feeling under the weather but these tips for caring for your mouth can help you feel better sooner. Everyone knows that one of the best ways to prevent getting a cold is by…

Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Learn its symptoms and options for treatment.  Sleep Apnea is a general term describing a disorder in which a person sporadically stops breathing throughout the night. Episodes of sleep apnea…

This Valentine’s Day, forget the candy hearts and roses and give yourself the gift of a brighter, whiter smile. As children, our teeth are naturally bright and white. But as we age, our smiles can get dingy and stained. There are many…

Here are 10 cool dental facts to help you wow your friends and family! You use your teeth to bite, chew, and maybe even engage in some ill-advised package opening. (Tsk, tsk.) Unless a tooth is bothering you, you probably don’t give…

Sometimes dentists recommend a dose of antibiotic before dental treatment. Here’s why. You may have a family member or friend mention that they take a dose of antibiotics before dental procedures. Have you ever wondered why? Everyone has bacteria in their mouth.…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, every aspect of our lives has taken a drastic turn. And while many activities grind to a halt, health-related conditions don’t always follow the same strategy. Dental problems often occur at the most inopportune time, and our current…

Let’s face it. None of us planned for 2020 to go quite this way. COVID-19 disruptions are reverberating across the globe on every level. From stock markets to our favorite Thai restaurant, life’s different for now. Many elective dental and medical procedures…

If you’ve missed a few professional cleanings or haven’t been brushing at home, you may need more than a “regular cleaning,” costing you more time and money. Did you know a routine cleaning is clinically called a prophylaxis, or prophy cleaning? This…

Many children give up the habit before they start preschool, but for persistent thumb suckers, intervention might be necessary. Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that calms, soothes, and lulls a baby or child to sleep. Even in the womb, fetuses suck…

Cold foods can make your sensitive teeth feel like a hot mess. Here are some tips to keep your mouth happy this summer. Whether it’s a tall glass of iced tea or your favorite ice cream cone, everyone has their go-to summer…

Dental abscesses may sound scary, but they are quickly treated and even preventable! The word abscess can conjure the old-fashioned image of someone with a towel tied around their head with a painful grimace on their face. Thankfully, those days are gone,…

In the rush of the last days of summer, it might be tempting to ignore your child’s summer dental exam, but skipping it could mean detention for your child’s mouth. Back-to-school physical? Scheduled. New clothes and shoes? Bought. But don’t forget about…

Dental offices are open again. Here’s why it’s safe (and important) to get back on the schedule and use your dental benefits before they expire. For a few months, dental offices were advised only to see emergencies and cancel what was considered…

As our parents age and need more care, don’t forget that their oral health is an essential part of their overall health. There comes a time when we become caregivers to those that raised us. Instead of them shuttling us off to…

Electric toothbrushes are just one more tool you can use at home to keep your smile healthy between professional cleanings. Except for a few leaps in design over the last 3,000 years, toothbrushes haven’t changed much since ancient Babylonians chewed on the end of a…

Some dentists are rethinking automatically extracting wisdom teeth, but in some cases, keeping your wisdom teeth just isn’t that wise. When you are born, all your baby teeth are developed and waiting below the gum to start popping through when you are…

Caring for your mouth while you’re pregnant is one of the most important things you can do to help keep you and your baby healthy. Pregnancy and the promise of the pitter-patter of little feet and long afternoon snuggles with your newborn…

February is American Heart Month! What does heart health have to do with oral health? Evidence suggests… a lot! Science has found two very distinct links between a person’s oral health and heart health. Signs of heart disease may be noticeable in…

Veneers can be a simple, non-invasive way to change your smile’s shape and look while preserving valuable tooth structure. If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to improve the shape of your smile, veneers might be the choice for you. Veneers are…

Scientists have spent decades studying ancient paintings on cave walls that depict animals being milked in an attempt to find evidence of dairy consumption. They have even found traces of dairy fat in pots. But scientists have never been able to determine…

Studies have shown that teeth grinding has increased during the pandemic; we can help protect your smile. Now that we’re more than a year into a global pandemic, we are learning more about the variety of indirect effects that COVID-19 has had…

Gums hold your smile in place, keep them healthy with a few simple steps! Your oral health goes beyond just teeth. Gums play a big part in a healthy and beautiful smile. They help protect your teeth and the underlying bone from…

Discover what causes tooth sensitivity, common treatments, and how to prevent it.  The holiday season is just around the corner! Don’t let enjoying a hot cocoa by the fire be ruined by nagging sensitive teeth. Discover the underlying cause of tooth sensitivity…

Dental emergencies tend to happen when you least expect them. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency could be the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. Learn about common dental emergencies and how to handle them properly.  Knocked-Out Tooth:…

It’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month  In 2024, more than 58,000 people will receive oral cancer diagnoses. As we observe Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April, our team is committed to empowering patients with crucial knowledge to protect their health. Read on to…

Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. Gaps in your smile can make simple daily necessities, such as speaking and chewing, a daunting task. Missing teeth also affects the bone density of the jaws, causes other teeth to shift, and…

