When you’re pregnant, there’s so much to think about. After all, you’re suddenly responsible for not just yourself, but also your growing baby. So we know you might be wondering: Are dental x-rays safe while pregnant? Why might a dentist recommend an x-ray during pregnancy—and how can you protect yourself from unnecessary radiation? Let’s get to the bottom of these … Read More
COVID-19 Update from Cottonwood Dental
Dear patients, family, and friends of Cottonwood Dental, Of all the crowded public places to avoid and fear, Dr. Giaquinto’s dental office is one of the few places you do NOT HAVE TO FEAR and we hope that is a relief. We have always taken pride in our procedures to keep the office clean and safe and have always stringently followed … Read More
Veneers or Crowns: Which is Right for Me?
When you have a chipped or broken tooth, you want to get it taken care of as soon as possible. But which option is better for you: a crown or veneer? Here’s a look at the difference between veneers and crowns, and the pros and cons of each. The Difference Between Veneers and Crowns What is the difference between a … Read More
How to Know if Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming in?
Sometimes wisdom teeth—the third molars in the very back of your mouth—grow in healthy, fully emerged, and positioned correctly. But in many cases, wisdom teeth can be troublemakers, causing issues like pain, redness, and swelling. So how can you tell if your wisdom teeth are coming in? Read on for a few common signs and symptoms. Signs Your Wisdom Teeth … Read More
Tips on How to Remove Plaque From Teeth
Plaque is inevitable, but with a good oral hygiene routine you can protect your smile. Read on to discover exactly what plaque is and how to get plaque off teeth. What is Plaque? When the bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars and starches, they create a sticky, colorless film called plaque, which forms on your teeth and along the … Read More
Why Sugar is Bad for Your Teeth: Effects of Sugar on Dental Health
We’ve all heard that sugar is bad for our teeth—that we’ll get rotten teeth from candy. But do you know exactly why? Here’s a closer look into the effects of sugar on teeth and how you can prevent tooth decay. Why is Sugar Bad for Your Teeth? Sugar itself doesn’t damage teeth. It’s the chain of events that take place … Read More
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month! Every February the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and developing good habits at an early age. At Cottonwood Dental, we’re committed to helping children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. So let’s celebrate National Children’s … Read More
Teeth Brushing Linked to High Blood Pressure
What do bad tooth-brushing habits have to do with cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart disease? Studies show poor oral health and heart disease are linked—meaning the plaque on your teeth may be connected to the plaque in your arteries. Without regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, bacteria and plaque can build up in your mouth, triggering inflammation, … Read More
Does Diabetes Affect Your Teeth?
When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can affect your whole body—including your mouth. People with diabetes are more likely to have oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. However, controlling your diabetes will go a long way toward prevention, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. So how does diabetes affect oral health? And more specifically, how does diabetes … Read More
5 Tips to Prevent TMJ Disorder
Jaw discomfort can be disruptive and painful—and may be related to a temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (or TMJ disorder). These conditions affect the jaw joint and muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth, and can be caused by a number of factors, including arthritis, joint dislocation, injury, tooth and jaw alignment, stress, and teeth grinding. … Read More