Dental health and a brilliant smile depend on more than simply brushing regularly. In this post from Decatur Smiles, we present a quick refresher on important lifestyle practices that affect oral health. You are probably familiar with most of these recommendations, but it is helpful to get a reminder once in a while. We encourage …
Gum disease is a principal cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. There is also evidence that it is associated with heart disease. At Decatur Smiles in Decatur, gum disease is easy to treat when it’s caught in the early stages. What warning signs should you be looking for? Gums that bleed often …
During routine dental examinations, the dentist at Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL may look for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. Cancer, in general, remains as serious and scary as it ever was. Yet many people don’t realize the seriousness of oral cancer. The …
You may think the most important thing about flossing is simply to do it every day. At Decatur Smiles, we agree. But many people find that trying out different types of floss helps them to establish or solidify the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire. With that in mind, let’s consider some of …
If you are afraid of the dentist, you are not alone. Millions of Americans cope with dental anxiety. At Decatur Smiles, we do our best to calm fears, provide a comfortable dental environment, and earn lifelong patients. 1) We carefully explain the findings of the initial examination and outline any recommended treatment. The consultation also …
Whenever you’re in our Decatur Smiles office, we remind you to brush and floss every day. In general, the dentist says brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once. Too many patients heed that first bit of advice, but unfortunately ignore the second. Flossing between your teeth is every bit …
Dental patients often ask if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular dental exams. Before we answer that question, here is a little bit about xylitol, courtesy Decatur Smiles in Decatur AL: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in …
Everyone’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are devoted to oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t influence your health. But if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems. We can treat gum disease at Decatur Smiles …
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Decatur Smiles are critical for ideal dental health. However, some dental patients worry because their gums tend to bleed after a thorough cleaning. It could be a symptom of gum disease. If your gums bleed for a day or two after your appointment, you don’t need to be concerned. …
Body piercings are a common form of self-expression. This post from your Decatur dentist is for those who currently have an oral piercing or are considering one. Since this is a dental blog, you may expect the Decatur Smiles team to raise all sorts of alarms about the dangers of piercings. You’re right. Unfortunately, these …
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