Is it a sensitive tooth, or a cavity? If you’ve experienced a flare of pain when sipping a latte or taking a big bite of ice cream, you might be wondering about the difference. Tooth sensitivity ranges from annoying to outright alarming, since no one wants to suffer while eating their favorite hot and cold foods. But by understanding the... read more »
Tooth pain is, well, a pain. Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most common causes of oral discomfort, affecting nearly 60 percent of patients between the ages of 20 and 40. For people with gum disease, that number can range from 72 to almost 100 percent of patients. This unpleasant condition can make it hard to enjoy a cold cone... read more »
Holiday parties, family get-togethers, and long-distance Zoom calls: ‘tis the season for spreading a little warmth and light during the darkest month of the year. As we get together with our friends and loved ones after another challenging year, it’s natural we all want to look our best. But are your teeth ready to smile bright this season, or are... read more »
The end of the year brings a tide of annual reflection, holiday joy, and excitement for the future--but did you know it also means the end of your yearly dental benefits? If you have a dental benefits plan or a flexible spending account (FSA), you should plan to use your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the... read more »
There’s a chill in the air, the leaves are turning gold, and winter’s rains have already rolled in. With Halloween just around the corner, many neighborhoods are putting the finishing touches on their spooky decorations and stocking up on candy for the big night. But as you load bag after bag of sugary treats into your shopping cart, you might... read more »
Swollen belly, swollen feet, and now--swollen gums? Pregnancy has many unexpected effects on the body, some of them amusing and others just downright unpleasant. But many people don’t even think about the ways that an impending little one can impact our teeth and gums. A change in gum health is common during pregnancy. Bleeding gums is a good indicator that... read more »
Tartar is the enemy of a beautiful smile. Any time it’s been a little too long between dental visits, you can be sure it’s building up on your teeth. And once you learn what tartar is, you’ll probably be even more eager to get rid of it. Any time you eat or drink, the bacteria in your mouth mix with... read more »
No matter the circumstances, getting a tooth extracted is rarely much fun. Even though the worst is probably behind you once a dentist removes your tooth, practicing proper aftercare will help your mouth heal up quickly. Of all the questions people ask after this procedure, the most common one is simple: “After a tooth extraction, what can I eat?” While... read more »
“My tongue burns!” We’ve all been there. No one enjoys the feeling of scalding their tongue on a hot cup of coffee, but what about when your tongue starts burning for no reason at all? If you’ve experienced a painful burning sensation on your tongue with seemingly no cause, you might have burning tongue syndrome. While experiencing discomfort or pain... read more »
Tooth stains and discoloration are the bane of anyone who values a bright and brilliant smile. Based on the number of tooth-whitening products on store shelves, most people do. From whitening toothpaste to special kits, DIY tooth whitening is all the rage. But despite products showing up in every dental hygiene aisle, the promised results are often too good to... read more »