Teeth are naturally white, but over time, the enamel can discolor. It could be something you ate or drank, medication you take, or just time itself that causes teeth to stain or yellow. Tooth whitening is a simple way to bring the shine back to your teeth. Should your teeth whitening be done at the dentist, or should you try to do it yourself with a home kit? Here are some things to consider before you make your choice. How Does Tooth Whitening Work? First, you want to understand the process. In most cases, whitening involves bleaching the enamel of the teeth. This is true whether you get prof ..read more

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be distressing and disruptive to sleep, especially if you sleep with a partner who may find it disturbing to their sleep. Not only can it have social impacts, but teeth grinding can harm your overall dental health. Bruxism can lead to tooth damage and sensitivity, tightening of the jaw muscles, and TMJ pain and discomfort. Here are some reasons for teeth grinding and helpful ways to find relief. Teeth Grinding and Stress Psychological stress has been known to be a major cause of teeth grinding. While ‘stop being stressed’ may not be an ..read more

Dental bonding is a cost-effective, time efficient method to address dental issues like broken, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth. In some cases, dental bonding can help stop or even repair tooth decay and protect exposed teeth roots due to gum recession. Learn why dental bonding is important and in which situations it can help you. How Dental Bonding Works Depending on your need, your dentist will mold and shape a composite resin that’s specialized to both look like the enamel of your teeth and to work just as strong. In fact, dental bonding resin is so strong it can last up to a ..read more

Teeth whitening treatments you can access over-the-counter simply do not compare to the whitening solutions found at the dentist. The dentist can offer you a whiter smile that lasts longer and takes less time. Learn about the benefits of working with a dentist for teeth whitening. How You Whiten vs. How the Dentist Whitens Whitening solutions at the store or pharmacy may include whitening toothpaste and strips. Though you may notice some whitening results from these products, you may feel dissatisfied. The reason the results are lackluster is because of the ingredients. Whitening toothpas ..read more

Cancer. This single word can bring about fear, anxiety, and concerns about the future. But with proper screenings, many patients can catch common cancers in their earliest stages for the best possible outcome. The same is true with oral cancer. With the help of Dr. Eric Wiitala and his team in Scottsdale, AZ, patients can screen for oral cancer during their routine dental visits to reduce their risks of developing it–and increase the chances of spotting it soon enough for successful intervention. What is oral cancer? Oral cancer can occur in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, c ..read more

Many people have a fear of the dentist, even as an adult. Whether you had a bad dental experience or you suffer from general dental anxiety, you may be putting off scheduling a dentist appointment and wondering if it’s even necessary to go since you’re an adult. Well, the answer to that is yes, adults still need to go to the dentist for regular checkups. How Often Should I Go to the Dentist? Dr. Eric Wiitala recommends that you have a routine dental checkup once every six months to rule out gum disease or any dental problems you may currently have from getting worse. If Dr. Wiitala c ..read more

Learning to care for the smile is the first step in achieving and maintaining oral health and wellness. Dr. Eric Wiitala of Scottsdale, AZ, is a committed professional with years of experience and helps answer any questions his patients might have. Below are a few of the more commonly asked questions we hear at our dental office regularly: How Often Should I Come In for a Dental Cleaning? The American Dental Association, or ADA, strongly recommends that patients of all ages visit their dentist at least two times a year for a cleaning and evaluation appointment. What Can I Do To Improve My Oral ..read more

Did you know that certain situations that start in the mouth can indicate serious dental problems? Dr. Eric Wiitala of Scottsdale, AZ, is a professional who educates patients on what to look for between routine dental visits that may require an extra appointment to evaluate and address. Below are some of the top signs that you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible: Pay attention to the gum tissues. Natural, healthy gum tissues should be smooth and pink in color. However, if you notice changes in your gums, such as puffiness, redness, or irritation, it may be a sign that conditions su ..read more

Snoring can disrupt the sleep of others, but could your snoring affect your health? Surveys indicate that as many as 90 million Americans snore at one time or another. While snoring itself may be benign and not cause for concern, there are times when snoring could indicate a serious disorder. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be potentially fatal. Treatment is possible when it comes to sleep apnea, allowing not just restful sleep but also proper health. Let’s look at the difference between harmless snoring and harmful sleep apnea and how visiting your dentist can help. Sn ..read more

In the proper dosage, fluoride can be an integral part of your oral health, offering key dental benefits. However, in large enough concentrations, as with any mineral, fluoride can be harmful. However, the concentrations of fluoride found in tap water are nowhere near harmful concentrations. The history of fluoride, and determining its necessity, was decades in the making and took years of scientific research in order to reach where we are today. Let’s take a look at what fluoride is and why our teeth need it. The History Of Fluoride Fluoride being introduced into public water supplies came ab ..read more