Talking About Your Dental Budget

Money can be a sensitive topic, and when you need a lot of dental work done, you might be worried about your budget. Dental work can get expensive, but if you are able to talk to your dentist or treatment coordinator about your dental budget, you can likely get the work you need done while maximizing your insurance benefits and making arrangements to …

What Kind of Toothpaste Is Best for You?

A shopping trip to buy toothpaste will lead to a lot of choices in the dental care aisle. Most people simply grab the brand they’re accustomed to buying and cross the task off of their to-do lists. But are you using the toothpaste that is right for your specific needs? Here are some pointers to consider the next time you find yourself needing …

Summer Foods for Healthy Smile

Popsicles, ice cream, hot dogs, and slushies… those might be the typical foods you think of when you imagine summertime. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying summertime treats in moderation, you know that they’ll do a number on your teeth (and your waistline!) if you eat them unchecked. Take a look at this list of healthy summertime …

Heart Disease and Your Oral Health

Did you know that your heart health and your oral health are related? It’s true: People with certain oral health problems can be at a higher risk for heart problems. Also, your dentist might detect issues that can indicate that you should have your heart checked. Since many Americans have gingivitis or gum disease and since heart disease is a …

How to Get Whiter, Brighter Teeth

When you look in the mirror and smile, do you cringe because your teeth aren’t as white as you think they should be? It’s true that an adult’s teeth are not going to be as white or bright as a child’s teeth, in most cases. Also, if you are wearing dark-colored lipstick, you will often notice that your teeth look more yellow or …

TMJ: Is Yours Causing You Pain?

The temporomandibular joint, often called the TMJ, is the joint that connects your jawbone to your jaw. Some people have pain in the area that can be related to the joint itself. These types of issues can be caused by arthritis, jaw injuries, years of clenching and grinding, or unknown causes. Read on to find out if the discomfort you’re experiencing …

Are You At Risk for Developing Oral Cancer?

Cancer: The word strikes fear into the hearts of many, and with good reason. Most people know someone who has been affected by this insidious group of diseases. One type of cancer that can be detected by your dentist is oral cancer. This can include cancer of the face, neck, sinuses, throat, gums, lips, or cheeks. You might not realize it, but a cancer …

Problems With Your Tongue

Your tongue is responsible for a lot of functions in your mouth, but chances are good that you really don’t think about it… until it’s giving you a problem, that is! We tend to take it for granted that our tongues will help us speak, chew, and swallow. When it’s swollen, painful, or looking different than it usually does, however, …

Thumbsucking: What Parents Should Know

The majority of babies suck their thumbs, and most kids outgrow it at some point before they trek off to kindergarten. Some parents, however, find it annoying or worry that their children will permanently damage their teeth. The good news is that most of the time, thumbsucking is nothing to worry about. The bad news is that sometimes it can cause damage. …

Is Your Pain a Sinus Infection or a Toothache?

You’ve woken up to a throbbing feeling in your upper jaw, and you are pretty sure it’s a toothache… or a sinus infection. Should you make an appointment with your doctor or your dentist? Because the roots of the upper teeth are often close to the sinus, the origin of the pain can be confusing you and making you unsure of what’s …