Articles

Let’s start with a little quiz for all our teeth-wise Las Cruces residents… Q: Teeth are harder than: A) Gold B) Human Bone C) Steel D) All of the above Yep, you guessed it, the answer is D! Teeth are the hardest substance in your body. While not considered bones, they are both made of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals, However, Bones mostly consist of collagen and are much more flexible. Also, not all parts of a tooth are all that hard. Here’s a breakdown of the different components of a tooth: Enamel – This one you may know about…. Read Full Post →

Curious about Dental Implants? If you have missing, failing, or broken teeth, dental implants might be a good choice for restorative dental work. If you feel embarrassed about your smile, dental implants will help you smile with confidence again. Q: What are dental implants? Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as replacements for the roots of missing teeth. Titanium has biocompatible properties, so dental implants fuse with the surrounding bone to become solid anchors for replacement teeth, bridges, and dentures. Q: Are dental implants painful? After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness along the gum line. This… Read Full Post →

Fear of the Dentist? (Sedation Dentistry) If you suffer from dental anxiety, never fear! You are not alone. Feeling nervous or anxious about going in for even a routine cleaning is something many people face, up to 30% of the population. Dental fear is one of the most common reasons why patients avoid the dentist, which can be detrimental to overall health and wellness. Sometimes these feelings are caused by previous negative dental experiences, while other times, patients fear the dentist because they have a sensitive gag reflex or have trouble sitting or holding their mouths open for long periods… Read Full Post →

Five Tips for Finding the Right Dentist Although it may not seem like it, dental practices are everywhere — even in towns that don’t boast a huge population. If you live in a big city and you don’t already have a dentist you trust, it can be overwhelming figuring out the best dentist for you in your community. The following tips can help you make the right choice, even with so many options — ahem — in your face. 1. Know Your Insurance Benefits. Your insurance provider’s website might offer a list of dental providers in your network, but first… Read Full Post →

7 Technology Advancements That Make Your Dental Visits More Effective — and More Comfortable Let’s face it: No one likes going to the dentist. In all fairness though, the oral health industry has made major strides in bringing comfort to the dentist’s chair. And there’s a lot to be excited about in the coming years — but there’s a lot to feel comfortable about right now, as well. Take a look at just a few of the industry advancements that make sure you’re getting more effective — and more comfortable — dental care. Air Abrasion. This alternative to the traditional… Read Full Post →

The holidays are here again, and calendars are filling up with festive family gatherings and a plethora of parties. Along with the joy of celebration comes the fun of indulging in fine foods and decadent deserts while imbibing an assortment of sweet drinks, which can take a toll on your teeth and land you in the dentist’s seat. Eating sugary foods causes naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth to create acids that attack tooth enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay, cavities, and gingivitis. If holiday celebrations have you snacking on sweet foods throughout the day for days or weeks… Read Full Post →

The loss of permanent teeth can be a traumatizing experience for anyone at any age. Everyday tasks such as eating and speaking may become uncomfortable and embarrassing, and self-esteem can be impacted, leading to stifled laughter and hidden smiles. Dental implants offer those facing impending extractions or distressing over missing teeth a beautiful, permanent, and natural-looking solution for restoring their smiles. Though these basic benefits are obvious, there are several lesser-known facts about dental implants that might just help you make a decision about restoration solutions if you are still on the fence. 1. Dental implants are often thought of… Read Full Post →

View Our YouTube Video– Cavity Prevention Tips- Part 2 Let’s learn more about how to prevent cavities. 1. Watch Your Diet Eat less sugary and acidic foods to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria on your teeth. 2. Maintain Good Home Oral Hygiene Ideally, brushing your teeth after every meal, but brush at least twice daily and floss your teeth at least once daily. 3. Eat Fewer Snacks in Between Meals Limit the number of “acid attacks” on your teeth during the day, but eating fewer snacks. 4. Use Fluoride Professional fluoride treatments reduce cavity risk by 75%. At Las… Read Full Post →

The classic caramel, traditional taffy, and time-honored sweets like gummy bears are all the things your childhood Halloween dreams were made of. They are also the stuff your childhood cavities were made of. Now you’re grown and have children of your own, so you get to enjoy your favorite fall and winter holidays vicariously through them. This time around, get the whole experience without the painful repercussions. Make sure all the kids in the neighborhood can maintain good oral health through the holidays: this year, buy tooth-healthy treats. Hands down, the healthiest candies to give away on Halloween are sugarless… Read Full Post →

It’s no secret that cavities are common for sugar-loving children with developing teeth. In fact, according to the CDC, dental carries (cavities) is the number one disease that affects children. But that doesn’t mean adults aren’t equally affected by the all-too-common cavity. Today, around 90% of people have had at least one cavity in their lifetime, and although nation-wide cavity rates have declined in recent years, they are still a major issue for adults and children alike. The good news is that cavities are easily preventable; all it takes is a little knowledge and proactive care. In the video above,… Read Full Post →