Timberlake Dental

Toothpicks, Ice Chewing and Other Bad Habits

We all have bad habits.  Some of these just waste our time, but others can actually be harmful.  In dentistry, we worry about habits that can damage your teeth and gums.  This blog will highlight some of the most common bad habits we see and the damage they can cause. Toothpicks Good old fashioned wooden […]

Professional Fluoride Treatments: What You Need to Know

At Timberlake Dental, we practice preventive dentistry.  This means we give our patients the tools they need to prevent dental problems.  One of the most important tools of preventive dentistry is the application of a professional fluoride treatment. Professional fluoride treatments, also called “varnish”, pack a punch that you cannot get from using fluoride toothpaste […]

Activated Charcoal and other DIY Teeth Whitening Trends

You have probably seen it as you scroll through your Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest feed: do-it-yourself teeth whitening.  The trend of attempting to whiten your teeth with “all-natural” or over-the-counter ingredients and without the endorsement of a dentist has gained widespread popularity in recent years.  It’s no surprise that everyone wants whiter teeth.  Our goal […]

Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)

If you have never had a mouth ulcer, thank your lucky stars!  They are terribly painful and interfere with eating, speaking, and brushing your teeth.  The most prevalent type of mouth ulcer is an aphthous ulcer, and it is commonly referred to as a canker sore.  Aphthous ulcers are unusual in that, even now in […]

Over-the-Counter Products We Love

At Timberlake Dental, we understand that not all people have the same dental problems.  Because of our unique, individualized approach to risk management in dental care, we often give our patients specific recommendations for dental products that improve oral health in a specific area of risk.  We strongly believe that each person should use a […]

Retainers: What You Need to Know

Straight teeth do not stay straight on their own.  They need help to keep their position.  Retainers do just that.  They retain the position of teeth in their correct place. Why Do I Have to Wear a Retainer? If your teeth have been straightened, you must wear a retainer regularly to keep them straight. If […]

Are Energy Drinks Bad For Your Teeth?

Energy Drinks Red Bull gives you wings, but it may also give you cavities.  Energy drinks are defined as “any of various types of beverage that are considered a source of energy, especially a soft drink containing a high percentage of sugar and/or caffeine or other stimulant”.  The most common brands of energy drinks sold […]

Athletic Mouthguards

People say that having children involved in sports is expensive.  In dentistry, we commonly see one of the most expensive aspects of sports: injuries.  The bad news is that the injuries themselves are sometimes unavoidable.  The good news is that the damage to the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks and jaws associated with sports injuries is […]

Is Flossing Really That Important?

Let’s talk about flossing. We know.  No one wants to floss.  Recent statistics show that Americans can be roughly divided into thirds when it comes to flossing habits.  Just under 1/3 of the population floss every day.  Just over 1/3 of the population floss sometimes.  And the rest admit to never flossing.  Never.  That hurts […]

Xylitol: A Sugar that is GOOD for Your Teeth

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 […]