May 25, 2023 Admittedly, tongue scraping does not have a pleasant sound to it. In fact, it sounds uncomfortable at best! But as our friendly dentist at Dental Life explains, it’s a proven method of enhancing your oral health. And it’s not painful at all! Here’s what tongue scraping is all about and how to do it correctly. Our tongues are repositories for bacteria, food particles and debris which cause bad breath. Using mouthwash only masks the odor, as opposed to removing the culprits.  Besides resulting in fresher breath and possibly a sharper sense of taste, ridding our mouths of bacteria provides another defense against tooth decay, gum disease and other problems.  What you’ll need to give this a try is a tool called (what else?) a tongue scraper available in plastic, stainless steel and other materials. It looks a bit like an inverted spoon, and in fact you can use an ordinary household spoon or even your toothbrush as a tryout.  Now, standing at the mirror, open your mouth, stick out your tongue and place the rounded edge of the scraper gently at the back of the tongue. If you feel your gag reflex kicking in, start in the middle of the tongue. Pull the scraper forward from the back to the tip. Wash the scraper off and repeat one more time, Clean the scraper thoroughly with soap and warm water. This short process can be repeated as often as needed, There really isn’t a downside to this simple process. Just be gentle, especially at first, when placing the scraper to avoid triggering the gag reflex, and make sure the scraper doesn’t have any sharp or uneven edges. If you notice your tongue has a “hairy” appearance or an unusual color, please contact our dentist for an evaluation.  Here’s another simple way to improve your oral hygiene: Visit our friendly dentist at Dental Life regularly for checkups and cleanings! Please contact us today for an appointment.

June 26, 2023 The human body is a complex system in which everything is interconnected. From head to toe, what affects one area of your body influences one or more other areas. The well-being of your whole mouth is just one example. It’s a component of your whole physical being, which is why taking excellent care of it is crucial.  When receiving care from a dentist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease, listens to any of your concerns, offers excellent service and works with you throughout your treatment. Dental Life is proud to possess all of those qualities. Here are examples of how gum disease, gum infections and untreated cavities can trigger health issues elsewhere. Some may surprise you!  Cardiovascular disease is an overall term for heart and blood vessel disorders. Coronary artery disease can bring on heart failure and heart attacks. It’s the primary cause of death in the U.S. People with periodontitis are quite prone to atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels that run oxygen and blood out from the heart). There’s a strong connection between periodontal disease and  strokes (when part of your brain loses its blood supply), especially strokes linked to atherosclerosis. Endocarditis is a bacterial infection in a heart’s valves—and sometimes its chambers. Unhealthy hearts can acquire endocarditis during a highly invasive procedure, such as a tooth extraction.  Untreated cavities have been known to cause bacterial, viral and fungal types of pneumonia when oral bacteria travel into the lungs through the nose, pharynx or larynx. Oral bacteria have also been associated with pregnancy and birth complications. The bacteria can make its way into the bloodstream and harm the woman and/or the fetus. Detriments include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia , stunted growth, low birth weight, stillbirth and miscarriage.  Now that you know of the significant connections between oral health and systemic health, it’s time to evaluate your dental routine. It should include brushing at least twice a day, flossing and using an oral irrigator once a day, and visiting a dentist every six months.  We here at Dental Life are dental experts. Please call us today to learn how we can serve you.

July 25, 2023 Americans are known around the world for their healthy and attractive teeth. Our standards are higher than those in other countries, and many of us work hard to sport sparkling smiles. One method to banish tooth discolorations is to use whiteners. But have you ever thought about how and why some of those stains appear? We want to tell you! In addition to improving and protecting your oral health, Dental Life’s services include a selection of cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile. We can transform less-than-perfect teeth into the smile of your dreams.  These types of discolorations are notorious for tarnishing teeth.  Extrinsic stains tinge enamel, which covers each tooth. It protects the dentin, which is softer than enamel and lies right under it. Enamel is the toughest part of a tooth and comes into contact with everything you put in your mouth. And considering all the color-potent things we stuff in our maws—such as berries, nicotine, red wine, coffee and tomato-based sauces—it’s no surprise that the enamel absorbs some of it. Here’s the good news: Extrinsics don’t move out of the enamel, so they’re easy to remove.  Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, slip through the enamel and into the dentin. Dentin, which is inherently dimmer and has more of a yellow tint than enamel, becomes exposed due to thinning enamel or life’s typical wear and tear. Intrinsics are a bit harder to eradicate.  Age stains are the mark of the passage of time. No one is exempt from the elapse of time. Enamel gets thinner and dentin turns darker. Even the most ardent oral care routines don’t stop these changes.  At-home whitening products can help relieve your teeth of extrinsic, intrinsic or age-related stains, but it’s best to put the job in the professional hands of a dentist. He or she will have a variety of whitening methods on hand that best suit your preferences and needs.  At the office of Dental Life, our friendly, highly trained team will help you and your family feel comfortable and relaxed while providing the very best in dental care. For more information about our many services, please call us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

