Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Contrary to the name, these teeth do not add to your wisdom or intelligence in any way. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge to complete a full set of adult teeth. Many patients are surprised to learn that wisdom teeth do not typically erupt until the late teen years, typically between the ages of 17 and 21. It is said that wisdom teeth were named due to the age the teeth erupt.
Now that February has arrived, we know many of our patients are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones. We have another important event that we recognize in February — Gum Disease Awareness Month. You may be surprised to learn that approximately half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Although this disease is common, it can be preventable. Read on to learn ways that you can combat gum disease.
You might be surprised to learn that the state of your oral health plays a pretty important role in your overall health. Your oral health can give clues or warning signs that there are other concerns that need to be monitored throughout the body. This is one of the reasons that dentists are so passionate about routine oral care. During hygiene examinations, our team looks for indications of oral health issues and can also recognize the warning signs inside your mouth that point to a potential problem with your overall health, meaning that a visit to your primary care physician may be in order.
Do you avoid talking closely with others because you are self-conscious about your breath? It is not uncommon to experience bad breath from time to time, especially after consuming certain foods and beverages such as garlic or coffee. However, if you find that you are constantly reaching for mints or chewing gum to mask the odor of your breath, you may be experiencing a condition that requires a visit to our office. Continue reading to learn more.
Do you cringe each time your teeth come in contact with something extremely hot or cold? If so, you are most likely experiencing the effects of sensitive teeth. Sensitivity is a common issue that many people experience from time to time. The problem arises when it happens continuously and you find yourself avoiding certain foods to avoid the sensation.
Did we recommend a treatment during your last hygiene examination and you have hesitated to schedule the appointment? We know that schedules are busy and it isn’t hard for time to get away from you. It happens to us too, but we want to encourage you to keep the future of your oral health in mind and schedule your appointment today. Delaying treatment, even if it is a minor procedure, can result in the need for additional treatments and added costs down the road. Read on to learn more about why needed dental treatments should not be ignored.
Have you recently experienced discomfort in your mouth and are unsure of the cause? Or maybe you had a dental emergency and were stunned to learn the cause of the damage. You might be surprised to learn that many of our patients have bad habits that can cause considerable damage to their oral health. A bad habit is a repeat pattern that can lead to negative results. We wanted to take a moment and share some bad habits that you may not realize are affecting your teeth. Continue reading to see if you are guilty of any of these bad habits.
We recommend that our patients visit our office at least twice a year for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning. During these appointments, we not only thoroughly clean and polish the teeth, but we also inspect all parts of the mouth for other diseases. One disease that we check for is gum disease, which affects more than half of American adults. Gum disease is a serious infection in the gums that is caused by bacterial growth along the gumline and around the base of the tooth.
At Smile Dental Clinics, we believe in trying everything we can to save your teeth. We don’t like to see our patients dealing with extreme discomfort or recurring dental issues. Patients never like to hear that they need dental treatment, and they dread learning that they need a root canal. We are here to tell you that, while the root canal may have a bad reputation, it should be a treatment that is celebrated. It does two important things—eliminate discomfort and save your tooth.
We know that this past year has been difficult for a variety of reasons. Routines and schedules have been changed and flexibility is often required at a moment’s notice. Between work and school, it has been overwhelming for many to fit everything in. We know that many of your appointments have been cancelled or postponed over the past year, and we want to encourage all of our patients who have not visited our office within the past 6 months to schedule their next hygiene appointment today. Continue reading to learn why.
