It’s estimated that last year alone, over 1.74 trillion sticks of gum were produced—meaning that almost everybody is chewing it! But even though chewing gum might seem like a small and innocent novelty meant to enjoy, have you ever wondered if it can affect your TMJ disorder? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about TMJ disorders and how chewing gum can influence and potentially worsen them. What Exactly Is TMJ Disorder? TMJ disorder refers to a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints in your jaw, and approximately 10 million Americans are affected by it—making it quite ..read more

When you think of your oral health, what comes to mind? Many people just think of their teeth. While caring for them is essential for a thriving and healthy smile, your gums are just as important! They are susceptible to bacteria and plaque attacking them, causing inflammation or infection. Your gums can also form sores on them, which can be alarming. Read on to learn the causes of this abnormality and when it’s time to go see your dentist. Common Reasons for a Bump on Your Gums A bump on your gums can not only be annoying but also be concerning. Here are five of the most common causes of thi ..read more

Even if you’re careful, you can’t always prevent dental emergencies. Urgent oral issues inevitably happen from time to time. You’d thus be wise to plan ahead and make a dental emergency kit. Still, maybe you don’t know what to include in this little tool collection. There’s no need to panic, though – your local Powell dentist has a few things to suggest. Read on, then, to learn four crucial items to pack in a dental emergency kit. A Dental Mirror You may think a dental mirror wouldn’t help with an urgent oral issue. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Truthfully, not all parts of your ..read more

Water is a crucial part of keeping your body running properly. It affects your brain health, your mood, and even your smile. Drinking water can wash away bacteria and food particles, therefore lessening your risk of cavities and gum disease. But does the quality of the water matter? Keep reading to learn about how water quality affects your oral health and what kind of water it’s best for your smile. Does Water Quality Affect Teeth? An Indonesian study that tracked the rate at which children under 10 developed tooth decay found that low-quality tap water led to worse oral health outcomes. The ..read more

The holiday season brings festive gatherings, good cheer, gift-giving, and lots of eating. This is certainly a busy time of year as people rush to decorate, buy presents, prepare meals, and finish up at work for the year. Many people also travel to see their loved ones over the holidays. With all this commotion, it can be easy to fall off your Invisalign treatment plan. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth on track to a straighter future. Remember to Wear Your Aligners as Required For the treatment to work, Invisalign patients need to wear their clear aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours ..read more

When you’re considering the amount of money you spend every year on your insurance premiums, one question might be on your mind: “Is dental insurance worth what I’m paying for it?” The simple answer is yes, but this assumes that you’re getting the absolute most out of your benefits. When you fully understand the value of dental insurance and the strategies for maximizing it before the end of the year, you can rest easy knowing that your family is able to get quality care at an affordable, reasonable price. What is the Value of Dental Insurance? There are many advantages to having a good denta ..read more

Odds are you know that microbes contribute to oral health problems. After all, they’re the source of many bodily diseases. That being said, do you know how many bacteria live in your mouth? The number is higher than most people might imagine. As such, you’ll need to manage these germs to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, your local Powell dentist is here to help you out. Read on, then, to learn about oral bacteria, which are most harmful, and how to manage their presence in your mouth. Your Mouth is Home to Microbes Even at its most clean, your mouth isn’t quite empty. Instead, it serves ..read more

Tax Day is here, and that means Americans across the country have refunds to look forward to. Though many people use their tax refund to upgrade their phone or buy that expensive purse or pair of shoes that they’ve had their eye on, why not use yours to make some improvements to your smile? Read on to learn about four reasons why improving your pearly whites is a great way to spend your tax refund. #1: Improve Your Dental Function If your teeth are crooked or have gaps between them, this can take a serious toll on how your smile functions. Teeth that don’t come together properly mess up your ..read more

Weighted blankets busted into the mainstream by being featured on social media, TV, and more in 2017. They were featured as a solution for anxiety, ADHD, and stress, helping people rest under their comforting, hug-like pressure. However, research shows that they could even help more people, including those with sleep apnea. Read on to find out how weighted blankets work and what benefits they offer to those with sleep conditions. How Do Weighted Blankets Work? Weighted blankets come in different weights depending on your body weight, the ideal ratio is that the weight in the blanket should be ..read more