August 24, 2023 A mouth’s many components team up to perform imperative tasks. This valuable orifice is a very busy place, which, unfortunately, makes it susceptible to glitches and the occasional misfortune. The office of Dental Life treats a wide spectrum of issues. Keeping your mouth healthy is as important to us as it is to you. We give all of our patients as much time and attention as they need.  Here are some dental problems and conditions with which a dentist can be of great assistance.  A tooth can ache for a variety of reasons, some serious, others not so much. But until you get to a dentist, use dental floss to make sure the hurt isn’t due to simply a stuck piece of food. If necessary, take an OTC pain reliever. If the tooth’s surrounding gum is swollen or oozes pus, it could have an abscess. Call a dentist for an emergency visit. You may require antibiotics and in-depth treatment.  Cavities wreak havoc. Left untreated, these dents due to decay can put you on the road to eating and speaking problems, as well as gum disease and tooth loss. A dentist can fill them, and twice-yearly checkups can prevent more-serious consequences of cavities. A chipped tooth is the most prevalent dental injury. How it’s treated depends on its severity. A small chip can be filled in with a bonding material, and a larger piece might have to be crowned. Fragmentations that involve the pulp will likely need a root canal.  Gingivitis brings sore gums that bleed easily and pull away from teeth because plaque (sticky bacteria) has accumulated under the gumline. Ignoring it can bring bone loss, shifted teeth and teeth that fall out. Thus, your need for an excellent daily oral regimen and cleanings by a dentist twice a year.  Some people don’t like that they have a gap between their two front teeth, while some famous folk (Lauren Hutton, Madonna, Anna Paquin and Michael Strahan) rock them with pride. But if you’re not gaga about your gap, be like Zac Efron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Keith Urban, who opted to get their hole closed. A dentist can do the same for you using veneers or bonding material.  The office of Dental Life is passionate about treating your dental health. Please call us today to make an appointment.

September 28, 2023 Life can be quite stressful, and many of us have a variety of coping mechanisms. One common tension reliever is damaging our oral health in the form of teeth grinding and/or clenching. Its medical name is bruxism. Some people grind and clench while they’re awake, some while they’re asleep, and others while both awake and asleep. The ramifications of bruxism include cracks, chips and stress fractures. Dental Life provides our patients with the ultimate in dental care. A cracked tooth can frequently be saved with our state-of-the-art knowledge and technology. We perform treatments with the utmost precision and gentle touch. The symptoms of a cracked tooth vary. The most apparent are random intense pain while chewing and intense discomfort when the tooth is subjected to cold and hot beverages and food. And though the pain can be random, it’s crucial to get treatment immediately to keep it from degrading further. The majority of chipped teeth can be restored by reattaching the piece that broke off by filling in the empty spot with tooth-colored bonding material or by cementing a crown (cap) on the tooth. And as with any cracked tooth, it’s crucial to get treatment immediately. Some people believe that a cracked or chipped tooth can be treated by a hospital emergency room or urgent care clinic. On the contrary, it’s best to see a dentist right away. The same goes for anyone experiencing symptoms of a dental infection, such as bleeding and/or swelling. A tooth can also develop a crack through an injury or normal wear and tear. While there’s no way to ensure that a tooth will never crack, you can make the event less likely by not chewing on things such as hard candy, ice, pencils and popcorn. It’s also crucial to wear a mouth guard while playing sports and, if you’re a grinder, while you sleep. At the office of Dental Life, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate dental care to children and adults. For more information about our office and types of services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

