Lauri Barge, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

If someone in your family is dealing with gum disease, you may wonder if this condition is hereditary. The American Dental Association reports that genetic factors can increase a person’s risk of gum disease, and these infections can lead to serious consequences for your oral health if they are left untreated. Here’s what you should know about how some genetic conditions can increase your risk of gum disease as well as a few tips for keeping your smile healthy.

Gum disease is an incredibly common issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another. When untreated, it can progress, causing a wide range of issues. This can be anything from tooth loss to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that your dentist may be able to help reverse your symptoms, but this depends on what stage of gum disease you have. Continue reading to learn about the different stages of gum disease and how they can be addressed.

Probiotics are an interesting concept. Just by ingesting some “good bacteria”, you can ward off “bad bacteria” and help your body function optimally. Talk about irony! What’s more is that there are many different strains of healthy bacteria with different benefits – just like how there are different strains of harmful bacteria that cause different illnesses.

With all that variety, you may or may not be wondering whether there’s a probiotic that can help prevent gum disease. As it turns out, a recent study suggests the answer to that could be a resounding “yes!”.

Summer is the season that everyone seems to look forward to. Whether you’ve taken a few days off work to get some much-needed rest, or you have planned an elaborate beach vacation, there is plenty to be excited about. If you truly want to make the most out of the summer months, professional teeth whitening is an excellent option to help you get there. Continue reading to learn three reasons why this summer is the perfect time to get your teeth whitened.

The rise of homeopathic and DIY solutions isn’t all bad. It’s good to be resourceful and health conscious. However, social media is probably too fast for its own good. One of the latest trends in homebrew teeth whitening solutions, charcoal, has several misconceptions that simply need to be put on blast. Keep reading to find out whether you need to dump out your toothpaste.

Many people wish that they could have a prettier smile but aren’t sure how they can achieve that. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments that can whiten, brighten, and reshape teeth to create a gorgeous new grin. If this sounds like a great idea, you may also wonder how long these treatments can last. Here’s a quick guide to a few popular cosmetic dental treatments including how they work, how long they can last, and how to help your results last for as long as possible.

If you’ve ever avoided dental appointments because they make you nervous, you’re not alone. Many people experience so much anxiety that they have a hard time sitting still long enough to get through their procedure or are scared that it will hurt and so they procrastinate scheduling it. Thankfully, your dentist can offer sedatives to help you feel relaxed so that you can receive the oral care you need.

Although they are frequently used to help patients feel at ease, that’s not the only benefit they provide. Continue reading to learn about 3 additional reasons why you might want to consider sedation dentistry!

Like many folks, you may already know about nitrous oxide. Dentists often use this sedative to calm their patients for treatment. That said, perhaps you’re hesitant to get it as part of dental care. It’s all too easy to wonder, “Is nitrous oxide sedation safe for me?” You’d then be tempted to give up on that option. Still, there’s no need to worry – this sedation dentistry is effective and harmless. Find out more in this helpful summary from your Flower Mound dentist.

Every time you go to the dental office for a routine checkup, they examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. This disease can be deadly, but it can oftentimes be treated when caught in its beginning stages. Early detection is key to making a full recovery! However, this begs the question: how fast does oral cancer spread? Continue reading to learn more about oral cancer, common risk factors, and symptoms to look out for.

There’s ample evidence supporting the mouth and body connection. Various dental issues can increase your risk of health conditions and vice versa. However, a new study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that your dental health can affect your brain health negatively. Gum disease and tooth loss can cause brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, which can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need to know to keep your mouth and brain healthy.

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