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...