We’ve all seen the goofy videos of friends and family members playing pranks on young people under sedation after getting their wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth removal has become a teenage rite of passage for a lot of kids. But what are wisdom teeth exactly? Does everyone get them and does everyone need to get them removed? What Are Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are also called third molars, and they generally appear at the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have … [Read more...]

You know that your dentist is focused on keeping your teeth strong, healthy and looking great. Did you know that your gums are also a big priority? Healthy gums are one of the building blocks of a healthy smile, and gum disease is something we take very seriously. Gum disease ranges from not so bad and easy to reverse to really bad and dangerous to overall health. As with most dental issues, it’s always best to catch it early. And remember, if you find yourself with symptoms, don’t be … [Read more...]

As we get older, some of us find ourselves smiling a little smaller in social media pics. Our pearly whites aren’t quite so pearly, and we’re left with yellowing teeth that can make us self-conscious. Yellow teeth are often related to lifestyle factors, like smoking or what we eat and drink. But outside stains aren’t the only cause of yellow teeth. In some cases, internal health factors or just the aging process can cause teeth to turn yellow. The best solution depends on the cause. Yellow … [Read more...]

Mouth sores are not only painful, but potentially indicative of a deeper problem. They can appear on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth or cheeks. But on your own it can be tough to identify exactly what kind of sores you have and what’s causing them. Use the information below to learn about the different kinds of mouth sores, but make sure to always check with your doctor or dentist to get a proper diagnosis. Canker Sores These blisters that occur inside the mouth are small yet … [Read more...]

No one wishes for bad breath (medically known as halitosis). In fact, many of us go to great lengths to avoid it with gum, mints and mouthwash. While it’s refreshing to pop in a tic tac, it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Halitosis can actually have several different causes – some of which are serious. Bad Breath Causes The first thing we all think of when it comes to halitosis is the kind of food we eat. Garlic, coffee and onions are commonly blamed for bad breath. But bad breath from … [Read more...]

If you cringe from pain every time you eat ice cream or sip hot coffee, you might want to talk to our office about having sensitive teeth. If that’s the diagnosis, don’t worry – we have treatments and steps you can take to find some relief. What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? One of the biggest culprits of tooth sensitivity is worn-down enamel. This hard layer helps protect your teeth, and when it’s gone, the dentin (the middle layer of the tooth) is exposed. Dentin contains hollow tubes leading to … [Read more...]

A lot of us are making resolutions to live a little healthier at this time of year. It’s a great time to consider not only our overall health but also to think about our dental health and choices we can make to take better care of our teeth. This includes both foods and drinks to avoid as well as changes involving alcohol, tobacco and drug use. What Are the Worst Foods for My Teeth? With help from the American Dental Association, we’ve put together a list of some of the foods that are … [Read more...]

What Is TMJ Disorder? Jaw pain is no joke. It can be a chronic, life-altering disorder with a host of negative side effects including insomnia and even depression. Named for the temporomandibular joints that connect the lower jaw (or mandible) to the rest of the skull, TMJ disorders cover a range of facial pain issues related to the joints of the jaw. According to the American Dental Association, around 15 percent of Americans experience chronic TMJ disorders. The good news is that … [Read more...]

Healthy teeth and gums are what every dentist wants for their patients. But we also understand the importance of a great smile. A beautiful smile means confidence and a big boost to self-esteem. We have lots of options to give you straighter, whiter, healthier-looking teeth. We’ll start with a customized treatment plan just for you and work with you to make it affordable. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for models and movie stars anymore. Everyone deserves a great smile they can be proud of, and … [Read more...]

It’s open season for many choosing health insurance for 2019, and we hear more and more questions about dental insurance. One of the questions we hear frequently is this one: Is dental insurance really worth it? If you have terrific, low-cost dental coverage through your employer, that’s something to celebrate. But in some cases, dental insurance can actually be more expensive than paying out of pocket for dental care. And if you don’t have dental coverage, don’t panic. There are a lot of … [Read more...]