Imagine a house sitting on a foundation that is cracked and rotten. Eventually, the entire structure would suffer. Your smile is like that, too. The foundation of teeth? Your gums! The gums cover arched protrusions from the upper and lower jaws. These arches, or ‘ridges,’ are what support natural tooth… Read More…
Not counting wisdom teeth, the adult mouth is designed to house 32 natural teeth. Yet, for American adults over the age of 65, the average number of teeth is less than 19. In this age group, there is little difference in this statistic between males and females. Over 27 percent… Read More…
The body is a miraculous machine. It has a brain at the top that serves as its central control system. It is supported by a skeletal and muscular system that enable movement. The circulatory system delivers necessary components that keep the body in proper checks-&-balances through blood flow. And, the… Read More…
Some patients are surprised when we tell them they have early-stage periodontal (gum) disease. This is because gum disease, in many instances, begins without obvious symptoms. When it comes to our oral health, there is a misconception by many people that “If it doesn’t hurt, then everything is fine.” For… Read More…
The school year means busy routines for both students and parents. The school day, homework time, after-school and weekend activities, errands and sporting events seem to create a nonstop pace every day of the week. Yet, we parents somehow juggle what is necessary to keep our kids healthy and involved…. Read More…
Fear of dentistry is a common problem, maybe more than most people realize. Some surveys estimate that, worldwide, anywhere from 13% to 24% people struggle with it. In the U.S., an estimated 75% of adults have some level of fear associated with dental visits. Of those, 5 – 10% can… Read More…
Keeping natural teeth is important for reasons in addition to just creating an appealing smile. A natural tooth provides a number of advantages both above and below the gum line. It has been shown that people who have their natural teeth live an average of ten years longer than people… Read More…
It’s MAY already? The year is flying by. Not always a bad thing! After a Michigan winter, May’s warming weather reminds us that we’re ready for some fun in the sun. With outdoor gatherings and activities, you’ll often find a cooler of drinks nearby. Before you pull that tab, though,… Read More…
If your family’s Easter holiday was like ours, you’re probably still feeling full from chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, sugar-glazed ham and coconut layer cake. Like many American holidays, we surround celebrations with yummy eats, most laden with sugar with a big percentage in carbohydrate form. As a matter of fact,… Read More…
If going to the dentist invokes feelings of anxiety, nervousness or fear, you are in good company. Over 70% of American adults are estimated to have some level of fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. For many adults, this keeps them from having regular dental care. And, it’s the… Read More…
