October is here and fall has officially begun, bringing with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a time to raise awareness for both and help to prevent problems by monitoring your health and being mindful of your lifestyle choices. Whether you are fighting cancer or dental problems, catching problems in their early stages helps stack the success rate…

If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time, the gaps in your mouth change as the surrounding teeth shift into the empty…

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow back once it is lost. The number one enemy of…

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will look for swelling in the gums or redness and bleeding and even…

The human mouth is a complex system of teeth and other oral structures responsible for helping your process the foods you consume, while also playing a critical role in breathing, speaking and your basic sense of taste. When any part of your mouth is compromised by tooth decay, gum disease, infection or some form of oral dysfunction, it can have a profound negative impact on your quality of life…

Fluoride is a mineral found throughout nature. It has been proven to remineralize the enamel on your teeth, and can also neutralize the acids that lead to tooth decay. Fluoride can also strengthen the enamel on children’s teeth before they erupt. How much fluoride is enough? Before their teeth are erupt, children can absorb fluoride through a healthy diet. Adults and older children benefit from…

Do you have a headache every day? For those of you with a persistent, chronic pounding in your temples that just won’t go away, there may be a connection that you haven’t thought of. Headaches are a common problem. Everybody gets them, and they can be caused by a plethora of things. Poor nutrition can be a factor—lack of a certain vitamin or mineral. A chemical imbalance like hormones can play a…

If you are suffering from facial pain, it could be the sign of a deeper underlying condition. Normally chronic jaw and facial pain can include swelling, tenderness, or headaches that may be associated with other issues. If you are suffering from jaw or facial pain, it is important to understand the causes and treatment plans that can be used It is important that you make an appointment to visit…

Following the placement of a dental bridge for a missing tooth, it’s important to provide proper care to keep the dental restoration in good shape. If a dental bridge becomes loose, it should require prompt care in order to prevent further damage to bridge and tooth. We attach the dental bridge to natural teeth turned into abutments for a very strong bond that can last for years. If you have poor…

Over-the-counter whitening can be beneficial, especially because it can whiten the teeth one or more shades. However, there are also side effects that come along with the treatments, and our dentists, Drs. Roberts and Nuttall, would like to tell you all about them so you know exactly what to expect and so you can properly care for your smile. Although over-the-counter whitening can be successful…