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I Lost my Dental Insurance!
Occasionally we get a call from a patient who wants to cancel their cleaning appointment because they have lost their dental insurance. If you have been a regular patient and your teeth are in good shape, the worst thing you can do is try to save money by avoiding preventive care. If you do not…
Read MoreDiet A Big Factor In Controlling High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. It is measured in millimeters of mercury and recorded as two numbers-systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes between beats). Both numbers are important. Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. But when it stays elevated over time,…
Read MoreBurning Mouth Syndrome Still A Mystery
Burning mouth syndrome affects about 1.3 million Americans with the large majority being postmenopausal women, and it still remains a medical/dental mystery. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the tongue or other areas of the mouth. Once the oral burning sensation starts, it usually persists for many years. Pain is the chief complaint…
Read MoreStraighten Out and Smile Right
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on aligning the teeth and jaws when they’re out of position. This imbalance often occurs when the growth of one jaw doesn’t keep pace with the other, something that can be inherited or caused by habits like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting. These factors can contribute to…
Read MoreCan Teenagers get Gum Disease?
Can Teenagers Get Gum Disease? Gum disease might seem like something only adults get, but the truth is it affects people of all ages. In fact, TeenHealth.com reports that 60 percent of 15-year-olds have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Other studies show that teenage girls may be even more vulnerable to gum disease…
Read MoreIs Oral Piercings Safe?
Oral piercings, whether on the tongue, lips, or cheeks, have become a popular form of self-expression among teens and young adults. But just because they’re trendy doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. The mouth is a warm, moist environment, making it the perfect place for bacteria to thrive. As a result, oral piercings come with a heightened…
Read MoreNitrous Oxide: A Quick Fix for Dental Fear
Sometimes it’s not enough to have a great dentist, caring dental staff and soothing office environment – you or your children may still feel anxious about dental visits. That’s why many dentists use nitrous oxide; it helps calm patients of all ages – from timid tykes to anxious adults. Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing…
Read MoreXylitol: The Tooth Friendly Sweetener
Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and taste like sugar. It is found naturally and can be extracted from birch, raspberries, plums, corn and mushrooms. Technically it is not a sugar but a sugar alcohol that is sometimes called wood sugar or birch sugar. Our bodies produce up to 15mg everyday as part…
Read MoreIt’s No Laughing Matter Or Is It?
Dentists often hear, “Don’t take this personally, but I don’t want to be here.” Or, “I’d rather give birth than go to the dentist.” Dental visits are anxiety producing for some individuals and result in uncomfortable stressful situations. The good news is that we have the “cure.” It’s been used safely for over 100 years…
Read MoreWhat are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer people an alternative to the traditional ways of replacing missing teeth. The actual implant is an artificial root [anchor] made from synthetic material, usually titanium metal. There are three phases to the implant process. First, the dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. It takes 3-6 months to fuse with the…
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