Matthew Nawrocki, DMD, MS Blog

When it comes to your oral health, your gums are just as important as your teeth. One problem that can occur with your gums is called recession. This happens when they pull back or wear away from the teeth they surround, exposing more of each tooth or even their roots. If left untreated, bacteria can build up, leading to permanent tissue damage, possible bone deterioration, and even tooth loss in some cases. Thankfully, this problem can be treated before it progresses, which is why it’s important to know some common signs of recession and why it occurs in the first place.

You’ve just been on one of the best dates of your life. The movie was captivating, dinner was delicious, and your conversation with your date was wonderful. As the night ends, you drop your date off and lean in for a kiss. Suddenly, your date takes a huge step back and practically slams their front door in your face. With horror, you realize your bad breath drove your date away. Don’t let this happen again! Here are some tips to put a stop to bad breath and celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month.

Lots of people don’t even realize they have sleep apnea; in fact, it’s been estimated by the American Sleep Apnea Association that there are 22 million Americans with the disorder but 80% of them are undiagnosed. Unfortunately, the longer you have untreated sleep apnea, the more of a devastating effect it’ll have on your body. Here are 5 long-term consequences you could suffer if you don’t start getting a good night’s rest.

If you suffer from allergies or have ever had a cold, chances are you’ve had to take air through your mouth while your nasal passages were stopped up. While it’s fine to breathe like this when you have to – you have two air passageways for a reason, after all – doing it all the time could actually lead to gum disease and other serious health issues. Here’s why mouth breathing is a bigger problem than you think!

Unfortunately, sports and fun physical activity can cause dental injury for your kids. However, giving them a quality mouthguard to wear while playing could save their smile! In fact, studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury when they aren’t wearing a mouthguard. While any protection is better than none at all, it’s important to understand that there are major differences in a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist compared to a store-bought product. Read on to learn more about the significance of protecting your child’s smile and why a professional mouthguard is your best option.

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? While you may not feel any discomfort, bleeding gums can often be one of the first signs of gum disease. This oral health issue not only brings numerous symptoms and risks to your smile, but recent research has also shown a direct link between gum disease and your overall wellbeing. With evidence continuing to indicate the ways that your gums can affect your health, it’s more important than ever to understand this disease and how you can prevent it. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of gum disease and how you can protect your smile!

Day in and day out, your teeth withstand a huge amount of chewing force and must remain structurally sound and strong to allow you to comfortably eat a wide variety of foods. Unfortunately, in addition to damage from cavities, teeth can also develop cracks and fractures that jeopardize their ability to function and lead to pain and sensitivity. Thankfully, there are multiple treatments a dentist can use to repair a cracked tooth and restore its strength, function, and appearance. Keep reading to find out more! 

When teeth whitening advertisements show that a bright set of teeth is the epitome of looking happy and healthy, it’s no wonder why most people believe that’s the case. After using a new teeth whitening toothpaste that works wonders, you’re probably proud of yourself for getting stains off your smile and looking camera ready all the time. While aesthetically your mouth may be more pleasing aesthetically, it’s not necessarily healthier. Read on to learn about the importance of oral health and how it’s not always directly related to grin that looks good.

Life’s been pretty good ever since you’ve gotten your porcelain veneers. No longer do you feel self-conscious about showing your teeth on dates or during important job interviews; it’s much easier to smile with confidence! But you’re still worried; if your regular teeth can become discolored, will your porcelain veneers stain as well? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your brighter, whiter grin for as long as possible.

If you’ve been told you snore loudly at night, there’s a chance you’re suffering from sleep apnea. This can deprive you of more than just a good night’s sleep, though. As you read on, discover how, untreated, the condition can leave you more vulnerable to heart health problems. Also, learn how sleep apnea treatment can restore your health.