The Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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