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Archive:
- 2021
- March (6)
- A New Dental Pain Management Approach Reduces the Need for Narcotics
- Why Early Dental Visits Could Brighten Your Child's Dental Health Future
- Frequent Sinus Infections? Take a Trip to Your Dentist
- This Minor Dental Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for an Infant
- Evidence Mounting That Vaping is Hazardous to Your Oral Health
- The Causes of Chronic Jaw Pain Might Be Similar To Fibromyalgia
- February (7)
- Don't Avoid Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- Eating the Right Kind of Carbs Can Help You Avoid Gum Disease
- The Different Types of Dentures
- How You Can Help Your Smile Stay Attractive as You Get Older
- 4 Tips for Improving Daily Brushing and Flossing
- Are You at Risk for Tooth Decay? Answer These Questions To Find Out
- Here's What You Need To Know About Dental Insurance and Choosing a Crown
- January (6)
- Tips for Winter Tooth Sensitivity
- Hockey Season Is Upon Us - Is Your Star Athlete Ready With Mouth Protection?
- Although Challenging, Cleaning Around Implants Boosts Their Longevity
- Flexible RPDs - a Sound, Temporary Way To Replace Missing Teeth
- Help Your Dentures and Your Health by Taking Them Out at Night
- Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
- 2020
- December (7)
- Change the Appearance of Your Teeth With Veneers
- Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
- 3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Sound 'Smile' Investment
- Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
- Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
- Two Major Causes for Implant Failure and How You Can Prevent Them
- An Oral Irrigator Could Make Flossing Easier for You
- November (7)
- Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
- Today's Dentures Are More Secure and Comfortable to Wear
- A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
- 4 Things You Can Do To Protect Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
- What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
- A RPD Could Be Your Answer to Replacing Missing Teeth
- October (6)
- Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
- Use Appropriate Hygiene Products for Maximum Smile Protection
- How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
- 4 Ways Saliva Protects Your Mouth Against Disease
- Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
- Your Teeth Don't Grow Like a Squirrel's, So Protect Them From Excessive Wear
- September (6)
- Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
- Want to Improve Your Athletic Performance? Try Tuning Up Your Dental Care
- Take These Steps to Alleviate Chronic Dry Mouth
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
- Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
- Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
- August (6)
- Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
- We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
- Don't Forget Brushing and Flossing Even During Summer's Dog Days
- Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
- How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
- July (7)
- Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
- These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
- Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- Floss First or Brush First? You Be the Judge
- Have Fun This Summer But Play it Safe for Your Dental Health's Sake
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- June (6)
- That Odd 'Lacy' Mouth Sore is No Cause for Alarm
- Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
- Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
- A Little Dairy Can Go a Long Way for Maintaining Healthy Teeth
- Prevention and Early Detection of Root Cavities Could Save a Tooth
- Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
- May (7)
- This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
- 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
- A Retainer-Like Device can Preserve the Space Left by a Lost Primary Tooth
- Maintaining a White Smile
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- Tooth Troubles for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
- 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
- April (7)
- 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
- Why and How to Save a Diseased Tooth
- Avoid Becoming a Dental Injury Statistic - Get a Custom Mouthguard for Your Young Athlete
- Think Twice Before Considering Botox for Chronic Jaw Pain Relief
- Developing a Good Oral Care Routine
- Facial Nerve Pain Can be Controlled
- Diabetes Can Make Getting an Implant Difficult, But Not Impossible
- March (6)
- Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
- Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
- 3 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
- Ease Your Child's Discomfort During Teething
- Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
- February (6)
- What to Do For Mouth Injuries Your Child Might Encounter
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- See Your Dentist to Find out the Real Cause for Your Tooth Pain
- Wearing Dentures 24/7 May Not Be a Good Idea - Here's Why
- It's Best to Avoid This Online Trend for Your Enamel's Sake
- Why Gum Disease Could Affect More Than Your Oral Health
- January (7)
- 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Smile in the New Year
- Importance of Dental Health for Children
- Keep an Eye on Your Young Children's Fluoride Intake
- No Matter When the New Decade Begins, Be Sure You're Partnered With Us for Your Dental Care
- Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
- Dental Care During Pregnancy is Safe and Essential
- 4 Things to Do to Keep Your Child's Dental Development on Track
- 2019
- December (6)
- Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
- Certain Osteoporosis Drugs Could Pose a Future Risk to Your Dental Health
- 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
- 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
- New Materials Add Strength to Veneers' Beautiful Life-Likeness
- Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
- November (6)
- Vaping Could Be Just as Harmful to Your Teeth and Gums as Smoking
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- Fluoridated Drinking Water Helps Curb Tooth Decay Safely
- 4 Foods That Are Good for Both Your Mouth and Your Body
- Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
- October (7)
- Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
- Certain Treatments for Osteoporosis Could Complicate Oral Surgery
- Are Dentures Right for You?
