About Me

Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.

Search

Categories

Archive

Latest Posts

Dental Health and Food: Learning to Eat Better

Dentist

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Seeing a Dentist for Veneers
If you want to enhance your confidence, veneers could be the perfect solution for you. Veneers are a widely-used cosmetic dental treatment that can enhance your smile by hiding imperfections and giving you a natural-looking, stunning smile. If you are thinking of getting veneers, here are five reasons why you should consider seeing a dentist for this procedure. Expertise and Experience: One of the main reasons why you should see a dentist for veneers is their expertise and experience in performing this procedure.

The Importance of Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Do you shy away from visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. Some people have dental anxiety and tend to avoid the dentist until they have a major problem. However, avoiding regular dental checkups can lead to more serious issues that could have been prevented with early detection. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of visiting the dentist regularly, the potential consequences of not doing so, and how you can overcome your dental anxiety to ensure good oral health.

Transform Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
A beautiful smile doesn't just make you look better; it boosts your confidence and improves your mood. With cosmetic dentistry, you can achieve the smile you always wanted. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of cosmetic dentistry and some of the popular treatments to transform your smile. Teeth whitening  Over time, the natural radiance of your teeth can fade, leaving them stained and discolored. This can occur due to various factors, including the use of tobacco, as well as the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine.

The Value of Partnering with a Certified Dental Lab for Optimal Health
Certified dental labs serve as the backbone of the dental industry. They manufacture custom dental prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures, following precise specifications provided by dentists. But why does certification matter? It provides assurance that the lab adheres to rigorous quality standards, contributing to better patient outcomes. Delivering High-Quality Prosthetics A certified dental lab prioritizes high-quality materials and advanced technology to craft dental prosthetics. This commitment to quality ensures that the produced prosthetics are durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Tips for Keeping Children Calm During Visits to the Family Dentist
Taking a child to the dentist can be a stressful experience for both the child and the parent. It's normal for kids to feel anxious or scared when they have dental appointments. As parents, it's important to help your child relax and stay calm during these visits. This article will provide you with some tips on how to make your child's visits to the dentist less stressful and more enjoyable.

Overbite Correction: Improving Oral Health And Confidence
An overbite is a common orthodontic issue where the front top teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth when your mouth is closed. While some individuals may have a slight overbite, severe cases can lead to oral health problems and impact self-confidence. Overbite correction, also known as orthognathic treatment, offers numerous benefits beyond just aesthetic improvements. Here are three key advantages of overbite correction that go beyond straightening the teeth. Improved Oral Health

How To Protect Your Child's Teeth During Sports
If your child participates in a lot of sporting activities, then you need to put measures in place to protect their teeth. Protecting your child's teeth is critical at all stages of their development. However, it becomes even more important when they start developing their adult teeth. Here are some of the best ways you can protect your child's teeth while they are playing sports. Proper Headgear One of the first lines of defense in most sports is the headgear that your child wears on the field.

Veneers Vs. Dental Crowns
Veneers and dental crowns are popular cosmetic dental options because of their many benefits. The porcelain used can mimic the look of natural teeth well, making them look realistic. If you would like to know more about veneers vs dental crowns, keep reading. Preparation Dental veneers and dental crowns cover the tooth. For this reason, some tooth enamel must be removed so the veneer or crown fits without looking bulky.

Tooth Implants: Why They Are Your Best Solution
When you have an oral health issue and need to have a tooth replaced, it's wise to consider tooth implants. These are dental care solutions that can be more permanent and convenient than others, although they may be more costly and may not be entirely covered by your dental insurance. Some insurance companies may consider getting tooth implants to be a cosmetic need more than a dental one, so they may only cover the initial post and not any crowns for tooth implants.

Why Have A Full-Arch Rehabilitation Implant Treatment?
While you can use single implants to replace a missing tooth, you can also use implants to replace all the teeth on one or both arches of your mouth. Often known as full-arch rehabilitation, this treatment gives you a new set of permanently-fixed teeth. When is this a good treatment to have? You Have Multiple Missing Teeth in an Arch If you've had dental problems in the past that have resulted in multiple tooth loss, then you might want to replace all your missing teeth at once.

Open Wide | A Look Into Oral Surgery
Are you feeling discomfort or pain in your mouth? Has your dentist referred you to an oral surgeon for toothaches, infections, or other oral health issues? If so, you may be facing the prospect of oral surgery. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can go into this procedure confidently. Here's all the information you need to know about oral surgery.  What Is Oral Surgery? Oral surgery is a type of dental care that includes diagnosing and treating diseases, deformities, and injuries of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face.

Why It's Important To Keep Up With Routine Dental Care Throughout Your Life
Dental care is an important part of taking care of your health. If you have dental anxiety, you might avoid the dentist, but that would be a mistake. Here's why you should keep up with your checkups and cleanings all through your life. Healthy Teeth Make Your Smile More Attractive When you have cavities that show when you smile, or your teeth are yellow due to neglect, it affects your smile and the way people perceive you.

What To Expect When Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed With Sedation
If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, your dentist will often recommend having this done while under sedation. The sedatives calm your anxiety and keep you more comfortable during what can be a relatively lengthy and involved extraction process. If you're like most patients, you probably have a few questions about what to expect during this procedure. Keep reading to discover the answers. How is the sedation administered?

