Illuminate Family Dentistry Blog

When most people think of cavities, they imagine a visible dark spot on the surface of a tooth. But not all cavities are easy to see. Cavities that form between teeth, known as interproximal cavities, often develop out of sight and can go unnoticed until they cause discomfort or require treatment. Understanding how these cavities form and what signs to watch for can help you protect your smile.

Gum disease affects millions of Americans, and its impact reaches far beyond the mouth. Left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss and increase your risk of numerous systemic health problems. Yes, it is something to be taken seriously! How can you avoid the sad consequences of advanced gum disease? Dental insurance is a powerful resource that can help you protect your oral health. By understanding your benefits and using them wisely, you can take meaningful steps toward maintaining healthy gums and a confident smile.

For many years, root canals have held a bad reputation. That is thanks in large part to unflattering media depictions. The reality is quite different. In fact, if your dentist informs you that you need root canal therapy, there is no reason to worry or be afraid. Root canals are good news! In this blog post, you will learn about some of the remarkable benefits that can come from this treatment.

Breaking a tooth can be alarming and painful. The good news is that by acting calmly and quickly, you can get the care you need to restore the appearance and function of your tooth and relieve your pain. You might not know the exact steps to take for the best possible outcomes, so we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about broken teeth, how you should handle them, and which treatments are available.

When you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, dentures can be essential for performing important everyday tasks like chewing and speaking. However, as time passes, some patients notice an unpleasant smell coming from their dentures. Naturally, this is a problem that you’ll want to avoid when possible. To help you do that, here’s a closer look at what can cause bad denture odors and what you can do to prevent them.

If you wear dentures, you may be familiar with the painful problem known as denture sores. Denture sores are caused by several things but are most commonly attributed to the prosthetic pressing on nerves or by bacteria in the mouth. Thankfully, no matter the specific cause of your discomfort, there are a few things you can do at home to reduce your risk of developing them and alleviate the pain of sores you may already have. Here are some home remedies that can help!

Did you know that an estimated 3 million Americans have dental implants? These replacement teeth continue to gain popularity as a reliable solution because they have an incredibly high success rate of 95% coupled with several amazing benefits. In fact, many experts consider them the ideal method if you have suffered from tooth loss and are eager to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality.

Replacing your teeth is an incredibly personal matter, and it’s natural to want to be well-informed before deciding on a treatment to refurbish your grin. With that in mind, continue reading to learn why many dentists consider implants the gold standard of dental restorations!

Summertime is known for soaring temperatures and long, bright days. You probably already know that you will need sunblock, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from all the extra ultraviolet rays. Too much sun increases the likelihood of developing certain health conditions, like skin cancer, so it’s important to take precautions.

But do you know how it impacts your smile? It may come as a surprise, but there’s a strong connection between daylight and having a happy grin. When you’re exposed to sunlight, your body creates vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in preventing potential dental problems. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of getting enough of this essential ingredient and how you can increase your levels to safeguard your smile!

Seeing the dentist on a regular basis is important, but you also need to make sure that you’re able to fit the cost of your care into your budget. Dental insurance can be an invaluable tool for managing your oral health care expenses, but are you sure that you fully understand your plan and how you can take advantage of it? Here are 4 essential facts about dental insurance that you should remember if you want to save as much money on dentistry as possible.

A dental implant is an incredible way to replace a missing tooth! It’s the only restoration treatment that includes a support rod which is inserted directly into your jaw. Once the bone fuses around it, your dentist caps it with a tooth-shaped crown. The end result looks and functions just like the natural pearly white you lost. Because they bond with your bone, dental implants are more supported than other methods and last longer. With the right upkeep, your implant could serve you for 30+ years!

Though dental implants have a high success rate and are incredibly strong, if they aren’t treated well, they can be damaged or even fail altogether. Keep reading to learn 3 habits to avoid if you have a dental implant!