We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If that’s true, does it really matter what we eat, or does it just matter that we eat? Doctors, dieticians, dentists, and other health experts will tell you that what you eat for breakfast matters. You can’t have donuts and a caramel macchiato for breakfast most mornings and expect it not to affect your oral and overall health! According ...
Do you often feel as if your smile could use a little more tender, loving care? If so, then you’re not alone. Recent data suggests that an estimated 60% of people are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles, especially in pictures. But, a lackluster smile isn’t just embarrassing – it can be unhealthy, too. Luckily, you can address aesthetic and functional issues with a Smile Makeover. This comprehensive procedure combines cosmetic and restorative ...
On a normal day, you probably don't think about air pollution. You can’t see it, but it’s there, filled with carcinogens, all around us. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Ambient (outdoor) air pollution in both cities and rural areas is causing fine particulate matter (PM) which result in strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases.” To expand on this, air pollution can also cause dental health issues ...
The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
Enamel is an incredible part of our body. In fact, tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body! How is that fun fact? Despite the powerhouse strength of this mineral, teeth are highly susceptible to damage and decay. We all know that eating healthy is important to our bodies, but it is also vital to our teeth. These eight, innocent products are items we consume every day. Clinical studies show the ...
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, “120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth.” That’s more than 36 percent of the population! The most common causes of tooth loss include: Tooth decay (cavities) Gum disease Injury Cancer Aging Complete tooth loss, or edentulism, affects more than 36 million Americans, mostly those in the geriatric population and the economically disadvantaged. These statistics are staggering, and dental professionals are working ...
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option for people who are insecure about their smiles. You may want to consider veneers if you have cosmetic flaws like extrinsic dental stains, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, or short teeth. One, two, or several veneers can be used to correct these issues. Veneers are not a permanent solution, and porcelain veneers are irreversible. We discuss exactly what that means and other considerations in this blog ...
According to a study completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful smile can make a person appear more attractive, intelligent, happy, and successful. Would you like for those things to be said about you? We all would! Even more important than what others will think is what you think and feel about yourself. If you have stained, gapped, or crooked teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. This can lead to ...
Dental professionals have been placing dental implants since the 1960s. Since then, technology has improved drastically, making the procedure simpler, more affordable, and more accessible. Modern dental implants are safe, effective, and long-lasting, and studies show that they are the best option to replace one or several missing teeth. If you have recently discussed dental implants with your dentist, you probably know that there are two main options regarding the material of the dental implant ...
With so many preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options, tooth extraction is often the last resort for dentists. In many cases, a tooth can undergo root canal therapy, have a crown placed over it, or be restored with dental bonding or veneers. However, there are instances when an extraction is necessary to improve the patient’s oral and overall health. Five of the most common reasons dentists recommend a tooth extraction include: Tooth decay Gum ...
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the United States have implants, and that number grows by 500,000 each year. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, educating yourself on what to expect and how to ensure a successful outcome is key. Below, we’ve listed five common mistakes that can derail your dental implants. 1) Being unaware of your options The dental implant journey is lengthy yet ...
Turn that frown upside down! You know smiling is an outward sign of happiness, but did you know that the simple act of smiling can also create tangible physical changes? In case you needed another reason to flash your pearly whites, we’re sharing a list of benefits below: Elevate Your Mood Some sayings are more wishful thinking than hard fact (i.e., an apple a day keeps the doctor away), but it turns out ...
The only permanent solution to tooth loss, dental implants have gained favor as the preferred method for tooth replacement. Not only do today's implants restore function, but, just as importantly, they also fulfill patients' esthetic expectations. What exactly are dental implants? Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots that create a strong foundation for artificial teeth known as crowns. Crowns are custom-made to fit a patient's mouth and match their natural teeth. Many ...
There are a lot of things you can blame on your genes – never got that growth spurt you were expecting? Clearly the fault of your 5' mother. Premature balding? Thanks, Dad. However, what about oral health? We know learning good oral hygiene at an early age (and practicing it) is the key to healthy teeth and gums, but could you be predisposed to periodontal disease? The answer might surprise you. What is Gum Disease? Gum ...
The holidays are here, and with them come all the joys of the season – lights and decorations, time with friends and family, and those special treats we only get this time of year. The best way to enjoy the holiday festivities and keep your oral health intact is to balance those sticky, sugary foods with some that actually benefit your teeth and gums. We promise it’s not as hard as you might think! Fruit ...
While oral cancer (i.e., oral cavity and oropharynx cancers collectively) accounts for almost 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, it is responsible for 1.8% of all cancer deaths. The death rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high because it is generally not discovered until late in its development. Early-stage symptoms of oral cancer are often painless, such as a white or red patches of tissue or a lesion ...
If you’re one of the estimated 50-80% of adults with dental anxiety, chances are you’ve avoided or delayed dental care at some point in your life. Whether it be a routine cleaning or a more in-depth procedure, such as a root canal or filling, putting off dental visits often results in more significant issues down the road. In the majority of cases, dental anxiety is a result of a prior traumatic dental experience ...
There’s no shortage of teeth whitening solutions. From in-office lasers to at-home whitening kits and snap-on veneers, there have never been more ways to achieve a white smile! But, before you order a custom kit or hit up the drugstore for whitening strips, there’s more you should know about teeth discoloration. Not all stains are created equal, and the cause of yours needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a whitening solution ...
Anyone who has ever experienced the agony of a toothache knows that poor oral health is more than an inconvenience; it negatively impacts your quality of life. Not only can damaged teeth cause physical pain, but they can also create extreme self-consciousness and pose significant health risks if left untreated. Damage occurs to teeth for a variety of reasons, from disease and facial trauma to years of teeth grinding or a misaligned bite. Fortunately, dental ...
If full mouth reconstruction has been suggested as a treatment option, you might be wondering if you really need it. Extensive dental work can be intimidating, but the results can also be life-changing. What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction involves a combination of dental treatments to rebuild or restore your teeth, gums, and jaw function. While cosmetic elements, such as teeth whitening, may be a component in the process, it’s important to ...
