No one wants to be in pain. And no medical professional wants to see their patients in pain. This includes your family dentist. So much of what we do is about relieving pain, and our mission in life is to help patients feel better. But how we do this is changing. The medical community and our nation at large are realizing the dangers of opioid use. Medications that might once have been handed out without much concern are now carefully considered and used only during serious situations. As … [Read more...]

Good oral health is key to overall health. When your teeth and gums aren’t healthy, it can have repercussions for your whole body. But insurance companies aren’t always up to speed when it comes to covering necessary dental expenses. Fortunately, most dental expenses are covered under the Flexible Spending Accounts many employers are now offering, giving you an extra funding stream for dental care you may have been putting off. And end-of-year is always a great time to schedule that care--before … [Read more...]

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your natural enamel is your first and best line of defense. Enamel is the tough outer layer that keeps your smile healthy and white. But, like the rest of our bodies, enamel experiences wear and tear and can be damaged through our day to day activities. The best route for keeping enamel in good shape is prevention and regular dental care from an early age. But when enamel does wear away, we have plenty of cosmetic approaches that can help. What Is … [Read more...]

If you think about it, you probably already know the answer to this question. But let’s take a closer look just in case. As clear aligners like Invisalign have gained popularity, dozens of online copycats have popped up claiming to offer straighter teeth without seeing a dentist or orthodontist. When it comes to dental and orthodontic care, removing interaction with a trained provider from the picture just isn’t a good idea. But thanks to new technology, you don’t necessarily need a separate … [Read more...]

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...]