What Is Dental Caries, and How are they Fixed?

This may be a phrase you’ve never heard before – dental caries. Don’t be alarmed, this isn’t a new disease that was just discovered! Dental caries is another name for tooth decay or cavities, or the breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria.

Most folks have heard of cavities before; they’re most often caused by poor dental hygiene after eating and drinking foods and beverages high in sugar or that tend to get stuck between your teeth. Of course, with tooth decay comes a way to prevent it, and that’s what were here to discuss today! Tooth decay is extremely preventable; even if you’ve had dental caries in the past, you can still protect your teeth from further damage today. Continue reading →

DIY Whitening: What Works, and What Doesn’t

When it comes to whitening your teeth, no stone has been left unturned. Everyone is developing new do-it-yourself methods of bleaching their pearly whites, and we’re here to set the record straight. Tempting as it may be to attempt some home whitening with ingredients found in your own kitchen, a “natural” remedy doesn’t always mean a “healthy” one.

We want to debunk common whitening myths and instead give you healthy alternatives to make your teeth sparkle for summer. Remember, healthy teeth are glowing teeth! Continue reading →

Ouch! Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity is best defined as a sudden, sharp flash of pain when teeth are exposed to cold, sweet, acidic, or hot foods, as well as bursts of cold air. While an unpleasant condition, it is certainly not uncommon – over 40 million Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

While tooth sensitivity can never be completely eliminated, there are several steps that you can take to lessen the discomfort and improve the health of your teeth. There are no “at-risk” groups for tooth sensitivity; it can happen to anyone, anytime. Today, we want to define exactly what can cause tooth sensitivity, and what can be done to remedy it. Continue reading →

Is Thumbsucking Harmful to Your Child’s Teeth?

When children are young, it’s very tempting to let them suck their thumb or a pacifier for comfort. Thumbsucking is a natural reflex for babies and helps them feel secure, while also soothing them and helping them fall asleep. But where do you draw the line?

Many parents don’t realize the negative effects that can occur from thumbsucking or pacifier use past infancy on their child’s permanent teeth and bite. Today, we want to highlight the potential problems that can occur from prolonged thumbsucking, and supply creative solutions to help your child break the habit. Continue reading →

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: How to Silence Your Fear of the Dentist

Recent studies have shown that 15% of Americans have dental anxiety. Perhaps it’s the sound of the drill, or the ultra-sterile look and feel of the waiting room? Maybe it’s the latex-clad hands invading your mouth as you try not to think about what’s about to happen.

Did those sentences make your palms clammy and your heart rate accelerate? If so, you may be one of those unlucky folks who fear going to the dentist. At Susquehanna Dental Arts, we’re committed to making your experience with us comfortable and relaxing. Here are just a few tips to overcome your dental anxiety, and enjoy your time here with us as much as we enjoy serving you. Continue reading →

3 christmas teeth characters

Keep Your Holiday Smile Sparkling This Season!

It’s the holiday season! You know what that means: family and friends coming together, gifts, merriment and joy, and food. One of the best parts of the holidays is all that delicious food, but it can come with a price. It can be difficult to keep your teeth (and dentist!) happy this season with all those tasty temptations.

Fear not! You don’t need to suffer this season. Here’s just a few tricks to maximize your holiday enjoyment while still being kind to your smile. Continue reading →

lady smiling with mirror and dentist hand

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Dentist Was Doing at Your Checkups

We all go to the dentist, some more frequently than others. You may even have a general idea of what your dentist is doing in there as your smile goes from dull to sparkling. But did you know that your dentist is doing a whole lot more than just cleaning your teeth?

Today, all of us here at Susquehanna Dental Arts want to take you on a deep dive into just how much of your health your dentist is checking during your routine visits. As it turns out, there is much more than meets the eye. Continue reading →

What is Tooth Enamel, and Can it Be Restored?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body; it’s even harder than bone. However, just because it’s tough doesn’t mean it can’t decay. Much like anything in your body, it requires your time and care to keep it strong. Here’s some useful information that we here at Susquehanna Dental Arts think you should know in order to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Continue reading →

5 Surprising Foods That Are Actually Good for Your Teeth

We’ve all had the dangers of certain foods drilled into our brains; which foods cause cavities, which ones cause staining, and which ones erode enamel away. However, we rarely hear about foods that are not only okay to eat, but healthy for your teeth. Here are a few foods that your dentist will be happy to hear you’re eating regularly. Continue reading →