If there were a way to help prevent cavities in your child by up to 70%, would you do it? Of course you would. A valued part of your child’s preventative dental care at Salt Run Dentistry is getting dental sealants. With a quick and completely painless procedure, we can protect young smiles and vulnerable teeth from common tooth decay.

Our back teeth are designed for chewing food. Consequently, they have several pits and deep grooves to break a part food as we eat. These areas can be extra difficult to keep clean, especially for young children. Dental sealantsare used to fill in these grooves to make it easier for your child to brush away food debris, bacteria and plague. (more…)

A straight smile is more desirable and healthier. But let’s face it; it is quite rare to find an adult or teenager who wants to wear metal brackets and wires across their teeth to achieve a straighter smile. Fortunately, not every patient has to do that. Modern dentistry offers a valued solution when it comes to straightening your teeth using Invisalign technology.

Invisalign uses a series of clear custom aligners that gently move your teeth into their ideal positions. Patients typically swap out their aligners every two weeks until final treatment goals are met. Invisalign can help with crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, underbites and more. While Invisalign is not typically best for severe misalignment, it delivers invaluable advantages for patients compared to traditional braces, including the following: (more…)

Countless Americans suffer from migraines and tension headaches on a daily basis. This can be frustrating and even debilitating for some. While headaches have numerous causes, it may be that your tension headache is related to your dental health.

Headaches and Stress

There is an undeniable link between headaches and stress. Unfortunately, stress can cause jaw tension, especially in the muscles of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). This is evident in those who tend to clench their jaw or grind their teeth during times of stress. Some people may even do it subconsciously or while they sleep. (more…)

Your teeth are made up of the hardest substance in your entire body. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean your teeth are invincible. Cracked teeth are a common dental problem and can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:

Biting down on something too hard: In some cases, patients can crack a tooth from trying to bite into something too hard. Avoid chomping ice, opening bottles with your mouth and crunching hard candy.

Teeth grinding habit: Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching can put you at a much greater risk for cracked teeth. The teeth gradually weaken over time and eventually crack under the extra pressure. Teeth grinding is often accompanied by jaw discomfort as well. (more…)

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, they need proper care beyond regular brushing, flossing and dental visits. In fact, the habits you engage in on a daily basis can have a significant impact on the health and longevity of your teeth. Are you protecting your smile? Or are you guilty of these common harmful habits?

#1 Sugar– This one comes to little surprise. We are taught at a young age how bad sugar can be for your teeth. When it comes to sugar, the “sticky sugar” is the worst, which can include taffy, gummies or even raisins. If these sugars are allowed to adhere to your tooth surface for long, enamel destruction and cavities will surely follow. If you just can’t say no to your sweet tooth, try to at least follow your indulgence with a glass of water or better yet, grab your toothbrush.

#2 Smoking – Smoking and chewing tobacco are a surefire way to wreak serious havoc on your dental health as well as your smile aesthetics. Nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which inhibits proper blood flow to your gums and lowers your immune system. Smoking yellows your teeth, causes bad breath and multiplies your risk for gum disease and oral cancer. (more…)