Custom-made mouthguards are widely accepted as an important component of protecting student athletes from orofacial injuries, and new research suggests they may also reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)/concussions. The research, published by the Academy of General Dentistry in the May/June, 2014 issue of General Dentistry, followed 412 male high school football athletes…
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Habits That Can Harm Your Oral Health
Bedtime baby bottles It’s never a good idea to put your baby to bed with a bottle. Little children who go to sleep with a bottle are at a disadvantage when it comes to oral health. They often end up needing to have those baby teeth capped, and the experience can create a fear…
Continue ReadingWhat is a Dental Dam?
A dental dam is a protective layer your family dentist may use when performing a procedure on one of your teeth in order to isolate the specific tooth and prevent risk of infection in other teeth or in other areas of your mouth. A dental dam is a thin square of latex rubber, or silicone…
Continue ReadingDental Sealants
Your family dentist has a treatment that is highly effective in preventing cavities: dental sealants. Sealants are a simple, successful and cost-effective measure your dentist can take to prevent cavities from forming in your teeth. What are they? Dental sealants are a thin plastic film that your family dentist paints on the chewing surface…
Continue ReadingAging and Dental Health – Part 3
(Part 3 of 3) It is important to maintain regular appointments with your family dentist. As we age, we face additional challenges to our dental health. Oral Cancer exams are important This screening includes examination of the head and neck as well as inside of your mouth. Those who drink alcohol, use tobacco, or…
Continue ReadingWhat Is The Benefit Of An Electric Toothbrush?
Why would your family dentist recommend an electric toothbrush? • An electric toothbrush facilitates more thorough oral hygiene. Why is an electric toothbrush more effective? • There is a tendency for many of us to brush TOO HARD when we brush our teeth manually. This can damage the gums and lead to degradation of tooth…
Continue ReadingUltrasonic Scaling as Part of Dental Treatment
What is Ultrasonic scaling? “Scaling” is the removal of hard deposits on the surface of the tooth. When bacteria in the mouth builds up into plaque and tartar on the teeth, it may cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. This can create pockets filled with…
Continue ReadingLaser Dentistry
What is a Laser? A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light or electromagnetic energy onto a specific focal point. Lasers are used in precision drilling, cutting, alignment and guidance. When would my family dentist use a laser in a dental treatment? When this intensely focused energy stream is…
Continue ReadingOctober is Dental Hygiene Month
In honor of dental hygiene month, Jeanine and Jean, our fabulous dental hygienists offer a few tips to enhance your oral hygiene routine: Choose the right tools and use them in the most effective ways: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. This allows easier access to hard-to-brush places, and reduces damage to…
Continue ReadingDental Hygiene Month
October is Dental Hygiene Month. This is a perfect time to call your family dentist to schedule an appointment for routine cleaning and preventative maintenance of your oral health. Why is this important? Regular dental hygiene can prevent most dental disease. Early detection and intervention when there is a problem means it is easier…
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