West Hartford Dental Group Blog

Though it’s not as prevalent as it was in the past, recent studies estimate that gum disease (periodontitis) affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. Periodontitis has four stages: gingivitis (the only reversible stage of gum disease), early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. The further this condition progresses, the higher your risk of heart disease, stroke and even diabetes. Read on to learn how your gum health correlates to your overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.

At one point or another, everyone experiences bad breath. Waking up with a mossy mouth is very common, especially with how fast oral bacteria multiplies while you sleep. But if your morning breath lasts well after brushing your teeth, it may be time to consult your dentist. Halitosis or chronic bad breath can be caused by many different factors. Keep reading to find out what may be causing your bad breath and how your dentist can help correct it.

Are you looking for a new dentist? Whether you just moved to a new area or are just ready to move on to another practice, there are many things to consider when looking for oral healthcare. A choice that you could benefit from is going to a multi-specialty practice. Even though general dentists can provide you with many high-quality treatments, you have other advantages seeing a practice with many specialists that you cannot get anywhere else. Continue reading to learn a few of them.

You have been told ever since you were a child that too many sugary candies can leave you with a mouth full of cavities. Many of us have probably experienced this firsthand after a particularly sugary holiday season. However, how do artificial sweeteners affect your teeth? Could switching out a cola for a diet cola make a difference for your oral health? Continue reading to learn more about how sugar substitutes affect your smile.

Are you looking to enhance you smile? No one wants to feel self-conscious about the way they look. The good news is that cosmetic dentistry is available for patients who want to make changes to their smile to feel more confident. However, before you can get cosmetic work done, you have to resolve any oral health issues you may have. Continue reading to learn why you may need treatment from your cosmetic dentist before you can focus on the aesthetics of your smile.

If the time of year that we have all been waiting for. You get a little bit of extra time off work, you’re seeing more of your family, and even breaking out the old recipe book for homecooked meals. However, this season is not so great for your smile. In fact, many people end up needing dental work done in the new year. Continue reading to learn why the holidays are so harmful for your oral health and what you can do to keep your teeth in good shape just in time for the new year.

It’s finally the time of year where you can go outside in the cool weather and appreciate the beautiful autumn leaves changing color. Not only does this mean that it’s time to break out your favorite boots and sweaters; it is also time to enjoy some of your favorite hot beverages. But have you ever thought about what they do to your teeth? Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about the effects of hot drinks on your smile and what you can do to prevent them.

Now that Halloween is almost here, your family is putting together the finishing touches on their costumes and you’re getting ready to watch your favorite age appropriate scary movie. However, what would Halloween be with out having a few pieces of your favorite sweets? As great as it is to indulge in a sweet treat, your teeth won’t be thanking you. That’s why your dentist is sharing some Halloween candy tips so you and your family can enjoy the spooky season without needing to spend additional time in the dental chair getting fillings.

Do you brush your teeth twice and floss once every day? That’s great, but it doesn’t mean that you are excelling at your oral hygiene routine every day. Even some of the most diligent brushers are making some common teeth cleaning mistakes that could be costing them their oral health. If you aren’t cleaning your teeth properly, you could be on a path towards tooth decay, gum disease, or other issues. Continue reading to learn more about the most common teeth cleaning mistakes and how you can correct them.

Dentistry has come a long way throughout the past century, but each year it gets more and more advanced. With new state-of-the-art technology and techniques, you can expect to see dental care evolve even more through the next decade. Just look around you. Technology has changed a lot in the past few years, and this will only continue to happen. Continue reading to learn more about the new dental trends that you can expect to see more of throughout the next decade.