When you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, basic routines can become stressful and challenging. Cognitive decline and memory loss make it hard to keep up with hygiene–including oral hygiene. Resistance and fear from dementia patients can make showing up for dental and medical appointments a considerable task. Meanwhile, overwhelmed caregivers may let dental care slide while dealing with complex medical and logistical concerns. However, because of the decline in at-home … [Read more...]

A lot of us worry about going to the dentist. There’s something about having someone working on our mouths and teeth that inspires mild anxiety. For some folks, however, seeing the dentist is cause for extreme fear. We call this dental phobia, and it can prevent people from getting needed care. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 36 percent of people are afraid of the dentist, and 12 percent have extreme fear. However, with the right strategies, we can help patients overcome their fears … [Read more...]

When you have dental pain, you go to the dentist, right? Absolutely! If you have a toothache, your family dentist can identify and treat causes from tooth decay to gum disease. However, what feels like tooth pain can often be a warning sign of other medical problems. Your family dentist is the best place to start when you have a toothache. We’ll check for potential dental and oral health issues and refer you to a doctor if your pain stems from a medical problem. Which Health Problems Can Seem … [Read more...]

When kids lose a tooth, it’s cause for excitement. For adults, not so much. Tooth loss does happen, and it’s more common in adults than we think. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. Losing a tooth can cause stress and embarrassment. We’re concerned about our smiles, of course. However, tooth loss is much more than a cosmetic issue. It can cause significant oral health problems. … [Read more...]

When we think about crooked teeth, we often think of kids. Young children may have uneven smiles as baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in. We generally associate orthodontic care with the teen years. However, our teeth don’t stop moving as we age. Adults may experience crowding and other problems related to shifting smiles. Sometimes adults need a little help too. Fortunately, with the advent of clear aligners, improving your smile as an adult is more convenient than ever. Do Our … [Read more...]

We know tobacco use is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. It causes staining and gum disease and is linked to oral cancer. We might think of vaping as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes. But the more we learn about electronic cigarettes, the more we understand their health risks. From mouth cancer to tooth decay, we now have a better picture of vaping’s harmful impact on oral health. What Is Vaping? E-cigarettes create an aerosol using a battery to heat a liquid containing … [Read more...]

At-home whitening kits have come a long way. You can find all kinds of DIY treatments online or at the drugstore, from portable pens to light-up LED devices. But they don’t always work as advertised, and patients often find themselves disappointed with the results. Fortunately, your family dentist has excellent options if over-the-counter treatments don’t work for you. Why Do My Teeth Get Dingy, Yellow, or Discolored? Our teeth tend to get discolored as we get older. Staining is related to … [Read more...]

Raise your hand if you’ve ever slept through tooth fairy duty. You’re not alone. Most of us have woken up with that sinking feeling at least once in our lives. Some parents adore tooth fairy duty–and others not so much. But regardless of where you stand, wiggly baby teeth and presents under pillows actually offer opportunities to talk about oral health. Every lost baby tooth is a chance to reward excellent oral hygiene and discuss why caring for our teeth and gums is essential. How Much Does … [Read more...]

Who remembers learning about scurvy in sailors in school? This long-misunderstood nutritional deficiency killed millions of sailors over the centuries. Then the scientific community finally discovered the link between Vitamin C and health. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about the essential role vitamins and minerals play in our oral and overall health. A healthy diet, regular preventive dental care, brushing, and flossing are the primary ways to keep our mouths healthy. But sometimes our diets … [Read more...]

An ADA-accepted mouth rinse can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine. By reaching places your toothbrush can’t, mouth rinses can help fight cavities, reduce staining and help with other oral health conditions. But not all mouthwash is created equal. And they’re not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Mouth rinses have become way more sophisticated than back in the days when we all wanted minty fresh breath. There are more choices than ever, and different active ingredients … [Read more...]