If you have dental insurance, chances are that you’ve heard the terms “in-network” and “out-of-network” before. “HMO” and “PPO” may also sound familiar. However, you might be unclear as to what exactly they mean. It’s important to understand the difference if you want to get high-quality dental care and keep your smile healthy. Read on to learn the difference between visiting an in-network dentist and an out-of-network dentist, as well as how it impacts the caliber of your care.

Coffee is what keeps most people in a good mood and awake at their jobs, attentive while they care for their children, or energetic while socializing with friends. The world’s reliance on coffee is pretty phenomenal, which makes sense why so many people celebrate National Coffee Day in the United States every September 29^th. From a dentist’s point of view, coffee is actually not bad for your oral health, despite its reputation, but there can be some drawbacks by drinking too much of it. Read on to learn three interesting ways that coffee can affect your smile.

Most people think you should only seek help from your emergency dentist if you have problems with your teeth and gums. However, it may surprise you to learn that they can also help you with facial discomfort, as it could signal concerning oral health issues. So, if your mouth or face is swollen, you should seek dental attention right away. Read along as we discuss what causes swelling when it’s time to see your emergency dentist.  

Contrary to popular belief, cavities aren’t just the result of eating too much sugar. Dental accidents, poor oral hygiene, and even just using your teeth to bite down on hard surfaces can all lead to cavities. If left untreated, they can become a serious threat to your oral health. Luckily, there’s an easy solution to prevent further damage and keep your smile safe – dental fillings! Read along as we discuss what they are and learn which common signs indicate you might need one.

Does one of your daily activities include snacking? Whether you are having a busy day and decide include some afternoon snacks or you have allowed yourself to have a lazy Saturday on the couch with a bag of chips, snacking is something that many of us find ourselves doing. However, if you include it in your schedule too often, you could end up with some oral health issues in the future. Continue reading to learn more about the effects of snacking on your dental health.

Parents are usually the ones responsible for teaching their young children the importance of brushing their teeth. However, while parents can help kids develop healthy oral hygiene habits, there is one thing they cannot control: genetics. Did you know that bad teeth can run in the family? Just like your genes determine the color of your hair and eyes, they also play a role in your oral health. Here are some common dental problems that are connected to genes.  

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It means that the gums are inflamed. This usually occurs as a result of plaque and bacterial buildups along the gumline. The issue is much more common than you may think. Approximately half of American adults over the age of 30 are suffering from periodontal disease to one extent or another. The good news is that gingivitis is usually reversible, but how long does this take? Read on to learn more.

Are you feeling ready for summer vacation? This is the time of year that you have been waiting for! The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and you have a variety of exciting plans on your calendar. This is also no better time to enhance your smile than now. When you are on the beach taking photos, you don’t want to be self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth. Read on to learn about a few different cosmetic treatments that you can benefit from this summer.

Social media is a great way for you to keep up with many of the current trends. It is good for finding new makeup looks, hairstyles, and recipes. However, it is not the ideal location to search for dental hacks. There is a TikTok dental trend spreading around the platform that is very dangerous for your smile: DIY teeth filing. Continue reading to learn more about it, why it’s dangerous, and how your dentist can help you safely reach your smile goals.

You have always been told that you need to brush your teeth twice a day in order to maintain excellent oral health. However, there are some other crucial steps of your routine that you may be missing. There are so many things that contribute to the health of your smile and your whole body and keeping your mouth clean is just one way that you can strive for a great overall wellbeing. Continue reading to learn about some practices that you shouldn’t forget.