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Are you interested in the use of dental implants to either replace a missing tooth or to help support your dentures? If so, you may be wondering whether or not you would be a good candidate for this procedure. While this is a decision that will ultimately need to be made between you and your dentist, the information below can help you to get a much better idea of whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Teeth Whitening Myths And Facts
Every patient has different teeth whitening needs and goals. For instance, some want to address dietary discolorations while others long for the 'Hollywood' smile. Whichever your reason, some myths may discourage you from your journey to pearly whites. This article debunks the top teeth whitening myths. Teeth Whitening Damages the Enamel Cheap teeth whitening products and procedures could damage your enamel. However, your enamel is safe if you opt for professional teeth whitening treatment given by a dentist.

3 Common Causes Of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects people of different ages, with older people being the most susceptible. Unfortunately, some people may not be mindful or conscientious about their dental health until they experience toothaches or see their gums bleeding, as such symptoms serve as a wake-up call.  Even so, it is possible to prevent gum disease, primarily by seeing your dental practitioner for regular checkups. However, you first need to know the causes of gum disease in order to avoid exposing yourself.

Have You Had Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Here Are 4 Important Tips For Speedy Recovery
Most people will need to remove wisdom teeth at a certain point and when such a time comes, ensure that you plan for recovery. After the surgery, there are many things you can do to ensure a speedy recovery. Understand that the time it takes to recover varies, with some people experiencing minor discomfort while others have swelling and bruising. Check out what you should do to promote a quick recovery.

Lost A Tooth? Don't Panic—Take Action Instead
Although your teeth are made of some very hard materials, your gums are not. That means a quick blow while playing sports could knock out a tooth. A lost tooth does not necessarily mean you will sport a gap in your smile, though, because there is much you can do to save the tooth so that it can be reinserted. Follow the below instructions and be a tooth-saver. Locate the Tooth—Try to find the tooth.

3 Common Types Of Dental Sedation
Many Americans struggle with anxiety regarding the dentist. Luckily, more and more dentists are offering sedation services to help patients relax. There are multiple types of sedation, and you and your dentist will determine which is best for you. If you would like to know more, check out these three common types of oral sedation.  1. Inhalation Sedation Inhalation sedation typically uses nitrous oxide. This gas relaxes your body by slowing down your brain and responses, which also reduces anxiety and stress.

4 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are A Popular Teeth Loss Solution
Naturally, human beings strive to find sustainable solutions to improve their quality of life. Before implants, dentures were probably the most preferred tooth replacement options. However, they presented a few drawbacks, including bone loss, becoming loose, and further tooth loss. Dentists went back to the drawing board and came up with a better solution: dental implants. They have since been growing in popularity thanks to the numerous benefits they offer. The following are reasons why many people choose dental implants.

Does Invisalign Fix A Snaggletooth?
If you have been living with a snaggletooth for much of your life, it may be something that you want to fix soon. While you may love most things about your teeth, and they may not hurt at all, your snaggletooth might be something that distracts you when you look in the mirror. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to change this. Invisalign can fix a snaggletooth in many cases.

What Are The Advantages Of Same Day Crowns?
When your teeth chip, crack, or decay, you can protect them against further damage by installing dental crowns. Before dental crown installation, the dentist prepares your tooth by filing it or treating the decay using procedures such as a root canal. Then, the dentist cements the crown on your tooth using an adhesive. Usually, traditional crowns take several weeks before they're ready for installation. Therefore, consider getting same-day crowns. So, what are the benefits of same-day dental crowns?

Causes And Treatments For Sensitive Teeth
Dental sensitivity can be uncomfortable. If you suffer from a sensitivity condition, you may feel discomfort or pain when you drink or eat something that is cold or hot. Additionally, the bite pressure associated with chewing hard foods may be uncomfortable. Nevertheless, there are dental applications that can help treat dental sensitivity, depending on the cause of the condition. Here are a few causes of sensitive teeth and how they can be treated.

Six Brushing Mistakes To Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Proper oral hygiene practices are essential for recovering from dental implant surgery. Brushing is perhaps the most important oral hygiene task you need to take care of to keep your mouth clean and your teeth healthy as you recover. Unfortunately, patients sometimes make brushing mistakes that complicate their recovery from dental implant surgery. The following are six brushing mistakes to avoid after dental implant surgery.  Waiting too long to start brushing after surgery

How To Prepare For A Dental Implant Procedure: 3 Important Tips To Consider
A dental implant procedure is a thorough process that takes several medical procedures, which can take several months. These medical procedures include mouth surgeries that demand adequate preparation if you intend to have a seamless dental implant process. The preparation steps you take will help you get ready for the whole procedure or help you recover quickly after the procedure. The following are three important preparation tips you should consider when going for a dental implant procedure.

What You Need To Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed is not uncommon. For many people, wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. Wisdom teeth are another set of molars, which you may or may not have enough room for in your mouth. While most people have a complete set of four wisdom teeth, it's not unusual to have one to three or even none at all. If you do have wisdom teeth, leaving them in may cause oral issues and discomfort, which is why an extraction may be the best option.

Parting Ways With Your Wisdom Teeth
Not all wisdom teeth are automatically trouble but they often are judged to too problematic to remain. Some are stubborn to emerge and cause pain while some may try to emerge on top of your molars. Even successfully emerged third molars can create crowding among your other teeth. Those and other reasons are why dentists usually recommend wisdom teeth removal. To find out what to expect as you part ways with your wisdom teeth, read on.

When Your Child's Wisdom Teeth Arrive Prematurely
About the best thing (or the wisest thing) a wisdom tooth can do is to never appear. Not everyone is that lucky, however. Between the ages of 17 and 21, those pesky third molars can make themselves known. This is the typical age range, but they can appear later. While it's rare, they can even appear earlier. What happens if your child's wisdom teeth begin to erupt years ahead of schedule, such as earlier in their teens?

