Matthew Nawrocki, DMD, MS Blog

As dental professionals, it is important that your dentist and their team avoid unnecessary germs. This can prove difficult, especially since the reality of the job is to work within a patient’s mouth – an area that can be filled with harmful bacteria. Fortunately, some objects can be worn to offer an added layer of protection. Known as personal protective equipment (PPE), these items are what is keeping those working inside a dental office from contracting or spreading COVID-19. To learn which PPE is most popular and beneficial when it comes to protecting both dentists and patients, read on.

At the end of the day, all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and prepare to binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, the moment you take a sip, searing pain radiates within one particular tooth causing you to grasp for your cheek and nearly miss pouring your coffee on your lap. Why are you suddenly facing such extreme discomfort? Should you call your dentist’s office for an emergency visit? Take a few moments to find out what might be causing your tooth sensitivity and how best to treat it before the pain worsens.

When was the last time you got a new toothbrush? If you can’t remember, that’s not a good sign. While about 42% of people don’t switch out their toothbrush as often as they should, that doesn’t mean you should keep using the same one for years on end. It might not seem like a big deal, but not changing your toothbrush often enough can spell disaster for your oral health. Let’s look more closely at what happens in your mouth if you don’t change your toothbrush regularly.

Many people often think of their oral health as a separate entity from the rest of their body, but the truth is that everything in your body is connected. If you have a health problem in your mouth, it can cause issues in other areas without your realizing it. Since March is National Nutrition Month, now seems like the perfect time to talk about how you can adjust your diet to best benefit the health of your teeth and gums.

Many people think that fluoride treatments are only for kids. After all, most dental insurances only cover them up until the age of 18. However, a growing amount of research is beginning to suggest that everyone can benefit from a fluoride treatment—especiallyadults who are cavity prone. Read on to find out if you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay and if you should ask your dentist about fluoride treatments at your next dental checkup.

It’s fitting that February is all about love and hearts since it’s American Heart Month! Now is a great time to take a moment between buying flowers and making dinner plans to reflect on your heart. Did you know that there’s a connection between the health of this vital organ and the health of your gums? Perhaps that’s why February is also National Gum Disease Awareness Month! Read on to learn more about this relationship and find out how taking care of your smile is good for your heart.

When you start to feel under the weather, treating your symptoms can quickly become your number one priority. As you focus on getting healthier, don’t forget to take care of an essential part of your body—your mouth! Both your sickness and how you treat it can have a significant impact on your oral health. Here’s some practical advice from your dentist about keeping your smile healthy during cold and flu season.

Do your teeth look longer than normal or feel sensitive to temperatures? You may not notice these symptoms at first, but they are the first signs of receding gums. This common dental issue is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, revealing the delicate roots underneath. Small pockets form to collect plaque and bacteria, which can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss. Thankfully, there are ways to treat this condition and prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s everything your dentist wants you to know about receding gums and what can be done to treat them.

If you’re like most people, the holidays mean getting to eat certain foods without counting the calories. While you may be telling yourself that your waistline will get an update in 2020, it’s best if you don’t wait to take better care of your oral health. Tooth decay can set in quickly, which means, you might need to avoid some of your favorite holiday food items if you want to protect your smile. Before you leave for grandma’s house, take a few minutes to hear from a dentist and learn which foods are considered good and bad for your pearly whites.

When you made the decision to replace your missing teeth with dentures, it’s likely that your dentist informed you of the necessary adjustments and relines you would need over the years. However, you may not be aware of the problems that can result in your dentures no longer fitting well. If you find that your custom prosthetic no longer offers the comfortability it once had, take the time to speak to your dentist to find a solution.