It’s an old fable that going to the dentist while pregnant puts a developing baby and expecting mother at risk of complications. But is there any truth to this old wives’ tale? Why is Dentistry Important During Pregnancy? If you’re pregnant or are conceiving, maintaining proper oral hygiene as part of a healthy lifestyle is an essential factor in overall health for you and your unborn child. There are a few key reasons, mainly because the mouth is a significant entry point to the digestive system and blood vessels into the body. Therefore, oral health can be a powerful indicator...
How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays and Why?
Dental X-rays are a long-standing modern diagnostic tool in dentistry. They provide important insights into your oral health, which your dentist cannot see with the naked eye during a visit. But if you’ve been to the dentist lately and they said, “Ok, this time we need an X-ray,” you may wonder if it’s necessary. But dental X-rays are an essential line of defense in your overall oral health journey for a few clear reasons. What is a Dental X-ray? Dental X-rays (radiographs) are similar to a “normal X-ray” of other body parts like an elbow. They image teeth, jaw bones,...
What Can I Do If I Grind My Teeth While Sleeping?
Many people unknowingly grind their teeth while asleep at night. It can be for many reasons, including stress, anxiety, bad dreams, etc. If you grind your teeth, it should be addressed with a professional dentist, as it can lead to serious oral health problems in the future. One problem with determining if you grind your teeth during sleep is that you may not even know you do it if you don’t wake yourself up from the sound of a clenched jaw scraping teeth together. For this reason, seeing your dentist regularly can detect issues like this before they become seriously...
Why Invisalign is Better than Traditional Braces at Any Age
Invisalign and traditional braces are orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth and improve dental alignment for patients of all ages. Both options will produce the desired straighter teeth and realigned bite positions, but they get there in slightly different ways. As the name suggests, “Invisalign” is an “invisible” teeth alignment treatment option typically preferred by patients and dentists alike. Let’s find out why. Invisalign has Some Clear Advantages Over Braces One of the most significant advantages and selling points for Invisalign is that it is more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal and porcelain braces. They are not truly 100% “invisible,”...
When is it Time to Change Your Dentist?
Going to the dentist can be a personal experience. Many of us went to the same dentist as our parents if living in the same area, but knowing when it’s time to change your dentist can be different for everyone. It could be a change in ownership or new staff that you’re unfamiliar with, or a geographic location that makes it unsuitable to travel. There are lots of reasons to change your dentist. Let’s examine why some people switch dental practices and when is the right time. Relocation is a Common Reason to Change Dentists If you’ve been seeing the...
8 Reasons Daily Life Damages Teeth & Gums Over Time
Daily life can contribute to the gradual damage of teeth and gums over time due to various factors. This is for multiple reasons, from diet to genetics, oral hygiene routine, and even your activity level. Everything is connected in the body, and our teeth are so significant throughout life. Poor oral care can lead to weakened gums, leading to tooth decay or worse. Here are some common ways daily activities can impact oral health. Poor Oral Hygiene Habits Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up on teeth and along the gumline. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, leading...
Exploring Treatment Options for Cavities: A Guide to Dental Care
Cavities are a common issue affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and economic standing. When left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, discomfort, further deterioration of tooth structure, and even total loss. However, proper treatment and preventive measures can restore oral health and maintain a bright smile throughout life. This article will delve into various treatment options for cavities and why they are essential. Importance of Early Detection During a routine check-up, the dentist identifies the presence of cavities and categorizes them into different stages. Early detection is vital in preserving tooth structure and preventing further decay. By promptly addressing...
Dental Implant Surgery Restores Smiles with Precision
Patients suffering from missing teeth understand the difficulties of chewing or smiling publicly. It’s common for patients to feel a negative mental health toll and self-consciousness when smiling with missing teeth. Luckily, dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by offering a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. Patients can reclaim their confidence with a smile full of teeth for those where an implant is possible. Here we’ll look at the details of dental implant surgery, its benefits, and the factors that make it worthwhile. What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials such as titanium...
Essential Guide to Healthy Gums and Avoiding Oral Consequences
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, and one of the most vital aspects of oral health is caring for your gums. Gums help your teeth stay in place and help prevent painful issues like exposed nerves or holes between teeth. Neglecting your gums can lead to severe consequences, including gum disease, tooth loss, and systemic health issues like Cancer. But knowing how to care for your gums properly and the importance of gum care isn’t taught in schools. Most people think they are “brushing their teeth” because of how it is phrased. But more important than brushing your...
Periodontal Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Dental Treatment
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a common oral health condition affecting millions worldwide. An inflammatory disease that primarily affects the gums and can lead to severe dental problems if left untreated. Knowing the signs, causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is essential to ensure healthy teeth and gums throughout life. This is even more important if gum disease runs in your family history. Common Causes of Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is typically caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, in areas between the teeth, the roof and mouth floor, etc. When plaque, an adhesive...