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...]

There is a range of factors associated with oral cancer. But there’s also an elephant in the room: tobacco use is the leading cause of mouth cancer, and quitting is the best prevention tool we know. Your dentist is your first line of defense in helping prevent mouth cancer and also in early detection, one more reason that those twice-yearly check-ups are so essential. Remember, it isn’t just about your teeth: a healthy mouth goes way beyond preventing tooth decay. What Is Mouth … [Read more...]

Technology makes so many dental procedures quicker and less painful than ever before, but a tooth extraction still causes fear and trembling for many who need the procedure. This is due in part to the fact that a  tooth extraction is generally more involved than many other dental procedures and because of that, can cause a lot of anxiety. But while a tooth extraction is a surgical procedure and often requires a few days of recovery time, an experienced dentist will be able to reduce pain and … [Read more...]

Besides regular check-ups, cavities are usually the most common reason for visiting a dentist. But patients often have questions about cavities and why they may be prone to getting them. Here’s a 101 on cavities plus tips on treating and preventing them! How Do Cavities Happen? The word cavity suggests a hole, and cavities are tiny holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. When you eat (and especially when you eat sugary or starchy foods) a sticky coating called plaque can form on your teeth. … [Read more...]

Sometimes stress can really take a toll on our bodies--including our teeth. According to the National Sleep Foundation, one survey shows that around eight percent of adults grind their teeth at night, and some of us may not even realize we’re doing it. But teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can really weaken your teeth, cause headaches and pain in the jaw--and can also be a sign of broader health problems. So it’s essential to identify and address teeth grinding with your dentist’s … [Read more...]