Ouch…and yuck! That’s what we often hear when a patient is experiencing a tooth abscess. No one likes pus–or pain–and an abscess generally means both. If you have an abscess and don’t get it treated, it can cause a severe infection. An abscess often starts as a simple cavity that’s left untreated. It’s just one reason routine oral health care and tackling tooth decay early are vital. What Is a Tooth Abscess? When a bacterial infection creates a pocket of pus, we call it an abscess. Pus is an … [Read more...]

Do you find yourself hiding your smile in photos because of gray or discolored teeth? Have at-home whitening treatments failed to address your concerns? Has a single tooth unexpectedly turned gray? Sometimes tooth discoloration goes beyond superficial stains and requires more than whitening. Gray teeth can indicate a dental health problem beneath the surface. Fortunately, your family dentist can help. What Causes Gray Teeth? Sometimes discoloration is caused by what we eat and drink. In this … [Read more...]

You may have heard about the latest trend in cosmetic dentistry: a smile makeover. Patients increasingly want a dramatic transformation instead of a single cosmetic treatment. Your dentist can combine several cosmetic options to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. For example, we often combine whitening with other cosmetic options to change your teeth’s shape, length or alignment. If a smile makeover is on your list, your family dentist is an excellent place to start. Who Needs a Smile … [Read more...]

There are so many excellent reasons to care for our teeth and gums. Beautiful smiles and avoiding tooth pain come to mind. But did you know taking care of your oral health also helps your heart health? Research increasingly shows connections between oral and systemic health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can protect your heart. What Is The Link Between Oral Health and Cardiovascular Health? Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of … [Read more...]

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...]