Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix Blog

When you stub your toe, burn your tongue on hot cocoa, or even accidentally cut your hand while making dinner, at very least you can rest assured that your injury will heal with time. Unfortunately, however, that’s not always the case with dental damage. In fact, if your tooth is suffering from a chip in the enamel, not only will this not self-repair, but you’ll need to see your emergency dentist right away to prevent it from getting worse! Here’s why.

Do you have a gap in your smile from a missing tooth? You are not alone! According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. While not having all your pearly whites may make it harder to take advantage of new opportunities, that is not the only reason to consider restoring your smile. Here are 4 ways missing teeth can negatively affect your health, and why you should consider dental implants as a restorative solution.

When it comes to keeping your mouth sparkling clean and healthy, regular oral hygiene is essential—and this includes brushing your teeth twice a day! But what are you supposed to do after you’ve finished brushing and all that excess toothpaste is still swirling around your mouth? Are you supposed to rinse your mouth out with water or just leave it be? Here’s everything you need to know about rinsing your mouth after brushing, and why you might want to re-evaluate your own habits.  

Did you know gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the U.S.? In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss, but it starts off small. The initial stage of this condition is called gingivitis. It can advance into a more serious problem, but there are ways you can prevent it. Here is what you should know about this oral health issue and home remedies you can try.

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, including changes that can affect oral health. One common issue many expectant mothers experience is pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease caused by increased inflammation in the gums. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, leading to redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding. The good news is that pregnancy gingivitis is often preventable with proper oral care and healthy habits.

Here are 4 important tips for reducing your risk during pregnancy.

When people think about bacteria in the mouth, they often assume all bacteria are harmful. In reality, the mouth contains both beneficial and harmful microorganisms, and maintaining a healthy balance between them plays an important role in oral health.

Gum disease develops when harmful bacteria accumulate around the gums, leading to inflammation, irritation, and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually damage the gums, bone, and supporting structures that hold teeth in place.

Researchers continue to study ways to support a healthier oral environment, and probiotics have recently gained attention as one possible tool for improving gum health.

If you wake up every morning and are met with a strange, white film coating the inside of your mouth, you might be wondering what could be causing this to happen. This sticky, disgusting layer of film is called oral thrush, and it’s normal to want to rid your mouth of the foul substance as quickly as possible! Read on to learn more from your dentist about what causes oral thrush, along with some measures you can take to address it and maintain good oral health.

As you get closer to the finish line of your Invisalign treatment, you might be excited to finally cross it. Just before you do, your dentist might tell you that you need to wear some refinement trays at first. While this can be disheartening to hear since you’re almost done, they are essential for getting your healthier bite. Here’s how they work and why they are important for getting your straighter smile.

Choosing Invisalign is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile. These clear aligners offer flexibility and discretion, but their success depends on your daily habits. If you want your treatment to stay on schedule and deliver the results you expect, it’s important to follow a few key guidelines.

Here’s a friendly guide to the do’s and don’ts that help keep your Invisalign journey smooth and effective.

Finishing Invisalign treatment is a big milestone. Your aligners are officially off, your smile looks amazing, and you’re ready to enjoy the results. But before you celebrate too hard, there’s one more important step in the process: wearing a retainer. Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new positions, but how long will you actually need to wear one?