The Blog

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

The holidays are around the corner! And along with the parties, get-togethers, and merriment with friends and family comes plenty of opportunity to get off track from your healthy lifestyle. However, it’s still important to keep your dental health in mind. Consider these holiday dental tips to keep your smile in tip-top shape this holiday season—and start the new year … Read More

Even though they are the hardest substance in the human body, your teeth need proper care if they are to stay strong. The tooth’s hard exterior protects a sensitive nerve-filled center that can be extremely painful if exposed. Before you visit us at Cottonwood Dental for a routine cleaning or procedure, you will get more out of your time in … Read More

Gingivitis (or gum disease) that remains untreated can progress into periodontitis and will eventually cause tooth loss and additional health problems—which is why prevention is crucial. Types of gum disease There are three different types of periodontal disease. Gingivitis, an infection of the gums, is the most common. It leads to the gums becoming swollen, red, and bleeding easily. There’s … Read More

An estimated 10 million Americans are affected by a temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, a group of conditions commonly referred to as TMJ disorder. These conditions can cause myofascial pain or discomfort, dislocated jaw, or even more serious injuries in some cases. At Cottonwood Dental, we know that the jaw tension and headache pain often associated with TMJ disorder can … Read More