October 29, 2023 One of the features of a sensational smile is bright, white teeth! These days, teeth-whitening procedures have become a relatively easy way to instantly improve aesthetics, create a positive first impression, and achieve a more youthful and radiant look.  At the office of Dental Life, our trained staff is highly skilled at performing professional teeth whitening techniques to help you look your best. It’s no secret that life can do a number on the teeth. Despite your dedication to brushing and flossing regularly, food, beverages, advancing years and tobacco use can discolor teeth. Your formerly pearly whites are tainted with yellowish-brown stains that do no favors to your appearance.  Professional teeth whitening performed by a dental office offers several advantages over over-the-counter teeth-whitening products: It’s easier and more convenient for the patient, and it produces better, more long-lasting results. The process is relatively simple and takes from 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Whitening products have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.  These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. When the lighter shade you want has been reached, the dentist or dental technician rinses your teeth and may put fluoride on your teeth to diminish any tooth sensitivity that may follow.  Bear in mind that whitening products don’t work on all kinds of stains. For example, whitening won’t lighten up crowns, veneers or fillings. It’s also ineffective on teeth that have been tinged by injury or by the antibiotics tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline when taken as a child.     At the office of Dental Life, we pride ourselves on being attentive to your every need and delivering the care you expect from our state-of-the-art practice. For more information about our teeth-whitening procedures and many other services, please don’t hesitate to call us today to schedule an appointment.

November 29, 2023 Though nobody wants to get cavities, so many of us do. These areas of decay in teeth are the result of plaque, a pasty biofilm of bacteria that sticks to your teeth because they thrive on the sugar in food and beverages we constantly consume.  Routine cleanings at the office of Dental Life will help you fight cavities. When you need a standard checkup, a diagnosis or in-depth treatment, you’ll find our staff to be highly skilled and personable. We’ll help you make informed decisions about the treatment that’s best for you. Plaque’s bacteria emit acid that eats away at crystalline calcium phosphate, a mineral compound on the enamel that surrounds and protects the inner parts of your teeth. This demineralization forges tiny openings in enamel and spawns cavities.  Left untreated, the acid will start to invade the dentin, the next layer of teeth that’s consists of tiny tubules. When enamel has been eaten away, the tubules act as conduits that let hot, cold, acidic and sticky foods aggravate a tooth’s nerves, and trigger sensitivity and pain. If allowed to proceed, the plaque will continue to corrode the tooth until it gets to the pulp, a tooth’s innermost sanctum that holds blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues.  A disturbed pulp is an angry pulp! When a cavity’s bacteria make their way to the pulp, an abscess can form. The result? A really bad toothache, a fever, and extreme sensitivity to pressure, hot and cold. The abscess can even cause your cheeks to swell.  Going to the dentist for a cleaning and examination every six months (some people prefer every four or five months) will help remove plaque to stop cavities from forming. Luckily, though, cavities can be “nipped in the bud” before they get to the dentin and pulp. A dentist will fill it right away before it progresses and turns into something serious.  Though cavities are common, they needn’t be common for you if you practice excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. The office of Dental Life is committed to excellence by providing compassionate care using our state-of-the-art technology and high-quality products. Please call us today to arrange an appointment.

January 2, 2024 Happy holidays from your friendly family dentist at Dental Life, who’ll know if you’ve been naughty or nice during your next regular checkup, which we hope is right around the corner! Of course, we’re well aware that no holiday would be complete without a tempting array of delicious food, but we’d like you to keep in mind that some indulgences can affect your oral health more than others. Here are a few quick suggestions we’d like you to consider when making your choices at the holiday table this year: Hydration station: Water is the smart beverage choice this holiday season. Good old H20 is invaluable when it comes to washing away food particles and sugar, plus it helps prevent dry mouth. Stay away from soda and eggnog, which contain enough sugar and acids to inflict serious harm to your teeth. Be fruitful: Sure, there’ll be plenty of sugary temptations on hand, but you can curb the urge to overindulge with fruit like apples and pears, which are also staples of the holiday table. And don’t pass on the veggies, either! Sweet redemption: While some indulgence is to be expected, steer clear of hard treats, such as candy canes and nuts, which can chip or crack your teeth, and those sticky candies like caramels and toffee, which can get stuck between your teeth and be hard to dislodge.  Routine maintenance: Although the holidays present many temptations, resist the temptation to stray from your oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once. If you’re away from home, be sure to pack a travel kit with fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss.  There’s no better time to schedule a post-holiday visit to our dentist at Dental Life than right now! A thorough checkup and professional cleaning is the perfect way to jumpstart your new year! Please contact us today for an appointment.