What Should Patients Know About Dental Care?
Your teeth are a small part of your body that can be easily overlooked. However, teeth are very important for the daily tasks of speaking, eating, and smiling. Good dental care will allow you to protect your teeth from harm, and an excellent dentist will give you the dental care you need. Here are four things every patient should know about dental care. 1. One size does not fit all

2 Ways To Help Your Child Deal With Dental Anxiety
When you have young children, they need to go to the dentist on a regular basis. Taking your child to the dentist will help to establish good habits that can help them throughout their entire life. But it may be hard for you to get your child to the dentist as they get older because they may be nervous or anxious about going. There are some things that you can do to help your child deal with any anxiety they may have about going to the dentist.

Temporary Anchorage Device: When Your Braces Need Some Extra Help
If you've ever been considering a mouth piercing, you probably shouldn't since they're not great for your teeth. Still, you wouldn't exactly think about getting a piercing to complement your new dental braces. And yet, with braces, it can sometimes be necessary to have something that resembles a piercing in order to make your braces efficient. If your orthodontist tells you that you will need a temporary anchorage device (TAD), what can you expect?

How To Choose A New Family Dentist
Routine cleanings, x-rays, and exams are vital for optimal dental health. Before you can get the care you need, you have to choose a dentist to provide it. Here are four tips that will help you pick a new family dentist:  1. Make sure their location and hours are convenient You'll see your dentist at least twice a year if you follow the current recommended standards of dental care. Since your doctor-patient relationship with your dentist will be ongoing, you'll want to make sure the dentist's office is conveniently located.

At-Home Tools To Use To Keep Your Mouth Cleaner
Using the right tools and supplies to clean your teeth and mouth can leave you with a cleaner mouth, which is important if you want to care for and protect your teeth for the rest of your life. Here are all the tools you should use for cleaning your mouth each day, and along with these, you will need toothpaste and mouth rinse to use daily. Toothbrush A toothbrush is the simplest and most common type of tool people use for their oral health cleaning habits, but it is important to make sure you are using the right type.

4 Reasons You May Be A Good Candidate For Dental Implants
If you have teeth that are missing, it's a great idea to replace them. You'll be able to enjoy much better dental health and feel better about your appearance. However, you must be a right candidate for this procedure before you can move forward with it. Knowing the reasons you qualify for this process may be helpful. You're healthy One thing you'll need before you can get dental implants is to have good overall health.

Can You Get A Dental Crown If You ... ?
Dental crowns are often placed over a severely decayed tooth to prevent it from breaking down any further, offer chewing power, and improve the aesthetics of a patient's smile. As perfect as this dental treatment is for certain patients, there are some people with specific things about them that can get in the way of getting a crown. Here is a look at some of the common questions about getting a crown in certain situations.

4 Signs Of Dental Care Issues
Dental care is an important priority for both aesthetic and medical reasons. Many folks, however, don't know quite what they should be looking for and doing. If you're worried about keeping up with your dental care needs, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for these four signs of possible trouble. Tender Spots While it's reasonable to assume that ulcers and sores would be highly visible, they're not always extremely evident.

3 Common Fears About Dental Implants And Their Solutions
Extraction is a scary word when it comes to dental care. You may be worried about the gap left in you mouth as a result of a tooth extraction, especially if you need one of your front teeth pulled. Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options available. Your dentist will probably recommend dental implants, since implants are a permanent tooth replacement solution that can prevent bone erosion in your jaw. Some people have concerns about this procedure, and you might be one of them.

Three Things You Can Do With Invisalign That You Can't Do With Standard Braces
Getting straighter teeth is a great way to improve your appearance and confidence, but getting there is sometimes not a great experience. If you're trying to decide between invisible braces and standard braces, keep these three things in mind that you'll be able to do with invisible ones - but not standard braces. Teeth Whitening Keeping your teeth looking nice is entirely possible with invisible braces. Since you can take them off whenever you want, certain cosmetic dentistry treatments, like tooth whitening, are indeed possible.

Common Misconceptions About Dental Crowns
A dental crown, or cap, is an artificial tooth that is fitted over a natural tooth to improve an individual's smile while protecting the natural tooth from further damage. Your dentist has recommended crowns but there is some information you've read online or heard from friends and family that is making you think twice. Here are a few of the most common myths and misconceptions about dental crowns that you shouldn't believe or allow to influence your decision to improve your smile.

Invisalign Aligners And Reducing Gum Discomfort
Invisalign aligners can straighten the teeth without much of the discomfort that you would experience with traditional braces. And while this is true, you may notice some gum irritation when you start the straightening process. Keep reading to learn about some tips to help minimize this discomfort. File The Aligners Your clear aligners are personalized to your specific anatomy. This means that the aligners should fit perfectly or almost perfectly to your teeth, and the process starts with CT scans to ensure the best fit.

Are You Wanting To Improve Your Looks?
When you look into the mirror, do you think something like, Boring! I need to do something about my makeup selections!  You might even be having sad questions like, Why didn't my parents spend the money to have my teeth straightened when I was a kid? Then you'll probably remember very rapidly that your parents were always on a very tight budget because you had a large family, or for many other reasons. 

Why Should Consider Getting Braces As An Older Adult
You're never too old to get braces. Instead, your orthodontist considers your dental health to determine if braces are the right way to correct any problems you might be having. Adult braces have been common for many years, and now braces for older adults are becoming popular too. Here are some reasons you may want to get braces when you're nearing retirement age or older. You Can Afford To Spend Money On Yourself

3 Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile
Is your smile these days looking a little worse for the wear? Whether you've picked up a few cavities, acquired a bit of a stain, or even lost some teeth, chances are you would benefit from some cosmetic dentistry. A good cosmetic dentist can patch up some of the visual problems with your smile, allowing you to speak to others or pose for photos with improved confidence. Here are just some of the ways that a cosmetic dentist might be able to help you.

