Karen Neil, DDS Fort Worth Dentistry Blog

Everyone dreams of a bright, confident smile, but sometimes our teeth don’t turn out as white as we hope. Tooth stains can happen from things like coffee, tea, smoking, or the natural aging process. But did you know your genetics might also play a role in the color of your smile? Read on to learn how heredity can affect the appearance of your teeth.

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting millions of people each year. It often starts quietly, with symptoms like bleeding gums or mild irritation, but it can progress into a much more serious condition if left untreated. Many patients wonder whether gum disease can truly be cured—and if their dentist can help restore their gum health. The answer depends on the stage of the disease, but in most cases, your dentist can successfully treat and manage it.

When your jaw aches due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, getting treatment from your dentist is essential. But unfortunately, even with treatment, relief may not be immediate. The good news is that while it may not be long before you can finally feel better, there are some things you can do in the meantime to lessen your pain and prevent it from worsening. In that spirit, here are six behaviors you should avoid when you have a TMJ disorder.

It’s easy to think of a toothache as a minor and temporary annoyance. And, yes, sometimes the problem is simply that your congested sinuses are putting more pressure on your pearly whites than normal. A more sudden and persistent toothache, however, can be far more serious. In severe cases, putting off treatment could even be fatal. Keep reading to stay well-informed about this dental emergency.

It’s natural to feel anxious if you have an upcoming dental procedure that might hurt, like a tooth extraction. Although your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to help you feel comfortable, you might still be nervous about your upcoming appointment.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to remain calm and relaxed. Continue reading to learn about 3 helpful tips that can help you overcome your fear of having your troublesome tooth extracted!

You’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming tooth extraction. Many patients get nervous about having dental work done, especially if the procedure could hurt. You might even wonder whether having your troublesome tooth removed is the best way to preserve your smile.

Rest assured, your dentist wouldn’t recommend this treatment if they didn’t feel it was necessary. Continue reading to learn more about 3 of the advantages of undergoing the procedure to help ease your frayed nerves regarding your appointment!

If you are experiencing tooth loss, then you may be familiar with the negative impacts on your daily life. You might find it harder to enjoy certain foods or feel self-conscious about smiling or laughing with those around you. The good news is that there are tooth replacement options out there! Your dentist can rebuild your smile with the help of a dental bridge or partial denture. But out of the two choices, which is right for you? Continue reading to learn more about these prosthetics to help you find one that works.

Bridges suspended between two points of geography can be wonders of technology and engineering, but they can collapse if they experience too much stress. Unfortunately, dental bridges that replace sequential teeth can fail just like London Bridge and Galloping Gertie, so it is necessary to periodically replace these restorations. Here’s a brief guide to how long dental bridges can last, what makes them fail, and how to keep them in great shape.

When you see a celebrity flash a perfect smile on the red carpet, it’s easy to assume they were just born lucky. But in reality, many of those bright, flawless grins are the result of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, including dental implants. Whether due to injury, decay, or simply improving their appearance, several well-known stars have turned to dental implants to restore their smiles. Here’s a look at a few celebrities who are rumored or confirmed to have dental implants, and why this treatment is so popular among Hollywood’s elite.

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life because you rely on two complete arches to enunciate words to communicate, thoroughly chew food, and express authentic emotions. Thankfully, your dentist can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality with dental implants.

These prosthetics are the only ones embedded in your jaw for added strength and stability, giving them advantages over alternatives like dentures or dental bridges. However, they’re not invincible and can fail if they’re not cared for correctly. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to keep your new teeth in good shape!