Scott Parker DDS Blog

It’s virtually impossible to go through life without experiencing something stuck between your teeth—and for many people, this issue pops up pretty frequently! But upon experiencing these situations, one option that many people turn toward is using a toothpick to dislodge the debris. But despite their name, toothpicks aren’t ideal for this task, and believe it or not, they can pose a threat to your oral health! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the potential dangers of using toothpicks, along with some safer alternatives to consider.

Whether they’ve collected stains from coffee, red wine, or even tomato sauce, millions of people have smiles that they wish were a little bit brighter. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways that a good cosmetic dentist can do that for you.

If you’re looking to invest in whiter teeth, you have to make a choice: should you get teeth whitening or veneers? Here’s a guide that can tell you what you need to know to make that decision.

When you think of the holidays, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s the presents. Maybe it’s getting to visit with friends and family from out of town. Or maybe it’s the seasonal treats and drinks. Though the first two can do your heart some good, the latter may have unsavory side effects on your oral health. Read on to learn about the ways in which the holiday season is so damaging to your beam as well as some tips to help keep your oral health on track.

You might have noticed an increase in advertisements discussing sleep apnea. Researchers estimate that 26% of adults between 30 to 70 years old have sleep apnea; however, up to 80% of cases aren’t diagnosed. It can be a difficult condition to detect because it occurs while you’re sleeping. Sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night, which can have potentially life-threatening complications with no treatment. While many people believe the biggest concern is chronic snoring, you can die from untreated sleep apnea. You don’t have to lose sleep at night worrying about your health. Here are the facts you need to breathe easier. 

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If you’re battling daytime fatigue because you’re struggling to fall asleep, a shot of whiskey before bed can help you doze off. Maybe you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner to unwind after a long day? Unfortunately, if you’re not getting the rest you need, alcohol may be the cause of your tossing and turning. Alcohol consumption has been found to induce sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, which can cause you to stop breathing. Here’s what you need to know before pouring your favorite adult beverage.

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Children often have trouble taking care of their smiles. Even if you teach them the right ways to brush and floss, it isn’t uncommon for cavities to develop at some point. Dental sealants are a treatment popularly used to make it easier for them to maintain healthy teeth, but can adults get them as well? Read on to learn about dental sealants for adults and if they’re able to undergo this treatment.

A dental crown is a versatile treatment that provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic benefits. The customized cap is placed over the entire surface of a tooth above the gum line. It can protect a weakened tooth, repair significant damage, or along with other procedures, like root canal therapy. No matter the reasons, it’s normal to have a few concerns about the road ahead. Don’t worry, here’s what you can expect during your dental crown recovery.

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If you value oral health, you know brushing your teeth twice daily is essential. Doing so removes leftover food particles, plaque, and harmful mouth bacteria from tooth surfaces. However, did you know the kind of toothbrush you use has an impact too? Different brushes are suited to unique tasks depending on their design and features. To learn more, here’s a summary of three brush types geared for specific oral health problems.

When it comes to oral hygiene, one of the first things that comes to mind for most people is brushing their teeth; but flossing is just as important as brushing! That said, establishing flossing as part of a child’s oral hygiene routine from an early age is crucial for ensuring good long-term oral health. Here are four tips from your dentist to help your child understand the importance of flossing and to make sure they’re going about it correctly.