Dangers Of Ignoring Snoring

Snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues of your mouth and throat collapse into your airway causing a blockage. A blocked airway can be like suffocating while causing there to be a lack of oxygen to reach your bloodstream. These blockages can happen several times a night, and while it may not cause you to fully wake up, it can disrupt your sleep cycle. Sleep apnea can sound like simple snoring with additional gasps for air. When do you know if your snoring is just snoring or if is a warning sign of OSA(more…)

When Whitening Your Teeth May Not Be Enough

One of the easiest ways to update your overall appearance is to start with your smile. Dull, yellow teeth can make you look years older than you are. In a lot of situations and for a lot of people, a whitening treatment can make a difference. Whether over-the-counter or at your dentist’s office, a whitening treatment can help a lot of people make their smile sparkle. However, there are a lot of situations where whitening your teeth may not be enough to make a change in the look of your smile. Perhaps you have already tried a lot of whitening treatments to brighten your smile with no change in appearance. If you feel stuck with stained or discolored teeth, it may be time to talk to your dentist about what other cosmetic dentistry options may be appropriate for you.  (more…)

I Want To Update My Smile’s Appearance

A perfect smile doesn’t have to be one without any cosmetic blemishes and imperfections. A perfect smile is any healthy smile that gives the feeling of confidence. If you feel self-conscious about your smile or if it has health issues, it is not a perfect smile. There is a common misconception that cosmetic dentistry intends to make your smile look like a cookie-cutter version of the ideal smile. However, there is no ideal smile. Cosmetic dentistry is the art of upgrading your unique smile to one that is healthy and confidence-boosting. Your dentist can help you assess your smile goals and your smile’s needs. The health and the integrity of your smile comes first when it comes to updating with cosmetic dentistry.  (more…)

Tips To Calm Your Nerves And Dental Anxiety

Most dental procedures are not very painful or scary. However, just the thought of being examined by a dentist can make many people feel stressed. A lot of people can get through a dental appointment while having dental anxiety. However, for those people with a severe dental phobia, the thought of going to the dental visit can be terrifying. Dental anxiety, nerves, phobia, etc., can all make people avoid important appointments with their dentist. People with an intense dental phobia can even put off routine care for years and even decades. This avoidance can lead to increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.  (more…)

When Is Root Canal Treatment Helpful?

Tooth decay is a progressive disease that, without treatment, will continue to worsen. If it is detected by your dentist in its earliest stage, tooth decay can be treated and even reversed. Once the decay has broken through the enamel of your tooth and caused a cavity, a filling can clear out the decay, disinfect the tooth, and restore it. However, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay can progress deeper inside the tooth. Root canal treatment becomes necessary at this stage to stop decay and infection. Avoiding treatment often means risking that the tooth infection entering the bloodstream to cause problems for your overall health. Root canal treatment can be the last chance to rescue a tooth from a necessary  extraction. (more…)

Smile Updates For The Spring Wedding Season

Springtime is known as wedding season because it feels like there are weddings every other weekend. Whether it’s your own or it’s someone else’s wedding, you want to look your best when you attend it. Cosmetic dentistry can be a great way to brighten your smile for a spring wedding or any other major event in your life. When it comes to wedding or another important moment altogether, it is important that you plan early. Some cosmetic dental treatments can take more than one visit to upgrade your smile’s appearance, and you want to be sure you have a completed smile well in advance of the big day.  (more…)

The Dangers Of Ignoring Bruxism

Developing a habit can be either be a conscious choice or something that develops without you really realizing it. For instance, nervous habits like drumming your fingers on the desk or shaking your foot while you are sitting may happen without you putting much thought into it. While some habits that you have may be harmless (except to those who may be annoyed by the sound of desk drumming), there are some habits that can cause negative effects on your health. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a common habit that when left untreated can prove detrimental to your dental health. Let’s dive into the effects of bruxism and how you can protect your smile from the potentially destructive habit. (more…)

Sealants And Their Extra Layer Of Protection

Prevention is crucial to your oral health because once a problem starts, it will continue to worsen until it is treated. Unlike other parts of your body, if your teeth are damaged, they cannot regenerate themselves. Every step you can take to prevent a problem from originating in your mouth is a step towards protecting your smile’s health. Dental sealants are not a free pass to stop your other preventive steps, but rather they provide an extra layer of protection. Dental sealants act like armor to protect your teeth against harmful bacteria.  (more…)