Westside Dental Associates

There’s an old saying that goes, “Nip it in the bud.” It refers to the gardening practice of pinching off a bud to prevent a plant from growing. The same concept applies to oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease: they generally stem from a simple lack of preventive care. While regular checkups and cleanings are an essential part of oral health maintenance, you must do your part at home. Here are some oral hygiene practices you may, but shouldn’t, skip.

If you’re considering dental implants, a consultation is an important opportunity to understand the treatment process and determine whether implants are right for you. You may have questions about the procedure, recovery, cost, or expected results, but it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re sitting in the dental chair. Writing down your questions ahead of time can help you make the most of your appointment. Here are four good ones to ask during your consultation.

When you notice tooth stains, you might immediately think about your morning coffee that you can’t go without. Or you may cringe because of the smoking habit you’re struggling to kick. Dark-colored foods and beverages and tobacco products can turn teeth yellow, but they’re not the only reasons. In fact, you may be surprised to learn what else might cause tooth discoloration.

Your gums aren’t just for decoration. They help anchor your teeth in place in your jaw, providing protection for them against harmful bacteria, and even protect your mouth from the pressure created by chewing. Unfortunately, however, if you don’t take good care of them, they can become infected, causing a condition known as periodontitis, or gum disease. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to tissue recession, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration. Here are a few ways you can keep your gums healthy and strong so they can continue to protect your smile for a lifetime!

When most people think about oral hygiene, they think about preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. However, maintaining a healthy mouth may have benefits that extend beyond your smile. Researchers continue to explore the connection between oral health and overall health, including how chronic inflammation associated with gum disease may influence the body’s metabolic processes.

While poor oral hygiene doesn’t directly “slow down” your metabolism, it can contribute to conditions that may affect your overall health. Here’s what you should know.

With summer right around the corner, you might be getting ready for the plans you have. You might visit your favorite beach or spend some much-needed time with friends. To help you feel better about your trips, you should bring your best smile. Having a grin that shines as brightly as the sun can help you enjoy the moment just a bit more. Here are four cosmetic dental treatments that can help you out.

Are you headed on a trip soon? While you have gotten into the routine of maintaining your Invisalign treatment at home, it can quickly become difficult when you are traveling to another place. Staying on track with your treatment is necessary for you to achieve the straighter smile that you have been hoping for in the best possible time frame. Here are some tips to help you keep up with Invisalign while you are on your trip.

Toothpicks are a common tool people reach for after meals to remove food stuck between their teeth. While they can be helpful in certain situations, using them regularly—or improperly—can pose risks to your oral health. So, are toothpicks bad for your teeth? The answer depends on how you use them.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, offering long-lasting function and a natural-looking smile. If you’re considering this treatment, you might be wondering whether you qualify. While certain factors can influence candidacy, the good news is that most situations can be addressed so that patients can still receive implants.

Understanding what affects implant eligibility can help you make informed decisions and plan for successful treatment.

Severe tooth pain can be the cause of advanced decay, facial trauma, or possible infection. You may be unaware of the reason for your nighttime toothache, but since you cannot call your emergency dentist until morning, you need help to get essential sleep in the meantime. What can you do to achieve relief? Here are 3 tips to help you rest throughout the night.