I was recently reminded of when Jessica Simpson announced on an Ellen episode that she brushes her teeth “maybe three times a week.” Simpson said she uses Listerine and flosses everyday and uses “a shirt or something” to wipe her teeth. Claiming her breath is fresh, she feels her mouth… Read More…

The latest (1999-2004) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey shows that adult tooth loss in the U.S. has decreased from the early 1970s. Yet, percentages remain high and vary according to age range, race and sex. For example, adults between ages 20 – 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining… Read More…

Dental floss has been around for almost 200 years. With nearly two centuries of pleading dentists to excuse-laden patients, no wonder water flossers were invented. The goal, whether using dental floss or a water flosser, is to remove food debris caught between teeth and scrape away the bacterial film formed… Read More…

Unfortunately, many Americans perceive that seeing blood while brushing is a good sign, assuming it shows they’re doing a great job. The fact is – healthy gums do not bleed while brushing! Bleeding gums indicate a problem that needs to be addressed while treatment can be minimal. Delay only allows… Read More…

Like most diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal (gum) disease begins silently. People who develop cancer or heart disease typically have no warning signs in the earliest stages of formation. The same is true for gum disease. By the time symptoms are obvious, such as gums that bleed when… Read More…

It’s not unusual for our office to place Dental Implants in patients who are in the 80’s or 90’s. Older adults have a similar success rate with implants compared with younger people, which is very high. As long as a patient’s gum tissue is at a healthy level prior to… Read More…

If you built a new home, you’d certainly make sure it was positioned soundly on a dependable foundation. Your mouth needs a good foundation as well. A mouth that has healthy pink gums is generally one that has minimal bacteria. The lower the bacteria level in one’s mouth, the less… Read More…

Gum recession occurs when gum tissues that frame the teeth wear or pull away. This exposes dark areas of the tooth’s root, which tend to be sensitive to hot, cold or brushing. Gum recession also causes “long” teeth, which detracts from one’s smile. Receded gums are also a sign of… Read More…

Occasionally, a patient with old ‘silver’ fillings expresses concern about their safety, namely due to the mercury content. While the American Dental Association has not actually advised removal based on risk, some people feel better having them replaced with composite fillings. Composites have a number of advantages, in addition to… Read More…

We occasionally have a patient who moves away and must find another dental office in their new location. We also have some patients who find their new insurance carrier is not one in which we are participants and feel they must select a dental office that is in-network. We try… Read More…