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If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling, you should call your dentist. Here are some tips for more minor problems: If you have a broken tooth that is painful or has a rough edge, you can use a product called “Dentemp” which is available at your local pharmacy...

Many of our patients are under the assumption that we do not treat children which could not be farther from the truth. Dr. Vander Vliet and our hygienists are wonderful with kids, and we welcome them into our practice. So if you are thinking about scheduling an appointment for your child or children, please do! We would love to meet them!

Recently, mail order braces and at-home teeth aligner kits have become very popular. They seem appealing, as they are advertised as affordable and convenient. While at-home kits might seem like an ideal solution to a busy lifestyle, they are NOT the miracle fix that...

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Carol while you clean: for two minutes each time. The average person brushes for only 30 seconds. 2. Floss at least once a day. If you don’t floss, you are not cleaning 35% of your teeth surfaces. 3. Avoid those candy canes...

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of healthy and safety challenges. It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan.

Brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and regular professional cleanings aren’t enough to keep your teeth in excellent condition. What you do to maintain a healthy smile is just as important as what you don’t. Avoiding certain foods and drinks that can damage your...

Knocked out tooth * Keep the tooth moist at all times * Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root * Do NOT scrub the tooth – if dirty, you may rinse it off * If possible, gently insert the tooth back into to socket, if not, place it into a container of milk. * See...

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association study suggests that children who develop cavities and gum disease, may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease and strokes decades later than children who have good oral...

We all enjoy eating food and drinking all sorts of beverages! Did you ever wonder why certain foods and/or drinks are better than others when it comes to dental health? When we talk about “dental-friendly” foods, the first variable that typically pops into our mind...

A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. Dental implants are made of medical grade titanium. Implants are posts surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. You may want a dental implant if: -You have a missing tooth or teeth. -Your dentures...

Definition of Apnea – without breath Sleep Apnea is a condition where you stop breathing while you sleep. - Obstructive Sleep Apnea is where the airway is blocked by the tongue or an enlarged neck constricting the airway. - A person with sleep apnea stops breathing...

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the water vapor produced by an electric device called an e-cigarette or vaporizer. The device delivers a nicotine hit by heating a nicotine-containing propylene glycol (also used in antifreeze) to create an aerosol, usually...

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Possible causes include: • Tooth decay (cavities) • Fractured teeth • Worn fillings •...

1. Crowns: Our office offers same day crown appointments with CEREC Technology. CEREC utilizes 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to assist me in designing a virtual restoration (onlay, inlay, crown, or bridge) without taking impressions. When combined with a...

1) I heard a commercial on TV that said I should chew gum after eating if I cannot brush. Is that true? 2) Two years ago I was told I had a cavity. It did not hurt so I have not done anything about it. It has been 2 years and it still does not hurt, do I really need...

The dental term for a cleaning is a prophylaxis. The definition of prophylaxis is: measures designed to preserve your overall health and prevent the spread of disease beginning in your mouth. Nearly 50% of Americans (approximately 65 MILLION people) have signs of gum...

1. Bisphosphonates – a class of osteoporosis medications – such as Boniva, Actonel and Fosamax – in a small percentage of cases, there may be a development of osteonecrosis of the jaw. ONJ – where the jaw bone does not heal especially after an extraction. More common...

If you are seeking a new dentist or have been nervous about seeing a dentist, fear not! Here is what to expect at your first visit in my office. 1) Medical History Exam: - Do you have a chronic illness or heart disease? - Have you had any surgeries? Hip or Knee...