Wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, will start to make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. These are commonly known as wisdom teeth, because they come through at a later age. Some people get all four, others only a couple, and yet others never get any of their wisdom teeth. When there is enough room and they come into the mouth correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. It is important to have a...

May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2023 is ‘Aging Unbound’, exploring diverse aging experiences and discussing how communities can combat stereotypes as we expand our thinking about aging—and how all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.   Plaque retention in the aging population is exacerbated by the presence of dental restorations (e.g., crowns, bridges), missing teeth, and gingival recession. The aging population...

Teeth are an incredible part of the human body, and they do much more than providing you a smile. By maintaining excellent oral health, we hope you enjoy your teeth for life. There are 32 permanent teeth that serve different functions in the mouth. Incisors: 8 teeth located in the front of your mouth for cutting food. Canines: 4 teeth located at the corners of the mouth for tearing and breaking food apart. Premolars: 8 teeth behind the canines that...

You don’t often realize how essential your tongue is in your everyday life. Your tongue helps you taste, eat, digest, and speak. While you chew the tongue assists with moving the food and swallowing. The small bumps, or papillae, on the tongue allow you to taste. The tongue is an agile and flexible muscle, giving it the ability to produce many words. The tip of the tongue is sensitive, allowing it to assist in cleaning the mouth and alerting us...

When we hear the word cancer it might seem like a distance term, or you may have a very personal experience. “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime” (cancer.org). Cancer impacts many people.    April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which raises awareness about oral cancer and the importance of completing self-exams. Oral Cancer starts in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (neck and throat). This year there will...

A missing tooth might be the result of gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of the way a tooth is lost, it can impact a person in multiple ways. Missing teeth can negatively affect how your teeth are aligned. Teeth will start to shift to fill the missing area causing a change in bite. This in turn can cause issues with grinding, tooth fractures, and/or tooth wear. When teeth are missing your jawbone starts to...

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, allow children to chew their food, assist with speech development, and they are a placeholder for future permanent teeth. If the baby tooth is lost too soon, this can affect the development of the jaw and the remaining teeth will start to shift. This prevents the jaw from having enough space for the permanent teeth to properly erupt into an optimal bite, which could possibly require orthodontic intervention. Regular professional dental visits will...

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance was initiated by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is intended to bring together dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. Establishing good oral habits at a young age is the first step to healthy teeth, the whole life through. Cavities Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children in...