- There Are a Lot of Bacteria in Your Mouth but Only a Few Mean You Harm
- 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
- Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
- Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
- September (6)
- How Early Dental Visits Can Improve Your Child's Oral Health
- Periodontal Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Another Episode of Gum Disease
- Facial Nerve Pain can be Managed with Effective Treatment
- The Digital Revolution Is Transforming Implant Therapy
- Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
- Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
- August (7)
- Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
- Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
- You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
- Smoking Could Increase Your Gum Disease Risk
- You May Need to Postpone an Upcoming Dental Visit if You Have Shingles
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- July (6)
- Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- You can Get Relief from Facial Pain
- Simple Steps to Follow if Your Child has a Toothache
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
- June (6)
- See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
- Anchorage Tools Help Orthodontists Correct Complex Bite Problems
- Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
- 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
- What You can Do to Stop Sugar from Harming Your Health
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- May (7)
- Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
- 'Prepless' Veneers can Transform Your Smile Without Altering Your Teeth
- You May Not Need a Narcotic to Manage Post-Dental Work Pain
- Let Dental Implants Keep Your Smile Healthy
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
- An Implant Restoration Could Prevent Bone Loss
- April (6)
- A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
- To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
- Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
- Keep up Regular Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- March (6)
- Spring Into Better Oral Health
- A Traditional Bridge Might be the Right Solution for Your Missing Teeth
- 4 Common-Sense Tactics to Lower Tooth Decay Risk Between Dental Visits
- No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- 3 Things You Should Know About Teeth Grinding
- February (6)
- 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
- Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
- Test You're Brushing and Flossing Success with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- January (7)
- 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- How Fillings Make Your Smile Healthy Again
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable Going to the Dentist
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- 2018
- December (6)
- NSAIDs Could be Just as Effective as Narcotics Managing Dental Pain
- What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
- Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
- Protecting Primary Teeth from Decay Helps Ensure Future Dental Health
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- November (6)
- Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
- 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
- October (6)
- Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
- A Topical Fluoride Treatment Could Protect Your Child from Tooth Decay
- 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
- Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
- September (7)
- Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Gets Started with Daily Oral Hygiene
- August (7)
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Replacing a Tooth or Saving it - Which Should you do?
- 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
- July (7)
- Need an Effective but Affordable Tooth Replacement? Look at a Flexible RPD
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- The Importance of Baby Teeth
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- What's So Special About Dental Implants?
- June (6)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
- Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- May (7)
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
- Your Denture Options
- Bone Loss at the Roots can Put Your Tooth in Danger of Loss
- 3 Possible Timing Scenarios for Getting Your New Implant
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
- April (6)
- Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
- Don't Let Sports or Energy Drinks Rob you of Your Teeth's Enamel
- Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance
- Bad Breath in Children
- Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
- Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
- February (5)
- Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
- Dentures Require Planning and Attention to Detail to Look Natural
- You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
- We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
- Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
- 2017
- November (5)
- Paying Attention to Certain Factors Helps Ensure Successful Implant Outcomes
- Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry
- How Effective is Your Oral Hygiene? Find Out with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
- Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
- July (6)
- The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- 5 Things you can do to Improve Your Child's Future Dental Health
- Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
- The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
- You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
- May (5)
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- Could Dentures Be Right for Me?
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Artificial Sweeteners are By and Large a Safe Alternative to Sugar
- March (6)
- Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Why Are Porcelain Veneers Effective?
- Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- 2016
- November (6)
- Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
- Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Teaching Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- July (5)
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
- Thumb Sucking And Your Child's Developing Smile
- Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
- March (6)
- 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
- Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
- 3 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Improves Your Oral Health
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- 2015
- December (5)
- Sleep Apnea and Behavioral Problems in Children: How Your Dentist Can Help
- Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
- Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
- Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- 2014
- September (6)
- New Partial Dentures More Comfortable and Durable Than Older Models
- New Guidelines Issued for Administering Antibiotics Before a Dental Procedure
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 5 Oral Health Care Tips To Remember This Summer
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- Early Detection is Critical to Surviving Oral Cancer
- August (5)
- Our Arsenal of Weapons in the War Against Gum Disease
- Overcome Oral Cancer With Screenings and Lifestyle Changes
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening - Weighing Your Options
- Preserving or Restoring Teeth - Both Paths Lead to Better Oral Health
- 2013
- October (6)
- Health Risks of Oral Piercings
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Treating Thumb Sucking Now Could Reduce Orthodontic Treatment Later
- Patients in Syracuse Seek Veneers to Mask Dental Blemishes
- Loose Teeth - A Sign of Trouble That Requires Quick Action
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
- Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
- Enhance Your Smile Through Teeth Whitening
- How Do Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Youthful Appearance?
