The Effects Medication Can Have On Your Oral Health

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

We often talk about being mindful of certain foods and habits and how they can have a negative effect on your oral health. You may be surprised to learn that certain things you are taking to help your body and your overall health may be causing problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can have lasting effects on your teeth and mouth that can significantly impact the future of your oral health. We want to share some of the common side effects that medications can have on your oral health.

Does Thumbsucking And Pacifier Use Affect Teeth?

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education, Pediatric Dentistry

Do you have a young child or loved one who is always grabbing for their pacifier or continuously sucking their thumb? During early infancy, and even in the womb, it is natural for a baby to suck their thumb. It is a self-soothing technique and actually helps to teach them about the environment around them. Thumbsucking or pacifier use is also helpful as children transition into the late infancy stage and the early toddler years, as it can also be used as a coping mechanism when a child is feeling anxious or overwhelmed. At a certain age, pacifier use and thumbsucking become problems as it regards their teeth.

Check Your Calendar

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

When was the last time you visited our office for a routine hygiene examination and cleaning? If it has been some time since your last appointment, we encourage you to schedule your next visit today. We know that your life is busy, but the longer you postpone routine examinations, the greater the chance you will experience a dental emergency or some type of oral health complication. Delaying your examination and cleaning can eventually affect your overall health as well. Read on to learn more about the importance of routine appointments.

Warning Signs Not To Ignore

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education, Preventive Dentistry

Life is extremely busy. No matter where you are in your life, it always seems like there is not enough time. Whether you have work, school activities, family obligations, or time with friends, it seems like there is never enough time in the day to accomplish the tasks on your to-do list. Unfortunately, busy schedules are often used as an excuse when dental care is not a priority. Routine hygiene examinations and cleanings are required not only to clean the teeth thoroughly, but also to monitor problem areas in the mouth. When treatments are postponed or delayed, you increase your chances of experiencing oral health complications.

What to Do In A Dental Emergency

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education, Preventive Dentistry

We don’t know about you, but we cannot believe the holiday season is upon us again! It seems like we were just ringing in the start of 2022. The holiday season is a busy time for many, and it seems like there is never any down time. While we hate to be the bearer of grim news during this joyous time, we want to discuss the importance of being aware and prepared in case of a dental emergency this holiday season.

Importance Of Caring For Your Oral Health When Sick

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

The arrival of fall and winter not only brings about the various holidays we enjoy during this time of year, but it also brings frigid temperatures that can lead to pesky illnesses that are common during the colder months. While we hope you and your family remain healthy during the late fall and winter months, if you should fall ill, there are certain precautions you should be taking when you are sick to protect your oral health.

Did You Know Your Mouth Has Enemies?

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

There have been a number of famous rivalries over the years, like Batman versus the Joker, McDonald’s versus Burger King, and Coke versus Pepsi. Did you know that your teeth also have rivals? Our goal is to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, but since we see you so infrequently during the year, the majority of the responsibility lies on your shoulders. There are quite a few enemies to your oral health that are constantly lurking, waiting to cause a problem. Do you know what is trying to cause damage to your teeth and oral health? Continue reading to see if you are correct!

Beverages That Are Harmful To Oral Health

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

You often hear about the foods that are harmful to your oral health because of their sugar content, but did you know that your beverage choice could be even more harmful to your oral health? When you are eating, especially during a mealtime, you start eating your food and finish in a certain amount of time, unless you are a grazer. The difference with a drink is that you can nurse one for hours. Each time you take a drink, you are introducing new bacteria into your mouth. These bacteria cling to your teeth, increasing the likelihood of developing decay.

Pregnancy And Oral Health

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

Are you pregnant or planning to add to your family soon? While this information may not currently apply to you, many of us have friends and loved ones who may be at this stage in their lives and could use this information. It is well known that pregnancy changes the shape and appearance of a woman’s body, but did you know that it also changes the state of a woman’s oral health as well? While we know there is plenty to do before the baby arrives, we want to share some helpful tips to ensure the mom-to-be doesn’t experience a dental issue or emergency during this busy time.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Friendly Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Patient Education

We always stress the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth for optimal oral health. Do you often notice signs of pink or red when you brush or floss your teeth? If so, you may be experiencing bleeding gums. While bleeding gums does not always mean there is an issue with your oral health, as it can happen on occasion from something as simple as food trapped between your teeth, if you experience bleeding gums frequently, it can be a warning of a significant issue. Continue reading to learn more about what may be causing your bleeding gums.