If you’ve ever bitten into a cold, tasty ice cream cone or shoveled in a spicy plate of Indian food only to experience sharp, shooting pain in your teeth, you probably have some level of tooth sensitivity.  And you aren’t alone. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, over 40 million adults suffer from this frustrating phenomenon. Usually, sensitive teeth respond most dramatically to extreme hot or cold temperatures, acidic or spicy foods, or changes in air temperatures. Although there is no single treatment option to help those struggling with this particular type of tooth pain, there are ways [...]

The start of the new year is when most of us are(once again) making bold decisions to change and conquer negative patterns and behaviors that we battle and never quite seem to overpower.  At the very top of the resolution list is one category that dominates year after year…improving our health.  If your true goal is better overall health, then that means more than simply exercising.  It means taking good care of the ONE smile you’ve been given. As you sketch out your yearly goals and plans, make sure that regular dental visits and daily oral health habits are [...]

Oil pulling may seem like a recent trend but it actually dates back to practices that began over 3,000 years ago.  It sounds easy enough, but in truth, if you suffer from a strong gag reflex, it can be hard to stomach.  While some swear by the benefits of oil pulling, others argue that the negative effects are far worse. Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil(usually coconut) throughout the mouth for usually one to five minutes, but sometimes for up to 20 minutes. This practice is said to significantly lower levels of gingivitis and plaque. It’s also believed [...]

Most of us feel a little nervous about going to the doctor or dentist.  Anticipation and anxiousness can creep in and cause lots of unnecessary mental agony. If you have kids in your home that feel nervous about an upcoming dental visit, consider reading some amazing children’s books to help combat the jitters. One such book is The Tooth Book, by Dr. Seuss.  Per usual with Dr. Seuss’ writing, this book intermixes fun, silly rhymes with practical advice for a dental beginner. Another favorite is The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, by Stan and Jan Berenstain. In this story, [...]

As school lets out for summer, neighborhoods will be filled with the sounds of playing children and outdoor fun!  Most kids love bike riding, roller skating, skateboarding or other physical activities that can be enjoyed in the glorious sunshine.  Everyone is so busy having a good time, that we often forget to consider how those precious teeth can be protected for optimal enjoyment and minimal damage.  Studies report that 39% of dental injuries are related to some type of sporting activity. But there’s a simple way to help block blows to the teeth. At the dental office, we can make [...]