- Are Dental Implants Okay For Teenagers?
- Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
- Your Dentist May Be Able To Help You Stop Snoring
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Dentist Blog
Posts for: July, 2019

Ask any kid and they'll tell you just how valuable "baby" teeth really are—out of the mouth, of course, and under their pillow awaiting a transaction with the Tooth Fairy. But there's more to them than their value on the Fairy Exchange Market—they play a critical role in future dental health.
Primary teeth provide the same kind of dental function as their future replacements. Children weaned from nursing can now eat solid food. They provide contact points for the tongue as a child learns to speak. And they play a role socially, as children with a "toothsome" smile begin to look more like what they will become when they're fully mature.
But primary teeth also serve as guides for the permanent teeth that will follow. As a future tooth develops below the gum line, the primary tooth preserves the space in which it will erupt. Otherwise, the space can be taken over by other teeth. This crowds out the intended tooth, which may erupt out of position or remain impacted below the gum line.
In either case, the situation could create a poor bite (malocclusion) that can be quite costly to correct. But if we can preserve a primary tooth on the verge of premature loss, we may be able to reduce the impact of a developing malocclusion or even prevent it.
We can help primary teeth last for their intended lifespan by preventing tooth decay with daily oral hygiene or clinically-applied sealants and topical fluoride. If they do become infected, it may be worth the effort to preserve them using procedures similar to a root canal treatment.
If a tooth can't be preserved, then we can try to reserve the empty space for the future tooth. One way is a space maintainer, which is a stiff wire loop attached to metal band bonded around an adjacent tooth. This keeps other teeth from drifting into the space until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, at which time we can remove the appliance.
Your child may be anxious to get another tooth to put under their pillow. But helping that primary tooth go the distance will be more than worth it for their future dental health.
If you would like more information on the care and treatment of baby teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Importance of Baby Teeth.”

While pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant mothers, it can pose extra health challenges. This is especially true regarding dental health.
Because of hormonal changes that naturally occur during pregnancy, your teeth and gums are at higher risk for dental disease. These changes can increase cravings for carbohydrates, particularly sugar. Increased sugar consumption feeds bacteria found in dental plaque, which is most responsible for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Hormonal changes can also make your gums more susceptible to infection. Conditions may be favorable for a form of gum disease called pregnancy gingivitis, which can begin as an infection in the surface layers of the gums. But like other forms of gum disease, pregnancy gingivitis can advance below the gum line and lead to serious health consequences.
Because of this "pregnancy effect" on your teeth and gums, there are some things to which you should pay heed while you're expecting. First and foremost, keep up a daily regimen of brushing and flossing to remove accumulated dental plaque. You should also control your sugar intake to minimize bacterial growth that can cause disease.
It's also important for you to continue regular dental visits during your pregnancy. Your dentist will monitor your dental health and initiate treatment if you begin to show signs of disease. Besides professional cleanings, your dentist may also prescribe antibacterial mouthrinses to combat bacteria.
As far as dental procedures, essential treatments like fillings, root canals or extractions are usually considered safe to perform during pregnancy. But elective treatments of a cosmetic nature are best postponed until after your baby's delivery.
One last tip: because of the higher risk of tooth decay or gum disease, be on the lookout for any abnormal signs in your mouth. This includes spots on the teeth, tooth pain or swollen, reddened or bleeding gums. If you see any of these signs, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Your teeth and gums are indeed at risk for disease during pregnancy. But daily hygiene, regular dental care and attention to signs of disease can help keep that danger at bay.
If you would like more information on prenatal dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Care During Pregnancy.”

Your teeth are sound and healthy—but appearance-wise, they're nothing to write home about. It's nothing major: a chip, some heavy staining or perhaps a slight gap between the front teeth. But whatever the blemish, it bothers you every time you look in the mirror.
There's an affordable way to improve your smile without a lot of extensive treatment: porcelain veneers. These thin layers of dental porcelain are bonded to the teeth's exterior to mask the blemishes beneath. All you and others can see, though, are beautiful teeth blending seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth.
Changing your smile with veneers begins with a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. During your visit you'll discuss what you would like to improve and how you would like your smile to appear afterward. It's helpful to take along magazine photos or other images of how you'd like your teeth to look.
