Did you know a cavity may be reversed? These tiny holes in our teeth caused by acidic tooth erosion can actually be prevented from getting worse and require filling. Currently, around 90% of adults have cavities and almost 30% have untreated cavities. However, by taking a few necessary precautions, we can stave off tooth decay […]
How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit
Plenty of individuals all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some individuals grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some people grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it. Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the […]
How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
As I stand over my sink and ponder the frayed bristles of my number one toothbrush, I question whether I should replace it. It’s a good question. We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets. […]
Sleep Apnea and Headaches: What Dental Patients Need to Know
Frequent headaches can be a debilitating symptom of a serious condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts as you sleep. It can cause a variety of health problems, including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Sleep apnea can also affect the quality of your sleep, leading […]
Not Happy With Your Gums? Ask About Contouring
Some Encinitas and Carlsbad dental patients who are interested in a full smile makeover might want to consider gum contouring. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is helpful for people who feel that their gums rest too low or too high on their teeth. If you feel that your gums cover too much of the surface of […]
Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?
I’m Stephen and Kimberly Dankworth DDS of La Costa Dental Excellence in Carlsbad. My patients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular dental exams. Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first […]