If you or your child suffers from anxiety or dental phobia (odontophobia) you or they may need a little help relaxing at your oral health appointments. Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to the rescue! Nitrous oxide is a safe, colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas that is used as a sedative in many dental procedures. It helps elicit feelings of calmness and reduces your gag reflex, yet it keeps you awake and alert enough to follow instructions and communicate clearly with your dentist.

For many individuals, chewing a piece of gum is a mindless activity. For others, it’s a way to curb an addiction to tobacco products or food. Unfortunately, if practiced too frequently, it can begin to take a toll on one’s jaw, resulting in chronic pain. If you already exhibit the symptoms associated with TMJ, keep reading to find out whether your favorite gum can be at fault for your increased discomfort.

If you don’t struggle with dental anxiety, you may wonder why your dentist is recommending sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help ease nerves and calm the fears of those who dislike visiting the dentist’s office, but are there other reasons it might be helpful? Read on to discover the alternative benefits of sedation and how it can help you during your next appointment.

There are various types of flaws that can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Whether it is chips and cracks caused by sports-related injuries, stains and discoloration left behind by years of drinking coffee, or gapped and misshapen teeth that are the result of improper tooth development, finding a solution to conceal these imperfections can feel defeating. However, with cosmetic dentistry continuing to increase in popularity, patients have the option to choose between custom veneers or direct bonding. Find out more about each and which one might be best for your unique needs.

Private dental insurance can be an overwhelming topic for many individuals. It often takes someone with training and expertise to fully understand the details and verbiage associated with various programs. If you are considering enrolling in your employer’s plan, you may wonder about some of the terms used as part of your policy – one of which is “deductible.” Learn more about this term and how you can start saving more each time you visit the dentist’s office.

It’s no secret that most dental insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments. After all, they are deemed “elective procedures” because they do not provide ways to improve one’s oral health. Instead, they are designed to enhance appearances and help patients achieve greater confidence. But are there any instances in which an insurance provider will provide some sort of coverage for cosmetic services? Keep reading to find out.

When considering the various cosmetic dentistry services that are designed to whiten teeth, there are two popular options most people think of – teeth whitening or veneers. Capable of eliminating stains by either targeting them with a professional-grade bleaching agent or concealing them with customized dental restorations, these solutions deliver optimal results every time. But how can you know which one is right for you? Keep reading to find out.

Have you developed an ache in your tooth that your dentist already repaired with a root canal? If so, you may need another. It can come as a surprise to learn that your previously mended tooth needs to be fixed a second time, but it can happen months or even years after your previous treatment. If you’re worried that your throbbing tooth may require an additional procedure, keep reading to learn more about it!

Dentures are a popular way to rebuild your grin after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak again. That said, it’s important to care for them properly so that you can continue to make the most of the many benefits they provide. If you’re not sure what that includes, keep reading to learn about 4 best practices to keep your dentures in tip-top shape!

Dealing with a lower denture that refuses to stay in place can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Whether you’re dining with friends or trying to hold a conversation, the constant worry of denture slippage can be exhausting. This can slowly wear away at your confidence and quality of life.

But how does it happen, and can you fix it? Read on to learn more about the causes of denture slippage and what you can do to treat it.