The number one concern of patients in my hygiene chair is sensitivity. It comes in all forms, caused by cold, hot or sweets. Simply brushing can also cause a feeling I describe as a “zing.” It can be frustrating, and even life altering, when tooth sensitivity prevents enjoying the things we once could – like ice cream! It is important to bring up any tooth sensitivity at your dental appointments. The majority of sensitivity comes from exposed root surfaces (recession). Sensitivity can also come from tooth issues such as cracks or nerve issues. Describing your symptoms and the location gives Read More →

Dry mouth has many causes, including medications, sleep apnea, allergies and dehydration. It is uncomfortable and, if untreated, can lead to accelerated cavities. Many times, a patient adds a new medication to their list that has the unwanted side effect of dry mouth. While medications are obviously needed to maintain your health, the side effects need to be monitored closely. Most patients introduced to these meds may have recession areas. These areas are more prone to cavities because they are not as strong as enamel. As a result, they tend to develop cavities when in the presence of dry mouth. Read More →

At Family Dentist Tree, we work with dental benefits every day. We know they can be confusing and difficult to navigate. While it’s important to review and understand your specific dental benefit package, here are some general tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your benefits. Pre-authorizations If you are unsure of what your dental insurance will cover, ask your dental office to submit a pre-authorization. While pre-authorizations do not guarantee benefits, they are usually pretty accurate. If you have questions about your pre-authorization, talk to your dental office and they can help you understand your Read More →

Did you know? The mouth is, in fact, connected to the body! So as cold and flu season approaches, we wanted to share a few tips on how to keep your body – and your mouth – healthy. Keep Your Hands Clean Wash your hands frequently! And do your best to keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth, as those parts of the body are where viruses like to enter. Eat Healthy Foods Our diet is important to all aspects of life, but especially in terms of keeping those pesky viruses at bay. Eating a balanced, healthy Read More →

Electric toothbrushes have been around for quite some time. They come in a variety of sizes, brush heads and prices. As a consumer, it can be tricky shopping for a new brush. Here is the advice I give patients when asked about electric toothbrushes. Brand Matters Stick with a brand that is trusted. I caution patients on purchasing battery operated five dollar brushes, because the bristles used in these brushes are not always soft or extra soft. Replacing the batteries often becomes pricey. Further, not all of the motions they use are effective at cleaning the gumline areas. Braun Oral Read More →

In dentistry, we tend to tell our patients that we don’t have a crystal ball. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to tell a patient when their tooth or fillings will break, begin to hurt or decay. What we can tell a patient is what we currently see in their mouth and how we can treat it. Fillings are common practice in dentistry, and are needed when a tooth has a cavity, fractures or is being used esthetically to fill spaces. We are asked daily how long a filling should last. There are many dimensions to this question, so let Read More →

Bloopers! Sometimes we’re serious and then sometimes… Halloween Candy Buyback This year our halloween candy buyback event went from November 1st through November 9th. We were able to donate 355 pounds of candy to our troops overseas! We are so thankful for everyone that participated in this event! Muddy Warrior Run Another year of muddy fun at the muddy warrior run with our team! We are excited for the oportunity to particicapte in an event that brings our community together to raise money for those who serve our country. Early Learning Dr. Peters spent some time teaching pre-school and kindergarten Read More →

Changing dental offices can be a real pain in the ……. tooth! With so many dental offices out there, how do you choose which one is best for your family? Each office is unique in the care it provides and the atmosphere they create. Here are some things to consider when choosing your next dental home!  It’s Obvious that They Love What They Do Choose a family dental care office where you can see their passion for dentistry in everything they do. Does the dental office provide a clean, friendly and positive environment and are the staff excited to see Read More →

Just as it feels summer is finally in full swing, we are suddenly bombarded with back to school ads and supply lists consuming our mailboxes. Ready or not, we will soon be trading out our shorts and flip flops for our new fall fashions. Back to school can bring a lot of anxiety for all, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The most important thing we can provide for our kids before hitting the books is making sure they are healthy and able to absorb all of the information their brains can handle! Here at Family Dentist Tree, we Read More →

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Mouth rinses are a hot topic in dental hygiene. Almost daily, I am asked which mouth rinse is most beneficial. The answer isn’t easy, as more recent research has looked deeper into the active ingredients in mouth rinses and how they directly affect the mouth. Patients come to our office daily with conditions such as dry mouth, gum recession and cavities. These are all factors to take into account when recommending a mouth rinse. Best Mouth Rinses for People Prone to Cavities Recently, mouth rinses such as LISTERINE® have been shown to have a relatively low Read More →