Valley Dentists of Belchertown Blog

Living with any number of teeth missing can make it difficult to do basic things, like eating and speaking clearly. Dental implants provide an effective and lasting solution. There’s only one problem; you’re a smoker. Will your tobacco usage impact the success of your tooth replacement? Continue reading to learn about the relationship between smoking and dental implants so you can make an informed decision about the future of your oral health.

When you first become a parent, it can feel overwhelming, to say the least. You’re spending so much time thinking about your little one’s eating and sleeping habits that their oral health may have slipped your mind. However, it’s important to take good care of your baby’s smile, even before their pearly whites begin showing. Read on to learn when you should schedule your child’s first dental visit, how to prepare for the appointment, and what to expect once they’re in the dental chair.

You may have recently decided to make some lifestyle changes to improve your overall health and cut out sodas and juices to avoid sugars and additives. Instead, you opt for flavored water as a healthy alternative to the soft drinks you enjoyed so much.

Well, did you know flavored water can damage your teeth? Studies show that the high fructose corn syrup, ascorbic acid, and artificial food coloring found in these drinks can lead to tooth decay, tooth erosion, and more. We’ll shed light on a few ways flavored water can harm your teeth and what you can do to minimize the risks.

Over 60% of adults in America have gingivitis or a more acute form of gum disease, which is the inflammation and infection of the soft tissue inside the mouth. What does this mean for the rest of the population? Are they at risk of being infected with the condition from other people? A local dentist answers and explains how to fortify your gum health.

When you think of receding gums, you might associate the condition with an older crowd, but studies have shown that it can affect younger people too, and not just those with gum disease. One of the first things people want to know when they are told that their gums are receding is whether or not the tissue will grow back. Unfortunately, the answer is no. There is good news though! Even though gum tissue does not regenerate once it has receded, there are plenty of ways to avoid it and slow the process. Keep reading to learn some of the causes of gum recession and how you can deflect it.

With the next 12 months on the horizon, you’re ready to make some positive and lasting changes. This includes improving your dental health. All you need is the right strategy to achieve your goals. As you continue reading, learn some effective ways to hit your New Year’s resolutions for strong and healthy teeth and gums!

If you’re one of the 178 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth, you have several different options when it comes to replacing them. A favorite by dentists and patients alike is dental implants. They have all sorts of benefits including that they act like natural teeth, prevent jawbone deterioration, and restore as much as 90% of your chewing ability. However, implants aren’t for everyone. Read on to learn which characteristics make a good dental implant candidate in Belchertown.