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How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

teeth cleaning at dentist

Do you really need to schedule a scale and clean every six months? For most people (with healthy teeth and gums) a cleaning twice a year is best. But if you have a history of gum disease, you may need to have your teeth cleaned as frequently as every 3-4 months. The frequency of your cleans depend on a variety of factors, such as:    Gum Attachment Levels If gingivitis has the opportunity to expand into gum disease, it causes the tissues to detach from your teeth. Over time “pockets” develop under the gums and lead to bone loss. Since … Continue reading

Non-Traditional TMJ Treatments

man in TMJ pain

Do you struggle with TMJ pain or frequent headaches? Even if you don’t have diagnosed TMJ disorder (TMD) you can benefit from non-invasive solutions to help with the constant soreness or associated migraines. While bite splints tend to be a common TMJ treatment for Somerville families, there’s another option worth considering: cosmetic injectables.   How Injectables Help with TMJ Pain  Although generally considered a cosmetic procedure, injectables can pull double-duty when it comes to managing muscle pain around the jaw and face. Since they’re a natural muscle relaxer, injectables ease the tension that causes pain and fatigue. When applied, the … Continue reading

Age Requirements for Cosmetic Dentistry

ten with cosmetic dental work

Do you have a teenager who is wanting to spruce up the way their teeth look? Or maybe an elementary-aged child with a chipped front tooth? If your child’s smile is detracting from their self-confidence or becoming the source of embarrassment, there are certain cosmetic solutions worth considering. However, their age and oral development will play a part in which options they qualify for.   Bonding For chipped front teeth, the best choice for a child is usually dental bonding. The white composite is shaped over the area so that the tooth looks whole again. It’s quick and affordable, making … Continue reading

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

health connection with teeth

Did you know that your smile’s health is a reflection of your overall wellness? The oral-systemic health connection is a strong one. In fact, research shows that active gum disease and other dental infections are directly related to problems like Infertility (both genders) Pneumonia Diabetes Preeclampsia Erectile dysfunction Low birth weights and premature labour High blood pressure Stroke Heart attack …and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.   Why It Matters Having an active infection inside of your mouth allows oral bacteria to spread further into your body. Bleeding, swollen gums mean that dental plaque can dislodge from your teeth and move straight … Continue reading

Professional vs. Commercial Whitening Kits

woman with shades of teeth colour

If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening is convenient and affordable. But the type of whitening method you choose can affect your outcome and experience. When it comes to over-the-counter whitening products, how do they compare to what’s offered in our Somerville dentist office? Is there any difference?   Strength As with any type of product, an over-the-counter material is going to be weaker than the professional version. That’s because concentrated whitening gels aren’t safe to use if you have active tooth decay or gum disease. Seeing our Somerville dentist for whitening will give you better, faster results than … Continue reading

What is Gum Recontouring?

smile recontouing

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers, some of the things most people are familiar with are treatments like teeth whitening, dental veneers, or bonding. But one procedure that can make a big impact on your smile’s appearance doesn’t have anything to do with your teeth…but rather your gums. Since your gums “frame” your smile, an irregular shape and contour can make healthy teeth look short or lopsided. As a solution, we can adjust your gumlines to reveal fuller teeth and a healthier looking smile. We call the process gum recontouring.   Significant Results in One Visit During … Continue reading

Hidden Cavity Risks

cavities caused by sugar

You brush daily and even remember to floss your teeth most of the time. Plus, you’re great about avoiding lollies and other sweets. So why do you seem to get cavities more often than what seems normal? It turns out there may be some hidden cavity risks you’re not very familiar with. Understanding what they are, how to manage them, and when to get the help of our Somerville dentist can help you reduce your need for dental work in the future.   Your Teeth Are What You…Drink Some of the biggest cavity-causing beverages are sports drinks. If you’re a … Continue reading

Is a Dental Veneer the Same Thing as a Crown?

porcelain veneers

You want to have something done about your front teeth. They’ve gone through wear, chips, staining, and even have a few small gaps between them. You’ve seen photographs of cosmetic crowns and porcelain veneers, but still aren’t sure which one is right for you. Is there a difference between the two types of porcelain restorations? Why would one be better over the other?   Full vs. Partial Coverage Dental crowns are restorations that cover the full surface of your teeth above the gums. They encircle all sides as well as the top. In contrast, dental veneers only cover one surface … Continue reading

Five Common Causes of Worn Teeth

woman with worn teeth

Are you starting to notice teeth that look flatter, sharp on the edges, or physically worn down? There are a number of reasons why this may be happening. With a bit of detective work on your own and the help of our Somerville dentists, you can stop tooth wear from getting worse. Here are five common reasons why you may be experiencing flat, worn teeth.   Malocclusion Your occlusion is the relationship of how your upper and lower teeth bite down against one another. A malocclusion means that biting relationship is “off.” As such, certain teeth will bite and chew … Continue reading

This Bad Dental Habit Could be Causing Your Headaches

woman with headache caused by teeth grinding

Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines? The tension could be coming from something you haven’t given previous thought to: your teeth grinding and clenching habit. Also called “bruxism,” teeth grinding is known to cause a plethora or side-effects, ranging from worn teeth to, you guessed it, headaches.   How Does Bruxism Cause Pain? When your teeth are clenching against one another, it causes tension in the jaw muscles and around your TMJ (the hinge joint on each side of the mandible, just in front of your ear.) Over time the constant fatigue can radiate into the face, head, … Continue reading