Do you wish your teeth were whiter? Many people want whiter teeth, but some are nervous about the effects of the bleaching products. 
Teeth whitening techniques have been well evaluated over the years, and the results obtained both in the dental office and at home are virtually guaranteed. Rest assured the dental professionals who manufacture whitening products have worked hard to ensure product safety and effectiveness. Keep in mind, however, that there are minor side-effects. There are often three areas of concern after whitening treatment: the gums (or gingiva), the teeth themselves and dental restorations. The extent to which you experience problems in any one of these areas depends on the type of treatment you receive, at-home or in-office. To learn more about these 3 potential areas of concern, click here to read the entire article published by Colgate or talk with Dr. Brandhorst during your dental appointment.

Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost one or two of your front teeth. Smiling, talking, eating—everything would suddenly be affected. Knowing how to prevent injuries to your mouth and face is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities.

Mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

Types of Mouthguards
The best mouthguard is one that fits properly. There are many good mouthguards out there, let's learn more about each option:

• Custom-made: These are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions because they are individually created for fit and comfort.
• Boil and bite: These mouth protectors can be bought at many sporting goods stores and drugstores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in water (boiled), then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. 
• Stock: These are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.

To learn about mouthguard care and replacement, click here to read the entire article published on healthymouth.org.

​Nothing beats a big smile!  Smiling is a great way to start a conversation or to greet a morning Barista at your favorite coffee shop.  Ever see a newborn baby repeatedly frown day after day? Nope. Smiling is an infectious way to communicate yourself.  To let your passion and energy spill-out, just smile.  If you think your smile needs some work, call us for an appointment. We're here to help!

Ever brush your teeth and then take a sip of orange juice? Yep, it doesn’t taste very good. In fact, this can happen with certain foods and drinks after brushing. 

The culprit: One specific ingredient in toothpaste is responsible for altering your taste buds: sodium laureth sulfate. 

What it does to your taste buds: While SLES makes brushing your teeth a little easier, it also affects your taste buds in a couple different ways. First, it suppresses the receptors that pick up on the sweetness in foods and drinks. It also enhances bitter tastes, so anything sour that you eat or drink will taste really bitter.
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Why it doesn’t last: Luckily, food and drinks start to taste normal again about 30 minutes after brushing, when your saliva has diluted and washed away all the leftover SLS. So now you know – don’t rush to drink your orange juice right after brushing!

It’s not easy to stay healthy during the holidays. Sweets seem to appear everywhere you go, and with all of the present-wrapping and card-writing, there’s not much time to devote to you and your family’s oral health and well-being.  Listed below are a set of tips to help keep families healthy during the holidays
1. Stick with routines - Brush two times a day, for two minutes. Make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
2. Choose a few veggies - Cookies and sweets are nice holiday treats, but instead of reaching for another candy cane, take a cue from Rudolph and eat the carrots or other vegetables.
3. Don’t forget the dentist! The holidays can be a busy time, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about your teeth. If you are due for a teeth cleaning or need work done, don’t forget to visit your dentist in December.
4. Drink water. You need a lot of energy for holiday activities, but avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks and juices with lots of sugar. Instead, drink water to keep your teeth strong and healthy.  Article adapted from: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/holiday-healthy-teeth-tips

Teeth are remarkably strong, but they can chip, crack (fracture) or break.  When a tooth chips or breaks, it may not hurt. However, your tongue usually feels the sharp area quickly. Minor tooth fractures usually don't cause pain, but if a large piece of the tooth breaks off, it can hurt. Before it becomes too painful, make an appointment to see your dentist.  To read the complete article on Colgate's website, click here.  We hope to see you soon. 

The summer school break is almost here. Today is a great time for parents to schedule dental check-ups for the entire family. Summer dental visits mean your children maintain excellent oral care while minimizing educational disruptions during the school year.
Dr. Bob Brandhorst conducts an examination and refreshes the entire family's approach to maintaining healthy teeth.  Moreover, if Dr. Brandhorst finds something that will require more than one visit, summertime is generally a much better time for a series of appointments.  Call us today!

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw? Does your partner hear nighttime grinding noises from your side of the bed? You may need to learn how to stop clenching teeth at night. This common habit is the cause of several serious dental conditions, so it's worth your time to learn how to fix it.

​Do I Have a Problem with Clenching?
Dentists have a name for the grinding and clenching of teeth. It's called bruxism. If you do it at night, it's called sleep bruxism. Many times, dentists notice the condition because when it becomes severe enough, it can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth.

So how can you tell if clenching teeth at night is going to cause dental problems for you? Look for these symptoms:

• Morning headaches
• Sore jaw or facial muscles
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Sensitive or loose teeth
• Impressions or indentations on your tongue

If you see any of these symptoms, please bring it to our attention during your next dental visit. To learn more, the full article published on colgate.com can be found by clicking here. 

Is cosmetic dentistry right for you?  From teeth whitening to complete smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry is sure to boost confidence and improve your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the overall appearance of your teeth.  Listed below are 6 popular procedures.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry:
Veneers – Veneers are thin porcelain or resin composite shells that affix to the front of your teeth to hide imperfections such as chips and discoloration.
Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening brightens teeth that are stained and discolored.
Crowns – Crowns or caps cover your tooth to restore it to its normal shape. Typically, crowns last longer than other cosmetic restorations.
Tooth Reshaping – Tooth reshaping is often combined with bonding and it involves changing the appearance of teeth that are chipped, crooked or cracked.
Dentures – Dentures are recommended for those who have many missing teeth. Depending on your specific needs, there are a range of different options available.
Dental Bridges – Dental bridges are recommended for those who have lost a tooth. They are supported by the patient’s natural teeth.
 
What Procedure is best for me?
It’s up to you, but consult with your dentist to make the best decision possible.  

Reducing or even eliminating sugars from your diet can benefit your health and decrease your risk for obesity, but swapping them for calorie-free, artificially sweetened alternatives might not work, too.  According to new research, fake sweeteners might not benefit your dental health, either, so said Kate Bratskeir, Food and Health Editor, Huffington Post.
It's widely accepted that sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth: Mouth bacteria uses sugar to make acids, which erode and damage the teeth. A recent study from the University of Melbourne's Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre confirmed that sugar-free foods and drinks can cause significant damage to tooth enamel, too. Researchers found that sugar-free drinks like Diet Coke can soften enamel by 30 to 50 percent. 
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The read the entire article, click here.