Anxiety over going to the dentist’s office is one of the most common phobias in America, but the truth is that neglecting your oral health has consequences that are far scarier. While excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can prevent almost all oral health conditions from developing, many people wait until a lot of damage has already been done before they consider calling the dentist’s office. Here are some truly frightening statistics about oral health to help you avoid becoming part of them.

Quitting smoking is no easy task, and one of the best ways to break a bad habit is by taking advantage of the power of distraction. Finding healthier alternatives to smoking can be a key part of reducing the number of cigarettes you consume in a day and eventually dropping the habit altogether. Based on decades of research, tobacco use seems to harm every part of the body, and your teeth are no exception. Smoking can cause dental stains and gum disease. Here are a few tips from your dentist to help you stay away from smoking when you feel those cravings kicking in.

Losing one or more teeth is more than an aesthetic concern because it can have real long-term health consequences. Fortunately, dental implants can replace those teeth and bring you the smile you’ve always wanted, but some people get anxious at the thought of getting surgery. The process of receiving dental implants is absolutely nothing to fear. Here are a few things to put your mind at ease about the procedure.

It’s summertime once again, so odds are you plan to do some swimming. Taking a dip in the pool is certainly a great way to cool off! Still, you’ll want to keep your smile safe when you do so. The chlorine from a swimming pool can affect your teeth negatively. Luckily, you can work around the risk. To that end, here’s a summary of chlorine’s use in swimming pools, how it can affect teeth, and how to protect your smile from it.

It’s virtually impossible to go through life without experiencing something stuck between your teeth—and for many people, this issue pops up pretty frequently! But upon experiencing these situations, one option that many people turn toward is using a toothpick to dislodge the debris. But despite their name, toothpicks aren’t ideal for this task, and believe it or not, they can pose a threat to your oral health! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the potential dangers of using toothpicks, along with some safer alternatives to consider.

Whether they’ve collected stains from coffee, red wine, or even tomato sauce, millions of people have smiles that they wish were a little bit brighter. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways that a good cosmetic dentist can do that for you.

If you’re looking to invest in whiter teeth, you have to make a choice: should you get teeth whitening or veneers? Here’s a guide that can tell you what you need to know to make that decision.

When you think of the holidays, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s the presents. Maybe it’s getting to visit with friends and family from out of town. Or maybe it’s the seasonal treats and drinks. Though the first two can do your heart some good, the latter may have unsavory side effects on your oral health. Read on to learn about the ways in which the holiday season is so damaging to your beam as well as some tips to help keep your oral health on track.

You might have noticed an increase in advertisements discussing sleep apnea. Researchers estimate that 26% of adults between 30 to 70 years old have sleep apnea; however, up to 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. It can be a difficult condition to detect because it occurs while you’re sleeping. Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night, which can have potentially life-threatening complications with no treatment. While many people believe the biggest concern is chronic snoring, you can die from untreated sleep apnea. You don’t have to lose sleep at night worrying about your health. Here are the facts you need to breathe easier. 

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If you’re battling daytime fatigue because you’re struggling to fall asleep, a shot of whiskey before bed can help you doze off. Maybe you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner to unwind after a long day? Unfortunately, if you’re not getting the rest you need, alcohol may be the cause of your tossing and turning. Alcohol consumption has been found to induce sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, which can cause you to stop breathing. Here’s what you need to know before pouring your favorite adult beverage.

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Children often have trouble taking care of their smiles. Even if you teach them the right ways to brush and floss, it isn’t uncommon for cavities to develop at some point. Dental sealants are a treatment popularly used to make it easier for them to maintain healthy teeth, but can adults get them as well? Read on to learn about dental sealants for adults and if they’re able to undergo this treatment.