Long Family Dental Blog

When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, prevention is key. Unfortunately, 35% of Americans don’t brush their teeth daily, nearly 50% don’t visit the dentist twice a year, and a whopping 30% never floss. If these statistics sound all too familiar, then there is no time like the present to implement a solid dental hygiene routine to reduce your risk of experiencing the below most common oral health problems.

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How do you view your dental insurance? Do you see it as a safety net that will help you out if you ever face a dental emergency? Or do you see it as a precious resource that can help you maintain your smile for the long haul? Individuals with dental insurance typically spend hundreds of dollars on their premiums every year. It only makes sense to consider how you derive the greatest possible value out of your plan. Let’s discuss how you can do just that.

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Are you ready for some alarming numbers? Roughly 50% of Americans over the age of 30 have gum disease. Plus, 64.7 million U.S. adults have periodontal disease, which is the most advanced form of gum disease. While statistics like these are initially sobering, it is important to remember that this severe dental concern is largely preventable. Read on for five ways you can maintain your healthy gums!

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Dentures have helped generations of patients to rebuild lost smiles. When they fit well, they can enable you to eat most foods, they look fantastic, and they are relatively comfortable. Unfortunately, their fit tends to become worse over time due to changes in the jaw’s structure. It is important that you regularly visit your dentist so they can reline (adjust) your prosthetic. Otherwise, you will be at risk of suffering from the following five health problems that can be caused by ill-fitting dentures.

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Do your teeth suddenly appear longer than they used to? Are you feeling embarrassed by your smile? If so, you’re not alone. Gum recession is a common problem many people experience. There are many reasons why it can occur, but there are things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. Read on to hear what your dentist has to say about being proactive and taking the necessary steps to protect your gum and oral health.

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If you’re active during the hot summer months, you may reach for sports drinks to stay hydrated. But did you know that they can take a big toll on your dental health? In fact, sports drinks can cause three times as much damage to your teeth as soft drinks, and even sugar-free options increase your risk of cavities if you have them too often. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to stay hydrated that don’t involve frequent trips to the dentist! Learn more below about the dangers of these beverages and how to keep your smile healthy.

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If you’ve ever spent what felt like forever trying to choose toothpaste at the store, you’re not alone. With so many options, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed! But with a little information about each option, you’ll know which toothpaste will benefit your smile the most. Along with regular checkups with a dentist, brushing twice a day with the right toothpaste has a big impact on your dental health. Learn more below about what sets each type of toothpaste apart. With this information, you’ll be able to choose the right one based on your specific needs.

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Any dentist would agree that good oral hygiene habits are the best way for you to prevent dental problems and minimize the dental work you need. But while brushing and flossing are the cornerstone of your hygiene routine, there’s an extra step you may not be doing: cleaning your tongue! Keep reading to find out why a clean tongue benefits you and get some easy tips for the best way to do it.

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Along with social distancing and handwashing, wearing a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most important things you and your family can do. But, as with most things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it! Since dentists and their staff wear personal protective equipment every day to protect themselves and their patients from infectious disease, they’re in a great position to explain how to wear face masks so that they’re as effective as possible. Learn more below!

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Even under normal circumstances, toothaches are awful. A mild one can keep you from comfortably eating, and a severe one can make it impossible to sleep or even function at all. And, unfortunately, dealing with a toothache during COVID-19 can be even more stressful because, while dentists are still open for emergencies, their hours have been reduced. But not to worry! Below, you’ll learn about 6 at-home toothache remedies to manage pain and stay comfortable until you see a dentist.

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