How Using Mouthwash Helps Your Mouth Stay Healthier
Most people know that brushing their teeth twice a day is important for good oral health, but many people do not understand the importance of using mouthwash each day. Adding mouthwash to your daily routine could help you reduce your risks of cavities and gum disease, and it could also help you keep your breath fresher. If you currently do not use mouthwash, here are several things you should know about it.

Need A Filling But Don't Like The Drilling? 4 Solutions For The Anxious Patient
Many patients rationally know that their dentist is trying to help them when they go in for a filling. But for whatever reason, the dental drill can make many patients anxious. If you need to get a cavity filled, here are four methods to inquire about. Ask about Fluoride for Early Decay Dentists look at decay a lot differently than they did in the past. Science Alert says that dentists used to see decay as a rapidly progressing disease, but researchers have found that it takes four to eight years for decay to reach a tooth's inner layer.

Caring For Your Dentures
A denture is comprised of false teeth that are connected to a base, which is usually made of resin. It is often prescribed for people who have lost a large number of teeth. Once dentures are in place, the patient can speak and eat without as much difficulty. If all the teeth are missing from a palate, a full denture is used. However, if some remaining teeth are still present in a palate, a partial denture may be recommended.

Having Painful Dental Cleaning? Follow These Tips for Gum Care
Do you not look forward to your dental cleanings because they are painful? If so, it can be caused by not caring for your gums between cleanings. Here are some tips that will help reduce gum bleeding and not make them feel as sore after a dental cleaning. Let Your Toothbrush Overlap Your Gums  A common problem that leads to your gums bleeding and being inflamed is improper brushing. That's because when people think of brushing their teeth, they think of only brushing their teeth.

Why Grinding Your Teeth Is So Bad For You
Do you grind your teeth? It's possible that you don't even realize that you do it since many people grind their teeth while sleep. This habit can be bad for you in several ways. By knowing why teeth grinding is so bad for you, it can motivate you to seek out professional help from your dentist to stop it. The Pain It does not feel very pleasant when you grind your teeth.

What To Do About A Stuck Strand Of Dental Floss
Dental floss is an important oral health tool used to remove food particles and other debris from the gaps between your teeth. While the importance of flossing has been downgraded slightly in the past few years, it is still essential when you know you have popcorn kernels or other irritants stuck around your gum line. Yet it's also possible for floss to shred or tear while you're using it and become lodged on a tooth or between two teeth.

Teeth Whitening Options
Even if your teeth are properly aligned, you may still be uncomfortable with their appearance -- especially if they are discolored. Dental discoloration is caused by multiple factors, such as age, food choices, and tobacco use. People who are older tend to have darker teeth because some of their tooth enamel has eroded, revealing the yellow dentin that lies beneath. Additionally, people who regularly consume foods and beverages that contain dark pigments may have discolored teeth.

How To Relieve A Toothache At Home Before Heading To The Dentist
If you are experiencing a toothache, there could be many root causes. Toothaches are often caused by untreated cavities or gum disease. Sometimes the ache is a symptom of another condition, such as a sinus infection. The most serious cause of a toothache is a dental abscess, which can look like a pimple on your gums. You should call your dentist right away if this is the cause, as the abscess's bacteria can cause your airway to swell and spread through your bloodstream to other parts of your body.

Tips To Help You Overcome Your Dental Anxiety And Fears
One of the reasons people do not visit dental clinics is due to the fears and anxiety they feel about dental work. If you have fears about dentistry work and are avoiding the dentist because of these, your oral health might be suffering. There are ways to face these fears and overcome them; here are some tips you should consider that might help you with this. Let your dentist know how you feel

Choosing The Right Dental Professional To Place A Dental Implant
In the past, people would have to rely on bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures when missing one or several teeth. There have been advancements made in dental restoration, and dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular option for people who want to replace missing teeth. Dental implants prevent bone loss in the jaw, are strong and durable, and look very much like natural teeth. If you are interested in dental implants, use the following tips to choose the right dental doctor.

Here Are The Tools And Materials To Take Care Of Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
If your teeth are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it will face many risks and threats before the treatment period is over. The risks include accidental blows to the mouth, dental hygiene difficulties, and malfunctioning orthodontics. Here are the tools and materials you need to take care of your teeth when they have braces: Orthodontic Wax After you have been fitted with the braces, you will feel some discomfort for the first few weeks while you get used to them.

Signs That Your Tooth Crack Or Break Is An Emergency Situation
A dislodged tooth, a large cut in the mouth, and severely damaged gums are all obvious oral emergencies. However, there are some types of oral emergencies that may not be quite as obvious. This is the case when it comes to chipped teeth since breaks are emergencies while others are not. Keep reading to learn about some signs that the issue is indeed something you need to speak to your dentist about as soon as possible.

How To Know If You Should Get Veneers Instead Of Braces
Getting your teeth straightened can make a big impact on your overall looks. However, some people look at veneers and wonder if they can provide results for them that are worth skipping braces on. Here are the three things veneers can do for you that braces just can't. Quick Results Veneers are a very short process from start to completion. While braces require a long process of x-rays, dental molds, installing the braces, and then over the course of years tightening and adjusting them, veneers take far less time.

What to Know About Sedation Dentistry
If you hate going to the dentist because of anxiety, you need to consider sedation dentistry. With sedation dentistry, you receive some form of medication or gas that leaves you feeling relaxed and carefree. If you are nervous about sedation dentistry, check out these three facts, so you know if it's the right choice to help you get to the dentist. It Reduces Stress The sedation you receive does help you ignore any possible pain or discomfort, but you will still need a local anesthetic.

