This question has been asked many times and the answer really depends on each individual. The article below is very concise and informative on why some wisdom teeth are recommended for removal or “extraction”. As a general rule it is better to have the wisdom teeth removed at a younger age, late teens or early…
There are some added benefits to chewing sugarfree gum in addition to freshening your breath. An ingredient called xylitol is used by a lot of the mainstream sugarfree gum makers. Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol and has a different chemical make up than regular granulated sugar. The sugar-alcohol interferes with the bacteria in your mouth and…
I have often been asked which comes first, brushing or flossing. It turns out that the sequence is not what is important. Rather, it is the action of brushing and flossing that makes the difference. Here is an article from the ADA addressing the subject. Should I Brush or Floss First? The sequence makes no…
The technical term for teeth grinding is bruxism and it is common among many adults and teenagers. “Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it too literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws.…
I know there have been patients that when it is recommended a filling be replaced they ask themselves this question: If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced? There are many reasons a filling may need to be replaced and more times than…
You have probably heard of the term dental sealant and been unsure what the procedure is meant to accomplish. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings placed over the chewing surfaces of teeth to help protect them from developing dental decay. They cover the “pits and grooves” of teeth, the little crevices where food and plaque…
We wanted to congratulate the University of Idaho and Boise State Football teams on great seasons and on their big bowl game wins. Football in the state of Idaho is alive and well! Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the next season and who knows, maybe a national championship….
The article written in October 2009 concluded that using a desensitizing gel before in office bleaching with a strong bleaching agent did reduce patient tooth sensitivity while not reducing the effect of the whitening procedure. Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect associated with teeth whitening/ in-office bleaching. This is good news for people concerned…
Rockville, Md.—The ADA has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to review and classify chemically-based tooth whitening agents. Concerned that the application of unregulated dental products administered by unlicensed technicians or nonprofessionals may be harmful to consumers, the Association urged the FDA to “establish an appropriate regulatory classification for tooth whitening preparations that act by…
As the end of the year approaches, it is important to understand your dental insurance benefits. Each individual plan is very different and taking the time to read your policy will help you maximize the benefits you are entitled to. Many plans have annual maximums that renew at the beginning of the new year, and…