Why Dental Check-Ups are Important

dental check-ups are important

Do you have a never-ending schedule full of errands, practices, and appointments? While some of the items on your to-do list can be put off for another day or even another month, your annual dental check-ups should be kept at the top of the list and need to be done regularly every 6 months. There…

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How to Maximize your Dental Plan

dental plan

Dealing with insurance companies is always a headache, and setting up your dental plan is no different. There are many factors to consider. Do you need basic coverage, or do you have complex health needs? Do you need to combine different types of insurance together? Is your insurance coming from an employer, or are you…

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Blood Thinners and Oral Health

blood thinners and oral health

While the foods and drinks you consume have a large effect on your overall oral health, there are so many other health factors to consider as well. Did you know that taking certain types of medication can weaken your gums and cause damage to your teeth? One such medication that causes issues with oral health…

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How Alcohol Hurts your Teeth

alcohol hurts your teeth

When it comes to your teeth, there are many external factors that can cause problems. It’s common knowledge that sugary fruit juice and certain medications can be harmful to your teeth and gums, but there are other things that people consume that can cause damage to our oral health as well. Alcohol is known to…

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What are 3D Dental X-Rays?

3d dental x-rays

Getting a closer look at your teeth has come a long way from the early days of x-rays. While standard dental x-rays are still available and widely used, dental offices around the world are stepping up their game with a more in-depth x-ray technology. By using 3D dental x-ray technology, your dentist can get the…

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Why Mouth Guards are Important

mouth guards

Many sports require a lot of gear. One piece of equipment that’s easy to forget but important to use is the mouth guard. This small, inexpensive item is one of the most important pieces of gear to buy for yourself or your child before participating in a variety of sports. As you prepare to jump…

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What is Plaque?

what is plaque

Have you ever wondered what exactly you’re doing when you brush your teeth? What are you cleaning off, if there’s no visible food residue? Does brushing daily really make such a big difference? The biggest problem that’s alleviated by brushing is the thin layer of film called plaque that develops over time and wears away…

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The Facts about Dental Veneers

dental veneers

Considering Dental Veneers? When you look at your smile in the mirror or photos, do you like what you see? Do you find yourself wanting better teeth? Do you wonder what your teeth would look like if they were all the same length, evenly spaced, and the same pearly white color? For some, having the…

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FAQs and Myths about Soda Pop and Teeth

Soda Pop and Teeth

It’s common knowledge that sugary drinks are bad for your oral health. You’ve probably been told to steer clear of fruit juices and soda pop. Not only are these drinks full of sugar, which feeds the microbes that start the onset of decay, but they’re also naturally acidic, and this will wear down your enamel…

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Everyday Habits that Harm Your Smile

Everyday Habits that Harm Your Smile

Everyone has habits that they do every day, and many of them affect their dental health. Some habits are good for your teeth, like brushing twice a day and flossing. Others, including some that you might not have considered, are not good for your teeth. Unfortunately, some of those bad habits can be hard to…

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Dental Tips for Expectant Mothers

dental tips for expectant mothers

There are many common dos and don’ts when it comes to pregnancy and taking care of your health. When you’re expecting a child, your body’s hormones change on a daily basis. These pesky fluctuations have an impact on many systems and structures within your body, including your teeth and gums. If you’re pregnant, you need…

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Diabetes and Dental Health

diabetes

Diabetes affects nearly 10% of the population in the United States. This disease changes a person’s life in so many ways. Since diabetes alters the body’s ability to process sugar, it changes how you feel and how you interact with food on a daily basis, and it can also affect  your oral health. Below, Flintlock…

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How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity

tooth sensitivity

There are many reasons why a person can have sensitive teeth. Any kind of tooth pain is difficult to handle, but when it occurs on a regular basis, it can seriously affect your quality of life. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you know the frustration of limiting the food you eat based on temperature,…

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Dental Health during Cold and Flu Season

flu season

When you start to feel a tickle in your throat or queasiness in your stomach, the last thing on your mind is your oral health. It’s easy to forego basic dental hygiene and fall into habits that will hurt your teeth in the long run when you get sick. When cold and flu season arrives,…

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Dental Care for Seniors

dental care for seniors

No matter your age, taking care of your teeth and gums is important. However, if you’re a senior citizen (age 65 or older), paying close attention to your oral health is even more important than it was before. After all, your oral hygiene can greatly affect other parts of your body and your overall health,…

