October is here and fall has officially begun, bringing with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as National Dental Hygiene Month. This is a time to raise awareness for both and help to prevent problems by monitoring your health and being mindful of your lifestyle choices. Whether you are fighting cancer or dental problems, catching problems in their early... read more »
If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time,... read more »
When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow... read more »
When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will... read more »
An abscess is an infection in your tooth caused by bacteria. The infection may start out as minor pain or discomfort, but as it the infection gets worse and develops into an abscess, you can experience a fever, swelling, pain, and a bad taste and smell if the abscess starts to drain into your mouth. If left untreated, an abscess... read more »
When you spit in the sink after brushing your teeth, do you see some slight redness in your mouth or mixed with the toothpaste? Do you have gums that bleed often while you floss? It’s important to be aware of bleeding gums because this is often a symptom of gum disease or other conditions. We offer some insight into how... read more »
A dentist will often use a dental crown to treat a significantly compromised tooth. The treatment can address a cosmetic imperfection, a large cavity or a large dental fracture that compromises the structural integrity of a tooth. Sometimes a dental crown is the final stage of a root canal treatment plan. Once it has been prepared the dental crown is... read more »
Your mouth undergoes a significant number of changes from childhood throughout your adult life. Preventing problems with tooth decay, periodontal disease and other oral health problems will go a long way toward preserving your overall quality of life. A consistent oral hygiene routine forms a firm foundation for a healthy mouth. It consists of brushing your teeth each morning and... read more »
Swimming is a great sport that is full of technique, dedication and hard work. As you’re practicing and competing this season, it’s important to take good care of your smile. This is recommended because there are certain swim behaviors that can harm the teeth and smile. Our dentists, Dr. Engelhardt, Dr. Beseda, and Dr. Nelson encourage you to keep your... read more »
Bad breath, which is medically known as halitosis, can be very embarrassing and be a downer on social outings. You may try to cover bad breath with mints, gum or mouthwash, but these are only temporary solutions. Address the cause of the problem with the help of Dr. Engelhardt, Dr. Beseda, and Dr. Nelson. Tobacco Products Smoking and using other... read more »