How To Find A Local Dentist That Takes Medicaid
Finding local dentists is rarely difficult. Finding a local dentist that takes one type of insurance is not usually difficult either. However, finding a dentist that takes Medicaid, the state's health insurance plan for low-income families, is much more difficult. Here is how to find such a dentist.  Call the Toll-Free Number on the Back of Your Medicaid Card The first thing you should do is find your Medicaid insurance card.

Dental Visits And Your Autistic Child
When you have an autistic child, you may find yourself tempted to put off dental visits for as long as possible, but this is obviously not a good idea for the health of your child's teeth. You can take some steps in advance and at the dentist's office that may make the experience go better than you would have expected. Here are some things you can try: Talk with the dentist ahead of time: Ask for a consultation with just you and your child's dentist.

Why Finding A Pediatric Dental Specialist Is So Important
When you have a young child in need of a routine dental checkup or some dental work, it is important to make sure that you are taking them to one of the best pediatric dental specialists in your area. To help you understand why this is the better choice over simply taking your child to the dentist you use, you will want to keep reading. The Colors Are Inviting Many pediatric dentist offices put a lot of time into decorating their walls and floors, as this can help ease the tension most often felt by the younger dental patients.

Why Steel Is No Longer Used For Dental Implant Roots
If you want a lost tooth replaced, then there is a good chance that your dentist will suggest the placement of a dental implant. You must, of course, be healthy, but even if you have some minor oral problems, the implant is likely to be quite successful. The success rate of dental implants is directly linked to the materials that make up the root device. For this reason, titanium is often utilized to form the root device.

What You Should Know About Whitening Your Teeth
When your teeth get stained you can choose from a variety of methods in order to get them white again. However, if there are other factors that have caused your teeth to be discolored, then whiteners may not work. The more you learn about your teeth, what can affect their color and whitening them, the better your chances of maintaining a great looking smile. Here are some things you should know:

Bridging The Gap: 4 Types Of Bridges To Consider For Smile Restoration
Having a full, healthy, and attractive smile is not only important for chewing and eating, but it also plays a large role in your overall appearance and self-esteem. One or more missing teeth will affect your ability to eat and speak while decreasing your confidence level that can cause you to miss out on social and professional interactions and successes. If you are part of the 69 percent of adults who have lost a tooth due to an injury or dental condition, restoring your smile's function and look with a bridge is a great option.

Why You May Not Want To Choose A Maryland Bridge Over A Fixed Option
If you are missing a tooth, then you should speak to your dentist about the different options you have when it comes to tooth replacement. Your dentist may suggest a bridge over a dental implant if you are not in optimal health or if you are simply a poor candidate for dental surgery. There are several different bridges you can choose from, and a fixed porcelain bridge is often the best choice over something like a simple Maryland bridge.

Tips For Tip Top Teeth
It's important for you to learn all the tips you can for keeping your teeth in the best shape possible. This is the best way for you to avoid dental problems in the future and to keep your teeth looking nice. Here is a list of some of the tips you should be following: Choose the right tooth brush – Consider going with an electric tooth brush. If there is a reason you would rather stick with a regular tooth brush, make sure you use a good one.

An Overview Of Dental Implant Installation
Dental implants are one of the first options you should consider if you are looking for the most natural replacement for missing teeth. Unfortunately, some dental patients have concerns about implant installation that cause them to miss out on the benefits of this procedure. Here is an overview of dental implant installation so that you know exactly what to expect if you will be receiving dental implants. Bone Structure CT Scan

What To Know About Mini Dental Implants
It is a common problem for people to experience tooth loss over the course of their lives. When someone suffers the loss of a tooth, they will need to be aware of the full range of viable treatments for restoring the appearance of their smiles. For those that are wanting a long-term solution for this problem, dental implants can be the ideal choice. Are All Dental Implants The Same? It is often assumed that all dental implants are the same in both design and function.

Home Remedy For Removing Stains On Your Teeth
If your teeth have begun to dull from food stains, you may wonder if there is anything you can do at home to remove the stains and brighten your smile. If so, use the home remedy below to remove surface stains using household ingredients. What You Will Need Before you start your home treatment, you will need to gather the supplies and ingredients listed below. One teaspoon of baking soda One teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide Soft toothbrush One teaspoon of lemon juice Small, clean makeup brush Warm water The baking soda used in this treatment has a gritty texture that helps to remove surface stains and food particles.

Dental Implants And Bridges: What's The Best Option?
There was a time when people who were missing a tooth or a few teeth had to get a dental bridge to fill the gap in their mouth. Now, you have the option to choose between a dental bridge and dental implants. However, before you make your decision, you need to know the difference between these options and how each of them can benefit you. Dental Implants Dental implants are crowns that are custom made and surgically implanted into your mouth.

A Few Things To Help Keep Teeth Healthy And White
When you smile you want everyone to see how well you take care of your teeth. A nice white smile is one of the most attractive qualities in a man or a woman. In fact, your teeth are one of the first things that a person is going to notice about you, and that can be a good thing or a bad thing. However, there are some very important things that you can do that will make your teeth healthier.

Which Form Of Dental Restoration Will Work Best For You?
In restorative dentistry, there are two broad categories of dental restoration. Direct restorations Indirect restorations Within these two categories are various procedures to help you restore your teeth. Understanding some of these procedures can help you come to a better decision on what type of dental procedures will work best for you. Direct Restorations, or Fillings Direct restorations represent the more common fillings you may receive to fill in a cavity.

