Be aware trendy diets may have a negative impact on your oral health. Liquid cleanses low-carb diets like Atkins or Paleo, vegan or raw diets may be considered healthy but may not be so healthy for your teeth and gums. A liquid cleanse swaps meals for smoothies and juices which can cause insulin levels to peak and plummet, overtime, this... read more »

When certain bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film which is constantly forming on teeth and tissue) produce toxins and enzymes, an irritation will occur to the gums causing inflammation. This will occur if the plaque is not removed daily. The gums become red, tender and bleed from the irritation. This condition is called gingivitis. If allowed to persist, the... 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 »

We’d like to introduce you to Xylitol, a five-carbon sugar that kills bacteria in your mouth by starving it. Scientists have found that the best way to use this ingredient is to put it in chewing gum, where it’s steadily delivered to your teeth. Xylitol helps children and adults who are cavity-prone because it attracts calcium and other minerals which... read more »

I love having children as patients. They come into our office and bring such fun and energy. But, I am starting to see an increase in cavities among the smallest of my patients. However, with the right care, the costly and often painful dental problems are very preventable. I suggest you start brushing even before your little one has any... read more »

Everyone likes a nice white smile but did you know excessive home tooth whitening can cause damage to your teeth?  Over-the-counter whitening kits can cause serious and permanent damage to tooth enamel because the hydrogen peroxide starts to break down proteins in the teeth after initial discoloration has been removed.  If you want to bleach your teeth at home, we... 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 »

Is your young athlete ready for the fall sports season to begin? Along with the proper sporting equipment, make sure their teeth are protected, too, especially if your child has braces. Mouth guards can be custom-fitted in our office, or you can buy one at a sporting goods store. Wearing a mouth guard significantly reduces the risk of chipping, breaking... 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 »

The saying goes, “You are what you eat,” so focus on high-performance food. Chips, candy, sodas, and sugary treats do not provide you with the nutrition and stamina to learn and perform well in sports or in the classroom. Be sure to visit our office on a regular schedule. When your child has professional cleanings twice a year you will... 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 »

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is actually an infection in the gums and tissues that support your teeth. When plaque and food particles are left on teeth, a build-up of bacteria occurs in that crevice just below the gum line. As the bacteria grow and thrive, they feed on the tissue that attaches to your tooth and causes the... read more »

Does the thought of ice cream or a cold beverage make you cringe? You may be suffering from sensitive teeth. This problem literally means the roots of your teeth are more prone to sensitivity. Drinking hot or cold beverages can cause painful or uncomfortable sensations in a patient’s teeth. This is a common concern among adults and can be managed... 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 »

We offer veneers as an additional option for creating the beautiful smile you dreamed of having for years! If your teeth are cracked, chipped, or worn they can be restored to perfection with ultra-thin porcelain or composite veneers. This is usually done through a three-appointment process; we will first schedule a consultation to determine if veneers are a good choice... read more »

Have you ever considered taking steps to improve the appearance of your smile, beyond your regular oral exams and professional cleaning?  You may be a good candidate for cosmetic procedures if your teeth are strong and healthy. If your teeth are discolored, chipped, broken or missing, you may be pleased to know most of these common complaints are easily fixed... read more »

One of the ways our smile shows our age is the color of our teeth. Food, beverages, habits, and medications can affect the appearance of our teeth, discoloring them and making us appear older. Fortunately, there is a treatment for discolored teeth.  Whitening or bleaching is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures performed. You may have tried to... 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 »