While we all know that the humble toothbrush is the basic, most essential instrument in maintaining oral hygiene and health, we may not be letting it do its job effectively. In fact, neglecting the condition of your brush can actually have a detrimental effect on oral health! The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your…
Many people think of oral health as somehow separate from overall health. When you consider how we’re taught to focus on preventing cavities and periodontal (gum) disease by brushing and flossing regularly – and visiting the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and examination – it’s easy to see how this division occurs. Of…
As an expectant mom, you have a lot going on – not the least of which are the physical changes you’re experiencing. While you’re scheduling regular visits with your obstetrician to ensure a healthy pregnancy, be sure you also take care of your oral health during this important time! Is it Safe to Visit the…
We like to consider ourselves savvy and sophisticated, but sometimes we accept common misconceptions as fact – especially when it comes to dental health! In this case, of course, ignorance is far from bliss, and can lead to serious issues. Because our team at NK Family Dental is dedicated to keeping your smile healthy for…
Primary (baby) teeth are important to a child’s oral and overall health. They are instrumental in establishing favorable conditions for the permanent teeth to emerge and position themselves correctly — which is why we at NK Family Dental recommend that children receive their first dental visit shortly after their initial teeth begin emerging. This provides…
If you’ve never heard the term “root resorption” before, you aren’t alone, as it isn’t a common term outside of the dental profession. Root resorption is a natural, healthy process in children that occurs when the body resorbs the tissue that connects the primary (baby) teeth to the gums so that they can loosen and…
There is never a good time for a dental emergency, but holidays seem to be the worst — especially this year when many of us feel more comfortable attending family and social gatherings and enjoying seasonal activities. However, pent-up demand for fun can increase the risk for cracking or chipping a tooth on foods such…
If you’ve heard the term “impacted tooth” or “tooth impaction,” it’s most likely been in the context of wisdom teeth. In such a case, the third molar – commonly called a wisdom tooth – is unable to erupt from the gum, which usually occurs between ages 17 and 25. In many cases, the mouth is…
Occlusal disease is a general term that applies to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s bite. There are several causes, but occlusal disease can often be traced to an unbalanced bite (one side of the mouth bears more pressure during eating), crooked teeth or involuntary teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism). WholeHealth Family Dentistry describes…
The benefits of flossing on a daily basis are well-known. As our blog post – “Is Flossing Really Necessary?” – covers, flossing is essential to maintaining optimal oral health, which also affects our overall health. But while string dental floss has been around since 1882, water flossers – also known as oral irrigation systems –…
