Nearly 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Luckily, early detection highly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. That’s why regular oral cancer screenings for adults are so important. Let’s take a look at the factors that determine when you should be screened for oral cancer. What Age to Begin Oral Cancer Screenings Generally, it is recommended for all adults over the age of 18 to get regular oral cancer screenings. During your routine check-up, Dr. Metwally will take a close look at your gums, teeth, and tongue to make sure there are no abnormal growths or ..read more

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 Dental crowns are a very versatile restorative treatment. We use them to strengthen cavity-weakened teeth, to support teeth after root canals, and to repair broken teeth! While you wait for a lab to make your permanent crown, you’ll need to wear a temporary crown. How do you take care of it? How Do I Care for a Temporary Crown? Temporary crowns are placed with temporary cement, so they’re much easier to dislodge. To prevent this from happening, you should avoid hard and sticky foods like nuts, popcorn, caramel, and candies. When you brush, be sure to use ..read more

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 Flossing is part of a healthy oral hygiene routine, but many people have trouble remembering! Not flossing can cause several problems because toothbrushes can’t clean the tight spaces between your teeth. What happens if you don’t floss? Here are four main issues that can occur. 1. Bad Breath Foods like garlic and onions can cause temporary bad breath, but if your breath is always unpleasant, poor oral hygiene could be the cause. If you don’t floss, food particles and plaque build up in the spaces between your teeth and along your gum line. The bacteria re ..read more

It’s not always the easiest task to convince children to brush their teeth properly and on a routine basis. But it’s never a good idea to let bad habits lead to poor dental hygiene. Teach your children steps for good oral care by making it fun. Here are five ways to make teeth brushing feel anything but a chore! 1. Brush Together Practice what you preach! Children look up to their parents and love to emulate everything they do. Try brushing along with your kids to motivate them to pick up their brush. By brushing together, parents can enforce proper techniques and ensure that they are brushin ..read more

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Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 If someone in your household has told you that they can hear you grinding your teeth in your sleep, it’s important to seek an official diagnosis and treatment. Bruxism is a fancy word for teeth grinding. The jaw muscles are among the strongest in the body, so chronic bruxism can lead to extensive tooth damage. Whether you know for sure that you suffer from bruxism or you think you may clench or grind your teeth in your sleep, our team at Northside Dental would be happy to help. Frequent Headaches Headaches can be indicative of a wide variety of issues, fr ..read more

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Have you ever gone in for your routine dental cleaning and been pleasantly surprised at how much whiter your teeth look afterwards? Even though a normal teeth cleaning is completely different from a teeth whitening treatment, it can really make a difference. The Beauty of Dental Cleanings During a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist uses special tools and techniques to remove any plaque and tartar that’s built up on your teeth and around your gums. That’s one of the reasons that your teeth look whiter after the cleaning. Both plaque and tartar can have a yellowish appearance. Removing them ..read more

If the thought of going to the dentist fills you with nerves, you’re not alone. In fact, around twenty percent of Americans experience dental anxiety. At Northside Dental, we recognize that dental anxiety and dental phobia are very real. We’re committed to helping our patients access the quality dental care they need, starting with this list of dental tips to reduce dental anxiety. 1. Choose the Right Dentist If you have dental anxiety, it’s extra important to find a dental practice where you feel comfortable. Always ask the team whether they have experience in working with patients with dent ..read more