While the vast majority of dentists are honest, ethical practitioners, it’s an unfortunate fact that certain aspects of dentistry make the profession more vulnerable to fraud than others. The subjective nature of dental diagnosis, as well as general lack of in-office oversight, mean that it’s easier for an already-unethical dentist to go bad—and harder for him or her to be...

As the winter holidays approach, you are probably taking steps to stay warm and safe at home and on the go. Cold weather affects everything, including your teeth. Below are some ways the winter months can affect your oral health, and what you can do to take care of your smile this season. ​Risk of Dry Mouth Dry, cold weather...

We all know how important it is to brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent gum disease and cavities. However, since most children struggle long-term thinking, convincing them to brush their teeth can sometimes be an uphill battle. Below are some tips to help convince your child that tooth brushing is a fun, rewarding, normal activity. Get...

Fear of the dentist is so common that it has its own name—odontophobia—and is estimated to affect about 15% of Americans, or about 30 million people. Dental phobias can be serious, because they can prevent a patient from going to the dentist altogether. This causes a vicious cycle in which the individual, who has avoided dental care due to fear,...

Having straight teeth isn’t just a cosmetic thing—it also benefits your health by strengthening your bite. Straight teeth are also usually easier to clean, which helps stave off cavities. If you’re wondering which tooth-straightening option, braces or Invisalign, would be better for your teeth, that’s a question that only your dentist can help you answer. However, here are some reasons...

Your baby’s first tooth is certainly a milestone, so it’s not surprising that many parents want to preserve this very special keepsake for years to come. Rather than simply storing the tooth in a box, here are a few more ideas you can use once the Tooth Fairy has come and gone. Put it in a shadow box Instead of...

For most patients who are nervous about an upcoming dental procedure, the procedure itself is just one aspect that’s worrying. The prospect of anesthesia, whether local or general, can be pretty scary too. Not to worry—there is nothing to be afraid of. Here’s everything to know about dental anesthesia from a Charleston dental office. When Dentists Use Anesthesia You might...

Now that we have discussed the initial steps of a dental implant procedure, it’s time to talk about what you will experience during the remaining steps. Step 4: Drilling into the jaw bone This is the part of the implant process that tends to make patients very nervous. And it’s true; there are some significant, yet rare, risks. However, in...

If you’re recovering from dental surgery, or have been placed on a soft diet for another type of medical issue, we are guessing you are getting pretty tired of mashed potatoes and applesauce. A so-called “bland diet” doesn’t have to be bland, so here are some fun soft-food recipes to spice up your menu. Cheesy scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs with...

We all want what’s best for our kids, especially when it comes to their health. Unfortunately, the conversation about dental hygiene is awash in myths and misinformation, especially when it comes to kids. Here are some things you may have thought about pediatric dental care that just aren’t true. Myth: Children don’t need dental care, because their baby teeth will...