Blog Archive

The key to a child’s good dental health begins before his or her teeth become visible. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked dental health questions relating to pregnancy, infants, toddlers and children.

At first, it’s silent, practically invisible and sometimes even painless. But once periodontal disease strikes, it’s only a matter of time until it makes its presence known with uncomfortable, unsightly and quite possibly irreparable side effects.

One word: bruxism. Also known as teeth grinding. A lot of people suffer from this disorder unknowingly, as it usually occurs during sleep. And, unless the constant racket of your grinding is keeping someone else awake, you may not think your sore jaw,...

What is fluoride (flor-ahyd)? Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in different amounts in almost all foods and water. Fluoride is also used in many dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. How does fluoride help stop cavities?

Early childhood caries (ECC), also known as baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a preventable, infectious disease caused by certain types of bacteria (bugs) that live in your mouth. Bacteria stick to the film on your teeth called plaque.

Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth due to lack of saliva. Dry mouth can cause difficulty eating and talking and can also lead to halitosis (bad breath). Without saliva to lubricate the mouth, wash away food particles,...

Dental implants have come a long way over the years in both technique and appearance. Dental implants are one of the best solutions for the replacement of your natural teeth when you have had a tooth loss.

Cavities are preventable and caused by certain types of bacteria (germs) that live in your mouth. Bacteria grow in the film on your teeth called plaque. The bacteria feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars)...

Have you ever asked yourself, “Could my smile be brighter?” or “Is it possible for me to get my discolored, (misshaped, chipped or crooked) teeth to look good?”

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a common condition and sometimes a distressing source of embarrassment. Frequently, people aren’t even aware there’s a problem.

If they grow in properly, wisdom teeth are no different from any other teeth in your mouth. However, if they become impacted, or erupt in a strange angle or location, they may need to be removed. What are wisdom teeth?

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products is harmful to your mouth, including your teeth and gums and can be deadly. How does smoking impact my oral health?

Teenagers typically are busy with school, extracurricular activities and social commitments. But while maintaining an active lifestyle, it’s important that they remember to make wise, nutritious choices to keep their mouth and teeth healthy.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 22 million Americans. It owes its name to the Greek word apnea (meaning “want of breath”) and refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing...

Inside your teeth is a soft material called pulp that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. If this pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe tooth pain. In some cases, that infection might require root canal therapy.

It’s important to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, as well as floss between them at least once a day. Practicing these positive oral health habits can prevent the buildup of plaque between your teeth, which can cause periodontal disease,...

In addition to visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year, it’s important to maintain good oral health care at home. Brushing and flossing your teeth properly, as well as using mouth rinse,...

Good nutrition is essential for good health and that includes the health of your teeth. Learn more about the link between your diet and your oral health. How does my diet affect my oral health?

If you lose or break a tooth, a dental implant may be the best option for restoring your smile. Read on to learn more about dental implants and whether they are right for you. What is a dental implant?

The loss of tooth enamel due to acid erosion and acid wear is a growing epidemic. A 2012 study found that 22 percent of U.S. adults say they experience acid erosion, which can cause tooth sensitivity, transparency, discoloration and more.

Tooth decay — the destruction of the hard, outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) — is the most common chronic disease among children. More than 40 percent of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten,...

Is work or school stressing you out? You may be taking it out on your teeth through a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is characterized by the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching of the jaw.

An empty space, or gap, in your smile may affect your chewing and speaking abilities, as well as your self-confidence. If you’re missing one or more teeth, your dentist may recommend a fixed bridge as a treatment option. What is a bridge?

It’s common to experience gastroesophageal reflux — otherwise known as acid indigestion, acid reflux or heartburn — every so often. But heartburn also is a symptom of a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),...

The word “vaping” refers to the act of inhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes heat a liquid (called e-liquid) that can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Oral injuries can be painful and should be treated by your dentist as soon as possible. What are dental emergencies? It’s considered a dental emergency when your tooth breaks, cracks,...

Located on each side of your face, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints and their accompanying muscles allow you to open and close your mouth and move your lower jaw from side to side.

Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria containing film that accumulates on teeth, especially in places where toothbrushes can’t reach. Plaque is essentially the waste product left behind when these bacteria in our mouths consume the sugars in our daily diet.

More than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in sports-related injuries, but many of them can be prevented by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. What is a mouthguard?

Flossing your teeth is an integral part of a good oral health regimen; however, many people don’t spend enough time flossing, or they don’t floss at all. By flossing just once a day, you can decrease your risk of gum disease and increase your chances...

Xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth, is a condition related to the salivary glands, which help keep the mouth moist, thus preventing decay and other oral health problems.

Diabetes is a chronic, incurable illness and a growing epidemic in the United States and Canada. More than 30 million Americans and about 3 million Canadians have diabetes.

Your dentist can perform a variety of cosmetic procedures to improve your smile — from subtle changes to major repairs. There are many options for treating teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing.

Clear aligners are a series of customized, clear plastic orthodontic appliances for individuals who want to correct issues with their bite or teeth spacing. Each aligner is designed to move teeth in small increments to improve alignment or adjust...