Category: whitening

Teeth develop white spots for several reasons, some more serious than others. A lot of times we wonder if they’re a cosmetic issue that will go away, or if they’re indicators of a bigger health issue. A lot of times white spots are a loss of mineral content in the enamel. This loss of mineral content is the result of a buildup of acidity in the plaque on our teeth. Acidity comes from the foods and drinks we consume but is also a byproduct of the bacteria in our mouth, which creates more acid when we consume carbohydrates. Another common cause of a white spot is trauma to the tooth during development.

Besides being a cosmetic concern for many people, these white spots can actually result in the deterioration of teeth. In fact, the first evidence of tooth decay is a white spot lesion, meaning that the tooth’s enamel has been compromised, leaving an opaque, chalky white spot.

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January 19 is National Popcorn Day – Be Sure to eat Smart Snacking.

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Baby teeth or “milk teeth” play a vital role in a child’s physical, emotional, and social development for many reasons. Unfortunately, many parents are under the impression that since they fall out eventually, it’s not crucial to take care of baby teeth.

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Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people from all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. In the U.S. alone, 34.2 million people, or 10.5% of our population, have diabetes. Of those, an estimated 26.8 million people are diagnosed while another 7.3 million people have this disease but have not yet been diagnosed.

Those diagnosed with diabetes monitor many aspects of their daily lives to keep them healthy, including glucose levels, diet, activity, and more. But did you know that those with diabetes are at higher risk for periodontal disease? That’s why those with this disease need to ensure a good daily oral health routine and visit the dentist twice a year. Read on to learn more about diabetes and oral health.

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Knowing what to do (and what not to do) during a dental emergency will prepare you in case your child chips, cracks, or knocks out a tooth.

It’s important to know that no matter what the dental injury is or how small it may appear, your child will need to be evaluated by a dentist to ensure that there is no additional damage or injuries to the mouth, surrounding teeth, and jaw.

Sometimes the child may not even notice or be in pain, but other times if a large part of the tooth has been chipped or if the tooth is knocked out altogether, it can be painful for them.

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It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed the way we live. Our daily schedules have been disrupted, the stress we’re experiencing is very real, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight quite yet. These changes have taken a toll on us both emotionally and physically, and I’ve seen this firsthand with my patients.

Recently there was an article posted highlighting the uptick in tooth fractures during COVID-19 . I can tell you that this is accurate, and I have seen many cases where stress has caused damage to patients’ mouths, including cracked and broken teeth.  

Cases of tooth trauma due to stress increased at the very beginning of COVID-19 in April and May then tapered off a bit over the summer. However, cases are on the rise again with kids going back to school and parents working to keep them focused while struggling to manage their own workload.

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Into the Digital Age: Digital Dentures

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, around 24% of people ages 65-74 and 31% of people over the age of 75 are edentulous, and thus require replacement of all their teeth.* For many, they choose to replace their teeth dentures.

You may have ideas of what a denture is and is not and what the process is for creating and delivering a denture. Some patients struggle with adapting to dentures while others have worn the same pair for over 30 years. However, whenever a new pair is needed, both groups know that it takes a lot of steps to get the final prosthesis. Digital dentures are the future of creating a more predictable denture with fewer steps, saving you time between appointments and resulting in a better product!

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Many people have been trying to form better habits while they stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic including eating healthier, working out more, self-reflecting, and more. However, I still have plenty of patients that come in and ask…

I brush my teeth twice a day, so why do I still get cavities?

While the answer to this question is different for everyone, there are still some general principles about cavity formation that I share with my patients that can help address this concern:

1. How do cavities form?
2. How can you help your teeth re-mineralize?
3. When is the best time of day to brush your teeth?

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Fluoride is one of the most discussed topics when it comes to the world of dentistry. You’ve probably heard a bit on both sides of the spectrum: one, that fluoride is not necessary, and the other, that it is good for your oral health.

Continue reading “Fluoride: Friend or Foe?”