3 Reasons to Get a Cracked Filling Pulled
Having a filling crack can be a disappointing experience. Though many fillings will last, some fillings will need to be completed again or they can cause issues inside of your mouth. If you have a filling on a tooth that has cracked, you may be experiencing some pain and discomfort due to the chip in the tooth. A crack inside of a filling can allow the tooth to root underneath the filling or possibly become infected.

What To Expect Following Dental Implant Surgery
Getting dental implants impacts your life in many positive ways. You have a healthier mouth, implants support the jawbone and muscles in your face for better contour, and you can finally have a smile you can be proud of. Even better—dental implants are nearly permanent for life with great care, which is a huge upgrade from classic dentures. The procedure, while relatively noninvasive, does do a number on your jaws and surrounding muscles.

Short Teeth Crowns: What Can You Do About Them?
If you have unnaturally short teeth crowns, you may wonder if you can do anything to lengthen them. Short teeth crowns can develop from a number of things, including teeth grinding and excessive gum tissue. You can correct your short teeth crowns with the right information and cosmetic dental tips. Why Are Your Teeth Crowns Short? Having short teeth doesn't just affect your smile, it can also cause issues with your dental hygiene and ability to chew.

Living With A Cracked Filling Before Your Dental Service Appointment
You may have a sense of relief when it comes to getting a dental filling. One thing that can happen is a tooth cracking, which will expose the filling. Once the filling and the tooth underneath is exposed, you may begin to feel pain, especially if the nerve underneath the tooth is exposed. If the nerve is exposed, you may feel pain when food, water, or even air hits the nerve.

Is Menopause Impacting Your Oral Health?
One of the surprising effects of menopause is that it can impact your teeth and gums. In fact, one of the earliest signs of menopause are changes to your oral health. If you are menopausal, here is what you need to know about its impact on your oral health.   What Oral Health Changes Can Occur? It is possible that you could get through menopause without experiencing any dental problems. However, some women will experience a number of changes, including dry mouth, gum infection, and burning mouth syndrome.

Six Good Reasons To Choose A Dental Bridge
There are so many cosmetic dentistry solutions on the market today that it may be confusing to choose just which one is the right choice for your mouth and your situation. One solution that you may not have considered, but should, is a dental bridge. This device uses the teeth on either side of a missing tooth to anchor a replacement tooth. There are many benefits to opting for a dental bridge, not the least of which is that a bridge is considerably less expensive than having a dental implant installed in the gap left by your missing tooth.

Techniques To Add To Your Child's Oral Care Plan
If you are the parent of a young child, then your goal may be to invest in your child's overall wellness. This wellness includes the health of their teeth and keeping cavities at bay. However, you should think about following a more widespread wellness plan to keep decay from developing. This plan should include daily brushing and flossing practices, but there are a number of other things you should do as well.

3 Things to Know About Replacing the Enamel on Your Teeth
The one thing that protects your teeth the most is the enamel your teeth naturally have over them. Enamel is extremely hard, and it does a great job of protecting your teeth from problems, but it can wear away. This is called tooth enamel erosion, and it is something that can happen to anyone; however, it is more likely to occur slowly making it more of a problem for older people.

What To Expect When A Dentist Whitens Your Teeth
The first thing that a person will likely notice about you is your smile and teeth. You want to make sure that this first impression is as good as it can possibly be. Teeth whitening is something that is becoming more common, and for a very good reason. Teeth whitening is a very effective method to get the yellowish stains from teeth. It does not matter how often you brush or how good your dental hygiene is, over time you are likely going to develop some teeth stains.

Three Problems That Getting Orthodontic Work Can Help
Getting orthodontic work such as braces is about more than just having a smile that you enjoy seeing in the mirror. Visiting an orthodontist to talk about what steps can be taken to correct your dental alignment issues is the first step toward improving your life in a variety of ways. Whether you haven't previously thought about getting this type of work done or you've considered it but haven't moved forward, now might be the right time for you.

4 Ways To Help Your Kids Look Forward To Their First Dental Cleaning
Face it. Not everyone looks forward to their twice-yearly dental cleaning. However, going for regular dental cleaning and check-ups can be one of the best decisions that you make for yourself. When you go to prepare your children for their first dental cleaning, be sure you present it as the fun adventure it is. It's an opportunity for them to stay healthy and protect their dental health. Here are four ways to help your children look forward to that first dental cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Teeth
Ideally, after your primary teeth have completely fallen out, your permanent teeth begin to emerge and the transition will happen smoothly. Unfortunately, sometimes your permanent teeth don't completely burst out of your gums, which can lead to a lot of discomfort and trips to the dentist. If you or a family member is dealing with an impacted tooth, here are a few frequently asked questions you might have: What is an Impacted Tooth and Why Do They Occur?

Getting Rid of Cavities? Consider These 3 Tips for Pain-Free Fillings
Children in America are not particularly diligent in maintaining their dental health, and this becomes especially clear when you take into consideration that half of all American children get cavities. Once your children's dentist detects cavities, it's vital that your children get fillings as soon as possible in order to prevent the cavities from further worsening and decaying. Getting cavities filled is not always a fun experience. The sound of the dental equipment and tools, as well as the environment, can be horrifying for some children.

How You Can Help Your Kid Feel Good About Their New Braces
It's recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics to have your child screened for dental inconsistencies by the age of seven, which is when their adult teeth are forming but bones and gum tissues are still pliable and easy to manipulate for treatment purposes if necessary. But if your child ends up needing braces, they may be hesitant to wear them for fear of being a bit different than their friends at school.

