Dealing With Dental Anxiety

Do you feel nervous in the dental chair? You might be surprised to know that approximately 20% of people have some dental anxiety, and that for a small percentage, perhaps 8%, their fear is enough to keep them out of the dental chair altogether, unless there is a real dental emergency. Avoiding the dentist can lead to bigger problems, of course, and …

Baby Teeth: What to Expect

As a new parent, you probably have a lot of questions. While your pediatrician will be able to answer these during regular checkups (and occasionally over the phone when you need reassurance or advice), it can be helpful to know what to expect as you go about the monumental task of raising your baby into a child and beyond. One part of your child’s …

New to the Area? How to Choose a New Dentist

If you have recently moved to the area, you undoubtedly have to find new physicians, a new hairdresser, maybe a new daycare center for your children… and a new dentist. It would be easy to simply promote ourselves as your new dentist of choice, but it’s important that every patient find a dentist who meets his or her needs. Here are some …

Pain Control at the Dentist’s Office

Many people get nervous when they hear that they have to have a filling or a root canal. Some even get anxious when it’s time for a cleaning. While there are many reasons for dental anxiety and fears, one common reason is that people are afraid to feel pain. Lying back in a dental chair is a vulnerable position, and we understand that you are …

Dental Myths: How Many Did You Believe?

Any branch of health care has its share of myths that many patients believe, and dentistry is no exception. Sometimes the culprit of incorrect information is a faulty website or article in a magazine; other times it’s just common lore passed down from generation to generation. The good news is that your dentist is a fountain of knowledge and can …

Jaw Pain: What Could It Be?

Have you ever woken up with pain in your jaw? Or maybe you’ve had pain that developed over a few days that you could not pinpoint. Is it your ear, your neck, your jaw, or a tooth? Here are some reasons your jaw might hurt, along with some tips on what to do about it and when to call a dentist or doctor. Swimmer’s Ear One surprising reason …

Recovery After a Tooth Extraction

Having a tooth extracted is usually without complications. When you have your extraction done, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you a list of things to be aware of. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what to expect before the surgery, if possible; when you are recuperating, it’s easiest to have what you need within easy reach. Here …

Breastfeeding and Your Baby’s Teeth: What You Should Know

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that new mothers breastfeed their babies for the first year of life and through the second year (or beyond) if mutually desired. Some moms stop nursing once their babies get teeth, but many women continue to breastfeed their toddlers. If you are planning to nurse (or if you are already nursing) your toddler …

Fun Facts About Dental History

With today’s modern toothbrushes, including the electric type, dental floss and painless dentistry methods, it can be easy to forget where we came from, dentally speaking. Take a look at these fun facts about the history of dental care. Toothbrushes From Swine Hair? Way back during the Tang Dynasty in China, the hog-bristle toothbrush was invented. …

Lose Weight and Strengthen Your Teeth With These Foods

Swimsuit season is coming up quickly now that the groundhog didn’t see his shadow! You’ve heard the saying, “you are what you eat,” and you already know that making healthy choices can help you look better in your bathing suit (and your regular clothes, too!) and keep your heart, lungs and the rest of your body in good shape. Did you also know …