cariogenic car·​i·​o·​gen·​ic | \ ˌker-ē-ə-ˈje-nik , -ˈjē- \ adjective producing or promoting the development of tooth decay1 Did you know that some foods are more likely to cause cavities than other foods? If a certain type of food is highly cariogenic, it has a high potential for producing or promoting tooth decay (aka caries, aka cavities). What Influences Cariogenicity? Here are the biggest factors: How long a food is kept in the mouth The physical form of the food (liqu

Have you ever had a dental emergency and not known what to do? Taking immediate action before visiting your dentist can prevent the issue from getting worse and sometimes even save your tooth. Take a look at the 6 most common dental emergencies and what you can do about them! 1. Chipped, Cracked or Broken Tooth If your tooth has been chipped or broken, save any pieces of the tooth you can to show to your dentist. If you are bleeding, apply gauze to the affected area for about

Do you floss before or after brushing? Which one should you do first? This was actually a topic of much good-natured debate among dentists for a long time. But one thing all dentists always agreed on was that it wasn’t the order that mattered so much as doing both every day! Recently, a small 2018 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that flossing first had better results! So, why exactly is flossing-then-brushing better than the opposite order? From the stu

Have you been told that you need a root canal? Not to worry! Although root canal therapy has an old (and very outdated) reputation for being painful, modern dentistry means that most patients find getting a root canal no more painful than getting a filling! Root canal therapy today involves state-of-the-art technology ─ including digital radiographic imaging, ultrasonic instruments and operating microscopes ─ which helps us accurately and precisely diagnose, locate, visualize

Each year throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the American Dental Association brings together dental health professionals, caregivers, parents, and teachers to give children the best start on oral health. This year’s NCDHM theme is “Water: Nature’s Drink.” Let’s explore how and why water is so important for good dental health! What Water Does for Your Smile Strengthens Your Teeth - Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest things you can d

As the saying goes, “you are what you eat” - and there’s no better place to see this than in your mouth! Many of the foods and drinks that we consume actively encourage the growth of bacteria-laden plaque in our mouths, which is a main factor in the development of cavities (aka tooth decay). And if you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque eventually hardens into tartar, which contributes to gum disease and can only be removed with special tools by a dentist or hygienist. L

Dental crowns, veneers and bridges are functional and beautiful restorative solutions for people with a wide range of dental issues! They protect your original teeth from damage while also looking wonderfully natural, because they are custom-made to match or enhance each patient’s individual smile. Although they are typically crafted from durable porcelain, they still need some care and upkeep to ensure that they last as long as possible while still looking great. Here are so

2020 is almost over, finally! It’s been an extremely strange and challenging year, but we’re ready to turn the page and start a new, brighter chapter in 2021. Check out our suggestions for a New Year’s Resolution to help you kick off 2021 with a healthier, happier smile! Floss! The truth is, we always know when our patients are fudging the truth about how often they floss - the proof is all over your gums and teeth! Sticky, bacteria-laden plaque is constantly forming on and b

‘Tis the season for lights and merriment, friends and family, and delicious food and drink! Though the holidays may look a bit different this year, we’ll still be celebrating safely with virtual gift exchanges and gatherings, and by choosing our holiday feasts and eating habits wisely. We’ve put together a little guideline on how to keep your mouth happy and healthy this holiday season, check it out below! Be Picky if it’s Sticky, Sweet or Starchy While eating nearly anything

Do minor dental imperfections make you afraid to smile? Tooth reshaping, aka dental contouring, may be right for you! There are actually a lot of different names for it - enameloplasty, odontoplasty, stripping, slenderizing - but they all refer to the same simple cosmetic dental procedure that can fix slightly imperfect teeth quickly, painlessly and affordably. How it Works: Tooth reshaping is a simple and painless procedure. Your dentist uses tools like drills, lasers or pro