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The Facts about Dental Crowns

dental crowns

Your regular dental visits are important for many reasons. The cleanings give your dentist the chance to check to see how your teeth are doing, give them a good polishing, and make sure no further dental work is necessary. One common type of dental work that might be recommended to you is a dental crown.…

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How Safe are Dental X-Rays?

dental x-rays

While you’re at the dentist’s office, even if you’re only getting a routine cleaning, your dentist might suggest doing some dental x-rays. This is a common procedure that allows your dentist to see deep beneath your gums to the roots of your teeth and to make sure that your enamel isn’t damaged. But are these…

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What’s the Deal with Charcoal Toothpaste?

charcoal toothpaste

Activated charcoal is used for many purposes, such as face masks, deodorant, and removing toxins from the body. Recently, it has also become popular as a toothpaste. This rise in popularity is partly due to its detoxification properties. Many people claim that the charcoal can help whiten your teeth while also getting rid of harmful…

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Recovering from Oral Surgery

oral surgery

When you have any kind of oral surgery, there will be some recovery time. Just how long that recovery time takes and what’s involved with the process will depend on the type of procedure that was done. Whether you have a tooth removed or dental implants placed, there are some simple steps to take during…

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The Facts about Root Canals

root canals

Many people feel apprehensive about going to the dentist, and when your dentist suggests that you need a root canal, it becomes even more stressful. You’re sure to have a lot of questions about the procedure. What exactly is a root canal? Why do I need one? How long will it take? Do not worry…

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Types of Braces

braces

Very few people are born with a perfect, straight set of teeth. It’s common to see people, especially teens, with a mouthful of metallic braces. This solution is relatively fast-acting and efficient, but it leaves you with a metallic smile for many months. Fortunately, if you want to get your teeth straightened these days, you…

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The Facts about Wisdom Teeth

wisdom teeth

Beginning in infancy and continuing throughout childhood and into adolescence, a lot of teeth erupt in your mouth. First you acquire baby teeth, only to lose them as those new adult teeth come in, which will need daily care and cleanings for the rest of your life. As your incisors, canines, pre-molars, and molars come…

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Can Dentistry Help with Sleep Apnea?

sleep apnea

Do you snore a lot? Find yourself waking up several times in the middle of the night? Is your partner concerned about your breathing rhythms while you sleep? You probably haven’t connected your ability to sleep with your dental care, but it’s possible that a problem with your mouth could be the culprit behind your…

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Caring for Your Kid’s Teeth

kid's teeth

Teeth require daily care, whether they’re just cutting through a baby’s gums or barely hanging on to an elderly jaw. People only get one set of adult teeth, and they need to be taken care of as well as possible. Before these adult teeth come in, it’s also important to properly care for a child’s…

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How to Choose the Right Dentures

dentures

Sooner or later, you might be told that your best option for dental care is to get dentures. This is a big, intimidating step to take, and you’re sure to have a lot of questions going through your head. Luckily, there are plenty of great options these days for dentures, and all of your questions…

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Is Mouthwash Necessary?

mouthwash

Establishing a good routine is important for your dental health. You’re (hopefully!) already brushing your teeth twice a day and making sure to floss, while remembering to schedule your checkup with the dentist every six months. But what about mouthwash? Some people use it to freshen their breath or treat medical problems. While mouthwash does…

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How to Deal with Teeth Grinding

teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be a painful situation. This condition causes the person to excessively grind or clench their teeth, causing wear and tear over time. Typically, the problem arises at night while the person is asleep, but there are some cases where people will notice themselves grinding or clenching their teeth…

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Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath

bad breath

There are several factors that can cause bad breath, and some of them are easier to fix than others. Bad breath can come from the foods you eat or the things you drink, and this is easily fixed with good oral hygiene and mouthwash. However, if your cause for bad breath is more than a…

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How to Store and Clean Your Toothbrush

clean your toothbrush

Your toothbrush helps freshen up your mouth in the morning and get all the food, germs, and grime off of your teeth after a long day. But have you ever thought about what’s going on with your toothbrush in between these times? It cleans your teeth, but is the toothbrush itself clean? Research shows that…

