Stressful situations—like public speaking, a job interview, or a first date—can make almost anyone’s mouth go dry. But for some it’s more than just an occasional nuisance. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition that can have complications for both oral and overall health. There are solutions for dry mouth. Relief can come in...
Just as brushing and flossing protect teeth from tooth decay, bite guards and mouthguards protect them from other outside forces that can harm them. They are devices that cover teeth to form a protective barrier, shielding them from cracking and chipping. Bite guards and mouthguards are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. They might also...
What makes a great smile? Straight, white teeth, of course. But don’t forget about the gums. The size and shape of gum tissue can impact the overall look of a person’s mouth. Some opt for laser gum reshaping, a surgical procedure that can correct the gumline. Gums that come down too low can create what’s...
Clear aligners have a definite appeal for straightening teeth compared to traditional braces. They’re generally less noticeable and work faster. Since 1997, Invisalign has been the industry leader in alternatives to braces. But there’s a newer product, on the market since 2018, that has caught consumer’s attention. It’s called byte, and patients are wondering which...
A few years ago, the National Association of Dental Plans reported that about 74 million Americans had no dental insurance coverage. Anyone in that group understands the struggle of finding and paying for affordable dental care. Good oral care is important in many ways, and goes beyond just having a clean mouth and nice teeth....
There are plenty of reasons why some patients avoid the dentist, and we’ve heard them all. Anxiety about pain or dreading the cost are common concerns. So is simply failing to make time in a busy schedule. And the recent COVID-19 pandemic has added a new excuse to the list. No matter what is coming...
Haven’t been to the dentist in years? It’s actually not that uncommon. According to a 2018 survey cited by the American Dental Association, only 58% of the people polled saw a dentist once a year or, as the association recommends, every six months. That means that the other 42% haven’t been to the dentist in...
One CDC report estimates that one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children in that age group. Unfortunately, that means that most kids will get a cavity sooner or later. The good news is...
It’s not surprising that many people cannot afford to see a dentist without insurance. This is especially true for patients on Medicaid, and it means having to find a dentist who accepts Medicaid. According to the American Dental Association, 38.5% of kids get dental coverage through Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and 10.3%...
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. But it’s not indestructible. Under enough pressure or force, teeth can chip. Luckily, there are several ways that a dentist can fix a chipped tooth and restore a smile. Things that Chip Teeth Biting down on an ice cube or hard candy might seem harmless,...