Summer is a wonderful time of year for rest, relaxation, and exciting activities. While it’s important to have fun and get exercise during the hotter months, it’s wise to be mindful of the dental injuries many summer pastimes can cause so you can take measures to prevent them. Here’s a short list of favorite summer activities that can damage your teeth along with a few ways to minimize these risks while you enjoy your fun in the sun.

While everyone knows that dentists are quite concerned about the health of your teeth and gums, many may not realize that their lips play an important role in their oral health as well. These facial features play a key role in speech and expression while also protecting the teeth from dry mouth and the outside environment. Here’s why your lips may be especially vulnerable to sunburn and what you can do to keep them healthy.

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are the gold standard solution. They offer durability, functionality, and a perfectly natural appearance. However, supporting them requires proper oral hygiene. Flossing is especially important with dental implants to ensure the longevity of your new smile. If you’re looking for tips on the best techniques to use, continue reading!

If you’re longing for a straighter smile but don’t want to have metal brackets bonded to your teeth, you’re in luck! Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional braces that can reposition your grin more discretely. It uses transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to gently reposition them, instead. Your dentist will provide new aligners every 1-2 weeks to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. Treatment often can be wrapped up after about 12-18 months, making this both a highly effective and popular option.

However, it’s important to care for your aligners properly so they can continue to shift your teeth as intended. Keep reading to learn about 3 ways to keep yours in excellent condition!

Dentures are made of high-quality materials to look and feel realistic. With the proper care, they can last for 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced. Besides keeping them clean, relining your dentures regularly will promote their lifespan and ensure a snug fit. Here’s what you can expect when having your dentures adjusted. 

(more…)

If you have crooked, cracked, chipped, discolored, misshapen teeth, or minor alignment issues, dental veneers could be the solution for you. These thin shells are placed over the front surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections and enhance your smile’s appearance. While porcelain veneers might be the most well-known option, are there alternatives? Keep reading to discover the different materials used to create dental veneers.

Stains on your teeth may cause self-consciousness about your smile. Although whitening kits and toothpaste are readily available at local stores, concerns arise about the abrasive nature of bleaching agents, which can erode enamel and trigger tooth sensitivity. Hence, you might seek alternatives. One trending option is turmeric, purported to brighten teeth while promoting oral health. But is there any scientific validity to this claim? Continue reading to discover the truth!

If you’ve been living with untreated tooth loss for many years, it’s never too late to invest in a new set of chompers. However, your treatment may be more complex because missing teeth cause your jawbone to shrink. Don’t worry, your dentist has the solutions you need to enjoy a complete, beautiful smile again with dentures.

(more…)

As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of indulging in a festive feast with family grows in your heart and your tummy. While savoring the flavors of the season, it’s important to be mindful of foods that can leave your pearly whites stained and yellow. To reverse the effects, you could get teeth whitening treatments, but if you stay mindful on your turkey day, you could avoid discoloration altogether.

If you want to learn about the most egregious Thanksgiving stain offenders, continue reading.

If you’re looking for a fright, you’ve come to the right place. Here, in the month of goblins, ghosts, and ghouls, you’ll find the dark side of dentistry. These are the truly haunting numbers that can keep you up at night. Prepare to brush your teeth for comfort as you read these frightening oral health statistics.

Continue reading…if you dare.