I remember a high school teacher who was known for his breath odor. Away from him, he was referred to as “Mr. Fog” because students joked that you could actually see his bad breath whenever he opened his mouth. As an adult, I realize that’s not a kind label. As… Read More…

I have a friend who battled depression for several years. She told me that, most days, she just wanted to “crawl into a hole.” However, what she shared as a frustrating part of having depression were well-meaning friends and relatives who would advise her, “You just need to get out… Read More…

Imagine a house sitting on a foundation that is cracked and rotten. Eventually, the entire structure would suffer. Your smile is like that, too. The foundation of teeth? Your gums! The gums cover arched protrusions from the upper and lower jaws. These arches, or ‘ridges,’ are what support natural tooth… Read More…

It’s human nature to want to delay things that aren’t easy, pleasurable or seemingly high priority. Tending to dental needs is often an easy one to delay since, as is all too common to assume, “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong.” This assumption is what allows small problems… Read More…

We all want to eat a healthy diet. We don’t always do that but we know that it’s what keeps us healthy and helps us fight off illness and infection. Your oral health is just as dependent on a healthy diet as the rest of you. And, some foods and… Read More…

Some patients are surprised when we tell them they have early-stage periodontal (gum) disease. This is because gum disease, in many instances, begins without obvious symptoms. When it comes to our oral health, there is a misconception by many people that “If it doesn’t hurt, then everything is fine.” For… Read More…

Cannabis or medical marijuana has been said to be a beneficial treatment for pain, seizures and spasms. As its use widens, researchers are finding new ways to utilize this now-legal substance in appropriately prescribed doses. While there is a debate as to side effects of its use, many researchers feel… Read More…

For years, researchers have found that the inflammation caused by the infectious bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease can trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere in the body. Studies have shown that this potent oral bacteria correlates to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, some cancers and preterm babies. With these serious health risks,… Read More…

I have always been health conscious and committed to a balanced diet. However, there was no other period in my life that I was more focused on what I put into my body than during my pregnancies,. Like most moms-to-be, I was very careful about my food choices and took… Read More…

If going to the dentist invokes feelings of anxiety, nervousness or fear, you are in good company. Over 70% of American adults are estimated to have some level of fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. For many adults, this keeps them from having regular dental care. And, it’s the… Read More…