Category: Patient Education

A Few Words About Gum Contouring and Gum Care

For most of us, when we think of smiles and oral health, the first thing that comes to mind is teeth. There’s no doubt that preventive care helps keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. But the teeth don’t do it alone! Without the support and attractive frame of the gums, teeth would be… Read more »

How to Overcome Bruxism

Neglecting your oral health by refusing to brush and floss your teeth is a sure-fire way to destroy your smile. Sometimes, though, you can expose your teeth to damage in a much subtler manner, such as through unconscious habits that can destroy your tooth’s structure. One such habit, called bruxism, involves the grinding of one’s… Read more »

Drawbacks of Metal Amalgam Tooth Fillings

For over 150 years, the tooth filling of choice has been metal amalgam—a mixture of liquid mercury, silver, tin, copper, and sometimes other metals. While amalgam has proved an inexpensive and adequate solution to filling cavities, there are many disadvantages to amalgam fillings that are alleviated with the use of newer, composite resin fillings. Comprised… Read more »

The Danger of Not Treating Cavities

Cavities are the most widespread (and among the most uncomfortable) dental diseases that can afflict your smile. The tragedy among the 90% of adults in America who’ve had to deal with tooth decay and cavities is that the disease is highly preventable with proper dental hygiene and regular professional maintenance. Nevertheless, many people don’t seriously… Read more »

3 Dangerous Gum Disease Myths

It’s an unfortunate fact – and one that most dentists bemoan – that most people just don’t take gum disease very seriously. It doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort in its early stages and it doesn’t get as much attention in popular media as cavities. And that’s too bad because gum disease is a very… Read more »

What Everyone Should Know About TMJ Disorder

Because it is the most common dental health issue, most people are aware of tooth decay, its relation to cavities, and its potential effects if not treated. However, many issues besides decay and cavities can affect the integrity of your oral health, even if few people are aware of how serious such issues can be…. Read more »

What Can Porcelain Veneers Do to Improve Your Smile?

Unless you are already looking for ways to improve your smile’s appearance, you may not realize how popular porcelain veneers have become. As one of the more versatile cosmetic dentistry enhancements, veneers are designed to address a multitude of issues and blemishes at once. They are also designed to closely imitate the natural look, color,… Read more »

Is Gum Contouring For You?

You may have heard of cosmetic bonding and contouring regarding your teeth, but have you heard of gum contouring? Although you may not think so, your gums contribute to the esthetics of your smile. If your gums are too red, receding, or just plain unhealthy looking, your smile will be too. However, if your gums… Read more »

There Is No Need For An Incomplete Smile

There are several reasons people lose their teeth. The major reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease which is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Illness, medications, and aging can all lead to eventual tooth loss. You may get teeth knocked out while playing sports or in a car accident, a bike accident, or due… Read more »

Do You Have Questions About Mouthwash?

Do you use mouthwash or are you one of those individuals that refuse to use it for any number of reasons? Mouthwash can be controversial. Some claim it even causes cancer. To others mouthwash is a convenient and easy fix and they won’t leave the house without using it. Which are you? Different mouthwashes claim… Read more »