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...

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...

Fluoride has been added to community water systems in developed countries for about 70 years. While some the safety and effectiveness of fluoride has been questioned, most evidence shows that fluoride is a safe, healthy way to improve dental hygiene. Here is some more information on fluoride and its effects on teeth. Remineralization Fluoride protects your mouth in a couple...