Dental Blog

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 is because it's a preventative measure to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. It includes removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and at the gumline. Your dentist or hygienist uses hand instruments to remove hardened plaque, also called tartar, and then finishes with a polish using a paste that usually contains a fluoridated abrasive scrub. This paste is much coarser than toothpaste and helps remove stains, leaving you with teeth that are sparkling clean.

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 are on hold as the healthcare system scrambles to keep up.  In most places, regular dental cleanings and cavity repairs have to wait until the curve flattens and the risk falls.  More than ever, keeping on top of your oral health may help prevent more significant problems now and later.

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 situation amplifies that challenge. 

Many children and teens are diagnosed with this common dental condition.

You may have heard people say they had an impacted tooth when they were younger. But what does that actually mean?

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 certain dental procedures, there is a risk of bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream. For most healthy patients, this occurrence, called bacteremia, is no cause for concern as our bodies’ immune systems react quickly and kill the bacteria. For some patients though, the bacteria can travel to other parts of the body and cause potentially life-threatening infections like endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves.

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 washing your hands. But what if despite your best efforts, you find yourself sniffling and sneezing your way into the winter season? You may be tempted to skip brushing your teeth if you experience any discomfort.

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 “benefit year” starting on January 1st. This means you have until the end of December to get in any last-minute dental work.

With a little extra time and care, you can prevent those little decalcified white spots from forming.

It’s a day everyone in orthodontics dreams of: the exciting time when your braces finally come off! For some, though, thoughts of finally biting into an apple are replaced with concern over small, white marks left on your teeth. What are these spots, and can you prevent them?

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 and infections while lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. As an added bonus, you get to keep your natural teeth as you age!

Root canals might get a bad rap, but they are one of many options to save your natural teeth. Thanks to advances in technology, they are more comfortable and successful than ever.

Years ago, the mere thought of a root canal would cause people more pain than an actual toothache. But now, advances in digital imaging, materials, and techniques make the procedure almost as quick and safe as a filling.