Teaching children good dental hygiene habits at a young age sets the stage for lifelong oral health. Check out these helpful teaching tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Dental Health & Hygiene

Summer break is a great time to schedule a dental check up for your child so they don't miss school. Call us today to schedule an appointment!  (407) 205-9585

Have you ever noticed something unusual about your tongue, like red bumps or white spots? Your tongue can reveal a lot about the state of your health. Learn more here:http://bit.ly/1CU2S83

Did you know that a child’s first dental exam should take place within 6 months after his or her first tooth erupts or around his or her first birthday?  At this visit, we look for early signs of decay, evaluate how teeth are coming in and share oral hygiene tips.  Call our office today to schedule your child’s first dental exam! (407)205-9585

Although dental implants are artificial teeth and can’t get cavities, you should care for them the same way as your natural teeth to protect your investment and maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.  This means brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.  You can also use “Christmas tree” or go-between” brushes and water flossers to make care for your dental implants quicker and easier.  Get more tips here: http://bit.ly/1TDZfp2

Our teeth, like the rest of our bodies, change as we age. Some of the most common dental issues faced by older adults are:

* Cavities caused by dry mouth as a side effect from medications.
* Periodontal (gum) disease caused by genetics, poor hygiene, tobacco use, medical conditions such as diabetes or some medications.
* Oral cancer caused by genetics, tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, excessive sun exposure or human papillomavirus (HPV).

You can learn more about these and other common dental issues in adults over 60 here: http://bit.ly/1eL8buf

Don't lose out on 1/2 of your benefits! Most dental insurance providers fully cover 2 cleanings each year, but your first one needs to take place before July 1st. If you haven't been in to see us yet this year, call us today to schedule an appointment, and remember:  Use your benefits by the 1st of July!

Prom and wedding season are upon us, and graduation season is approaching quickly! We can help you get your smile camera ready for every special occasion.

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

* Get a cleaning and exam before starting a whitening routine. We can identify any potential problems and make recommendations for over-the-counter whitening systems.
* Choose an over-the-counter whitening system with a peroxide level between 10 and 20% to avoid tooth sensitivity.
* Follow the directions. Don't leave gels or strips on longer than advised, or you could end up with sensitive teeth or sore gums.
* Avoid whitening your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Avoid whitening your teeth too much— once you reach your desired shade, you should only need to whiten your teeth once per month to maintain it.
* Stop whitening your teeth if you experience sensitivity.

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1D6XWul

A recent study found that a single baby tooth holds clues about what's going on inside a child's brain. Researchers examined cells from children's lost teeth and found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have fewer connections between neurons than children without ASD. This finding will allow researchers to develop more treatments for ASD. Learn more about this fascinating study here: http://bit.ly/1ZDdhve

May is Older Americans Month! We'd like to use this month as an opportunity to educate our patients about how teeth change as you age and how you can age gracefully by maintaining your smile. Regular dental visits are essential to maintain a healthy smile and body— and they have the added bonus of saving you money over time! Get more tips for caring for aging teeth from the American Dental Association: http://bit.ly/1MkZNkV

As Oral Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to remind you of one of the leading causes of oral cancer: smoking. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States. You can learn more about the connection between smoking and oral cancer here:http://bit.ly/1NyqYL7

The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is certainly true in the case of oral cancer. Oral cancer is as common as leukemia and claims more lives than either melanoma or cervical cancer, but early detection gives you a 90% chance of survival. We screen for oral cancer at each dental exam. You can learn to recognize the signs and symptoms here:http://bit.ly/17XHnAQ

Sugar-free candy and sodas are often thought to be a healthier alternative to their sugar-containing counterparts. However, even sugar-free products can contain acids that erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay.

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Baseball season is here! Enjoy a snack at the ballpark that's good for your teeth, too. Sunflower seeds are high in arginine, an amino-acid that helps prevent cavities. Consumed in moderation, arginine may help counteract the effects of sugar, reducing the acids that lead to decay.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. You can help lower your risk of developing oral cancer, improve treatment success rates and keep your mouth healthy by doing the following:
* Avoid using any tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.
* Always protect your lips with sun block (oral cancer can be outside your mouth, too).
* Make a dental appointment if a sore in your mouth lasts longer than two weeks.

Bad breath isn't just embarrassing— it can also be a symptom of underlying health problems. Some of the causes of bad breath include:
* Eating foods such as garlic or onions
* Oral bacteria that feed on the food you eat
* Poor saliva production
* Periodontal (gum) disease
* Diabetes
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
* Smoking

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, talk to us at your next visit, or call us today to schedule an appointment!

Check out these 6 easy ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy in between brushing and flossing! We promise they'll fit into even the busiest of schedules. 

It's time for spring cleaning! If you haven't had one of your semiannual cleanings yet this year, now is a great time to call and schedule an appointment. We'll refresh your teeth and gums and put some spring in your smile!  Just call us at (407) 205-9585

If you're indulging in more candy than usual this week in celebration of Easter, there are a few ways you can satisfy your sweet tooth responsibly:
* Choose chocolate instead of treats like jelly beans that stick to your teeth.
* Brush and floss after enjoying candy.
* If you're not able to brush and floss right away, rinse thoroughly with water to help wash away sugars.

The conversation about nutrition is often centered around what we shouldn't be eating and drinking, but what about the foods and drinks that are beneficial to our oral and overall health? Some of the best mouth-healthy choices include milk, cheese, nuts, chicken, crunchy fruits and vegetables.