After making impressions and getting other necessary measurements, your dentist may then be able to show you what your new veneers will look like. One way is through computer software that superimposes your proposed new look onto a photograph of your face. Your dentist may also be able to create test veneers with acrylic or other dental materials and apply them to your teeth. These aren't your permanent veneers, but they can still give you a realistic view of your future smile.
Once your measurements are on the way to the dental lab to custom create your veneers, your dentist must prepare your teeth for bonding. Although veneers are quite thin, they may still appear bulky when bonded to the teeth. To create a more natural look, you'll probably need some of the enamel layer of your teeth removed to accommodate the extra width. Even though this is a small amount, it will permanently alter your teeth and require some form of restoration from then on.
After your veneers arrive, the dentist will attach them with a translucent cement that will bond them seamlessly to the natural teeth. You and others won't be able to see where the veneer ends and the natural tooth begins. What you will see, though, is a new look for your teeth and a more attractive smile.
If you would like more information on porcelain veneers, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Porcelain Veneers: Strength & Beauty as Never Before.”

Each year doctors treat about 150,000 new cases of severe facial pain. If you're one of those people, you don't have to suffer—there are ways to gain relief from these painful episodes.
Those recurring episodes are known as trigeminal neuralgia (TN). As the name implies, the source of the pain are the trigeminal nerves, which originate in the brain stem and extend on either side of the face. Each is divided into three branches (hence the "tri" in trigeminal) that serve the upper, middle and lower parts of the face and jaw.
TN can involve one or more of these branches, resulting in mild to severe pain that can last for several seconds. Jaw movements like chewing or speaking can trigger an episode, as well as a light touch to the face.
There are various proposed causes for TN, including links with inflammatory disorders like multiple sclerosis, which damages the insulating sheathing around nerve cells. The most common cause, though, appears to be a blood vessel pressing against the nerve. The compression causes hypersensitivity in that area of the nerve so that it transmits pain at the slightest sensation.
Other conditions like jaw joint pain disorders (TMD) or a dental abscess can cause similar pain symptoms, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. If your doctor does identify your condition as TN, you may then need a comprehensive approach to treatment involving a team of care providers, including your dentist.
For the most part, TN can be managed, beginning with the most conservative approach to gain relief, often with medications to block the nerve's pain signals to the brain or decrease abnormal nerve firings. If that proves insufficient, though, more intensive treatments are available.
One possible treatment for an impinging blood vessel is a microsurgical procedure to expose the affected nerve and relocate the vessel. While this can be effective, the surgery does carry some risk of facial numbness or decreased hearing. If the risks are too high for conventional surgery, an alternative procedure uses a precise beam of high-dose radiation to relieve the pressure from the vessel.
The most important thing to know about TN, though, is that it is possible to control it and relieve future pain episodes. If you're experiencing these symptoms, see your dentist or doctor for an exam and accurate diagnosis.
If you would like more information on trigeminal neuralgia, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Nerve Disorder that Causes Facial Pain.”

"Mom, my tooth hurts" isn't something you look forward to hearing your child say. But tooth pain is as common as other childhood ailments, so you may have to face it. Here are a few simple steps to make it easier.
First, ask your child where in the mouth it hurts and, if they can, tell you how long it's been hurting. Children's memories aren't always accurate, but you can still get a general idea that you can communicate with your dentist if you take them in.
Next, look in their mouth for anything out of the ordinary: gum swelling or bleeding, or dark spots on the teeth indicative of tooth decay. Look also for hard food particles like popcorn kernels caught between the teeth, which could be causing the pain. Gently floss between the teeth (even if you can't see anything) to remove any caught particles.
You'll also want to help ease their pain. You can apply an ice pack against the painful side of the jaw. Don't place ice directly on the skin, but use a container or cloth alternately against the jaw for a minute or so, and then away for a minute. You can also give them a dose of mild pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen appropriate for their age and weight—but never rub aspirin or other pain relievers on the gums, which tend to be acidic and can burn the skin.
Finally, you'll need to decide if you need to see a dentist and how soon. It might not be necessary with situations like the trapped food particles, but most of the time it's wise to have your dentist perform an examination for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. As to how soon, try to see the dentist immediately if the pain has continued from one day to the next or has kept your child up overnight. Otherwise, book an appointment for as soon as the dentist advises, even if the pain subsides.
A toothache at any age is never pleasant, but especially for children. Knowing these steps will help ease their discomfort and get them the relief and treatment they need.
If you would like more information on dental care for children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “A Child's Toothache: Have a Dental Exam to Figure out the Real Cause.”