Lauri Barge, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Do you like coffee? What about tea or wine? All these drinks have one thing in common—they’re full of tannins that discolor teeth. Other habits like smoking can also accelerate the staining process. When stains build up, you may want to brighten your smile, and this is where teeth whitening treatments come in. However, some patients have sensitive teeth afterward.

This phenomenon is perfectly normal, but it could put some patients off treatment. If you’re curious as to the cause of the sensitivity, continue reading.

Anyone who’s ever worked out consistently is well aware that fitness has a season. Gyms start filling up at the start of the year, or maybe around the start of summer as people get ready to hit the beach.

However, there’s no wrong time of year to start getting in shape. If you’ve been considering starting a workout routine, now is as good a time as any to begin.

That said, for the sake of your oral health, you should probably consider a few things before you hit the gym. Here are a few ways that getting into shape could start to affect your smile, and what you can do to make sure that doesn’t happen.

In one moment, an accident can happen, resulting in a serious dental injury and same-day visit to your emergency dentist’s office. The entire experience can be stressful, which is why you naturally want to protect your smile at all costs. That starts with a solid at-home oral hygiene routine and extends to biannual checkups and cleanings, but is there anything else you can do? Turns out, there is! Here are four things your dentist never puts in their mouth (and that you shouldn’t either).

On the surface, a blood pressure screening seems like it has nothing to do with your teeth or oral health. You might be thinking, “Why does my dentist have to take my blood pressure?” as you’re sitting in the dental chair waiting for your doctor. You already get your blood pressure checked during your annual physical, and this isn’t a medical clinic, it’s a dentist’s office. However, having your blood pressure taken is an essential component of every appointment. Here are 4 reasons your dentist takes your blood pressure.

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that there are very little rules outside of meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time and taking good care of your trays so you don’t misplace them. But what happens if you accidentally lose your Invisalign aligner? Is this an orthodontic emergency? Should you move onto the next tray in the series? Here’s the answer.

There are many steps you must take if you want to be able to protect your teeth for life. In addition to keeping them clean by brushing and flossing every day, you also need to eat the right kinds of foods to keep them healthy. And when it comes to maintaining strong teeth, there’s one nutrient in particular that you should make sure that you’re getting plenty of: calcium.

Have you ever wondered if dental problems can be inherited? The link between genetics and oral health has been a subject of interest for many researchers. It turns out that your pearly whites may indeed have a genetic component. While oral hygiene habits and environmental factors play significant roles, studies suggest that certain dental issues can run in the family. Keep reading as we explore the fascinating relationship between genetics and imperfect teeth, shedding light on how your family history may impact your oral health.

When you’re walking down the street, your smile is often the very first feature that strangers will notice—which is part of why there’s been a recent surge in the popularity of cosmetic dentistry! But while it’s true that a bright and white smile will capture the gaze of those around you, did you know that smiling also unlocks several notable health benefits that contribute toward your overall wellness? Here’s more from your dentist about four of these unique advantages.

If you’re ready to love the smile you see in the mirror, your first step is to find a dentist to revamp your pearly whites. Although you’ll find many reputable dentists, not all have undergone advanced training in aesthetic services. Here’s why you should consider investing in a cosmetic dentist instead of going to a general practice.

(more…)

You use your teeth all day, every day. Whether you’re talking, laughing, eating, smiling, or even just holding your jaw at rest, your teeth are supporting everything you do.

That said, how much do you really know about them? Millions of Americans are dealing with oral health problems, and many of them aren’t even aware. Considering how important your teeth are, it’s a good idea to know what sort of conditions you might have to deal with.

In that spirit, here’s a guide to some of the most common oral health problems, and what you can do to prevent them.