Valley Dentists of Belchertown Blog

Dentures are a common way to replace missing teeth and regain some of your bite power. They help you maintain your facial shape and are realistic looking, which makes it easier for you to feel confident in your smile. Though there are several benefits to getting dentures, these restorations can have some unexpected effects, including how you taste foods and drinks. Read on to learn about how dentures and taste are connected to each other.

Bright white teeth are associated with confidence, youth, and success. Unfortunately, a white smile doesn’t come naturally to many people. Not to mention, various factors affect the color of your teeth. If you’re embarrassed by stains and discoloration, OTC whitening products won’t give you the results you want because several issues contribute to yellow teeth. Here’s what you need to know to determine what’s behind your discoloration and how you can restore your pearly whites,

(more…)

You’re at lunch with your friend when you notice a strange sensation. You excuse yourself to the bathroom to investigate. You open your mouth and your stomach drops. Your dental crown came loose and is hanging from the tooth. When did this happen? You immediately fumble for your phone to look up your dentist’s number. Losing a crown isn’t a medical emergency, but there are a few things you should do while waiting to get it repaired.

Are you eager for St. Paddy’s Day to come around this year? Now that March is in bloom, this special holiday will be here before you know it. It’s the perfect excuse to get together with your friends and family to enjoy a good time over a couple drinks. However, we can’t avoid the fact that it may not be the best day of year for your teeth. Continue reading to learn about some tips that can help you have fun on St. Patrick’s Day without inducing a dental emergency.

When a child sucks a pacifier or their thumb, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, these are great coping mechanisms for infants to comfort themselves. Once a child reaches a certain age, however, problems begin to arise as their oral cavity is developing and teeth are growing in. During Children’s Dental Health Month, keep reading to learn from your children’s dentist in Belchertown about how thumb-sucking can affect your child and what you can do to help them stop.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children between the ages of two to 11 have had cavities in their primary teeth. Dental issues like this can negatively affect the appearance and function of their teeth. Brushing twice and flossing once per day is a key part of preventing decay, but your child may need some extra help keeping their smile in good shape. That’s where dental sealants come in! Read on to learn the answers to five frequently asked questions about this preventive treatment.

The biggest threat to your dental health is tooth decay. Despite being preventable, 92% of adults have had at least one in a permanent tooth. If you’ve had a cavity or two over the years, your dentist likely used dental fillings. Whether amalgam or composite, a filling is effective in treating the early stages of decay. Although they are durable, they can lose their bond with the tooth over time. If you’ve lost a dental filling, don’t panic. Here are 5 things you should do until you can see your emergency dentist.

(more…)

Nothing is more exciting than awaiting the arrival of your little bundle of joy. As you focus on getting the nursery ready and go through the nesting phase, don’t forget to keep your smile a priority. Pregnancy can lead to certain oral health issues, like tooth decay. Although you may believe only your smile is at risk, specific dental problems can affect your unborn baby. Gum disease alone is linked to premature delivery and low birth weight. Don’t worry, here’s what you need to know to safeguard your smile and developing baby.

(more…)

Did you know tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease? Although it’s preventable, it’s more prevalent than childhood asthma. You can help combat tooth decay in the community with a little creativity this Halloween. Instead of passing out sugary goodies to trick-or-treaters, here are 10 Halloween candy alternatives to support cavity-free smiles.

(more…)

You recently had one of your teeth extracted and are interested in replacing it with a dental implant. Though you feel that this is the best option for your needs, you aren’t sure how long you should wait to get dental implants after a tooth extraction. Here’s what you need to know to have success with your dental implants after tooth extraction.