Plum Grove Family Dental Blog

While improving the appearance of your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry may seem like a new concept, believe it or not humans have been attempting to do this for centuries. In fact, there are accounts of early elective procedures that date all the way back to 700 BC, when the Etruscans first used ivory, human teeth, and even bone to make primitive dentures.

Here’s the fascinating history of cosmetic dentistry, and how far we’ve come in the pursuit of a more beautiful smile!

When you’ve got a severe toothache, your dentist is the best remedy. But if you find yourself with a little time before your emergency appointment and need some fast relief at home, here are a few tried-and-true methods that could help.

It’s often normal for people to start their day feeling mildly achy in different parts of their body. But have you recently started waking up with jaw discomfort? If this is beginning to happen every morning, you might want to consult your dentist about the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. Keep reading to learn why your jaw is feeling painful and what you can do about it.

Have you recently been finding a sticky white film in your mouth? This mysterious gunk usually coats your tongue, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth, causing an unpleasant feeling and taste. While it’s often more annoying than dangerous, a white film can sometimes be a health issue called oral thrush. But what is it, and how do you make it go away? Continue reading to further explore this mystery of the mouth and learn how to deal with it.

When faced with severe tooth decay or dental damage, dentists often recommend root canals or extractions. Many people get anxious at the thought of a root canal, perhaps because of a few common misconceptions about them or because of many comedic representations of them as miserable and painful. Here’s why it’s usually best to receive a root canal instead of an extraction if your tooth can still be saved.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. While some individuals may have sufficient space in their jaws to accommodate these teeth, many experience problems due to impacted wisdom teeth. This common dental issue occurs when the wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. While the discomfort of impacted wisdom teeth is widely known, their impact on overall health is often underestimated. Here are some of the health issues that can arise from impacted wisdom teeth, shedding light on the importance of timely intervention.

Have you ever pondered the ramifications of forgoing your regular dental cleanings? In the quest to preserve a vibrant and healthy smile, routine dental cleanings assume a vital role. Unintentionally, by missing these essential appointments, you may put the health of your teeth in jeopardy. Continue reading to unravel the reasons why neglecting these cleanings can lead to adverse consequences for your oral well-being and understand the significance of adhering to your routine dental check-ups.

When you hear the words “root canal treatment,” what comes to mind? Unfortunately, many patients feel anxious at the mere thought of this procedure. This is largely due to its poor reputation, which has persisted despite monumental advancements in the dental field as well as technology. With all of that said, you might not feel like you can get an honest answer to the question “Are root canals painful?” from a loved one. Don’t worry – we are sharing the unfiltered truth right here!

Both healthcare and dental experts strongly discourage smoking due to its addictive nature. While quitting anytime is beneficial, if you’re considering dentures, your dentist will highly recommend breaking the habit sooner rather than later. Smoking not only jeopardizes the condition of your new teeth but also substantially raises the chances of encountering severe oral and overall health issues. Continue reading to learn about what might happen if you continue to smoke while wearing dentures as well as what you can do to break this harmful habit.

Participating in sports, regardless of your skill level, adds excitement and a sense of competition to one’s life. Yet, athletes are not immune to risks, such as dental emergencies, that may arise during games, practices, or scrimmages. These unexpected situations can be diverse and require immediate attention. Safeguarding your teeth is paramount, so read on as we explore three common dental emergencies that athletes may encounter while engaged in sports.