Dispelling Dental Myths – What you don't know can hurt you!

Dispelling Dental Myths – What you don't know can hurt you!

(Part One) Over my 40 years in dentistry I have encountered many myths about oral health that are just not true. In the next series of blog posts, I hope to put these myths to rest and give you the facts you need to make informed decisions about your oral health. Welcome to dispelling dental…

Tooth Whitening Foods – Can Some Foods Really Whiten Your Teeth?

Tooth Whitening Foods – Can Some Foods Really Whiten Your Teeth?

There may actually be some truth to this according to recent studies. There were five foods reported that may help keep your teeth healthy and white when incorporated into your diet: Steak. It may be a stretch, but according to the American Dental Association, the phosphorus in steak protects tooth enamel and bone. It’s known…

Canker sores versus cold sores. Do you know the difference?

Canker sores versus cold sores. Do you know the difference?

Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores as they are more commonly called, are annoying ulcers that can affect anyone. Not to be confused with cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus and which I will address in an upcoming blog, stress of one type or another often precipitates aphthous ulcers. They can arise…

Auto fluorescence imagery – Amazing technology aids early detection!

Auto fluorescence imagery – Amazing technology aids early detection!

The next time you are in the dental office for your check–up you may notice that we are using a new intraoral camera to help detect the presence of dental plaque and caries (tooth decay). In addition to serving as a regular intraoral camera, the SoproLife camera by Acteon utilizes a unique auto fluorescence imagery…

Wisdom Teeth: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

Wisdom Teeth: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

A recent article in USA Today reintroduced the age old question of whether or not to remove those pesky third molars, also referred to as wisdom teeth. This can be a complicated decision based on one’s individual situation and I would, therefore, like to add my perspective. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of…

Tooth decay prevention – Without question, the best way to treat it is to prevent it!

Tooth decay prevention – Without question, the best way to treat it is to prevent it!

Is tooth decay prevention really possible? We believe it is by sticking to a diet that does not promote decay and by performing our home care procedures adequately. (Anyone reading this post who has been a patient in our office, knows that we give homework!) Occasionally, however, we still come across situations where tooth decay…

What is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and Why Should You Be Concerned?

What is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and Why Should You Be Concerned?

(Hint: Think Desert) One of the most serious problems facing the dental profession today Is dry mouth (xerostomia). First of all, let’s look at what produces dry mouth. There are actually many reasons you could experience dry mouth including: Dehydration Medications – there are over 400 medications that create dry mouth as a side effect…