Bragg Dental Blog

Many people feel embarrassed about visiting the dentist, especially if it has been a long time since their last appointment. Concerns about stained teeth, cavities, bad breath, gum disease, or overall oral health can make some patients anxious or ashamed. However, there is no reason to feel embarrassed when walking into a dental office. Dentists and their teams are there to help, not judge. In fact, avoiding dental care because of embarrassment can often lead to more serious problems over time.

When you are going to your dental visit, a skilled team will work with you to help you avoid and treat a wide range of oral health issues. A member who plays an important role in this is your dental hygienist. You may notice you spend a bit of time with them during your checkup, but you might be curious about what else they do. Here’s a day in the life of this professional.

According to a 2022 article by the United States Military Health System, an estimated 30 percent of American adults grind their teeth. Known as bruxism, this dangerous condition often occurs unconsciously, making it that much harder to stop. If left untreated, it can cause excessive tooth wear and breakage, as well as receding gums which could leave your mouth vulnerable to gum disease. Worse yet, as bad as it is for your natural smile, it can be extremely harmful to your dental implants, too. Here’s a closer look at why if you suffer from bruxism, it’s important to treat it if you want to restore your smile with these life-changing prosthetics.

Gum disease is one of the most common complications people experience with their oral health. The good news is that you can easily reverse the effects of this problem the earlier you detect and treat it. If left unchecked, it can lead to more serious issues, like gum recession and tooth loss. To keep yourself healthy, here are four questions you should ask your dentist regarding gum disease.

When it comes to oral health issues, gum disease is one of the most prevalent ones. About 60% of adults who are 65 or older have some form of it. If you are in this group of people, it’s important to take charge of your oral health and prevent it. Not only will your mouth be thankful, but you can also avoid the links it has with other health complications like dementia and heart problems. But just how are older adults at a higher risk? Continue reading to learn more about how you can protect your smile.

Although brushing and flossing twice daily is essential to preventing common problems, like cavities, gum disease, and minor breaks, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop an issue. It’s still possible for bacteria in your mouth to erode your enamel and cause damage and decay.

If you’ve noticed an injured tooth, you should call your dentist immediately so they can schedule an appropriate time to see you. Thankfully, they provide different treatments that can help, like tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns. If you’re unsure which procedure is right for you, continue reading to learn more!

Damaged and decayed teeth are problematic for several reasons. Firstly, cavities are contagious and can spread if they go unaddressed for too long. Plus, once the structure of your tooth is compromised, it’s more likely to become infected or sustain additional injuries. It might even become so broken that you can’t use it to eat or speak.

Thankfully, your dentist can place a dental crown to protect your troublesome tooth while restoring its appearance and functionality. If you’re unsure how long this treatment will last, continue reading to learn more about it!

You probably already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can prevent common oral issues like gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer. However, did you know that fluoride-treated water also plays an important role in your dental health?

On January 25^th, 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first town in the world known to adapt artificially fluoridated water, but the practice rapidly spread and has saved countless smiles. Continue reading to learn more about how this advantageous ingredient was discovered and how it boosts your dental health!

Facial pain can be alarming and uncomfortable, and in many cases, it may signal a dental emergency! But how can you tell if the pain is from your teeth, gums, or something else? It can be difficult to tell the difference when you’re in pain, but one thing is clear: You need to know! Read on to learn about common dental emergencies that can cause facial pain and what to do to find relief.

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just having bright, white teeth. It involves addressing various aspects of oral health. Both adults and children face common oral health issues, but some problems are more prevalent than others. By learning about these common concerns and implementing preventive measures, you can ensure your smile remains healthy and vibrant. Read on to equip yourself with essential information for keeping your oral health in excellent condition.