Sheats Endodontic Group Blog

Only daily brushing and flossing, and scheduling regular professional cleanings, will take care of unpleasant breath. And don't forget your often overlooked tongue as a culprit for bad breath. Bacterial plaque and food debris also can accumulate on the back of the...

All dentists believe that people can prevent two of the most common diseases today - tooth decay and periodontal disease - simply by improving their diet. Decay results when the hard tissues are destroyed by acid products from bacteria. Although poor nutrition does...

For Those With Special Needs If you have dexterity problems or a physical disability, you may find it difficult to hold onto your toothbrush or dental floss. Try these techniques: Enlarge the brush handle with a soft material such as a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle...

There really is no alternative to flossing, although some people have tried water picks. While water picks may be effective for people with orthodontic braces, they do not remove plaque. Dentists sometime recommend water picks for people with gum disease because...

Saliva is your body's best mechanism for fighting the destructive forces of acids formed by plaque. Saliva acts as a buffer and remineralizing agent. Sugarless gum is one way to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth in between brushings. The best way to prevent...

General prevention tips: Proper plaque control and good oral hygiene can many times prevent the kinds of tooth decay that leads to chronic changes in the inner structures of your tooth. Proper plaque control consists of professional cleanings at least twice a year,...

Also known as "bruxism", Grinding or clenching your teeth and the resulting excessive wear of the enamel can lead to a host of dental problems. In many cases, teeth grinding occurs unintentionally during sleep. Teeth grinders, or bruxers, often also bite their...

If a wire is causing irritation, cover the end with a small cotton ball, beeswax or a piece of gauze until you can get to the dentist. If a wire gets stuck in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, do not attempt to remove it. Contact your dentist immediately. If an...

Many of us at one time or another confront a minor dental emergency such as a children's knocked out tooth or a bitten lip or tongue. Common sense and staying calm should get you through most of these kinds of dental emergencies. Here are some other tips: Toothaches...

A cracked tooth can be caused by a number of things: a traumatic injury such as that incurred in a sports-related activity; grinding teeth or jaws (which apply undue pressure on the top and side surfaces of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue); biting down or chewing...