Your smile is one of your best features, and usually the first thing people notice. If you are less than pleased with your pearly whites, cosmetic dentistry may be the answer to your dental issues. Cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and dental implants can all provide a permanent improvement and give you the confidence you need to really make your smile shine. Like any other medical procedure, there are steps you should take to maintain the results of your cosmetic dentistry enhancements. Following your treatment, there will be instructions for care and for maximizing the benefits of the procedure. It is important that you follow these instructions and contact your dentist if a problem should arise. Additionally, there are a few other behaviors to avoid if you want to keep your smile at its best. To keep your smile at its brightest, you will want to…

Sugar can be one of the worst foods for your dental health, often leading to tooth decay and enamel erosion. The oral bacteria, plaque, use the sugar as energy to grow and strengthen in thickness. Without a proper brushing after eating, the plaque will eat away at the enamel eventually resulting in cavities and tooth decay.In addition to a decline in tooth health, plaque can irritate gums making them more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding and gum disease. When the gums and teeth become separated, the resulting pockets can fill with bacteria and when left untreated can destroy the bone around the tooth causing loose teeth.Here are a few tips to increase your overall oral health: Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Don’t eliminate entire food groups as that can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Use a straw when drinking sugary or carbonated beverages to limit direct contact with…

A dental emergency, like any other medical emergency is something that should be taken seriously. When left untreated, the problem could increase your risk for more expensive and extensive treatment in the future. Here is a quick guide to treating your dental emergencies: Toothaches Toothaches are a common and there are several things you can do to reduce the discomfort. Using a soft-bristle toothbrush or floss gently clean and remove any food particles, then rinse with warm salt water. If you are experiencing swelling, place a cold compress on the affected area to help reduce the pain. Refrain from placing aspirin against the gum as it can burn the gum tissue. Lost Tooth If your tooth is knocked out, it is important to see your dentist immediately. The highest chance of having the tooth re-implanted come when they are returned to their socket within an hour of being lost. After…