Dinner tables will be crowded with friends and family this Thanksgiving, most of them smiling and happy to be together (hopefully). Many families, however, will also have to endure the presence of the black sheep—the one (or more) family member that always seems to cause trouble and tension, and most family members tolerate simply because… Read more »
Posts Categorized: General Dentistry
Austin Dentist Discusses the Connection Between Bone and Oral Health
As we grow older, parts of our bodies grow weaker and require attention to continue in good health. Your bones, which provide the framework for your entire body, are no exception. Time, nature, habits, and diet can all play a role in decreasing bone density, and illnesses that affect the strength of your bones are… Read more »
Do You Have Toothaches During Allergy or Cold Season?
If you find yourself with a toothache during allergy or cold season, the reason may not be a dental problem at all. The culprit may be a sinus infection, also called sinusitis. Sinus infections may cause pressure in the sinus cavities so intense that you feel pain in the roots of your teeth, creating what… Read more »
South Austin Dentist: Endodontics and Root Canal Therapy
What is endodontics? Endodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to dental pulp. Pulp is the soft tissue inside the crown of a tooth. Dental pulp produces dentin, sends nutrients to tissue, and senses pressure and extreme temperature through a network of nerves and blood vessels. The pulp is housed in the root canal. What… Read more »
Poor Oral Health Affects Performance of Children in School
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health argues poor oral health may contribute to bad academic performance of children in school, highlighting the importance of dental care during childhood. The Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC study looked at the correlation between the oral health and academic achievement records of close… Read more »
South Austin Dentist Discusses the Harm of Smoking
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, those who smoke are twice as likely to develop poor oral health. That is not a surprising statistic when you consider the number of oral health issues related to smoking. Some believe smoking only leads to the cosmetic issue of stained teeth and embarrassing bad breath. However, smoking also… Read more »
Five Foods That Promote Good Oral Health
One of the best ways to fight cavities is to practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also visit your dentist every six-months for a dental checkup and cleaning. Another way you can deter cavities and promote healthy gums and teeth… Read more »
Is A Cavity-Free Future Possible with the Keep 32 Molecule?
Imagine a world with no toothaches, no need for fillings, and no guilt (as far as teeth go) with eating a cupcake. That’s the world two scientists—one from Yale University, and one from Universidad de Santiago in Chile—envisioned when they discovered the Keep 32 molecule. This molecule is touted with the ability to destroy the… Read more »
Test Your Knowledge of Preventive Dentistry
Dental Examination Quiz from South Austin Dentist Q1. True or false: Brushing with a hard bristled toothbrush can actually do more harm than good for your smile. Q2. A dental checkup includes which of the following? A. Cavity detection B. Gum disease risk assessment C. Oral cancer screening D. All of the above Q3…. Read more »
Why Your South Austin Dentist Doesn’t Think Your Tongue Piercing Is Cool
Thinking of Getting an Oral Piercing in Austin? At our South Austin dental office, we believe in keeping Austin weird. We love our eclectic community and appreciate our unique patients; however, Dr. Van Wicklen has a word of warning for patients with oral piercings. In fact, you may be surprised to find that your mouth… Read more »