Tips For Dealing With Persistent Bad Breath Issues
One of the most embarrassing oral health issues you can struggle with is bad breath. In most cases, bad breath is merely a symptom of another, more serious health problem. If you've been suffering from bad breath issues, the key to resolving it is to narrow down the underlying root cause. Here are some of the things that can contribute to bad breath to help you determine what's causing your problems and treat them at the source.

Stains On Your Dental Implants? Here's What You'll Want To Know
Dental implants are a great way of not just restoring your smile, but also the confidence to enjoy your favorite foods. Although dental implants are impervious to tooth decay, they're not entirely invincible. For starters, unsightly stains can still develop on the surface if the implant isn't cared for properly. The following shows how stains can form on dental implants and what you can do to not only remove those stains, but also prevent them from showing up in the future.

Need Some Zzzz? Understanding And Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep is an imperative part of your physical and emotional well-being, but certain disorders may reduce your ability to get a sufficient amount of rest. Considering sleep apnea affects an estimated 18 million Americans, understanding the signs and treatment options is key to improving your quality of sleep. Using this guide and the help of your doctor and dentist, you can diagnose and treat this common disorder to improve your quality of sleep.

How Does Methamphetamine Use Destroy Teeth?
Methamphetamine is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. While it has numerous negative effects on the body and on health, one of the most notable and long-lasting is its effects on dental health. On one study of meth users, 96% had cavities, 58% had untreated tooth decay, and 31% had six or more missing teeth. If you are considering trying methamphetamine or have been using meth and are looking for inspiration to quit, learning more about how meth destroys your teeth might give you the gumption you need to stay away from this horrendous substance.

6 Foods That Hurt Your Teeth (Some of These Will Surprise You!)
When it comes to your dental health, brushing and flossing aren't enough. You can't just eat whatever you want and brush it off at bedtime. Some foods will damage your teeth as you chew and others will damage your teeth from the inside of your body. Here are some foods and drinks that should be avoided as much as possible for the health of your teeth. Flavored Coffee Coffee in its most natural form is a healthy choice in moderation, but drinking flavored and sweetened coffee on a regular basis is bad for your teeth.

The 101 On Gingivitis: Signs And Treatment Options For This Early Form Of Gum Disease
Diet, exercise, and regular checkups are imperative for your healthy lifestyle, but certain tasks are necessary to protect your oral health. While an annual dental exam is smart, proper brushing and preventative measures are essential to protect the look and underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Considering an estimated 47.2 percent of adults 30 years old or older have some form of periodontal disease, learning the early signs of this condition will prevent serious damage to your gums and teeth.

Taking A Bite Out Of Tooth Pain: Banish Pain From Sensitive Teeth
If you experience a sharp pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods, you could be suffering from sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth is a common problem that affects an estimated one in eight American adults. While it can be a sign of a serious dental problem, in many instances the problem occurs when the dentine is exposed due to receding gums or enamel erosion. While you should seek the advise of your dentist any time you experience pain from your teeth or the surrounding gums, you can often treat sensitive teeth safely at home.

What You Should Know About Treatments For Your Periodontitis
Gum disease is a common dental disease. In the early stages, it is a reversible condition, but if it progresses to periodontitis, there is no cure. If you have periodontitis, however, there are many treatments available to help improve the disease and treat many of the symptoms. Check out these five common treatments for periodontitis. Deep Cleanings Help Reduce Bacteria and Inflammation Tartar, plaque and bacteria irritate your gums, which causes inflammation.

How Can Dental Bonding Help Give You a Hollywood Smile?
Dental bonding is a popular and inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure that can fix a wide variety of problems. If you have any cosmetic dental concerns, you should consider dental bonding to vastly improve the look of your smile. Check out these four common ways dental bonding can give you a Hollywood smile. Whitens Teeth Professional teeth whitening is the best way to fight tooth discoloration caused by aging, tobacco and food/drink.

4 Tips For An Easy Recovery From Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. However, many people who have considered dental implants are concerned about pain and swelling during the recovery period. Here are a few tips to help make your recovery as quick and comfortable as possible after dental implant surgery. Managing Bleeding and Swelling During the first day or two after your dental implants are placed, you can expect mild to moderate bleeding in the gums surrounding the implant.

Bag The Binky: Protecting Your Toddler's Teeth From Pacifier Damage
Although pacifiers can be a terrific tool for soothing a fussy baby, if a child sucks on his or her binky for too long, there are several oral consequences that can happen as a result.  Because taking away the binky is a struggle for most kids, it is essential to understand how to get rid of the binky effectively and why getting rid of the pacifier early is so important.  Both of these points can help to provide the necessary motivation to help you to bag the binky successfully.

How A Root Canal Treatment Can Discolor Your Tooth
If you damage the pulp inside one of your teeth, a bacterial infection is likely to develop. To remove the infected tissue, a dentist will normally have to carry out a root canal treatment. While these treatments can effectively deal with infections, some patients experience side effects, including tooth discoloration. If a root canal treatment has caused discoloration in one of your teeth, find out what may have caused the problem.

5 Things Parents Need To Know About Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
Herpetic gingivostomatitis is a painful infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that is responsible for cold sores. It usually affects children between six months and five years old, but older kids can also suffer from it. Here's what parents need to know about it. How does the herpes simplex virus spread? People who are already infected with herpes simplex shed the virus into the air around them, even when they're not showing any symptoms.

Dental Abscesses: Types, Symptoms, And Treatment
A dental abscess is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, sinusitis, and more dangerous problems. Because of this, it is important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess so you can have it treated as soon as possible. Here is some information about dental abscesses to help you be more prepared if you ever face this dental problem. Types of Dental Abscesses

3 Steps You Should Take If You Chip A Tooth
While teeth are strong enough to withstand a lot of force, there are times when they fail and end up chipping. This normally happens from trauma that strikes the tooth. The trauma could as severe as the force from a major car crash, or it could be as simple as biting on a hard piece of food. When this happens, you will need to take the right steps to protect the tooth and get it repaired.

