Have you ever wondered why your dentist wants to see you so often? You brush your teeth and floss at home, so why do you need to visit twice a year? The truth is that even though you do take care of your teeth at least two times a day, you still need to get your teeth cleaned and examined every six months. That’s because in addition to removing stubborn plaque, your dentist is searching for warning signs that your oral health could be in trouble. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what they may be looking for in your mouth, here are a few things your dentist is keeping an eye out for when you stop by for your semi-annual appointments!

Oral hygiene extends beyond brushing and flossing; what we do between these routines also plays a significant role in dental health. Among popular choices for freshening breath, breath mints and chewing gum often come into consideration. However, their impact on dental health differs significantly. This article explores which option—breath mints or chewing gum—is better for your teeth by examining their effects on oral health, sugar content, and overall convenience.

If there’s one thing people associate with summer, it’s swimming. Enjoying some time in the pool is an excellent way to have fun and exercise in the hot weather, but it comes with a few oral health risks that need to be considered. Here’s a brief guide from your dentist to how swimming can lead to oral injuries along with a few tips for ensuring that your grin stays gorgeous and shiny when you’re having fun in the sun.

Imagine this scenario: you have a severe toothache that occurs suddenly or gradually gets worse over time, so you contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. Then, despite all the previous discomfort, the throbbing miraculously clears up. It’d be easy to assume that because the pain went away there’s no longer an issue.

Unfortunately, dental issues don’t usually resolve themselves so your oral health could still be at risk. Continue reading to learn more about why you might have experienced this and what it means for your dental well-being!

As it turns out, cosmetic dentistry has two great ways to treat tooth stains. The first is teeth whitening – a service that can greatly brighten your grin. Meanwhile, the second choice is a set of porcelain veneers. These facts can present a dilemma: how do you decide between the two options? Well, your local Shelburne dentist is here to answer that question. Read on to learn whether you should get teeth whitening or veneers to lighten your grin.

It’s estimated that over 10 million Americans are struggling with symptoms of TMJ disorder, which is a condition known to impact the function and comfort of your jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Fortunately, if you’re experiencing signs of this condition, even if you feel helpless, there are treatment options and professionals you can go to in order to help ease your discomfort and reclaim your life. In honor of November being TMJ Awareness Month, take the time to learn more about TMJ disorder and how to find relief.

If you get dental checkups, most of their steps should make sense to you. A dentist looks at your teeth to find problems and cleans your smile to prevent new ones. Still, you may wonder why dentists take X-rays of your mouth. Many link this imaging work to broken bones instead of teeth. Well, there’s a good reason for this step. Your Shelburne dental practice will even explain it. Here’s a summary of dental X-rays, their types, and why to get them yearly.

Let’s be honest—nobody really likes leaving the house when they don’t have to. Sometimes, the only thing that feels better than making plans is canceling them last minute. If you have a dental checkup coming up, you might be tempted to skip your appointment. After all, what could happen?

As it turns out, there are quite a few reasons why regular dental cleanings are important. Here are a few things that you need to consider.