When you visit your dentist for a routine checkup, you probably expect to discuss your teeth and gums. However, your overall health plays a significant role in your oral health, too. That’s why it’s important to keep your dentist informed about any changes in your medical history, medications, or lifestyle. Sharing this information helps your dental team provide safe, personalized care and identify potential oral health concerns early.

Here are a few important health factors to discuss at your next dental checkup.

If you’re looking to improve your smile, you’ve likely come across two common options: veneers and dental crowns. At first glance, they might seem similar—both can improve the appearance of teeth and restore confidence in your smile. However, they serve different purposes and are recommended for different situations.

Understanding how each treatment works can help you feel more confident about which option may be right for your needs.

You probably already know that oral bacteria can be extremely harmful to your smile. Not only is it responsible for things like cavities and gum disease, but recent studies have shown that one particular strain called Streptococcus anginosus could also cause potentially fatal brain abscesses. Here’s what you need to know.

Did you know that sources report that over 374 billion pieces of gum are sold annually, and that an estimated 173 million U.S. Americans chew these products? Whether you enjoy a minty flavor to freshen your breath or use nicotine products to quit your smoking habit, you’re not alone if you enjoy chewing gum regularly.

But if you’ve also noticed that your jaw feels sore or stiff in the morning, your habit might be contributing to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Continue reading to learn more about how chewing gum might affect your jaw health so you can avoid potential problems!

It’s easy to think of brushing, flossing, and dental checkups as habits that only protect your teeth and gums. But research suggests your oral health may also be connected to something much bigger: your brain.

A study highlighted by the American Academy of Neurology in the summer of 2023 found a link between poor dental health and shrinkage in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that plays an important role in memory. While this doesn’t mean gum disease or tooth loss directly causes memory problems, it does add to a growing body of evidence showing that what happens in your mouth may affect the rest of your body in meaningful ways.

If you are missing all of your teeth, then an effective way you can get them replaced is with implant dentures. They are a reliable restoration that many people love, but getting them does take a bit longer than other options. While you will have a restored smile in the end, just how long will it take? Here’s what you can expect when getting implant dentures and the usual timeline.

A dental crown is designed to protect a damaged or weakened tooth, so it can be alarming when one suddenly falls out. While losing a crown is not usually a true dental emergency, it does require prompt attention to prevent pain, infection, or further damage. If you’re wondering, “What to do if a crown falls out?” these tips can help you manage the situation safely until you reach your dentist.

Whether you’ve never been to the dentist before or it’s been so long that you’ve forgotten what to expect at your upcoming exam and cleaning, it’s normal to be a little nervous. In fact, it’s not uncommon for patients to be a worried about this treatment being painful. But the good news is that your preventive check-up is nothing to be afraid of. Here’s what will happen, and how one way your dentist can make it much more comfortable!

Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for rebuilding smiles after tooth loss. Whether you’re missing an entire arch or several teeth fell out sporadically, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to improve your smile’s appearance and functionality.

However, after a few years, you might notice that your dentures don’t fit as well as they did initially. You might feel tempted to try to reline them yourself to help them remain in place more firmly, but this isn’t usually recommended. Continue reading to learn more about why it’s better to contact your dentist for help!

If you wear dentures, you already know how life-changing they can be — they restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat comfortably again. But did you know that dentures can also affect your nutrition? Research suggests that people who wear traditional dentures may have difficulty eating certain foods, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. Understanding this connection can help you make informed choices about your oral health and overall well-being.