Deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, have a very important role in your child’s oral health. Most children have 20 primary teeth by the age of three. The primary teeth are as important as permanent teeth. The baby teeth are essential for holding space in the jaws for the adult teeth. When a primary tooth is lost too soon... read more »

Did you know tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease—five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever?  The good news is that tooth decay is preventable! The cause of tooth decay is bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria use the sugars found in liquids and foods to produce acids that attack the... read more »

Everyone loves Valentine’s Day candy, cookies, cakes and pie. As a nation, we’re hooked on sweet stuff in general. In fact, the average person consumes 156 pounds of sugar per year -- and only a fraction of it comes out of the sugar bowl. The first association between sugar and tooth decay was during the reign of Elizabeth the First... read more »

People who are infected with herpes simplex virus tend to be able to feel a cold sore coming on.  Symptoms like tingling, soreness, and redness serve as warning signs and are a good indicator to begin treatment. Although a cold sore will heal eventually on its own, antiviral medications taken by mouth as well as topical creams may shorten the... read more »

Do you or someone in your immediate family occasionally suffer from cold sores? By age 50, an estimated 80-90% of adults are infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Often called fever blisters, this common ailment is nothing serious, but it is sometimes painful and embarrassing. What are these unsightly blisters? How are they spread? And how can you... read more »

First of all, at-home dental care is just a start! Even if you are particular with the care of your teeth and always brush and floss daily, your teeth need a professional cleaning. If you are like most people and your dental care occasionally lapses, you have an even greater need. Brushing and flossing do remove plaque, a soft sticky... read more »

This month we are discussing diabetes and oral health care. One of the effects of diabetes on the mouth is a slower healing process for mouth sores. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may already be aware of how the condition affects your mouth and gums. To increase the healing process of mouth sores, keep your mouth clean... read more »

Have you ever wondered how you would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? Smiling and face-to-face conversations would be uncomfortable.  Eating would also become an issue; until your teeth are missing you might not miss them. Protecting your teeth is imperative to maintain good oral health. Wearing a mouth guard while participating in any sport... read more »

Gingivitis is a common dental concern that can lead to periodontal disease if not treated early. If you have noticed bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, or if your gums seem red, swollen, sensitive or painful, this may be a sign of gingivitis. The gums are a very important part of the structure of the mouth as they... read more »

The American Dental Association, ADA, found that bacteria in the mouth can start causing gum disease in only 24 hours; so regular, thorough cleaning is imperative. The first, and most important, step is to take excellent care of your teeth– brush twice a day, floss daily, and see us at the interval determined by your dentist and hygienist for professional... read more »

When you visit our office for a regular check-up, your medical conditions are of great importance to us. When we are aware of your physical health concerns, we can be more vigilant in identifying potential dental concerns.  Some medical conditions affect dental health, especially if they are related to hormonal changes.  Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are all risk factors for... read more »

You know what you eat and drink has an effect on your teeth, but so do your lifestyle habits. If you use tobacco, in any form, let us know and we will offer suggestions on quitting. Prolonged use of tobacco can stain your teeth and your tongue, as well as give you bad breath. The chemicals in tobacco can cause... read more »

If we were to describe the perfect dental-health lifestyle to recommend to our patients included would be: Eating healthy foods Drinking plenty of water Staying physically fit Having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined regularly Daily hygiene habits of brushing and flossing Being tobacco-free Taking care of your mouth not only helps with your overall health, but with regular exams,... read more »

During April, we continue our focus on Oral Cancer Awareness. The lifestyle habits that increase the chances of developing Oral Cancer include the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco, smoking, and also exposure to the sun. It is a myth to consider chewing tobacco a ‘safer’ form of tobacco use as compared to smoking. The chemicals in the juice of... read more »

Today’s dental warning sign might just save your life if you pay attention to it. Sore spots in your mouth that won’t go away are more than just an inconvenience – they just might be the indicators of oral cancer. Sure, it’s common for people to bite their inner cheek due to stress or habit – or even while they... read more »

Oral Cancer occurs most commonly on the “floor” of the mouth (under the tongue), along the inside of the cheeks or lips, along the gum line, or the palate or “roof” of the mouth. Though oral cancer is not as common as other forms of cancer, approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Since oral cancer can... read more »

Sugary foods, candy and carbonated soda can wreak havoc on teeth. The bacteria found in plaque mixes with the sugary substances resulting in acid attacking the teeth. What are some good things you can eat to deter the bacteria’s growth? Healthy foods such as raw vegetables and fiber-rich grains are not only good for the body, they are beneficial to... read more »

Have you ever wondered why tooth decay and erosion occur? Plaque, a sticky substance that covers teeth, begins to build up when we eat or drink. Plaque contains bacteria that eat away at the enamel of the teeth. Saliva helps in the battle against tooth decay by diluting the acid and the bacteria as well as keeping your mouth moist.... read more »

Did you know your teeth are the first indicator of age? Not only do your lower front teeth tend to shift forward with each birthday, but missing teeth can also make your cheeks look hollow, furthering the appearance of aging. Want to look younger, more healthy and vibrant? Start with your smile. Clean, white teeth are the least expensive way... read more »

Early detection is extremely important with any cancer diagnosis, and this is true for oral cancer. Oral cancer certainly can be life-threatening, but the earlier it is diagnosed, the chances for a patient’s survival increases. Currently, only around 60% of oral cancer patients will survive past the first five years after diagnosis, but 80-90% of oral cancer patients who are diagnosed... read more »