Blog
Nine Dental Myths You Must Stop Believing
The lines between truth and reality often get blurred due to fallacies. This is most certainly true when it comes to our teeth. The challenge, though, is discerning what is real from what isn't because wrong information can be dangerous. This blog, which is crucial...
Eight Destructive Oral Habits that Can Ruin Your Teeth
We live, we learn, or at least, hopefully, we learn. That’s one of the reasons we are given baby teeth as children—to learn how to take care of them before the official ones kick in. But old habits can die hard, and some of us are guilty of oral habits that destroy...
The Advantages of Clear Aligner Braces for Adults
For many, the thought of wearing braces as an adult is a complete and utter no-way! Braces are a right of passage for kids, but most adults outgrow the patience and willingness to undergo uncomfortable tooth movement. Do you want to be a brace face in your 40s or 50s?...
Dentistry Isn’t a Sprint – Why a Speedy Dentist is Not Good for Your Health
You probably don’t think much about the purpose of a dental exam. Perhaps your experiences have consisted of an “adequate” cleaning by a dental hygienist and a quick peek in the mouth by the dentist to ensure you don’t have any cavities. A dental exam - at least if...
Having Surgery Soon? Seeing the Dentist First Can Save Your Life
When you think about needing surgery, you probably don’t consider how it will impact your teeth or how your oral health can impact your surgical outcomes, but your dentist does. Dental work can impact surgical outcomes in other parts of the body. This is because the...
The Connection Between Mental Health and Oral Health and How it Can Ruin Your Teeth
Life can be stressful. Today’s fast-paced and demanding world expects so much of us. And, sadly, life isn’t getting any easier. Stress levels have been on the rise in the United States, with about three-quarters of adults reporting experiencing at least one symptom of...
The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry and How it Can Improve Your Smile and Confidence
Smiles are good for the soul. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and even lower blood pressure. Smiling also boosts your immune system by increasing the production...
Your Gut Health Could be Ruining Your Teeth
Gut health is directly linked to overall health. People with a healthy gut tend to be sick less frequently than those with GI (gastrointestinal) issues. This is because most cells that make up the immune system are located in the gut. But gut health is also linked to...
Essential Updates from Your Bend, Oregon Dentist Plus, Why Time, Trust, and Transparency Should be Important to You
I am not sure about you, but time is lacking in many business relationships. This is especially true for healthcare relationships in Bend, Oregon. A 2018 study of 19,000 healthcare providers found that the time spent with a patient was between 13-24 minutes, with 25%...
Gaps are Meant for Pumpkins, Not Your Smile
It’s that pumpkin spice time of year when the leaves are aglow with majestic hues of red and yellow, and fireplaces are dusted off and turned back on to keep us snuggly as we sip our coffee and tea. And while you consider how to carve your pumpkin, consider the mouth...
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Really Necessary?
We are creatures of evolution and are grateful for three significant evolutionary changes: opposable thumbs, losing body hair, and larger brains. An area that hasn’t entirely kept up with evolution is wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Our ancestors had larger...
Dental Implants – Because Having Teeth is in Style
I remember going into my grandparent’s bathroom as a child and seeing their dentures soaking at night. Dentures were the norm until advancements in dentistry proved there was a longer-lasting and functional treatment available for missing teeth - dental implants. ...
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Dental X-rays
Wait, I don’t want that dental X-ray. Do you get a little nervous when you hear that X-rays are needed? While most people take getting X-rays with ease, some people have concerns about radiation and the risk of getting cancer from too much exposure. This is a valid...
Choosing A New Dentist Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore – Learn What to Look For
Moving to a new city is fun and exciting. But it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got to find new healthcare providers. The pandemic created workforce shortages that are felt all across the U.S., including Bend. Long wait times to establish care with a...
Should You Remove Your Silver Fillings? This Dentist Says Yes, But for a Different Reason Than You’d Expect
Technology is wonderful. But the thing about technology is that it continues to evolve. Forms of toothbrushes have been around for over 3000 years, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the toothbrush that we are familiar with came into existence. I can tell you that brushing...
Always Be Learning – A Plea for Continuing Education in Dentistry
When you’ve been a dentist for 25 years, things change. That’s why staying on top of innovations in your field is essential. Most medical professions require Continuing Education or CE, and dentistry is no different, for the most part. When choosing a dentist in...
Celebrating 25 Years as a Dentist in Bend, OR
Living Dental Health: Customized Care with a Gentle Touch Many options exist when you need a new dentist in Bend, OR. And while it is good to have choices, sometimes too many can make the decision more difficult. We also don’t need to sugarcoat the reality that for...
The Connection Between Oral Health and Whole Health
The health of your body is directly linked to the health of your mouth. This is called oral health. And while most of us are good about brushing and flossing every day, others aren’t. That’s why we sat down with Dental Hygienist, Nicole Nolan, to get the dirt on how...