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Small Bites

Why is it necessary to remove your wisdom teeth?

We know many out there indulge in watching video of dental patients coming off anesthesia after a major treatment or wisdom teeth removal. Having wisdom teeth taken out is really not a laughing matter, but it is a rite of passage in some, a stepping stone from childhood to young adulthood. While it is all well and good, it still begs the question – why is it necessary to have them removed? As you mature, the third molars (wisdom teeth – the ones farthest back) are the last to develop, leaving little to no space for them to grow in [...]

Dry Mouth Causes and Treatments

What are Dry Mouth Causes and Treatment Options? Dry mouth is a common problem, especially among seniors. It is most often caused by certain medical disorders and it can be a side effect of some medications. It can also be caused by medical procedureswhereby the saliva glands get damaged or as a result of nerve damage to the neck and head area from surgery. Dry mouth has also been known to happen in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Lifestyle choices are another cause of dry mouth. People who chew or smoke tobacco usually experience dry mouth, because these habits [...]

2018-05-02T19:26:08+00:00Tags: , |

Why am I grinding my teeth?

What are the reasons for grinding my teeth? And what can I do about grinding my teeth? Teeth grinding, or its scientific term, bruxism, can cause a great deal of damage and stress to teeth – primarily by stripping teeth of their enamel. According Mayo Clinic, doctors are still fairly unsure about the exact causes of bruxism. However, it appears that there are two major categories of instigators – physical and psychological. Physical explanations include abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)” and “stomach acid reflux into the esophagus. Psychological origins of the problem are more prevalent, and bruxism [...]

Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month

September marks the arrival of “More Matters Month,” a campaign introduced by the Produce for Better Health Foundation – and an opportunity for you and your loved ones to embrace a healthier diet. Produce for Better Health Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables and improve overall health. Did you know that only one in seven adults eats the recommended amount of fruits every day? That ratio is even worse when it comes to vegetables – just one in ten adults eats the suggested daily amount. Most people know that eating [...]

2018-08-15T20:42:49+00:00Tags: , , , , |

How do I know if I need orthodontia?

One of the first things people will see is your smile, which explains why so many turn to orthodontics. Orthodontia is a very effective treatment to achieve a beautiful smile, but it is not only utilized for its cosmetic benefits. Proper oral alignment will also help improve overall health by guiding correct jaw growth, realigning one's bite, protecting teeth from wear, and preventing jaw pain and problems with one's teeth later on. Understanding the benefits of orthodontics may be reason enough to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. Before making any decisions, however, it's important to [...]

Dr. D – Our Healthcare Hero

A big congratulations to our very own Dr. Dougherty! He was recently selected as a Health Care Hero finalist among 165 nominees for Phoenix Business Journal’s 2015 awards. He is one of three finalists in the dental category.Phoenix Business Journal along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Abrazo Health Care and Delta Dental will present awards and recognize finalists at a breakfast held on August 20 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The event open to the public, will recognize the outstanding contributions that healthcare professionals make to our community.Dr. Dougherty’s dedication to providing the best patient care possible begins [...]

How to Make Veneers Last

Veneers typically have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, depending on the exact specification (whether they are porcelain dental veneers, such as those offered by Artistic Dental).  With exceptional care and attention to cleaning, the veneers can and will last longer. While they make your smile brighter and more uniform, veneers will also react to substances in much the same way as your teeth. It’s no surprise to learn that avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, as well as abstaining from smoking and chewing tobacco, will lengthen the cosmetic life of your veneers. Even though the face [...]

Childrens Dental Care Starts Now: How to teach oral hygiene

Teaching healthy habits is much more about what we do than what we say. Children will closely observe their parents’ behavior and other important adults in their lives as they learn and form their own behaviors and habits. In other words, it is important that parents practice what they preach when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. It can be difficult for children to understand the importance of taking good care of their teeth and gums and how it can impact their overall health. Fortunately, there are ways to engage kids using age appropriate activities to help them understand [...]

Tips for Managing Toothache

Do You Need Help Managing Toothache? It's something you might have had the misfortune of experiencing before: You're eating something hot or cold and you notice your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual. Or maybe, perhaps, there's a dull ache that just doesn’t seem to go away when you're chewing. Both of these unpleasant symptoms are the result of a toothache, which develops when the nerve in the root of a tooth is irritated. Unfortunately, toothaches aren't exactly a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 92 percent of adults aged 20-64 have experienced tooth decay—the [...]

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