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Acid reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when acid from the stomach moves into the esophagus, causing burning or discomfort in the chest. While GERD is a digestive disease, dental professionals are often the first to notice a potential acid reflux problem in a patient. As stomach acids travel into the esophagus, they sometimes “splash” into…

Through a combination of tooth movement and widening of the jaw, palatal expansion is often part of preliminary treatment by orthodontists. Specifically, expansion appliances create space between the two halves of the upper jaw, or roof of the mouth. This is an important benefit because a wider jaw allows for upper and lower teeth to…

Sports injuries and trauma contribute to the avulsion (displacement) of more than 5 million teeth each year. While there’s obvious injury to the teeth, a blow to the chin can result in trauma to the skull as well, leading to concussion. Both cases can be attributed to the absence or the improper fit of a…

A practice that was once quite rare, performing cosmetic dentistry on children is increasingly common. When it comes to your child’s smile, cosmetic restorations increase function with an aesthetic appeal. Tooth-colored composite fillings are a popular and natural-looking cosmetic option used on children. One obvious benefit to composite fillings is that they require less tooth…

Adolescent years are a special time of peak bone growth, and foods rich in nutrients are essential for teens with busy lifestyles. With the emergence of hormones, inconsistencies in oral hygiene, and meals heavy with carbohydrates and sugar, the mouths of most teens become a playground for bacteria. As research continues to support the link…

Disease, trauma or decay can cause teeth to become damaged or lost. When this happens, a dental restoration is often the answer. Thus, patients find themselves scheduling a series of appointments, spending lots of time in the dental chair, and even taking time off of work. Fortunately, modern technology such as CEREC, allows dentists to…

Dental professionals use a variety of materials to fill in the decayed portion of a tooth. Silver (amalgam) fillings and tooth-colored (composite) fillings are popular choices. Which material is best for you? Here are a few unique differences to take into account. For over 100 years, silver-colored fillings (amalgam) have been the traditional material used…

Are you suffering from persistent jaw pain? What about stiffness, clicking, and locking of the jaw? If so, you may be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, or TMJ. This syndrome affects 20 to 30 percent of the adult population. Ear pain and popping, along with tension headaches could also be indicators of TMJ. Although the…

Unless it gets stuck on the bottom of your shoe, chewing gum has a fairly good reputation. While it is used as a breath freshener for some, others chew gum as a nervous habit or to relieve stress. There are even reports that chewing gum can improve your concentration and focus in an academic setting….

Do you take your gum health seriously? For most of us, we zone in on the look and feel of our pearly whites, but neglect to pay attention to our gums. Your gums are the soft tissues of your mouth that support your teeth. They play a vital role in both your dental health and…