Active Austin Residents: Consider Mouth Protection Did you know that in this year’s Stanley Cup Finals, a single hockey player lost seven teeth to a dental injury in one game? The missing tooth grin may be a signature hockey look, but research suggests knocked out teeth are not isolated to the National Hockey League, or… Read more »
Posts Categorized: General Dentistry
Oral Cancer FAQs from Your South Austin Dentist
This past Sunday was National Cancer Survivors’ Day, an annual celebration of life observed on the first Sunday in June. Cancer can affect any part of the body, but Dr. Van Wicklen would like to share information with you about oral cancer. In the United States, this disease claims a life every hour of every day. To protect yourself… Read more »
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in South Austin
Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that generally erupt in a patient’s late teens or early twenties, can be either helpful or harmful, depending on their alignment when they grow in. Often, wisdom teeth emerge at the wrong angle, causing oral health problems that necessitate their removal. Your South Austin dentist, Dr. Steven Van… Read more »
Arthritis Awareness Month: Dental Health and Arthritis
During these first few weeks of May, have you been wearing more blue? If not, consider making a change to your wardrobe because it’s Arthritis Awareness Month and people nationwide are being urged to “Go blue for arthritis!” by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, a group that has been funding research to find a cure… Read more »
South Austin Dentist HasTips for Proper Daily Oral Hygiene
Freshen Your Breath: Clean Your Tongue Do you brush your teeth thoroughly, drink plenty of water, and still have bad breath? You may be missing your tongue. Bacteria often deposit on the back of the tongue. Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush bristles to remove the bacteria and cleanse your tongue. With each swipe, rinse… Read more »
Two Dental Health Concerns Addressed by Your Austin Dentist
In today’s world, things like mercury exposure and radiation exposure are big concerns for the general public. Coincidentally, both things relate directly to dental care, so Austin dentist Dr. Steven Van Wicklen wants to point out two pieces of information that will effect how you view these issues in relation to your professional dental care…. Read more »
What’s The Deal with Gum Disease?
What Causes Gum Disease? Gum disease is caused by bacteria, mostly Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterium likes the airless environment below your gum line. Once there, it begins to cause irritation in your gum and bone tissue. This inflammation causes the red, swollen, tender gums that bleed during flossing and are a classic hallmark of periodontitis…. Read more »
Six Bad Dental Habits
Good hygiene is important to keep your teeth healthy, but you have to do it correctly. If you relate to any of these top worst dental habits, visit Dr. Van Wicklen to restore your smile. Improper Brushing: Brushing incorrectly does more harm than good. Top brushing mistakes include brushing too hard, not often enough, and… Read more »
“How Often Should I Have a Dental Checkup?”
If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, don’t worry! Dr. Steven Van Wicklen won’t judge you. He and his team of dental professionals will be happy you made the right choice. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are imperative to protecting your oral health. Even if you brush thoroughly, floss daily, and… Read more »
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Austin?
Dr. Steven Van Wicklen is experienced in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Serving the Austin community since 1985, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas’ Health Science Center in San Antonio. He also received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. He recently won… Read more »