Sometimes, walking down the dental aisle at the grocery store can be overwhelming: so many products; how do you know which ones are the best options!? Let’s start with the toothbrush. When you pick one out, the most important aspect of the brush is the bristles. Hard bristles cause bleeding and gum damage, whereas soft bristles help get in between teeth, gently. Also, try out the toothbrush in your hand and make sure it is easy to grip and comfortable for using. Next, let’s talk about toothpaste. Whitening? Baking soda? Mint or bubble gum? You should, primarily, be looking at the fluoride composition of [...]

Christmas is a joyous time of year…putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, cookie baking, and gift exchanging. Speaking of gifts, every family seems to have that one person on your shopping list who is difficult to buy for because it seems they already have everything, right? So why not think outside the box and surprise them with the gift of dental health. You could gift someone a teeth whitening certificate; this pricey procedure may not be affordable for everything, but it would be deeply appreciated by the receiver! An electric toothbrush is another great gift idea. They range in price from [...]

Thanksgiving is nearly here, and Christmas is just around the corner. In other words, most of us are thinking about the gift lists, the parties and the family get togethers. You are likely not thinking about your teeth. Fair enough. But perhaps you should! The end of the year means it is the best time to capitalize on your health insurance benefits and squeeze in an appointment with the dentist. Most dental insurance plans won’t roll over into 2023. If it seems reasonable to schedule a last-minute surgery and take care of another health issue before December 31st , doesn’t it also seem reasonable to schedule [...]

Modern technology is changing the look of dentistry and evolving to better meet the needs of individual patients. Less discomfort and better targeted care makes visiting the dentist a more effective and minimally invasive experience! Here are a few of the latest inventions to hit the dental market as highlighted in 123dentist.com on the “Top New Technologies in Dentistry”. VELscope—a specific light that can be shined into a patient’s mouth to detect any abnormalities. It can catch disease and cancer in the earliest stages! Digital X-Rays—these are quicker for dentists to access and contain 90 percent less radiation than traditional X Rays. Invisalign—the clear, [...]

Does the idea of a healthy Halloween sound like an oxymoron to you? Kids are starting to make plans for their costumes and trick or treat plans and parents are stocking up on the yummiest goodies to pass out. As you think ahead, your friendly dentist wants to remind you of a few, important tips to keep Halloween as “healthy” as possible. Try to limit the amount of sweets your kid consumes from their bucket (for example, one after lunch and one after dinner). Stay away from the candies that take a long time to eat (suckers, chewy caramels, [...]

Like it or not, most of us will find ourselves(or a loved one) in the midst of an foreseen dental emergency at some point in our lives.  It’s easy to respond to these unsettling situations with panic and fear, but a few practical tips will help make the best of a tough situation. A chipped tooth or a situation where minimal pain is observed, usually means the patient can wait a day or two to see their dentist.  If a crown falls off, there’s over the counter dental cement that can bond the crown as a temporary fix to [...]

Ever wonder what all those “ists” mean at the end of a medical title?? Let’s unpack the mystery of who you should see based on the discomfort you are experiencing. For starters, the suffix “ist” simply refers to a person who performs and specializes in a certain area. Now, on to the fancy part. Endodontists— Their expertise allows them to deal with dental pulp in tissues. Still confused? Best put, they are the pros when it comes to root canals and surgeries because they focus on mouth tissues and nerves. Orthodontists— They’re famous for teeth straightening procedures. You may [...]