We tend to take for granted the functions of our body that help us function in the little and big things. We don't think about eating. We just do it. We don't think about talking. We just do it. We don't think about chewing and swallowing. We just do it. Learning a bit more about the anatomy of the mouth may make you appreciate what such a seemingly small part of the body does to help you get through each day. The mouth is made up of 2 distinct parts: the vestibule, the part between your lips and teeth [...]

For inquiring minds who’d like to know what will ruin their teeth the quickest, read on.  Perhaps you’ll think twice, in the future, if you practice any of the habits below: Having poor oral hygiene.  Duh.  It sounds self-explanatory, but what exactly does strong oral hygiene entail?  Brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing your mouth with water after eating when a toothbrush isn’t available.  It’s likely there’s something on that list we are leaving out, to be honest. Grinding or clenching teeth.  This one is tricky, because often, it happens at night, as we sleep.  Uncaught it can [...]

When I was a kid, it seemed that only a select few were getting braces. These days, almost every young face has a mouthful of gear and adults are often sporting braces too. (Hello, Gen Z.) So what gives? Have things changed that much in the last 30 years? For one, it is much more “normal” now to do things not simply for functional reasons but for cosmetic ones too. Many adults who have suffered from misshapen teeth can now afford to have them realigned. Some have suggested that the “zoom effect”, as researchers have coined it, has made [...]

Dr. Moore recently told one of our patients during a check-up that they had an issue with recessive gums and heeded a warning. Her immediate reaction was: “Well, what the heck does that mean?” Recessive Gums Often, as we get older, our gums tend to recede (like some hairlines do as well), and it exposes more of the nerve, leaving it unprotected and sensitive. The recession of gums can also be the result of genetics, smoking or aggressive brushing over many years. While it is impossible to reverse the condition, it is possible to manage it through antibiotics, treatments [...]

Like it or not, a dental emergency can arise at any moment, without notice, causing discomfort and distress for everyone involved. Whether it’s a mouth injury from a sporting event or an infected tooth causing debilitating pain, prompt dental care is crucial to improving the situation. Dental health heroes step in, daily, to help suffering patients by eliminating pain and restoring smiles. Take the story of Nora, a young softball player. Amid a competitive game, Nora captured a ground ball, turned to tag the opponent, and ended up colliding with the player. The impact resulted in Nora having a [...]

When natural teeth, gums and tissues need replaced, dentures come into the picture. Not only can dentures help boost the confidence of the wearer, but practically speaking, dentures also help with basic skills like talking and eating. Though pricey, depending on the circumstances, most dental insurance providers will cover at least half of the cost of the procedure and apparatus. Dentures have come a long way in the last few years. Maybe some of us envision the traditional denture our grandparents wore, sliding it out on the dinner table napkin, entertaining (or scaring) the grandchildren with their gummy smiles. [...]

Do you ever feel a little anxious sticking a tube of toothpaste in your carry-on bag, wondering if it will get squeezed onto your freshly pressed dress clothes!? Well, fear no more. Try out a toothpaste tablet. What? That’s right. Instead of using a tube of toothpaste, you can toss in a tablet, chew it into paste form, and stick a brush in your mouth to carry out the normal brushing experience. This waterless tablet is essentially toothpaste powder formed into a tiny, circular tablet. It makes it easy for travel, eliminates the nasty blue goop found on the [...]

Halitosis may sound like a fancy term, but it is not a term you want said in your presence. It refers to bad breath. Halitosis feeds on bacteria in your mouth, causing an unpleasant odor for you and everyone around you. For one, certain food can cause halitosis to be more severe; foods like garlic or onion are especially stinky, because they are absorbed into your bloodstream. Poor oral care can also lead to halitosis. Your mouth is a petri dish for bacteria, so the less teeth are taken care of, the more likely food collects and teeth rot. [...]

February happens to be children’s dental health month; a focused time to educate parents and families on dental care for youth. Parents often wonder when they should start taking an active role in their child’s dental health, especially because young ones lose and gain teeth at such a rapid pace.  Let’s clear up some of the mysteries. The first time a child should visit the dental office and sit in the chair should be right around 3-4 years of age.  The purpose of this is more for comfortability and familiarity with the dentist and the process.  It eliminates the [...]

Teeth are vital for all living creatures! Thanks to a set of pearly, white enamels, humans aren’t the only ones enjoying the crunch of a tasty treat or the chewiness of a piece of meat. That said, there are some major differences that distinctly set human teeth apart from animal teeth. Did you know, for example, that giraffes only have bottom teeth? It’s a good thing most of their diet is made up of soft, malleable leaves. And have you ever thought about how heavy your teeth are, when put together? It’s not much since human teeth are weighed [...]