Maybe you’ve heard the snide remarks. Or, more likely, you’ve seen the reactions of people otherwise too polite to comment – your teeth are a little less than perfect. Living in a culture that’s obsessed with appearances, having “good” or “bad” teeth can have a real impact on one’s self-image and confidence. (Oh, and we use parentheses around these adjectives because whether you believe it or not, your teeth aren’t judging you; they have no moral compass.) Let’s be very clear: the appearance of your teeth is not, and will never be, a measurement of your worth, nor a statement about your charac ..read more

Bruxism is a condition characterized by a patient grinding or clenching their teeth. As an unconscious behavior, it can manifest while the patient is either awake or asleep (also known as sleep bruxism). Bruxism ranges in severity; for many mild cases, treatment may not be required at all. In the most severe cases, bruxism can cause headaches, tooth damage, and more advanced jaw disorders. Sleep bruxism, in particular, is troublesome as it is difficult for most patients to detect on their own and commonly increase the likelihood of comorbidity with sleep apnea and other sleeping disorders. Sy ..read more

As the winter sets in, there are a number of ways our senses notice the changing of the seasons – our joints may complain a little more, lips may feel more chapped, and we start pulling out the flannel. But for some of us, even our teeth notice the plunging temperatures. Many people experience tooth pain due to extreme temperatures, specifically, extreme cold. And like any other material, your teeth are prone to contraction in response to the cold, which can cause discomfort, pain, and even tooth damage. So – what does it mean if the cold weather is making your teeth hurt, and what can you do ..read more

There’s nothing wrong or unusual about being afraid of the dentist chair. And if you do suffer from dentophobia or the fear of dentists resulting in marked and persistent anxiety, you’re not alone – about one in seven people are highly anxious about undergoing dental treatment. But fear is only an issue if you let it affect your behavior. Today, many dental professionals have started to offer sedation dentistry as a service to encourage patients to be more relaxed or willing to come into the office. And while not a cure for dentophobia, sedation dentistry can undoubtedly make the process of g ..read more

People get dental crowns for a variety of reasons. Many of those reasons may be cosmetic, but some are due to a patient feeling pain in his or her teeth. In fact, many times patients aren’t aware that a significant issue is developing with their teeth until they start to feel pain, or the issue is discovered during a routine dental exam.  The fact is, it’s not always easy to tell when you may need a dental crown. To be sure, your dentist will have the definitive opinion on whether a crown is necessary, but there are signs you can look out for that may indicate you need a dental crown. What is ..read more

These days, there are plenty of options out there when it comes to teeth whitening, whether it be at home or in the dentist chair. Each system comes with its own level of convenience, effectiveness, and price, however, and with so many products on the market, misconceptions about the effectiveness of in-home treatments abound. You may be curious as to whether home whitening products work, how safe they are, or if you should try alternative methods. Thankfully, Dr. Lordo’s office has the answers to your questions, along with offering professional in-office whitening services. What Types of Teet ..read more

With as many options available on the market these days, choosing the right toothpaste for your oral hygiene regimen can seem overwhelming. Running just a basic search online for toothpaste will turn up nearly 10,000 different entries – how’s a person supposed to choose?  With a little foreknowledge about what makes for a good toothpaste, and knowing what your needs are, choosing the right toothpaste for your needs is easy. And if you end up with something that’s doesn’t seem right – just keep trying. Fluoride is Your Friend Brushing twice daily with fluoride is one of the mainstays of modern ..read more

Gum disease is one of the most common obstacles to good oral health out there. In fact, at least half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But thankfully gum disease is highly preventable, with methods that are straightforward and easy for most of us to perform. If you’re worried that gum disease is an issue for you, here’s what you can do to fight it.  What is Gum Disease? So – what exactly is gum disease? Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the term for inflammation of the gums, which if ..read more

For many of us who don’t have dentures (or even if we do), TV and movies have tricked us into thinking that their care is quick and easy – we just plunk them into a cup of water while we sleep, right? And while caring for dentures doesn’t have to be overly complicated, we do have to remain diligent to keep them looking and working their best. If you have newly acquired dentures, or you think you may have dentures someday, it’s a good idea to learn their basics. What are Dentures? Put simply, dentures are synthetic teeth used to replace missing natural teeth, that can be taken out and put back ..read more

Your dentist’s primary concern is helping you maintain the overall health and wellness of your smile. But with modern dentistry, that’s just the beginning – your dentist has many tools at his disposal to greatly improve the appearance of your smile, as well. Nowadays many people are familiar with the term cosmetic dentistry, but you may not be well-versed on everything that is included. Thankfully, Dr. Lordo’s office offers a variety of cosmetic services – here’s what you should know to get started. What is Cosmetic Dentistry? As the name implies, cosmetic dentistry refers to a variety of proc ..read more