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 [...]

Never underestimate the power of a smile.  Smiling can turn someone’s day around, boost the mood, lighten stress, and extend a life span. Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine, explains how, scientifically, a smile has a chemical reaction, releasing “happy hormones”.  “Dopamine increases our feelings of happiness. Serotonin release is associated with reduced stress. “ If that’s not enough, smiling can keep the immune system from being attacked, allowing you to avoid unwanted illnesses. It lowers the heart rate and keeps blood pressure down, helping to fight off infections and boosting resilience. Receiving a warm [...]

Christmas and New Years can bring fun, excitement and joy, but often, there’s also additional stress put on the body during celebrations and indulgences. Experiencing severe mouth pain can be distracting, frustrating and debilitating, causing missed experiences and discomfort. But because we are human, and these things can pop up unexpectedly, it’s important to know how to handle dental emergencies: Some simple steps to follow: 1. Stay calm. Full blown panic will only make things worse. Assess the situation and identify the problem, if you can. 2. Contact your dentist’s office and leave a message, stating the problem. They [...]