What is xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants, and it a healthy substitute for sugar. Xylitol is not an artificial substance, but a normal part of everyday metabolism. It is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. It does not break down like sugar (which turns into acid […]
Because of the vast number of mouthwashes available to us today, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. A recent Crest survey found that 52% of Americans say they do not believe that mouthwash and rinses have any health benefits. As dentists, we believe that using a mouthwash is very […]
A lot of people hear this word from their dentist and are not really sure what it means. Have you been told that you have gingivitis by your dentist or dental hygienist? Do you sometimes see blood when you spit your toothpaste out in the sink? This blog will describe what gingivitis is, what it […]
Millions of Americans have special health care needs. When it comes to dental care, these special needs include any physical or mental disability that creates challenges in preventing and/or treating dental disease. This encompasses a wide range of factors, from a mild case of rheumatoid arthritis that makes flossing difficult to severe physical and mental […]
Spring is here. And with it come seasonal allergies. It is very common for dentists to see an increase in “toothaches” during this season. We put “toothaches” in quotes because while the tooth definitely aches, it is not a tooth problem. Many patients will call us with a toothache and come in for an evaluation, […]
What is dry mouth? Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition in which the salivary glands do not function properly. In some cases, there is some limited salivary flow. In others, there is no salivary flow at all. At rest (when not eating), your body is supposed to produce more than 1/10mL of saliva per […]
What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding of teeth or the clenching of jaws. Bruxism often occurs during deep sleep or while under stress. Clenching and/or grinding the teeth can be a subconscious act, meaning you are unaware that you are doing it. Many people clench or grind their teeth when […]
Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Oral cancer is a type of cancer in which these abnormal cells originate in the mouth. Cancer is classified by the original site of abnormal cells. Oral cancer kills approximately one person every hour in the United States. […]
As children grow and learn new things, the risk of injury is relatively high. Toddlers fall down when they are learning to walk. Children have accidents when learning to ride a bicycle. Adolescents suffer trauma when learning to play sports. Accidents and injuries happen. In children, often these accidents involve injuries to the mouth and […]
Yes! We hear this question a lot. Some parents tend to be less concerned about a child’s baby teeth because they know these teeth will eventually fall out. This blog will explore all of the reasons baby teeth DO matter and need to be healthy for the years they are in your child’s mouth. What […]
