Patient Education

How to Dispel Dental Anxiety

Of course, we do what we can to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible. But there are also ways to help yourself deal with any anxiety you may have while anticipating treatment. Positive self-talk. Tell yourself, "I can handle this well." Make other positive self-statements, especially about tense situations similar to this with which you coped well. Make positive statements about the dental personnel. You're in good hands. Remind [...]

How to Dispel Dental Anxiety2017-01-17T00:00:57-08:00

Stay Healthy in 2017!

With the new year upon us, it's again time we examine our health and lifestyles, and see how best we can improve and maintain them. Consider some of these easy resolutions that will help you lead a healthier life for years to come. 1. Stop smoking and make this New Year tobacco-free! If you smoke or use other tobacco products, the single greatest thing you can do to improve your [...]

Stay Healthy in 2017!2017-01-03T00:00:39-08:00

Tongue Piercing

A Bit on Body Art In every big city—and down on a lot of farms—"body art" is all the rage. While we begged our parents for discreet earrings, our children are piercing various body parts in surprising places. Lips, tongue, cheeks, even the uvula (the dangling thingie in the back of the throat) are fair game in and around the mouth. Aesthetics aside, how dangerous is piercing, really? First, the [...]

Tongue Piercing2016-12-27T00:00:58-08:00

Do You Commit Tooth Abuse?

Especially for Braces Wearers Do you absent-mindedly commit Tooth Abuse? These are habits definitely off limits for the health of your teeth: Don't chomp on a toothpick—it can wear teeth down and get caught in your braces. Stop chewing your nails, pens and pencils—it's hard on teeth and gums. Leave the ice in your drink? Chewing ice can crack teeth and fillings, and pop wires in braces. Don't consume something [...]

Do You Commit Tooth Abuse?2016-12-20T00:00:17-08:00

Impression Material

What is that goo? Whether you need a new denture, braces, or a single inlay restoration, you'll encounter the "goo" dentists use to make an impression - the first step to a perfect likeness of your mouth. In effect, the material you bite into registers a "negative" image, like a photograph. To make a positive model, a plaster-like "stone" is poured into the impression and allowed to set. And there [...]

Impression Material2016-12-13T00:00:42-08:00

The ABC’s of Vitamins

Here's our Cast List: Vitamin A; the "B's" (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12); Vitamins C, D, E, K, and P. Some, like Vitamin C, are old friends; others, like Vitamin P (bioflavonoids) are more mysterious. What they have in common: all can be found in one or another food source. And all can be taken as "Vitamin Supplements." Here's where the ABC's of vitamins begin to get fuzzy. Not everyone [...]

The ABC’s of Vitamins2016-11-08T00:00:27-08:00

Targeting Teenage Risks

Risk-taking is a normal part of teenage development—and often a growth opportunity for parents, too! Heads up to handling some common dental risks of adolescence so you both stay smiling. Wisdom Comes With Age The wisdom teeth, the third molars, are the last to emerge. They appear in the teen years sometimes two, sometimes three or four, or sometimes none at all. In a too-small jaw, the risk is they'll [...]

Targeting Teenage Risks2016-09-13T00:00:36-07:00

When Prescriptions and Dentistry Don’t Mix

Some prescribed drugs and dental surgery may not be a good mix. You might not think that what your MD prescribes—and what your dentist does for your mouth's well-being—are closely related. But both are significant. If you are contemplating upcoming dentistry like a tooth extraction or an implant, it may be helpful to review which prescribed drugs you are taking for other problems. Two red flags, here: prescription drugs for [...]

When Prescriptions and Dentistry Don’t Mix2016-08-16T00:00:09-07:00

Dead Toothbrushes

A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you're probably doing more harm than good if your brush has seen better days. All dead toothbrushes should be given a decent burial. If you have doubts about the life left in your toothbrush, bring it in at your next appointment, and we can assess the damage. We've seen a [...]

Dead Toothbrushes2016-08-02T14:27:09-07:00

Fluoride, it’s for Life

If your goal is healthy teeth for life, then you need fluoride. It ensures newly formed teeth are strong; prevents plaque, caries, and gum disease; and protects roots that get exposed as gums recede over time. This essential mineral is present in what we eat and drink, but a healthy diet doesn't supply enough for a gleaming smile. Instead, it's essential to apply it topically and drink fluoride-rich water. In [...]

Fluoride, it’s for Life2016-07-19T00:00:34-07:00
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