How Do Crowns Work?

You may have heard some people refer to a crown as a “cap.” While overly simplified, that is a good basic description of what a crown is. We remove the defective or damaged parts of the tooth and then “cap” it with a replacement that mimics the original tooth structure. However, that description is a [...]

Why Do We Talk When Our Hands Are in Your Mouth?

Believe it or not, it’s not because we like to hear ourselves talk! It’s about trying to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Every member of our staff wants to make you more comfortable during your visit. In fact, our offices – from the reception area to the exam rooms – were also specially designed [...]

Causes of Bad Breath

In an earlier blog post The Battle Against Bad Breath, I talked primarily about food and poor oral hygiene as the culprits. Someone asked for more detail about bad breath causes and what can be done about it, so I’m providing a more in-depth answer this time, including some causes that must be treated by [...]

The Truth About Extractions

Being told that you need to have a tooth extracted is a sore subject (no pun intended) for many people. This is most often the case when it comes to having your wisdom teeth taken out (as so many of us do). Let’s explore the issue some more though.
What Happens During an Extraction [...]

How Periodontal Disease can Affect the Entire Body

The human body is an incredibly complex interwoven machine. It is amazing how imbalances in one area can cause changes in a completely different part of the body. For example, did you know that people living with diabetes have a much higher then normal risk of periodontal disease? According to Seniorhealth.about.com:
Thickening of [...]

The Dangers of Dry Mouth

Do you experience problems swallowing, speaking, have a constantly sore throat, or just feel like no matter how much water you drink, it isn’t enough? Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands are not working properly. These [...]

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Pericoronitis

When someone enters their late teens or early twenties, their wisdom teeth usually begin emerging. At this point, regular dental practice is to remove the wisdom teeth since up to 90% of the population doesn’t have room for them in their mouth. A commonly asked question is “why do we have wisdom teeth if there’s [...]

Premature Births Linked to Gum Disease

If you’re a pregnant woman, it’s very important that you visit your dentist regularly. Evidence suggests that serious gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can cause premature birth and low birth weight. In fact, the risk of having a premature baby is seven times higher for women with severe gum disease.
When women are pregnant, they [...]

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

With so many different toothbrushes on the market, people can get a little overwhelmed. In any drug store, there is an endless array of brushes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Luckily, there are a few simple guidelines that can help you pick out the perfect toothbrush for your mouth.
First of all, most dentists recommend [...]

Dental Care for Baby Boomers

With 76 million baby boomers in the U.S. quickly approaching retirement age, it is natural they may soon be facing many health issues, including dental problems. However, unlike their parents’ generation, baby boomers have grown old with their teeth due to healthier lifestyles, education about health and teeth issues, fluoridated drinking water, and fluoride treatments [...]