You may already know the effects of periodontal disease (AKA gum disease) on your oral health, but how much do you know about the effects of gum disease on your overall body? Test your knowledge on oral-systemic health with this quiz from your Pella dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen. Questions Q1. True or false: For healthy knees, floss… Read more »
Category: Oral Hygiene
Will Licorice in your Diet Help your Teeth?
Alternative medicine and modern Western medicine can both claim hits and misses over history. Recent studies seem to validate what ancient Chinese medical professionals have been saying for a long time. Dried licorice root is healthy for your teeth. How is it possible that something as seemingly mild as licorice might benefit oral health? Pella… Read more »
Tooth Enamel: The Hardest Substance in Your Body
Our bodies are amazing. Yes, we need to take care of them. However, they also come ready-made with natural defenses against harmful oral bacteria. Germs are the crux of dental health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay, so your body is continually waging war against some of the most dangerous culprits that are… Read more »
Why Controlling Bacteria is Important for Your Oral Health
When you hear the word bacteria, your first thoughts may be of infection and illness. However, not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, as you read this, your mouth contains around 600 identifiable bacteria, most of which help maintain your mouth’s delicate ecological balance. For the most part, though, you would be correct in assuming… Read more »
Pella Dentist on How Moms Influence Children’s Oral Health
Around the world, mothers typically take responsibility for researching and selecting their family’s healthcare and dental providers. In many cases, mothers innately want to care for and nurture their children. Recent studies suggest that maternal instincts play a large role in determining the oral health of their children. Your Pella family dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen,… Read more »
New Dental Anesthetic May Eliminate the Need for the Needle
Periodontal scaling and root planing procedures generally require some type of anesthesia. From your perspective as a patient, the choice of anesthetic is a trade-off between pain relief and side effects. Oraqix, a needle-free anesthetic, may end the need for an injection prior to your periodontal scaling and root planing procedure.