February 26, 2024 You brush your teeth in the morning and floss before your nighttime brush. That’s great! But when was your last trip to a dentist for a cleaning? If you can’t remember or you have never been, then you highly underestimate the importance of professional cleanings.  The office of Dental Life believes in clear and transparent communication. You can trust us to provide detailed information about your treatment options and any other relevant details, empowering you to make informed decisions about your oral health. The removal of buildup plaque and tartar is the main reason to see a dentist. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that eventually hardens into tartar above and below your gum line. Tartar contributes to gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), cavities and recessed gums. Only a dentist can remove tartar and access some surfaces of your teeth.  Gum disease starts as gingivitis, indicated by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Without professional intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, and it’s downhill from there: The infection spreads to under the gum line and can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.  Regular dental cleanings help prevent and manage gum disease by removing plaque and tartar, which reduces your risk of irreversible damage to your gums, and the bones and tissues that support your teeth. Avoiding dental cleaning will probably worsen issues you already have. Untreated cavities deepen and spread, which, if you decide to give in and go to a dentist, will eventually require more invasive and costly procedures such as root canals, infection control or extractions. A dentist detects cavities in their early stages. This timely intervention prevents further damage to the teeth. Professional cleanings offer more than just getting rid of plaque and tartar. A dentist thoroughly examines the mouth for signs of oral cancer, gum recession and other irregularities that may need further evaluation.  And here’s another important fact: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. There are strong associations between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. That means that skipping dental cleanings is bad for your teeth, your gums and the rest of your body. The office of Dental Life hopes that you join the ranks of our satisfied patients who have benefited from our superior care. Please don’t hesitate to call us for an appointment.

March 29, 2024 Your gums are an amazing biological mechanism designed to protect your teeth and prevent oral diseases. They’re made of a soft kind of skin that forms a tight seal to cover the bones of your mouth and teeth to keep everything in place. Without the correct gum care, bacteria and food particles can find their way in and around your teeth, which could lead to gum disease. Dental Life prioritizes our patients’ needs and well-being. Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive environment in which open communication and collaboration play a crucial role in the treatment process.  If you ever see or feel your gums bleeding, one or some of these reasons could be why. You brush with too much pressure and/or with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Be kind by brushing your teeth and gums with gentle up-and-down and round motions. Use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, and replace it every three to four months.  Your dentures need to be refitted. They felt fine when you first got them, but the shape of your gums changed over time and now rub against your dentures. Your gums are swollen and have developed painful sores. See your dentist as soon as possible for a new pair of dentures.  Oral hygiene isn’t high on your to-do list. In addition to giving you bad breath, skipping brushing and flossing irritates your gums to the point where they bleed. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice and day. True dental hygiene aficionados use a water flosser between their nighttime string flossing and tooth-brushing.  You take long breaks from flossing. Then, when you do get back to it, your gums must again become used to it. They will calm down after about a week. And become steadfastly dedicated to flossing! No more long—or even short—breaks! Unfortunately, you might have gingivitis (early-stage gum disease). Bacteria on your teeth has turned to plaque. When you don’t remove this sticky film every day, your gums can become swollen, inflamed and bloody. You don’t want gum disease. Studies show that the bacteria that accumulate in the mouth can find their way into the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the blood vessels and increasing your risk of heart disease. At the office of Dental Life, our friendly, highly trained team will help you and your family feel comfortable and relaxed while providing the very best in dental care. For more information about our many services, please call us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

