Elwood Avenue Dental Blog

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. It’s usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup along the gumline. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more serious gum disease (periodontitis), which can threaten your oral and overall health. While it’s important to visit your dentist for professional care, there are also several effective home remedies that can help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and promote healthier gums. These natural approaches are most effective when combined with a good oral hygiene routine.

When most people hear the word “probiotics,” they think of gut health – yogurt, kombucha, or supplements that help with digestion. But did you know that probiotics may also play a role in your oral health, particularly in preventing and managing gum disease? Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, chronic bad breath, and even increase the risk for systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Probiotics might offer a natural and effective way to support healthy gums.

If you need a tooth extracted, it’s normal to be a little nervous. The good news is that this extremely common treatment is nothing to worry about. Still, if you find yourself struggling to feel calm about your upcoming procedure, here are a few things you can try to help soothe your nerves at your appointment.

You wouldn’t be the first patient to be nervous about their upcoming tooth extraction! It’s understandable why you might find yourself biting your nails at the thought; after all, removing a tooth doesn’t exactly sound like a pleasant process. While you can expect to feel some strange sensations, they likely won’t be as painful as you’re imagining. Keep reading to get a more realistic sense of what your tooth extraction will feel like.

A gold tooth may have sounded cool years ago, but now you can’t stop thinking about how obvious it is. Is your metal crown the only thing people notice when they see you smile? Does it look tacky? What kind of first impression does it make? As it turns out, not everything that glitters is gold – and sometimes even gold isn’t worth the glitz!

Fortunately, there’s a much more subtle alternative that comes with many benefits. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of going metal-free.

Aesthetic flaws in your teeth can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. If you feel self-conscious about your dental condition, you’re less likely to engage in social activities for fear of being judged. This can lead to less rewarding relationships and fewer professional or educational opportunities.

Thankfully, your dentist provides several cosmetic services to upgrade your grin and boost your confidence, but many patients aren’t sure where to start. Continue reading to learn more about 3 common concerns and how they’re addressed!

One of the first things that other people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and it’s only natural to want to make a great first impression. Unfortunately, aesthetic issues like chips, cracks, and stubborn stains can detract from your appearance and leave you anxious about how others might perceive you.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide one or several cosmetic services to address any areas of concern so that you can look and feel like the best version of yourself! Continue reading to learn about 3 popular procedures that can upgrade your grin and boost your confidence!

Root canals often make patients anxious, even at the mention of it, but it’s an essential treatment to save your tooth and relieve pain. The procedure itself feels more like getting a filling, but there can be some soreness afterward. If you’re wondering what recovery from a root canal looks like, continue reading. You’ll learn what to expect and how to care for your tooth to ensure a smooth healing process.

Myths and urban legends can be fun around a campfire, but when it comes to your oral health scary stories and misinformation can be downright dangerous. If you’ve been told you need a root canal but are hesitant to green-light the procedure because of rumors you may have heard, here are a few common misconceptions about them, and their truths. Because no tall tale should ever get in the way of protecting your health!

Whether it’s a pinpoint toothache or tender denture sores, oral pain is no fun. Some might even say it’s the worst place to get an ache. You may or may not be on that end of the spectrum, but either way, no one wants you to be hurting – least of all your dentist!

When it comes to dental discomfort, your dentist should always be one of the first people you contact. That’s what they’ve trained for, after all. While you wait for your appointment, though, it would be helpful to try and determine the source of your pain and alleviate what you can. Keep reading for more information.