Troubleshooting Your Teeth
It's a shame that the human body doesn't come with an owner's manual -- after all, it's much more complex than, say, your car. Even your teeth can exhibit confusing and worrying signs of trouble, but without some basic troubleshooting knowledge, you could either get worked up over nothing or ignore a serious condition. Here are a few symptoms that can serve as the oral equivalent of a car's "check engine"

Child Asthma - Preventing Oral Health Issues
If you have a child with asthma, then your son or daughter may be susceptible to certain types of oral health problems. These issues can lead to cavities, gum disease, and general pain conditions. Also, when oral health problems develop early in life, then your child will be at risk of loosing the teeth or developing breaks and infections later in life. You can help to keep oral problems at bay by considering the suggestions outlined in this article.

Three Congenital Dental Disorders To Watch For In Your Child
When most people think of dental problems, they think of issues such as tooth decay and tooth abscesses, which are not present when a person is born, but rather develop later in life. Some dental problems are congenital, which means that they are present at birth. Though these dental problems may not be obvious until a child is a few months or years old, they are genetically based, and nothing you do as a parent can prevent them from showing up.

Gum Contouring In Full Mouth Restorations
When patients visit the dental clinic for full mouth restoration, it is usually because significant damage has been done to a number of teeth. What patient's don't realize however, is the effect of this damage on the rest of the mouth structure. Full mouth restorations will help fix the teeth that remain; however, the procedure may also demand a few subsequent treatments to manage other problems. Read more information below. When Your Teeth Aren't the Problem

Losing Teeth, Gaining Culture: Three Things The Tooth Fairy Can Teach Your Child
When your child loses a baby tooth it can be an exciting and somewhat frightening experience. If you, like many other parents, use the story of the tooth fairy to make the experience a little easier, you also might want to consider what the tooth fairy can teach your child about cultural appreciation, responsibility, oral hygiene, and imagination.  Each Culture Has Different Beliefs and Traditions  Although you may take the tooth fairy for granted, it is a rather recent creation that has been solidified in English-speaking parts of the world through the portrayal of benevolent fairies in early Disney films.

Smile! | 4 Components Used To Complete Your Dental Implants
Upon discussing the implant installation process with your dentist, you might feel like a bundle of nerves about the upcoming procedures. Luckily, you can ease your stress and feel calm about the procedures by learning about the materials used for the implants. By learning about the individual components, you can gain a better understanding about each step of the implant installation procedure. Whether you need just one implant or a whole mouth full, the materials used for permanent tooth replacement have come a long way since the first known implants used in the third century B.

3 Primary Causes Of Jawbone Loss
Dental implants are the most effective means of replacing missing teeth because they are both natural-looking and permanent. However, dental implants cannot always be implanted immediately due to jawbone resorption beneath the area where your real tooth was lost. Here is an explanation of the three primary causes of jawbone resorption. Lack of Jawbone Stimulation The bone and soft tissue that surrounds the roots of your teeth to hold them in place is known as the dental alveoli.

Cosmetic Resin Bridges: A Great Choice For Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are an excellent choice for many individuals with missing teeth. They are permanent, durable and best mimic your real teeth. However, dental implants are not always practical for every patient. As such, your dentist can provide you with a number of possible alternatives, such as fixed or removable dentures or teeth-supported bridges. However, an option that isn't often known about by patients is the composite resin bridge. This is a relatively young dental technology made possible by super-strong materials available to dentists.

Preventative Dentistry: The Best Thing For Your Child's Oral Health
Although your dentist is well-equipped to deal with almost any dental problem that your child might have, it is always easier to prevent issues from appearing rather than trying to fix them as they start to crop up. Preventative dentistry aims to help your child take small steps so that they won't ever have to deal with huge oral problems. You should know what preventative steps you can help your child take to avoid major oral health issues as well as dental emergencies.

All About Tonsil Stones
If you have had bad breath, white debris seemingly randomly appearing in your mouth or a sore throat that won't go away, you might have tonsil stones. Read on to learn about tonsil stones, their causes and effects and what you can do about them. What Are Tonsil Stones? A tonsil stone is a calcified cluster of material that forms in pockets in your tonsils. Other names for tonsil stones include tonsilloliths, and they are also referred tonsillar calculi.

Treatment For TMJ Disorders: What You Need To Know
Experts believe that temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) affect more than 10 million people in the United States. This group of conditions causes painful symptoms in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some people only suffer mild symptoms of a TMJ disorder, but these conditions can also lead to more serious long-term problems. If you have TMJ, learn more about the treatment options you may need to consider, and find out what you should do to manage the condition.

HSA, FSA, HRA -- Which Spending Accounts Can Pay For Needed Dental Treatment?
With the array of different health and dental insurance plans offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it can be confusing to determine which -- if any -- of the available spending accounts you can use to pay for dental expenses. Read on to learn more about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) and how (or whether) they can help save you money on your dental work.

Scheduling Your First Dental Visit For A Child On The Autism Spectrum? Tips To Make The Visit A Success
As the parent of a child on the Autism spectrum, you understand that sensory sensitivities can make seemingly everyday tasks a challenge. Visiting the pediatric dentist is no exception to this. In fact, dentist visits can be traumatic for kids on the spectrum without the proper preparations. These visits are often a sensory overload experience, from the tools to the sounds and the tastes. While trips to the dentist may never be something your child looks forward to, there are some steps you can take to help make the process easier.