April 29, 2024 Your smile is one of your most important features, both for its aesthetic value and as a vital means of communication. Unfortunately, not everyone feels confident about their teeth, which can affect self-esteem and interpersonal interactions. That's where cosmetic dentistry comes in - a branch of dental care dedicated to enhancing the appearance of teeth and gums. At Dental Life, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry services designed to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry Services Cosmetic dentistry is a specialty within the field of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance, shape, color and alignment of teeth and gums. The goal is to create an attractive smile that enhances the overall facial aesthetics of the individual. Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and even full-mouth reconstructions. These treatments can address a wide range of concerns such as discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, or misaligned teeth. While some people may consider cosmetic dentistry procedures to be purely aesthetic in nature, many also serve functional benefits. For example, correcting a misaligned bite can prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and alleviate headaches and jaw pain. Likewise, replacing missing teeth with dental implants not only restores the appearance of the smile but also prevents the shifting of other teeth. Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments The benefits of cosmetic dentistry treatments go beyond improving physical appearance. These procedures can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem and confidence levels. By addressing common concerns like discolored teeth, misaligned teeth, or gaps between teeth, patients often experience improved interpersonal interactions and social functioning. In addition to boosting confidence and improving personal relationships, cosmetic dentistry treatments can also promote better oral hygiene. For instance, correcting a misaligned bite or closing gaps between teeth can make it easier for individuals to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Finally, many cosmetic dentistry procedures can protect damaged teeth from further harm. For example, dental bonding or veneers can help strengthen cracked or chipped teeth, while crowns and bridges can prevent worn-down teeth from breaking apart completely.   How to Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment If you're interested in exploring the cosmetic dentistry options available at Dental Life, scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply call our office during regular business hours or use our online appointment system to find a convenient time for your visit. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your unique needs and preferences. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have about the procedures offered and help guide you through the process from start to finish. New Patient Promotions Dental Life is currently offering a special promotional rate for new patients who book an appointment for dental exams and teeth cleaning. This package includes: A complete oral examination by one of our skilled dentists to assess the health of your teeth and gums A professional cleaning using ultrasonic technology to remove plaque buildup and stains, leaving your teeth looking and feeling refreshed A complimentary digital scan of your oral cavity for a comprehensive picture of your dental health Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience our exceptional cosmetic dentistry services firsthand. Contact us today to book your new patient appointment and take the first step towards achieving the smile you've always wanted.

April 30, 2024 Losing a tooth can be a daunting experience, but it's more common than you might think. In fact, millions of people in the United States are missing at least one tooth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. A missing tooth doesn't just affect your oral health and function - it can also impact your appearance, self-esteem, and confidence. At our dental office, we understand how important a healthy, complete smile is to you, which is why we offer the latest solutions for tooth replacement, including traditional fixed bridgework and modern dental implants. Traditional Fixed Bridgework vs. Single-Tooth Dental Implants In the past, a fixed dental bridge was the go-to method for replacing a single missing tooth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth anchored by two dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous area. While dental bridges remain an effective and satisfying method for tooth replacement, you may also be a candidate for a single-tooth dental implant. The Advantages of Single-Tooth Dental Implants Single-tooth dental implants represent the most advanced method of replacing missing teeth available today. Unlike traditional bridgework, a dental implant eliminates the need to prepare and crown adjacent teeth. In other words, a single dental implant restored with a crown will be an effective and permanent replacement for a missing tooth. Additionally, since a dental implant gets placed directly into the jawbone and behaves the same way as the root of a natural tooth, it provides ongoing stimulation necessary to preserve bone mass and support facial contours. The Versatility of Dental Implants Dental implants are not only an excellent solution for replacing a single missing tooth; they can also replace multiple missing teeth up to an entire smile! They provide outstanding support for long-span bridgework and full-arch restoration, and even offer added retention and stability to removable dentures. In fact, dental implants have become the preferred method of tooth replacement for many people due to their natural look, feel, and function. Why Choose Our Dental Office for Single-Tooth Dental Implants? At our dental office, we pride ourselves on providing precise and gentle care. We use the leading treatment methods and generations of dental ceramics to give you a smile you're confident sharing. Patient comfort is always our top priority, and we're here for you every step of the way. If you're considering single-tooth dental implants or any other dental services, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.