When it comes to ruining a smile, a missing tooth is about as bad as it can get. But the problems with missing teeth go way beyond how a person looks or the embarrassment they might feel. The situation can lead to other significant dental problems. Those, in turn, can cause health issues. A gaping...
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for kids. But are they just for kids? After all, tooth decay can still happen at any age. Why shouldn’t adults get dental sealants, too? Instead of asking “can adults get sealants?” (the short answer: They can), a more relevant question is whether the...
Many people add mouthwash to their dental hygiene routine. It can freshen breath and help boost the cleaning job that brushing and flossing accomplish. But what about people with braces? Some may wonder if there are special types of mouthwash for braces, or if it is even a good idea to use it at all....
Dental fillings are the most common and safest treatments for tooth decay. When getting a filling, some minor pain and tooth sensitivity is normal. The pain usually goes away after a few hours, though, but sensitivity to hot and cold liquids might last up to a week. But what if there is severe pain after...
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...
Straightening teeth with Invisalign can give people the confidence to smile wide. But can Invisalign literally widen a smile—meaning, can it move teeth enough that more are visible when a patient smiles? The success of Invisalign at widening a smile depends on the alignment problem of the teeth. When teeth are crowded together, they may...
It’s rare to find a dentist who will provide patients with traditional braces for their crooked teeth. Metal, ceramic, and lingual braces are typically only fitted by orthodontists. But there are other options out there to straighten teeth. Invisalign is one of the most popular and successful. Patients often ask “Do I need to find...
The first Monday of October is observed as National Child Health Day in the United States. First established in 1928, the day is used to showcase the importance of preventing and treating childhood illnesses and injuries. Here at the Dental Health Society, we see National Child Health Day as the perfect opportunity to remind parents...
Believe it or not, today (August 22, 2019) is “National Tooth Fairy Day.” For many of us, the idea of the Tooth Fairy brings all sorts of pleasant memories. Who didn’t love waking up to some money left by a fairy who only wanted our baby tooth in return? For many kids, a visit from...