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

Which animal has the largest tooth in the entire animal kingdom? The first animal that might come to mind is perhaps a tiger or lion, and they do indeed have an impressively and intimidating set of teeth! But the animal that hands-down wins this category may surprise you: it is the beautiful, mysterious “Unicorn of the Sea”: the Narwhal! #FunFact: The Narwhal’s Famed Horn is Actually a Tooth --And growing up to an incredible 10 feet long, the narwhal’s tooth easily wins Large

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 had an oral cancer screening lately? We know it sounds scary, but we highly recommend that all adults get regular oral cancer screenings in order to control a potentially much scarier thing. It’s a sad truth that the majority of people who are diagnosed with oral cancers do not survive beyond 5 years, simply because oral cancers so often go undiagnosed and untreated until their later stages. Early detection is key to a higher chance of successful treatment of oral ca

“What can I do to heal quickly after my oral surgery?” Whether it is a wisdom tooth removal, dental implant or root canal therapy, caring for your mouth properly after oral surgery is all-important for healing quickly and without complications. We’ve put together a guideline for basic post-oral surgery care, but as always be sure to follow your dentist’s specific instructions! Take it Easy: After oral surgery, plan to take the rest of the day off because rest is so important

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness on the importance of regular oral cancer screening. Though it may sound intimidating, oral cancer screening is a simple exam that your dentist can perform during your regular dental checkup - and it’s the best way to detect and treat oral and oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the mouth and upper throat) early, while the likelihood of effective treatment and full recovery are best! Sobering Facts about Oral Cancer

“Which is better, veneers or crowns?” We hear this question often, and the answer depends on each person’s unique dental needs and desires. Though porcelain veneers and crowns are both dental restorations with roughly similar processes, design stages, and lifespans (typically 10 or more years with proper oral hygiene and care), they are different in several key ways. A Dental Veneer: -Covers the front of a tooth only. -Is custom-made for your smile and usually made of porcela

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

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

Dental implants have been called the most significant dental innovation of our generation, and it’s easy to see why! They are designed to closely mimic the structure of our natural teeth, from root to crown. With a 98% success rate -- the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options! -- implants are the best long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. When properly placed and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. How Do Implants Mimic Our Natural Teeth?