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6 Ways to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth

get kids to brush their teeth

Anyone with a small child knows the daily struggle to get them to brush their teeth once, let alone twice, a day. It’s not fun for anyone, and it takes time away from play! Luckily, there are some things you can do (other than nagging or yelling) that will make the daily chore of brushing…

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Uses for Dental Floss (Besides Flossing Your Teeth!)

uses for dental floss

We all know that we need to use dental floss daily to remove the food particles from in between our teeth and keep our gums healthy. However, you might not have realized just how useful dental floss is for other purposes too! If you come across a task that needs a thin, sturdy piece of…

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Common Dental Myths Debunked

dental myths

All ailments come with their own mythical cures. From old wives’ tales to poorly researched modern medicine, your friends and relatives are sure to have the cure-all knowledge that will supposedly make you feel all better. People always mean well with their household remedies and generational knowledge, but these are often not the best option…

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Foods that are Good for your Teeth (and Ones that are Bad)

foods that are good for your teeth

Taking care of your mouth is about more than just brushing your teeth and actually flossing as much as you say you do to your dentist. There are many factors that go into your overall dental health, and Flintlock Dental is going to look more in-depth at one of those factors here – what you…

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Should I Be Using Prescription Toothpaste?

prescription toothpaste

When you go to buy toothpaste, you probably just grab your favorite flavor off the shelf. Have you ever wondered if that’s good enough for your teeth? In many cases, the answer is yes. If you have low risk of cavities and no oral complications, you may be fine using your regular Crest or Colgate…

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How To Get Whiter Teeth

How To Get Whiter Teeth

Do you want to know How To Get Whiter Teeth? When you think of your teeth there may be many things that come to mind. It is safe to say that at least once you have looked at your own smile and wished that your teeth were even just a shade whiter than they are.…

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Gingivitis Treatment and Prevention

gingivitis treatment

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque and tartar caused by bacteria. It can result in tooth decay, cavities, and worse if left untreated for too long. If you already know you have gingivitis, and you’re seeking out treatments and cures, Flintlock Dental will discuss…

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Tooth Enamel Loss and Repair

tooth enamel loss

What is tooth enamel, and why is it so important? Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. It’s a tough protective shell for your teeth and is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown of your tooth, which is the part that’s seen outside of the gums. This…

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Causes and Treatments for Receding Gums

receding gums

Receding gums is a problem that’s also known as gingival recession. This occurs when the pink gum tissue that normally covers the root of the tooth is pushed back or the tooth moves into an abnormal position to expose the root of the tooth. Receding gums are common and often go unnoticed in the early…

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The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening

You brush your teeth after your morning coffee, but that bright white smile is just not there anymore. Years of eating and drinking foods that stain your teeth over time have taken their toll. There is much appeal to wanting whiter teeth, and many people are self-conscious about their smile. This can affect your confidence…

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Pregnancy and Dental Care

Pregnancy and Dental Care

There are many myths that surround your oral health when it comes to pregnancy. No matter what you might hear, there is one thing that is certain: the primary changes you see during pregnancy are due to a large surge in hormones, with an increase in estrogen and progesterone. Unfortunately, these hormonal changes can magnify…

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What Exactly is Gingivitis?

gingivitis

At your dental appointments, you’ve probably been told to watch out for gingivitis. What does that mean, what are the warning signs, and how can it be treated? If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, this means that you have an inflammation of the gums, also called gingiva. It will most commonly occur because films…

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Synthetic Tooth Enamel can be Used in Other Applications

synthetic tooth enamel

When you hear the word enamel, you might think about that coating on your teeth that protects them. It is super strong and withstands a lot from our diet, from acidic foods and drinks to extreme temperature changes to the constant grinding from chewing. But what if there were other ways that tooth enamel could…

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Diseases Linked to Tooth Decay

tooth decay

When we think about our oral health, overall health rarely comes to mind. However, studies are showing more and more that diseases that occur all over the body are linked to oral health and tooth decay. Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, floss daily, and make time for those…

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History of Dentistry

history of dentistry

Our teeth are such an important part of our bodies. If you’ve had a bad toothache, you know how frustrating it is to be in pain when you eat. Unsurprisingly, humans have paid attention to their oral health for a very long time. Modern dentistry is leagues ahead of what our ancient ancestors managed to…

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