What is a cavity? A cavity is a breakdown of healthy tooth structure by bacteria found in the mouth. When you eat foods high in sugars or carbohydrates, bacteria found on your teeth and in your saliva eat them too. These bacteria break down sugar as food and release acid as a byproduct. This acid,…
DetailsFor most patients, dental benefits renew each January, while others renew on an enrollment date or fiscal year. Studies have shown under 3% of PPO dental plan members use all of their allotted benefits each year. This could mean thousands of wasted hard-earned dollars per family. Most traditional dental benefit plans have yearly maximums and…
DetailsBeing a parent is awesome. But for those trying to teach their children good oral hygiene habits, the struggle is real. It can be a trying time, but it’s one of those necessary skills that your child will take with him or her into adulthood. Fortunately, there is a grab bag of ideas to help…
DetailsSpoiler alert:You’re never too old for a perfect smile or relief from jaw joint discomfort. Lack of access to proper dental care and economic hardship are two reasons parents don’t get their children’s teeth straightened. Or maybe some issues develop later in life. But times are changing, and with many dental benefit plans now covering…
DetailsTrick-or-treating is a much-loved tradition and one of the only “holidays” that registers on a child’s radar. Being out at night, dressing up, and the thought of pillowcases full of candy are all part of the allure of the spookiest night of the year. However, the awareness surrounding allergies and the shift toward healthier eating…
DetailsWith Halloween quickly approaching, the stores are already full of costumes and candy. If you have braces, Halloween can be like looking in the window of a haunted house – you want to go in, but you know you shouldn’t. Popped brackets, broken wires, and the risk of cavities sound like a horror movie in…
DetailsPregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but it is also full of a seemingly endless list of do’s and don’ts. Thankfully, there have been incredible advancements in the dental field that help make your dental experience while you’re expecting more pleasant. Between morning sickness and the excitement of pregnancy, it can be challenging…
DetailsWhat is an Abscess? An abscess is an infection. There are two types of dental abscesses. A periapical abscess, which happens at the root of a tooth and a periodontal abscess which happens in the gum. A periapical abscess can occur when decay gets into the nerve chamber, killing the nerve and pulp tissue. Sometimes…
DetailsLittle has changed design-wise in the 2,000-plus years since toothbrushes have been around. Even the Ancient Babylonians knew the importance and attractiveness of clean teeth. From their thin, frayed-end twigs to the hog-hair bristled bamboo brushes used by the Chinese in the 15th century, they all have the same general shape and function. Since the…
DetailsNot all dental cleanings are created equal. Find out why some hygiene appointments cost more than others and learn how you can save time and money in the dental chair. A “regular” cleaning is clinically called prophylaxis or a prophy cleaning and is a preventative measure to prevent periodontal disease. It includes removing plaque and…
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