The Smile Daily

Losing a tooth is a childhood rite of passage. Not only is it a huge milestone for kids, but it’s also a big deal for parents, too. It’s one more sign that your child is growing up before your eyes. Despite the excitement, the loose and wiggly tooth stage often prompts many questions from parents. Although some anxiety is totally normal, there’s no reason to be scared about the normal process of losing baby teeth and making way for new permanent teeth. In this article, we’ll answer the top questions we hear in our office and give you some helpful tips, so you can help your child say bye-bye to baby teeth with confidence. 

Did you know your smile can betray you? That’s right, no matter how much undereye concealer you wear or coffee you drink, your smile tells a lot more than you probably realize about your sleep habits. A simple dental exam can give your dentist a few important clues about what your nightly rest routine looks like. That’s because common challenges that get in the way of a great night’s sleep often show up on your teeth. For example, snoring, grinding, jaw pain, and issues related to dry mouth all paint a picture of your sleep health and how to improve it. ‍Sleep issues are more common than you think. By noticing and addressing telltale signs, your dentist can help put you on the path toward a healthier smile and better rest. Let’s take a closer look at what your smile might be saying about your sleep, why it matters, and how your dentist can help. 

There’s something magnetic about a beautiful smile. When most people picture an ideal smile, they imagine straight teeth. A symmetrical, well-aligned smile has many benefits, including more confidence in how you look. Still, there are other important benefits of straight teeth. Better alignment offers functional advantages, too. In many cases, a straighter smile reduces pain and makes it easier to speak and eat. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why you should consider teeth straightening, options to achieve a straighter smile, and what you should know about the process. 

Everyone’s talking about mouth taping. This popular nighttime routine is the subject of thousands of social media videos claiming benefits like better sleep and more energy. Even celebrities like Emma Roberts and Jimmy Fallon have spoken publicly about the trend. So, what is mouth tape, and does it really improve your health? As with many health fads, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and potential risks. We’ll take a closer look at the science behind mouth taping, how to try it safely, and a few alternative options.

Cold and flu season always has a way of sneaking up on us, right? Shorter days and colder temperatures mean more time inside—where germs tend to spread. ‍Of course, no one likes to be sick. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to support your immune system for less sickness and faster recovery. A healthy mouth is key to keeping the sniffles away. ‍Try these helpful ways to stop the spread of germs and keep your whole family feeling healthy this winter. 

If you have a vague sense of dread when you hear the term “root canal,” you’re not alone. Let’s face it, getting a root canal is not quite as enjoyable as a normal hygiene appointment. But the process is not as scary as it sounds. More often than not, root canals reduce, rather than cause, pain. So what exactly is a root canal and why might your dentist recommend one? We’ll answer that and other questions we receive about this common dental treatment. 

Third molars, or so-called wisdom teeth, often get a bad rap. That’s probably because people talk about them mostly in the context of people getting them removed. For many patients, wisdom tooth extraction is the only surgical dental procedure they have ever experienced. ‍But wisdom teeth themselves aren’t necessarily bad. In fact for some patients, they’re just like other teeth. So what’s the big deal with wisdom teeth anyway? And, why do so many people have them extracted? Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions we hear about this infamous set of teeth. 

If you’re the parent of a thumb-sucker, you might be worried about how your little one’s habit will impact his or her teeth. Perhaps you’ve heard that thumb-sucking can harm your child’s oral health and development down the road. While there are some risks to watch out for, there’s no need to panic right away. Let’s take a look at why thumb-sucking is so common, when to intervene, and how to promote teeth-healthy habits with your kids.