We all want healthy teeth. The easiest way to do this is to make sure to brush and floss twice a day and make a trip to the dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings once every six months. Another way to help lower the risk of tooth decay is the application of a fluoride… Read more »
Category: Family Dentistry
Big Dental Problems from Premature Birth
November is Prematurity Awareness Month The March of Dimes sponsors Prematurity Awareness Month every November, and World Prematurity Day is November 17th. As a family dentist in Pella, IA, Dr. Allen wants to let you know how premature birth can affect dental health. Premature birth in humans is defined as birth with less than 37… Read more »
The Taste Bud Sensory Experiment
Your tongue is amazing! It’s covered with microscopic hairs called microvilli, also known as taste buds. These tiny receptors send messages to the brain, letting you “sense” your favorite foods. Don’t believe me? Try this experiment: You’ll need a glass of salt water, sugar water, lemon water, tonic water, pencil and paper, and Mom or… Read more »
Early Cavity Detection for Conservative Dental Fillings
Tooth decay afflicts 99% of us. With this in mind, you might say that cavities are almost inevitable. Of course, brushing and flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, and limiting starches and sugars will help deter tooth decay. Attending regular six-month checkups will also help. And you should know, checkups have changed as technology has… Read more »
Century-old Dental Breakthrough: Floss
Commercial floss was first manufactured from silk in 1882, but what did we do before then? Chances are, lost more teeth. Today, we use a Gore-Tex material to floss our teeth. That is, when and if we in fact floss our teeth. The average amount of floss bought per person each year is 18 yards…. Read more »
Brushing to Blame for Tooth Sensitivity
When food and drinks prove to be too hot or too cold for your teeth but not for the rest of your mouth, then something is not right. If your teeth seem to suddenly develop their own nervous system, sending pain from the end of your tooth up to your gums, you may be suffering… Read more »