Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. Dentists used to replace missing teeth with bridges or removable dentures. Many patients do not like the idea having to wear a denture and being able to take it out. Implants provide a solution that is fixed and most closely resembles the tooth it is replacing. An… — read more
GOT A SWEET TOOTH?
Can a sweetener really prevent tooth decay? You bet it can, but not all are created equal. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can actually prevent tooth decay from forming. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria living in a plaque matrix adhered to our teeth. The bacteria in plaque absorbs sugars from our diet and… — read more
Are Wisdom Teeth Silently Risking Your Health?
At some point we’ve all been told by our dentist that we will need to have our wisdom teeth taken out. If you’re like most of us you were probably thinking “why doc, they don’t bother me, can we just wait?” What we as dentists want our patients to most understand is pain free doesn’t… — read more
Are Digital X-Rays Safer Than Traditional Films?
Pictures of the teeth (x rays) are a very important part of dental diagnosing. They help us clinicians get a better view of what is going on between the teeth and underneath the enamel. We are able to diagnose cavities, gum disease, cysts or tumors, position of wisdom teeth and many other important aids. If… — read more
DO YOUR GUMS BLEED?
When considering oral health and trips to the dentist, the focus can tend to be on preventing cavities. However, our gums and bone support are just as important to achieving overall oral health as preventing decay. Swollen or bleeding gums are not healthy and can be a sign of gum disease. Although this may be… — read more
How much bottled water should we be drinking?
Bottled water is a super convenient way of quenching thirst, but has this convenience helped tooth decay make a comeback? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked water fluoridation among the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. So we should all be celebrating bottled water and drinking more right? Not… — read more
Natural Remedies for Bad Breath
Ever exhaled into the palm of your hands for a quick “breath check”? It’s hard to smell our own breath, so sometimes we need to rely on others to inform us if we have an issue in that department, but what you want to do is try and fix the problem before it occurs. Bad… — read more
Managing Sensitive Teeth
Dont forget about your appointment
Regular visits to the dental office are essential to properly maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will check for any tooth decay and see if there is any plaque or tartar build up on your teeth. By the way, tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing! Plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease,… — read more
Brushing your teeth the right way
Brushing your teeth in the morning is just as important as having breakfast! Our parents may have taught us how to brush our teeth years ago, but are you brushing correctly? Time is key when it comes to brushing; you should spend two full minutes brushing your teeth. A mere 30-45 seconds of brushing is… — read more
Bruxism & Night Guards
Many people clench and grind their teeth, but are completely unaware they do it. Why? Most clench and grind while they sleep. Clenching and grinding of teeth, or bruxism, is considered a major cause of tooth problems. Bruxism can cause a multitude of dental problems: temperature sensitivity, pain due to the wear getting down to… — read more
Dry mouth: Xerostomia
Dry mouth, Xerostomia, is a condition where your mouth is unusually dry due to a decrease in saliva production. Signs and symptoms of dry mouth are dryness in your mouth or throat, sticky and stringy saliva, bad breath, difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing, and problems wearing dentures. Having a dry mouth is uncomfortable and also… — read more
Sealants for children
Although cavities are almost entirely preventable, cavities can still form depending on your child’s brushing habits. One way to combat decay is to place sealants on your child’s teeth. The most susceptible teeth to decay are the biting surface of the rear molars because they are the hardest ones to reach with a toothbrush. Sealants… — read more
Manual vs Power Toothbrushes
Many people are curious as to how effective the power toothbrush is. And it’s a very good question! There are three kinds of toothbrushes currently on the market: traditional manual, rechargeable powered, and the battery powered toothbrush. Long story short, manual toothbrushes get the job done. Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes… — read more
A brighter whiter smile
Want to brighten your smile? Many people do! A whiter smile can boost confidence and self-esteem, make you look younger, and help you give a positive first impression. You may just want a whiter smile for an upcoming wedding or job interview. There are numerous ways your teeth can get discolored: wine drinking, coffee and… — read more
No shot no drill no fear
The Waterlase MD is a great piece of equipment we like to use in our office due to its versatility and benefits. It combines water, air, and laser energy for safe procedures on oral tissue. Since the Waterlase does not generate heat, vibration, or pressure (the primary causes of pain), procedures are virtually painless. Decay… — read more
Oral Health Benefits of Alkaline Water
Bacteria cause an acidic environment, which in turn cause cavities. Alkaline water has a basic pH, 100 times more alkaline than spring water. The basicity of the alkaline water neutralizes the acid produced by bacteria, promoting stronger teeth and bones. Alkaline water also stimulates saliva production, which also helps rid the mouth of excess bacteria…. — read more
Coconut Oil Pulling
Have you heard of oil pulling? Oil pulling is an old remedy to clean and detoxify your mouth. It has been discovered that coconut oil can decrease the amount of Streptococcus mutans, the main culprit of causing cavities. Oil pulling decreases other oral bacteria, which can result in gingivitis, cavities, bad breath and gum inflammation…. — read more
One Stop Shop: Cerec Restorations
Interested in one visit dentistry for your upcoming restoration? Whether you need a crown, bridge, or filling, we can prep and deliver your restoration in only one appointment. There’s no longer the need for temporaries or impressions. Our new Omnicam makes it even quicker. A precise scan is taken and a virtual impression is made… — read more
Caesy
Have you met CAESY? CAESY is our educational video system specifically designed for patients. Video tutorials demonstrate procedures from fillings and crowns to professional hygiene care. CAESY makes it easy to understand any procedure you need. Ask to meet CAESY at your next visit!
Dark Chocolate Benefits
I get asked every day why I have dark chocolate in my office. Cocoa beans contain strong antioxidants benefiting both oral hygiene and overall bodily health. Dark chocolate is the least processed, containing the most cocoa and therefore the highest concentration of antioxidants. Three main antioxidants in chocolate are tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Tannins are… — read more
Straight Teeth Are Healthier!
Did you know the benefits of straight teeth reach far beyond having a beautiful smile! Crowded teeth are much more difficult to clean, which can leading to swollen gums and bone loss. When teeth are in proper alignment our gums adapt to the teeth much better giving the best defense to periodontal disease and decay…. — read more
Got a Sweet Tooth?
Can a sweetener really prevent tooth decay? You bet it can, but not all are created equal. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can actually prevent tooth decay from forming. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria living in a plaque matrix adhered to our teeth. The bacteria in plaque absorbs sugars from our diet and… — read more