Zumbro Family Dental Blog

You’ve dreamed of a straighter smile for years, and since you never got braces when you were younger, you begin to toy with the thought of what they would look like on you. The only problem is that traditional braces seem way too expensive! While googling braces, you may have seen the new trend of DIY braces, and they don’t look that bad! Why not try them out just to see if they work? Well, your dentist may not be able to fix the damage that DIY braces will inevitably cause your oral health. Read on for a list of consequences from giving yourself braces.

When you’re tracing your way down the toothpaste aisle, you usually just go for the brand you normally use. But what if there were toothpastes you could be using that were better-suited for your smile? Your smile is unique, so it’s a good idea to hand-select your toothpaste based on that. Your dentist can help narrow down your decisions and provide you with the information you need to purchase what’s best for your pearly whites!

Gum disease affects about 50% of the US population, making it a very common health issue. While its earliest symptoms are mild, it can eventually lead to serious gum damage and even tooth loss. Additionally, recent research has shown a relationship between this disease and even more serious overall health issues. Keep reading to learn how gum disease can affect you and the best ways to prevent it from an expert dentist.

All of us know that brushing our teeth and seeing the dentist for regular appointments are essential for keeping our teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that flossing is just as important? By not flossing, you allow plaque and tartar to build up on the sides of your teeth, greatly increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why dentists recommend flossing at least once daily.

When most people set their new year’s resolutions, they have great intentions — but maybe they don’t plan as well as they should. Therefore, their resolve to lose weight, save more money, or have more time to themselves doesn’t work out like they hoped it would. Why not set a resolution that you know you can achieve this year? Improve your oral health by visiting your dentist. Who knows? Your healthier smile might be the confidence boost you need to reach your most ambitious goals. Let’s talk about some of the benefits you can experience when you attend routine dental visits every six months.

The flu has been seeing exponentially higher rates in recent years, according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the 2017-2018 season, influenza killed approximately 80,000 people, breaking the record of 56,000 previously recorded several decades back.

If you do have the flu, you’re probably reaching for cough drops and decongestants on a regular basis. But how do these products affect your oral health? To prevent any cavities from appearing, take note of these flu season tips.

Everyone can agree that enjoying a wide variety of foods is important. Not only is your diet healthier, but it’s a big part of your social life as well. Unfortunately, something as simple as having a steak dinner with friends is something that many people can’t do after tooth loss. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope! Dental implants help people eat all their favorite foods again and are easily the next best thing to natural teeth. Not to mention that they can be used for people who have lost anywhere from one tooth to all of their teeth. Keep reading to learn about the basics of the procedure and find out how an implant dentist can improve your chewing strength!

Have you ever taken a sip of your favorite coffee only to be greeted by pain in your teeth? Or maybe you took a bite of ice cream and now you feel sensitivity and discomfort? Unfortunately, at least 40 million US adults suffer from sensitive teeth. This problem can turn a long-awaited treat into a painful and unpleasant experience. So, why are your teeth sensitive? Is having sensitive teeth an emergency? Read on to discover the answers from your local dentist.

(more…)

As a frugal individual, you’re probably always looking for ways to get the most out of every dollar. One way you can do that is by taking full advantage of your dental insurance. By using your policy to get needed preventive and restorative care, you can protect your smile and make your wallet happier. But how can you get the most out of your benefits? Let’s talk about why right now is the perfect time to visit your dentist and put your insurance to work.

(more…)

If your child goes out for Halloween every year, then you’ve probably heard nonstop about how excited they are now that it’s just around the corner. Halloween gives children a chance to score big in terms of sweets and chocolates, but how has that affected their oral health? Do they end up having a cavity by the end of November?

Tooth decay is common among younger individuals, especially from ages 5 to 11. Consider these tips to protect their teeth by the time a turkey is set on your table.

(more…)