Sound Dentistry Blog

Gum disease is one of the most common health problems on Earth, and it can lead to a wide variety of oral issues such as inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, gum recession, tooth loss, and possibly dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. In severe cases, these infections can cause spaces to form between the gums and the roots of the teeth called periodontal pockets. Here’s a brief guide to how this can happen and what your dentist can do to help.

Your gums are an integral part of your oral health, so when they’re inflamed, bleeding, or tender, it can be concerning. For patients in the know, a little anxiety may even begin to creep in as they wonder, “Is it gingivitis or something more serious?” Gum cancer shares many symptoms with gum disease, but while both conditions can cause issues, they’re very different in terms of severity. So, how do you know which is which, and when should you see a dentist? Read on to find out.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it can potentially turn into a much more serious oral health threat if it isn’t treated in time. If someone in your family currently has gingivitis, you may find yourself wondering: is it contagious? Your dentist is here to answer this question as well as provide some tips for protecting your smile.

Halloween is a terrifying celebration of everything spooky, absurd, and bizarre, but dentists and orthodontists have a few concerns about some of its traditions. In particular, the excessive volumes of candy handed out during the month of October can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and costly setbacks in a person’s orthodontic treatment. Here are a few tips for keeping on top of your SureSmile treatment when celebrating Halloween.

It’s normal as you get older to worry that you’re “too old” to try certain things. Whether it’s nerves about trying a new sport, fear of not fitting in on a trendy social media network, or you think it’s too late to straighten your teeth, doubts about your age can sometimes hold you back from trying something wonderful. But don’t let fears about passed time stop you from getting the smile you deserve. Whether you’ve always wanted to get orthodontic work or you’ve had it before and your teeth have shifted, you’re never too old for SureSmile clear aligners! Here’s why this treatment will still work, even if you’re not exactly a kid anymore!

You want whiter, brighter teeth, but deciding which teeth whitening treatment to use can be a challenge. With so many options out there, how do you know which will work the best? After all, you don’t want to waste your time and money, nor do you want to damage your teeth in the process. If you’re considering over-the-counter whitening treatments versus the professional take-home kits available from your dentist, here are some important facts to help you make the right choice.

For many patients, the thought of visiting the dentist triggers anxiety and fear. While some dental anxiety can stem from personal experiences, the media they consume can also play a role in shaping their feelings. From movies to TV shows and news stories, the portrayal of dentists and dental procedures has been fuel for phobias. Continue reading to explore how various media can affect your fear of dentists and their treatments.

Ice cream is a beloved treat that brings joy to many, especially during hot summer days. However, its effects on dental health are often a concern. As you can imagine, overindulging in sugary sweets can be pretty hard on the teeth; however, if you’re smart about it, you might be able to indulge occasionally without significantly impacting your oral health.

If you’re curious, here are a few of the problems that ice cream could cause for your teeth, and what you can do to mitigate them.

The sun stays up for longer, the last spring showers are on their way out, and kids are getting excited. You know what that means – it’s vacation season! Soon you’ll be sampling food trucks on the boardwalk and collecting seashells by the seashore.

Now slow down a minute, before your imagination runs away with you. You know you’ll have to pack and make overnight arrangements, but have you thought about stopping by your dentist for a checkup? It might not even be on your to-do list. However, there are a few reasons you’ll want to plan a visit before takeoff.

It’s pretty clear that dentures make a difference at meals. Those with missing teeth can chew many foods more easily by wearing them. Still, these prosthetics don’t just impact how you chew an entrée. Dentures could affect your sense of taste, too. They may well alter your dish’s flavor if you don’t take precautions. So, your New Bedford dentist wants to offer some guidance. Here are some ways dentures can disrupt your sense of taste and what you can do about it.