Long Family Dental of Cleburne Blog

If you struggle with a dental phobia, then you already know how unpleasant even visiting your dentist for a six-month dental checkup can be. Therefore, your natural reaction may be to skip your visits altogether. Unfortunately, this can negatively impact both the function and aesthetic of your smile, requiring more restorative and cosmetic dental work down the line. To prevent this from happening, the best place to start is by identifying the source of your dental-related anxiety. Unsure what it is? Keep reading for a few common causes, tips for managing your nerves, and how your dentist can help.

About one in four deaths in the United States is due to heart disease, according to statistics from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention. Since February is American Heart Month, it is the perfect time for all of us to pause and consider what we can do to protect our hearts. Of course, exercise and nutrition are both vital. But did you know that your gums also play a role in heart health? Let’s talk about the connection between gum disease and heart problems.

If you are like nearly 50% of Americans, the weeks leading up to the new year are spent jotting down goals to tackle in the coming months. In the spirit of having a fresh start, you may be committing to flossing consistently in 2021. After all, it is a crucial component of keeping your oral health and beautiful smile in pristine condition. But how can you prevent this New Year’s resolution from sliding to the back burner? Here are three tips to help!

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Even if you work in the dental field, there’s a good chance you are surprised by the changes that occur each day in technology, science, and research. From equipment that makes procedures quicker to machinery that produces higher resolution images for more accurate treatment planning, most professionals are shocked to see how different dentistry is today in comparison to even 20 or 30 years ago. If you’re interested in what is to come, read on to learn about the 5 new dental trends that are expected to make their mark in the next decade.

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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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