Whether “back to school” means getting your kiddo ready for the semester ahead or returning to your university’s campus, you should also start thinking about oral care. After all, they’re called “winning smiles” for a reason! Pristine pearly whites make for a good first impression, which is important for dazzling peers and potential employers alike. Plus, preventative dentistry can save you and your family from distracting dental disasters like tooth decay and gum disease. Keep reading to learn how to best stay ahead of the curve!

You’ll find no shortage of information about dental implants online—in fact, it can be a little bit overwhelming. The consensus is that they are great in every possible way: they look natural, are extremely strong, and can last for decades. This causes many people to ask, “Well, why don’t I just replace my healthy teeth with dental implants…they seem better anyway!”

However, that’s NOT the case. Keep reading to learn why protecting and preserving your natural teeth is always the wisest decision.

Part of the difficulty in taking charge of your oral health is in fully understanding everything that dentistry entails. TMJD is an excellent example; most of the problems related to the condition happen under the surface. Moreover, TMJD affects joints that aren’t easily visible. This makes getting a good sense of the symptoms related to the condition, its underlying causes, and even what you can do to stop the disorder from becoming worse quite difficult.

For example, if you have TMJD, you might wonder how chewing gum could affect you. Will it make it better? Worse? If you’re curious, here’s what you should know.

Amalgam fillings have long been trusted for cavity treatment, but their conspicuous appearance and potential discomfort have prompted a move towards more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. Tooth-colored fillings, crafted from composite materials, present an appealing option for those desiring a more natural appearance. This shift signifies a preference for improved aesthetics and recognizes the broader advantages of modern alternatives. Delve into the reasons why opting for tooth-colored fillings is a choice worth exploring.

If you’re unhappy with your smile because of problems like chipped or stained teeth, cosmetic dentistry might help. But it’s crucial to fix any oral health issues first, like gum disease. Gum disease therapy is important because it makes sure your teeth have a strong and healthy base for any cosmetic treatments you might want later. Let’s explore why gum disease therapy is necessary before cosmetic dental work.

Have you noticed that your gums are puffy or red? Do they bleed when you brush and floss your teeth? You’re experiencing early signs of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Although the symptoms might not appear too concerning, they can quickly lead to tooth loss with no treatment. Not to mention, gum disease can also affect your health negatively. Here’s what you should do if your gums are red or inflamed. 

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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is not confined to the gums alone. Its effects can extend beyond oral health in many ways. Perhaps the most baffling and self-image-damaging way is how it can change your face shape if left untreated. But how could something like a bacterial infection cause your facial structure to change? Keep reading to find out.

Chipped teeth are common and seemingly minor dental injuries, but neglecting to have them addressed by a dentist can lead to major complications for your dental health. A chip can be caused by injuries such as those due to falling or teeth grinding. Even though a minor chip can be entirely painless, chipped teeth do not heal on their own and require the attention of a dentist. Here’s why you should see a dentist as soon as possible if one of your teeth is ever chipped.

If you suffer a dental emergency, don’t panic! Although you probably never expected it to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency annually. If you’re like many people, your first thought might be to head to the closest hospital, but that may not be the best idea. Here’s why you should skip the ER and contact an emergency dentist.

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A lot of the time, it’s hard to get patients excited about dental checkups. They sometimes feel like they’re going through the motions, or like they’re going through some effort for what feels like no tangible benefit.

However, the truth is that there’s a lot more that goes on at a regular checkup than you might be aware of, especially if you haven’t been to one in a while. Here are a few things that happen during your typical dental exam that you might not have keyed in to.