Flossing. It’s that extra step before you brush. Many Americans don’t floss, citing reasons of time, gum tenderness or difficulty. Isn’t flossing unnecessary if you brush twice a day? Think again. Flossing is essential for healthy gums and teeth. Learn more about the benefits of flossing and how to floss the right way. Why Should You Be Flossing?  A study from Waterpik and the American Dental Association (ADA) reports that only 16 percent of Americans floss once a day. Twenty percent say they only floss when needed. Only flossing when something is stuck in your teeth isn’t enough. Flossin ..read more

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports that 47.2 percent of adults ages 30 or older have some stage gum disease. Risk increases with age and activities like smoking or chewing tobacco.  You want to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Learn how you can prevent gum disease through proper oral hygiene.  What Is Gum Disease?  We’ve all heard of plaque. It’s a film of pesky bacteria that sticks to your teeth and can harden to form tartar. Plaque causes infection and ..read more

It’s that time of year again. As flowers open up and trees begin to bud, you may be experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies. Spring in Missouri means high pollen counts, as oaks, maples, walnuts and more produce new leaves and blooms.  Many people suffer from seasonal allergies. If you’re experiencing toothaches along with sniffing and sneezing, your spring allergies may be the cause.  Inside Your Sinus Cavities  You have several pairs of sinus cavities located near your eyes, forehead and cheekbones. Each sinus cavity is lined with a mucus membrane that can ..read more

What’s the first thing you notice about someone? Most people would say a person’s smile. Our smiles have the power to make us feel confident and more attractive.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that the color of one’s teeth is one of the most common things people remember about smiles. A brighter, whiter smile is what many of us are after. Unfortunately, scrubbing with charcoal or swishing coconut oil isn’t going to give you the results you want. Many home remedies actually harm your teeth.  Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and strips or professional products ..read more

Flossing. It’s that extra step before you brush. Many Americans don’t floss, citing reasons of time, gum tenderness or difficulty. Isn’t flossing unnecessary if you brush twice a day? Think again. Flossing is essential for healthy gums and teeth. Learn more about the benefits of flossing and how to floss the right way. Why Should You Be Flossing?  A study from Waterpik and the American Dental Association (ADA) reports that only 16 percent of Americans floss once a day. Twenty percent say they only floss when needed. Only flossing when something is stuck in your teeth isn’t enough. Flossin ..read more

Across the country soft drinks go by many names: soda, coke, cola, and pop. No matter what moniker you use for these sweet beverages, there’s no denying the effects that soft drinks have on our teeth. Soft drinks are the most-consumed beverages in the country, according to the Missouri Dental Association. The average American consumes 44.7 gallons of carbonated soft drinks each year. Why is soda so bad for your smile? Keep reading to find out how your favorite beverages may be harming your teeth. Drinking Soda Is Like Drinking Sugar As we drink soda, sports drinks, and juices, we often forget ..read more

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports that 47.2 percent of adults ages 30 or older have some stage gum disease. Risk increases with age and activities like smoking or chewing tobacco.  You want to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Learn how you can prevent gum disease through proper oral hygiene.  What Is Gum Disease?  We’ve all heard of plaque. It’s a film of pesky bacteria that sticks to your teeth and can harden to form tartar. Plaque causes infection and ..read more

Your smile is a part of who you are. Your teeth help you talk, chew, and make facial expressions. Routine care, like brushing and flossing, helps remove plaque and ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.  Brushing your teeth is an integral part of maintaining your smile. In addition to brushing twice a day, other factors can affect the health of your teeth. What else can you do to care for your pearly whites?  Keep your teeth and gums healthy with these tips.  1. Floss Daily Flossing is something you should do daily, and it’s easy to add to your current routine. You c ..read more

It’s that time of year again. As flowers open up and trees begin to bud, you may be experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of seasonal allergies. Spring in Missouri means high pollen counts, as oaks, maples, walnuts and more produce new leaves and blooms.  Many people suffer from seasonal allergies. If you’re experiencing toothaches along with sniffing and sneezing, your spring allergies may be the cause.  Inside Your Sinus Cavities  You have several pairs of sinus cavities located near your eyes, forehead and cheekbones. Each sinus cavity is lined with a mucus membrane that can ..read more

What’s the first thing you notice about someone? Most people would say a person’s smile. Our smiles have the power to make us feel confident and more attractive.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that the color of one’s teeth is one of the most common things people remember about smiles. A brighter, whiter smile is what many of us are after. Unfortunately, scrubbing with charcoal or swishing coconut oil isn’t going to give you the results you want. Many home remedies actually harm your teeth.  Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and strips or professional products ..read more