A lot of patients come to us seeking a small but significant change in the appearance of their smile. Chips, misshapen teeth, and small gaps between teeth can all be fixed easily and affordably with cosmetic bonding. What is Cosmetic Bonding? Cosmetic bonding uses a composite, tooth-colored resin, which your dentist custom-matches to the shade of your natural teeth or the shade you desire. The composite resin is applied and shaped directly on the tooth, then cured with a spec

For children and adults alike, Halloween means great fun, creative costumes, pumpkin carving, spooky decorations -- and lots and lots of candy. In fact, 25% of the U.S.’s entire annual candy sales are made around Halloween. Don’t let this holiday be a scary time for your teeth; follow these tips to keep your fangs healthy, happy and cavity-free! Tip #1: Choose healthier candies Avoid or cut down on sour, sticky, chewy and hard candies. Sour candies are high in acidity, which

Wish you had straighter teeth, but don’t want a mouth full of metal brackets and wires? Invisible aligners could be a great choice for you! Invisible aligners are a custom made series of snug-fitting clear aligners that gently straighten your teeth over the course of several months, and are virtually undetectable when worn. Who Can Use Invisible Aligners? Invisible aligners are an excellent option for older teens and adults. Children and younger teens are usually not good can

Beyond their picture-perfect appearance, an even smile is way more important for mouth health than you might think! Straight teeth provide the ideal conditions for oral health in so many different ways, and can have positive social and psychological impacts, too. Let’s take a deep dive into the many ways straight teeth benefit our health. Decreases the Risk of Tooth Decay and Gum Disease Straight teeth are easier to clean than crooked teeth, and an improperly cleaned mouth le

Gum disease may be very common and have quite serious and permanent consequences if left untreated, but it is also very treatable at nearly every stage! Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many treatment options that can halt the disease’s progress and even reverse it entirely. The treatment type your doctor will recommend depends on the stage of gum disease. Treatment For Early Stages (Gingivitis) Gingivitis is usually very easy to heal and eliminate with good oral hygiene

Did you know that 1 in 2 American adults have some stage of gum disease? Besides causing permanent tissue, bone and tooth loss if left untreated, gum disease is also linked to numerous other health issues throughout the body including heart and lung diseases, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and pregnancy complications. The good news is that gum disease is nearly entirely preventable with good oral hygiene and care, and usually can even be reversed with appropriate care and treat

Does your child have cavity prone teeth - or for that matter, do you? Our back molars are particularly susceptible to tooth decay settling into their many crevices, especially in children with developing teeth. And sometimes, even the most avid brushers and flossers simply have weaker tooth enamel, or higher susceptibility to the type of bacteria that causes cavities, or crooked or crowded teeth that are harder to clean. Fortunately, there is a simple and affordable treatment

Do you frequently have jaw pain, trouble chewing, or experience recurrent jaw clicking or popping? You may be suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Disorder - a common condition that affects over 35 million people in the U.S. Often abbreviated TMD or TMJD, this disorder affects women more than men - in fact, about 90% of all TMJD sufferers are women in their childbearing years. A number of factors likely contribute to this imbalance, including: stress, hormonal differe

You’ve just received your new set of custom-made dentures, and are eager to have back your old (or improved!) smile -- congratulations! Like getting a new pair of stiff leather boots, dentures take a bit of adjustment, or “breaking in” time. It’s normal to experience some discomfort as one gets used to new dentures, but it won’t last forever. With a bit of practice, patience and care, soon enough you will be smiling, eating, and speaking with ease and confidence again! Feel a

denture[ den-cher ] / ˈdɛn tʃər / noun an artificial replacement of one or several of the teeth (partial denture), or all of the teeth (full denture) of either or both jaws; dental prosthesis.1 When one sees the word “denture,” more likely than not what comes to mind is a full set of upper and lower artificial teeth in gum-colored base. But dentures actually come in many different types and forms, and can replace anywhere between one missing tooth and all the teeth on an arch