Most people will need a dental filling at some point in their life. Cavities are incredibly common and develop over time from multiple causes, including sugary foods, lack of fluoride, and poor oral hygiene. Fillings are designed to replace the missing tooth structure lost to decay, restoring your oral health. While they’re meant to last a long time, their exact lifespan can vary depending on several factors. Read on to learn how fillings should last and when they need to be replaced.

You may have been told by dentists in the past that your oral health is just as vital as the rest of your body. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to take oral care seriously, whether it’s at home or making time for professional checkups and cleanings. Doing so just may put you at lower risk of other chronic diseases, including hypertension (also known as high blood pressure). Read on to learn more about the connection gum disease may have with this potentially life-threatening condition.

Your oral health and overall health are more connected than you think. By staying on top of your routine dental exams and cleanings, you’re actually doing more favors for your well-being than you may realize. On top of giving your smile and body positive attention, your wallet is also far more likely to stay fuller when you maximize dental insurance benefits before the end of the year.

According to a dentist, these are three of the best ways to get the most out of your plan before they reset at the beginning of the year.

Dentists are looking for many potential issues during a routine dental exam. That includes cavities, gum disease, and any symptoms that could lead to more serious complications later. However, did you know that dentists also perform an oral cancer screening during every visit? This is because they are in a unique position to catch the signs of cancer much earlier than a general practitioner. Read on to learn what dentists are looking for and what they could find depending on how far the disease has developed.

With August here, you’re likely making plans for back to school errands ahead of the academic year! While your checklist likely includes purchasing new backpacks, lunchboxes, pens, pencils, binders, folders, and other essentials, you should also take a moment to confirm their oral health is in good shape. Not only should you explain to them the best way to prevent dental emergencies while in school, but get them scheduled for a dental appointment while it’s still summer! Read on to learn how to prepare before the school year ramps up.

Even healthy teeth can start to look imperfect after enough time. Chips, cracks, stains, gaps and other cosmetic concerns can develop, making the act of smiling a more difficult prospect for some. If you find yourself hiding your smile frequently, whether during pictures with friends or when meeting people for the first time, you may have wondered if cosmetic dentistry is right for you. People often ask about the difference between veneers and bonding, two of the most popular cosmetic treatments in dentistry to date. Keep reading to learn more and find out which solution can best meet your needs!

Cosmetic treatment can help you achieve your dream smile, whether it’s through teeth whitening, veneers, or comprehensive smile makeovers. Of course, you’ll need to have positive oral health before you can begin your treatment. For example, gum disease must be treated beforehand. Read on to learn more about gum disease therapy and why having dental issues may not prevent you from completing your smile makeover!

While some dental issues can be resolved with a single treatment, this is not always the case if you have several problems throughout your mouth. For example, if you have tooth loss and damaged teeth that require personal restorations, a combination of dental implants and crowns would be needed to restore your smile. No matter what services you need done, it’s important that you understand what comes after you leave the office and have tips on how to ensure a smooth recovery following your full mouth reconstruction.

If you only have cosmetic imperfections you’d like to address, such as gaps or other esthetic concerns, you may be wondering if you even need to wear traditional braces on both your top and bottom arches. While orthodontic treatments may seem relatively straightforward, putting braces on a single arch is not typically recommended for most cases. However, there are other options available to you that could be more appropriate for your needs! Learn why single arch treatment for traditional braces is pretty rare as well as other treatments to consider.

Decades of dental research has proven that the more sugar you consume, the higher your risk will be for developing dental cavities. If you find it difficult to stay away from sweet foods, whether it be cookies, cake, brownies, hard candy, or just about anything you’d find on a dessert tray, it’s essential that you maintain certain oral care habits every day. While it’s best to avoid sweets altogether, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of common dental issues and still satisfy your cravings. To prevent cavities and gum disease, keep the following tips in mind.