Second Line Family Dentistry Blog

Gum disease is a quite common issue – more prevalent than most people realize. In fact, it is estimated that more than half of the American population has some form of bacterial infection in their gums.

The earliest stage, gingivitis, is treatable through gum disease therapy. But if it progresses into advanced periodontitis, treatment could require dental surgery. Gum disease results in swollen gums and bad breath, plus it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in America.

One of the first signs of this, also known as periodontal disease, is receding gums. Even if you get treatment for gum disease, can your gums grow back? Keep reading to find out.

According to the Sleep Apnea Foundation, 2-9% of adults in the United States have sleep apnea; however, most people are undiagnosed. Typically, it’s a condition that’s thought to only affect men, but women aren’t immune to it. The Society for Women’s Health Research reports 1 in 5 women have sleep apnea. Although it can have potentially deadly complications, it can be managed and controlled using a CPAP or oral appliance. A good night’s rest is crucial to your physical and mental health, as well as your quality of life, but there’s another reason to see a sleep dentist for treatment. Research shows untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of cancer in women.

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A custom oral appliance is a convenient alternative to using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea, but it still takes some time to get used to. While it may seem a little uncomfortable at first, this is just temporary. Furthermore, there are ways to adjust to your new appliance and get the restful sleep that you need. Continue reading to get the full details!

The desire for a perfect, white smile is widespread. Shelves at local stores are stocked with various teeth whitening products, making it easier than ever to brighten your pearly whites. They promise dramatic results in what seems like no time at all – but do they really work? Read on as we discuss why over-the-counter products aren’t an ideal solution and why leaving teeth whitening to a professional is your best bet.

Dental crowns are sturdy, tooth-shaped caps used to restore decayed, cracked, or damaged teeth. They’re very durable but can still experience wear and tear since they’re designed to act like natural teeth. With proper care, they can last several years—but they will still need replacement eventually.  

Your dentist can determine whether you need a new crown earlier or later than the average timeframe of 10-15 years. That’s why it’s important to visit them regularly for checkups. However, you should be aware of the signs that indicate you need a dental crown replacement. Read along for four signs to look out for.

When you have a broken or decayed tooth, the few weeks it takes to get a dental crown can feel interminable. Not to mention, you have to take time out of your busy schedule for two separate appointments with your dentist. Thanks to CEREC technology, your dentist can design, create, and place your dental crown in a single appointment! As innovative and convenient as same-day dental crowns are, not many people know much about them. Here are four surprising facts you should know about CEREC crowns.

Plenty of people like to enjoy alcoholic beverages, and in moderation, there is nothing wrong with that! It’s important, however, to understand how consuming alcohol in excess can impact your oral health. Just like any other treat you indulge in, it’s important to be mindful of how much alcohol you’re consuming and how you’re taking care of your teeth afterward. Keep reading to learn more about different myths that people often believe about alcohol and their oral health.

Easter is just around the corner. Even though it is pretty much on a different day each year, you know when it is coming around because the aisles of your local grocery store begin to fill up with candy. Even though having a piece of candy once in a while doesn’t usually do much harm, especially with excellent oral hygiene, if you are indulging too much, you could end up with some oral health issues on your hands. Continue reading to learn which sweets you should go easy on this Easter and what you should have instead.

Are you missing teeth? One of the great things about living in today’s world is the fact that you no longer need to settle for gaps in your smile. There are several different tooth replacement options out there, including dentures. They can be lifechanging for people who are missing most of or all of their teeth. If you are thinking about getting dentures in the future, you should know at least a little bit about how the process works. Continue reading to learn all of the steps.

The New Year is here, which means that your benefits have renewed. Given that you pay monthly to maintain coverage, how can you maximize dental insurance benefits? A local dentist says it’s really simple. Keep reading to get 5 tips that will help you take full advantage of your coverage in 2021!