We put a lot of thought into our teeth. Are they white enough? Are we doing enough to keep them clean and prevent cavities? But oral health isn’t just about our teeth. Our gums are the anchors for our teeth, and keeping them healthy is essential. If you have painful or bleeding gums, it’s time to pay attention. Here’s a look at warning signs to be aware of: What Are Bleeding Gums Telling Me? Bleeding gums set off alarm bells for most of us. They’re often an indication of gum disease, which we … [Read more...]

Mouth sores can range from mildly irritating to extremely painful, from harmless white spots to open sores or precancerous lesions. If you get one, don’t panic, there’s a good chance it will go away on its own. But if it sticks around, it’s time to call your dentist to rule out oral cancer. Like so many oral health problems, tobacco products are often a root cause. If you use tobacco, the new year is a great time to stop. What Causes Mouth Sores? The causes of mouth sores can range from … [Read more...]

Mask breath has been one of the unexpected wake-up calls from the COVID pandemic. Keeping ourselves and others safe by wearing a mask is essential. But it’s also causing many of us to realize that we have bad breath. Keep in mind that face coverings don’t actually cause bad breath. Instead, they put us in a position where we’re getting up close and personal with our own halitosis. There’s nothing like re-breathing our own air in a restricted space to give us an idea of just how bad things are. … [Read more...]

Toothaches used to be something people just accepted. We lived with pain until it got so bad we had to take action. Unfortunately, there are a few folks who still feel that way today. We might be hesitant to go to the dentist, embarrassed about oral hygiene, or have other concerns. Sometimes we wait too long to get a toothache checked out. But how do we know when it’s time to see the dentist and when to ride it out? What Might Be Causing My Toothache? A toothache can stem from something as … [Read more...]

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...]