Westside Dental Associates

Your gums aren’t just for decoration. They help anchor your teeth in place in your jaw, providing protection for them against harmful bacteria, and even protect your mouth from the pressure created by chewing. Unfortunately, however, if you don’t take good care of them, they can become infected, causing a condition known as periodontitis, or gum disease. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to tissue recession, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration. Here are a few ways you can keep your gums healthy and strong so they can continue to protect your smile for a lifetime!

When most people think about oral hygiene, they think about preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. However, maintaining a healthy mouth may have benefits that extend beyond your smile. Researchers continue to explore the connection between oral health and overall health, including how chronic inflammation associated with gum disease may influence the body’s metabolic processes.

While poor oral hygiene doesn’t directly “slow down” your metabolism, it can contribute to conditions that may affect your overall health. Here’s what you should know.

With summer right around the corner, you might be getting ready for the plans you have. You might visit your favorite beach or spend some much-needed time with friends. To help you feel better about your trips, you should bring your best smile. Having a grin that shines as brightly as the sun can help you enjoy the moment just a bit more. Here are four cosmetic dental treatments that can help you out.

Are you headed on a trip soon? While you have gotten into the routine of maintaining your Invisalign treatment at home, it can quickly become difficult when you are traveling to another place. Staying on track with your treatment is necessary for you to achieve the straighter smile that you have been hoping for in the best possible time frame. Here are some tips to help you keep up with Invisalign while you are on your trip.

Toothpicks are a common tool people reach for after meals to remove food stuck between their teeth. While they can be helpful in certain situations, using them regularly—or improperly—can pose risks to your oral health. So, are toothpicks bad for your teeth? The answer depends on how you use them.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, offering long-lasting function and a natural-looking smile. If you’re considering this treatment, you might be wondering whether you qualify. While certain factors can influence candidacy, the good news is that most situations can be addressed so that patients can still receive implants.

Understanding what affects implant eligibility can help you make informed decisions and plan for successful treatment.

Severe tooth pain can be the cause of advanced decay, facial trauma, or possible infection. You may be unaware of the reason for your nighttime toothache, but since you cannot call your emergency dentist until morning, you need help to get essential sleep in the meantime. What can you do to achieve relief? Here are 3 tips to help you rest throughout the night.

Hope you’re doing well! I was browsing the dental aisle at the store recently and was quite overwhelmed by the myriad of toothbrush options available! Soft, medium, electric, bamboo — it’s a veritable buffet of choices. This got me thinking, how does one pick the perfect toothbrush?

Well, finding the right toothbrush is a bit like dating (hear me out!): it’s about finding a match that’s comfortable, effective, and, most importantly, treats your gums and teeth right! Here are a few pointers:

Working out and getting in shape are at the top of the list for many individuals who set New Year’s Resolutions. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight and be healthier, it’s essential to keep in mind that specific exercises can negatively affect your smile. Before starting your gym routine of lifting weights and high-intensity cardio, consider how to avoid dental injuries along the way.

Dentures are supposed to support your smile, but when they don’t fit quite right, they can’t really do that. In addition to slipping and sliding all over the place, an ill-fitting denture can cause several uncomfortable complications or even put your health at risk. Here are four reasons why you should talk to your dentist if your dentures feel loose or can’t seem to stay in place.