White Clay Dental Blog

Ideally, we’d all keep our natural teeth for life. However, due to oral health issues like decay, gum disease, or even accidents, there may come a time when tooth extraction is necessary. Feeling nervous is normal but understanding what to expect can make the experience less daunting. Here’s a closer look at what a tooth extraction feels like, from start to finish.

Did you know that your toothpaste could have an effect on your porcelain veneers? Unfortunately, it’s not always the good kind of effect! You might be relying on your favorite variety to protect and clean your teeth, but certain qualities can damage your veneers, shortening their lifespan. To see if your toothpaste and dental cosmetics are compatible, keep reading.

Most people consider a perfectly white smile a desirable trait, though very few people naturally have one. Most teeth are not pure white to begin with; the enamel is a bright blue-white hue, but the dentin beneath, which shows through, is yellow. This is what gives them their ivory appearance.

On top of that, years of eating certain foods that stain can also leave your grin looking worse for wear. Continue reading to learn more about how different ingredients can darken your teeth and how your dentist can help reverse the effects!

Have you been thinking about getting braces for months, years, or even decades now? If so, then you’ll be happy to hear that summer is a great time to start Invisalign! To learn five benefits of starting your orthodontic treatment now, keep reading.

Many people view going to the dentist as a luxury instead of a necessity. However, your oral health and overall wellness are connected. Healthy teeth and gums are important for your general well-being. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends a dental cleaning and checkup every 6 months. You have many options to keep routine appointments and dental work affordable, like dental insurance and discount savings plans. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best option for your needs.

(more…)

If you’re hitting the gym more often or working on your tan to get your body ready for summer, don’t let an unattractive smile hold you back from looking and feeling your best. You don’t have to undergo extensive dental work to address common aesthetic imperfections, like stains and chips. Here are 3 minimally invasive cosmetic dental treatments to get your smile summer-ready.

(more…)

One of the main reasons that it’s useful to have a dentist on your side is that it can be difficult to tell what’s going on with your teeth by feeling alone. There are all kinds of issues you could have with your smile and telling them apart on your own is a challenge.

For example, if you feel a small twinge of pain, you might wonder whether it’s temporary or could be worth a dental filling. A dentist will obviously be able to tell you more if you visit them, but if you want to know about how to figure that out on your own, here’s some information you might find useful.

Summer vacation is almost here! Whether you expect to spend your summer at far off locales, relaxing at the beach, or just hanging out inside to get out of the heat, there’s one thing that you can do to make sure your plans come to fruition: see your dentist.

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to schedule a checkup with your dentist, especially if you have big plans. Here are a few reasons why that is.

“Cancer” is the last word that anybody wants to hear from any kind of health professional. Even just discussing the topic can be unnerving, but if you want to prevent this dangerous condition it’s important to have frank conversations with your doctors about the matter.

This is part of why every dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening, which will give your dentist an opportunity to catch signs of the condition early. Here’s what that kind of screening is likely to entail.

Teeth are supposed to last for a lifetime, but 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have at home to protect your pearly whites from preventable issues that can lead to tooth loss, like cavities and gum disease. However, if you push too hard when brushing your teeth, it can cause irreversible damage to your smile. Aggressive brushing doesn’t lead to a better clean. Instead, here are the risks you’ll face if you don’t break the habit.

(more…)