April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and there are important reasons why you should care. Despite advances in healthcare, oral cancer will affect approximately 58,500 people in the U.S. in 2024, and most cases are diagnosed at stages 3 and 4. This is because oral cancer may not show noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and individuals may not seek medical attention until the cancer has progressed. Understanding oral cancer and early detection is critical to successful treatment. Are You at Risk? Although smoking and tobacco are major risk factors, oral cancer can affect anyone reg ..read more

  Visiting the dentist twice per year is recommended to ensure the health of your mouth above and below the gumline. While anxiety is the number one reason many Americans skip routine dental cleaning each year, over 20% skip the dentist due to cost. With numerous options available in the market, dental insurance lowers costs for dental procedures, including cleanings and checkups. What are some of the key factors to consider when purchasing dental insurance? How Dental Insurance Can Help Reduce Costs Dental insurance makes dental care more affordable for you and your family. With the rig ..read more

There are so many reasons to smile every day. In addition to being the universal language of joy, a smile can influence various aspects of our health, including oral health. Smiling boosts your immune system, and a more robust immune system protects against dental health issues like inflammation. We have a few more reasons if that’s not reason enough to smile.   The Link Between Happiness and Oral Health   Scientific studies have long established a connection between happiness and oral health. The relationship is two-way – a healthy smile can contribute to happiness, which can ..read more

  The season of gratitude is here, and as we gather around the table with family and friends, we eagerly dive into our favorite Thanksgiving foods. As you pile up your plate and savor the flavors of turkey, cranberries, and leafy greens, you might be surprised to learn that some of the traditional dishes you love most can contribute to oral health. Now, that’s another reason to smile.   DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS THANKSGIVING FOODS   Depending on the food item, savory and sweet holiday dishes can offer specific nutritional values that benefit oral health, and that’s reason ..read more

It’s that time of the year when ghouls, ghosts, and goblins come out to play, and we’re not talking about dental plaque! Halloween is just around the corner, filled with clever costumes, school parties, and neighborhood trick-or-treating. Cutting loose, having fun, and enjoying special moments is important. It’s also a good time for a quick reminder about the dos and don’ts of eating sweet treats. Candy is occasionally okay, and here are some tips to maximize the experience while minimizing potential dental issues.   A Sticky Situation: Why Caramel and Taffy Spell Trouble for Your T ..read more

  We are in the business of smiles, but did you know dental care needs vary by age? Before being outpaced by Millennials, Baby Boomers were once the largest generation of our time. Born between 1946 and 1964, Boomers are now at an age where their dental needs have evolved, and addressing those changes is vital to ensure healthy smiles for years to come. Oral Health Challenges for Baby Boomers Young or older, twice daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing apply to everyone, as do twice-annual checkups and once-per-year mouth cancer screening. As a Baby Boomer, dental issues may age-related o ..read more

Our bodies undergo various natural changes as we age, and our oral health is no exception. Like any other age group, seniors deserve to enjoy a healthy, confident smile reflecting their overall well-being. How does our mouth change as we age, and how might that affect how we care for our teeth? THE IMPORTANCE OF SENIOR DENTAL CARE Oral health changes in our older years are often marked by reduced saliva production, dry mouth, and increased susceptibility to certain dental conditions. These changes make it essential for seniors to prioritize their daily oral hygiene and schedule regular dental ..read more

  More than 61% of U.S. adults experience some form of dental anxiety. For those with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities, a visit to the dentist may present even more unique challenges that make caregivers wonder if it’s worth it. At Imperial Dental Center, our mission is to create a stress-free environment and provide proper dental care to all, regardless of their circumstances. Here are some of the steps we take to extend additional care to those with special needs. COMMUNICATION AND SENSORY CONSIDERATIONS Effective communication is crucial for all patients, and even more crit ..read more

Do you wake up tired, with a headache, or sore jaw? If you answered ‘yes’ you may be experiencing teeth grinding. Over 25 million adults in the U.S. grind their teeth at night. Grinding can have long-term consequences but there is a simple solution that can help. What are the benefits of a nightguard, and do you need one?   Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth How does one know if they are grinding their teeth at night when they are already asleep? There are several signs: Tooth pain or sensitivity: Grinding can wear down tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity or toothaches. Jaw pain o ..read more

At some point during one of your dental visits, your dentist may have needed to make an impression of your teeth. Creating a dental impression is the painless yet slightly awkward process where a thick, putty-like product is placed in a tray that is then inserted into your mouth to capture the impression. Now, thanks to advances in dental technology, it is possible to capture a digital impression in most cases with no mouth tray and no gooey mess. Let’s talk about Intraoral Scanners. What is an Intraoral Scanner Intraoral scanners are a type of medical device that are used to capture high-res ..read more