If you’ve ever worn, or seen someone wear, a set of traditional braces, then you know that treating malocclusion can be rather invasive. Malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower arches of your teeth do not fit together properly. The condition can cause speech impediments and difficulty eating, among other symptoms. While braces are traditionally… Read More
Does anxiety prevent you from going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Up to 20{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of Americans have less-than-ideal smiles because apprehension prevents them from visiting their dentist’s office. Serious oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, can often go ignored until extreme tissue damage forces the patient into the dentist’s office. Dr…. Read More
A study conducted last spring by the Center for Disease Control indicates a sharp rise in tooth decay among children, especially those without access to regular dental care. Though many people may not consider cavities a disease, it remains the number one chronic disease among children in America. New research now suggests that the phenomena… Read More
You may not be amazed that dental crowns, or caps, are an old concept, but would it surprise you to learn that gold restorations were used by Etruscans as early as 700 BC? Thanks to human industriousness, or as testament to the severity of oral discomfort, our ancestors manufactured dental appliances with exceptional skill. Today,… Read More
Perhaps out of all restorative dental procedures, dental fillings are among the most well-known. Chances are, you may have had one or more fillings performed on your teeth, or at least know someone who has. For the last 150 years, the dental filling material of choice was metal amalgam, a mixture of tin, copper, silver,… Read More
Have you ever woken in the middle of the night, only to wonder why? You’re not coughing, your partner is not snoring, and after a moment of tense listening, you decide that everything else is quiet as well. Episodes like this can be frustrating. As you try to fall back to sleep, you may worry… Read More
For decades, the benefits of fluoride to our dental health has been touted by experts and exemplified by extensive testing. Treating your teeth to fluoride, either in toothpaste, mouthwash, fluoride-treated tap water, or any combination of the above, has been proven to significantly increase your protection against tooth decay (dental caries). Dr. Corbet Locke, your… Read More
So you’re pretty consistent with brushing your teeth at least twice a day, although you rarely have the time to floss. You never miss a dental checkup, and you’re careful not to consume too many sugary or acidic substances without rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth right after. So why do you still exhibit… Read More
Three out of four Americans are reported to show signs of gingivitis (mild gum disease). About 30{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} show signs of severe gum disease, known as chronic periodontitis. Unfortunately, not as many people understand the connection between the health of your mouth and your physical wellbeing. The oral-systemic connection is becoming more apparent every day, and… Read More
At any given moment, your mouth plays host to 10-15 billion bacteria, divided into approximately 600 different species. The word bacteria may instantly conjure images of malicious microbes attacking your cellular structure or infecting healthy body tissue, but most of the microorganisms that reside in your mouth are neutral, if not helpful, and can assist… Read More