Essentially everyone has experienced a sour smell secreting from their mouth. Not only does it leave a yucky taste in your mouth, but it can also be embarrassing when talking to a friend or co-worker. Bad breath happens for various reasons, from…

You have likely heard a dentist tell you about how fundamental fluoride is for your teeth. However, you may be curious how beneficial fluoride really is to your smile. Learn about fluoride and easy ways to ensure you always receive enough of…

Summer is just around the corner, the season of weddings, festivals, vacations, and family gatherings! Get ready for all your exciting events by revamping your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help you reach all your smile goals.  Teeth Whitening: One of the easiest…

You most likely have a well-established nightly oral hygiene routine, but you may be curious if there is an optimal sequence when it comes to taking care of your smile. A 2018 research study reported that flossing before brushing removes more plaque…

Many people occasionally enjoy a soda at the movies, while others indulge in a soft drink at every meal. Before you crack open your next can of soda, you may want to learn more about how these bubbly beverages affect your oral…

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It is a chronic infection that damages gum tissue and can potentially destroy the jaw bone. However, since this condition is typically painless, many individuals go years without receiving a formal…

Does the thought of going to the dentist make you sweat? Are you putting off dental treatments due to fear? Dental anxiety affects millions of people. One study found that over 60% of individuals struggle with dental fear. However, nerves should never have to…

Cold and flu season is just around the corner! Despite our best efforts, sometimes it can be impossible to avoid getting sick. When it comes to your smile, there are a few special considerations to take next time you catch a bug.…

The oral care section at a typical supermarket has dozens of toothbrush options. Do you go with a shiny, new electric toothbrush or opt for a tried-and-true manual toothbrush? Does one kind clean teeth better than the other? This article will give…

Filling a cavity is supposed to stop tooth pain, right? But what if you are still experiencing sensitivity after your treatment? Sensitivity is a common side effect of dental fillings that typically alleviates quickly after the procedure. Extreme discomfort is not normal…

Denture-wearers should pay close attention to their nutrition intake. Research found that denture patients have lower nutrition markers than before using dentures.  Dentures could impact nutrition more than patients may realize. Since dentures do not have the same chewing efficiency as natural…

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Although this condition can potentially cause tooth loss, the early stages are often painless. Therefore, individuals can live with gum…

We all know the annoying feeling of dry mouth when we are dehydrated. Your mouth feels as arid as a dessert, your tongue sticks to your cheeks, and swallowing is almost an impossible task. Fortunately, most people can alleviate this feeling by…

April is oral cancer awareness month. In 2022, approximately 54,000 patients were diagnosed with oral cancer. Any cancer that develops in the oral cavity, which consists of the tongue, lips, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, and roof of the mouth, is…

We all know that a good oral hygiene routine should include brushing and flossing, but what about mouthwash? Mouthwash is a great tool to give your entire mouth an extra clean and prevent harmful oral conditions. Read on to learn the top…

Dental care is essential at every stage of life. As we age, diligent oral care becomes even more critical to maintain function and health. If oral hygiene habits slip, the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss increases. Seniors with health…

Your smile is one of the first things others notice about you. Who does not want to sport a bright, white smile? Teeth whitening is a simple way to improve your overall appearance and wow others around you. However, do not be…

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day. Join us in celebrating this special occasion by learning a few valuable tips on how to maintain minty-fresh breath and steer clear of any uncomfortable moments.  Watch What You Eat  Remember, you are what you…

Over 37 million Americans are currently living with diabetes. Every year, approximately 1.5 million people are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and 14% of new diagnoses are people under 20 years old. This chronic metabolic disorder leads to high…

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! We are celebrating by sharing our top 10 oral hygiene tips to help you improve your oral health and achieve a lifetime of healthy smiles. 1. Brush Twice a Day   Brushing your teeth for a full…

Hormones play a vital role in our bodies, influencing various systems, including oral health. Women experience numerous hormonal changes throughout their lives, and these fluctuations can significantly impact the mouth. This blog post will dive into how women’s hormones affect oral health…

The holidays have officially arrived, bringing with them the season of gingerbread men, candy canes, gum drops, and other sugary delights. Indulging in seasonal goodies may be tempting, but it is essential to keep your oral health in mind. We have compiled…

Are you ready to kick off the New Year with a radiant, confident smile? Teeth whitening might be the perfect solution for you. As we welcome 2024, let’s explore the benefits of professional teeth whitening and how it can help you achieve…

In the world of oral health, there are various myths floating around that often leave individuals uncertain about choices regarding their smiles. From the impact of sugar-free soda to dental care during pregnancy, we will separate fact from fiction to empower you…

Tooth Sensitivity Explained: Causes, Treatments, Tips  One in every eight Americans experiences tooth sensitivity, referred to in the dental field as dentinal hypersensitivity. Whether triggered by hot or cold foods, sweets, or even during brushing, sensitivity can take a toll on everyday…