Bear Creek Family Dentistry Blog

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great time to learn about this dangerous condition and how it can be treated early. While you might not think of your dentist as being on the front lines of the fight against cancer, the truth is that they play a key role by screening their patients for signs of oral cancer and referring them to specialists if they find anything. In this way, dentists have saved many lives. Here’s what you should know about oral cancer as well as a few signs that you should have your mouth checked out by a dentist or doctor.

Even if you and your family practice consistent oral hygiene habits at home, dental emergencies can strike at any time. If you or someone close to you has an urgent situation, it’s natural to feel anxious and unsure about the next best steps to take. However, acting quickly can make a world of difference in protecting and preserving your natural teeth. The first thing you should do is contact someone so that you can be seen as soon as possible, but how do you know who to call? If you don’t already have a go-to provider, keep reading to learn 3 things to look for in a good emergency dentist!

Dentists receive a lot of credit for creating healthy smiles, but dental hygienists are also a valuable asset for your oral health. They are trained professionals who perform various tasks throughout the dental office to enhance the quality of care you receive. In honor of National Dental Hygienists Week, here are 5 reasons to appreciate your dental hygienist.

(more…)

Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that about one in every 160 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder? April 2^nd is World Autism Awareness Day, which means it’s the perfect time to learn more about how we can better help those living with these conditions. For example, studies have shown that kids on the spectrum are more likely to develop oral issues.

Continue reading to learn about why this happens and how you can encourage your family to improve their dental health!

Vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking and has gained popularity among both youth and adults. While it’s often promoted to reduce harm from smoking, new research suggests that vaping poses its own risks. In fact, it has been shown to be particularly harmful to oral health. If you’re curious how vaping affects your teeth, continue reading.

When you think about oral hygiene, you may often focus on its importance for supporting healthy teeth and gums. However, new research from Rockefeller University suggests that good dental hygiene may have benefits for cognitive function and memory, too! Read on if you’re curious how your oral health affects your brainpower!

When you schedule your regular dental checkup, you likely anticipate a familiar routine. You sit in the chair, have your teeth cleaned, and maybe get some X-rays. But did you know there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes during your visit? While you’re comfortable in the chair, your dentist is working hard to keep your oral health in top shape!

If you want to peek behind the curtain to uncover some surprising aspects of your dental checkups, continue reading.

When faced with a dental emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance will cover your care. Emergency visits can be stressful and unpredictable, but understanding your insurance coverage can provide peace of mind. Read on to learn more about the complexities of dental insurance and how it applies to emergency dental treatment.

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to let your special someone know how much you care, but it usually involves a lot of sweets that can do some dental damage if you’re not careful. Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can employ to protect your teeth during this most romantic day in February. Here’s a brief list of a few tips for enjoying your Valentine’s Day candy without harming your teeth!

February is here again, and that means that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! While you’re probably eagerly brainstorming how you can show that special someone how much you care, choosing a nice type of candy can be difficult if that person is wearing braces. Here is a brief guide to the best and worst candies for people with braces to help you make an excellent choice for someone you care about.