There’s nothing like the joy of getting your braces off. But sometimes there’s a disappointing surprise. Patients often find that bacteria under the brackets cause white spots on their teeth. Several other conditions can also leach calcium from the enamel and cause similar discoloration. The good news is, you can prevent white lesions with awareness and dental hygiene. And your dentist has more tools than ever for treating them if they occur. What Causes White Spots on My Teeth? Several issues … [Read more...]

There’s an old saying that you should only floss the teeth you want to keep. But a lot of us don’t like to floss. There’s something about the process that makes it seem like more of a chore than some of our other dental must-dos. A 2016 Centers for Disease Control study showed that 32 percent of Americans say they never floss. But avoiding flossing can mean big problems for your teeth and gums. Here’s a look at why flossing is essential and how you can make it part of your routine. Why Is … [Read more...]

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, many family dental offices closed their doors for everything but emergency care. Regular checkups were postponed in those first weeks as healthcare providers got a handle on the coronavirus and its impact. But as communities realize that COVID isn’t going away anytime soon, patients and providers are returning to routine dental care with extra hygiene practices. COVID will be a fact of life for months if not years. So it’s clear that putting off regular … [Read more...]

Toothpaste: just about everyone buys it, and many of us tend to be brand-loyal. Maybe it’s the same kind we’ve been using since childhood or something that caught our eye in an ad more recently. The range of options these days can be overwhelming, and the number of specialized products seems to have exploded. Touting everything from whitening to gum health, it seems like there’s a special toothpaste for just about everything. But are they worth the extra money? Here are a few guidelines to help … [Read more...]

We often get questions from patients about whether electric toothbrushes are better than old-fashioned manual ones. Are they a magic bullet for cleaner, whiter teeth? The answer is not necessarily, but they may help overcome some common hurdles to good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association confirms that both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque. The rest comes down to personal preference, budget, and motivation. But whichever type you choose, go for an ADA … [Read more...]

Are whiter teeth on your list of new year’s beauty and wellness goals? A bright, white smile can boost confidence and make us feel healthier and more comfortable. But is teeth whitening safe? Should you take chance on an over the counter product or spend more to get a professional treatment from your dentist? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which approach is best for you. What Are My Choices for Teeth Whitening? There are many choices when it comes to teeth whitening, from a $5 … [Read more...]

Have you ever noticed how infectious a smile can be? Sometimes a friend or stranger smiles right at you and you just can’t help but return it. As a bonus, it gives you a nice warm feeling inside. More and more, research is confirming that smiling not only makes you look better--it makes you feel better. But not everyone has confidence in their smile, and dental problems are a big reason many of us hold back. The good news is there are plenty of options for enhancing your smile so you can let the … [Read more...]

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...]