When we discuss flossing with our patients (everyone’s favorite subject, we know . . .) we often hear this question.  People are hesitant to do something that seems to be causing harm.  We get it.  The most important thing to understand is that your gums should not bleed when you floss. How Flossing Can Make Healthy Gums Bleed That is,[…]

Just like other parts of the body, our teeth age.  There are some things we can do to slow down the aging process, but we cannot stop it completely.  These changes over time affect the way our teeth appear, and they also increase the risk for certain dental problems. Internal Changes The most notable change within teeth as they age[…]

They could be! Chronic headaches are often an indication of a bite problem.  Some people refer to this as “TMJ”, which is actually a misnomer.  TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and most headaches are not directly related to the joint itself.  It has much more to do with your facial muscles. How are Headaches Related to the Teeth and Jaws?[…]

The start of a new year is a time for resolutions and goals.  Many people commit to making healthier choices in the year ahead.  Others resolve to finally do something about _______ (fill in the blank with something you have always wanted to do but have put off for quite some time). One of the most common things we see[…]

One of the consequences of losing a tooth that most people are unaware of is also losing the bone surrounding that tooth.  It is something that few consider when having a tooth removed.  When a tooth is missing, the jawbone that used to surround it begins to shrink.  First, it shrinks in width, and then it begins to shorten in[…]

At this time of year, people take lots of photos.  Thanks to the many filters available in the various sharing apps, you can virtually whiten your teeth.  But what about the way your teeth appear in real life?  If your teeth look yellow, one of these things might be the culprit. External Stains Teeth are naturally a slightly off-white color. […]

In the past, most people believed that a toothache was just a toothache, with little effect on the rest of the body.  A quick search of the news, though, will show you that this is a dangerous myth.  Tooth infections can kill you.  It only happens rarely, but it does happen.  Here’s what you need to know to ensure that[…]

The holidays are a time of family, food and fun.  You may have the chance to see family members for the first time since last year.  Uncle Joe may have gotten some new teeth.  Here’s what to do and what not to do when you notice a family member is sporting a new smile. What Not to Do Many people[…]

Vaping has been a hot topic in the news recently due to the serious medical complications doctors are seeing in teenage patients.  Many people began vaping as an alternative to traditional smoking, assuming it was healthier.  The problem is that vaping attracts a much younger audience than cigarettes do. As time progresses, and more and more people suffer the effects[…]

Hearing the phrase “Just pull it!” makes most dentists cringe.  Why?  Because there are consequences when you lose a tooth.  We understand that some teeth have a hopeless prognosis and must be removed.  We’re not talking about cases where extraction is the only option, and you opt to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant.  The consequences that this[…]