The Creekside Dental Blog
Summer Smiles: Why Summer Dental Appointments are the Most Beneficial for Your Kids
Summer's here and it's time to get outside and have fun. Kids are off school, enjoying sunny days out and about - riding bikes, staying up later, and getting that extra scoop of ice cream just because. For children, summer usually means no more schedules or...
What is Torus or Tori?
Some people develop a bony growth or enlargement (hyperostosis) on the roof of their mouths or underneath their tongues. These growths are called Torus or Tori (plural). These bony protuberances can either be small or in some cases can be very large and are benign....
Which Electric Toothbrush Should I Use? Sonicare or Oral-B?
An electric toothbrush is one of a hygienist’s favorite tools to recommend. Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to help you remove plaque from your teeth and gums. They also massage the gums which allows for good blood flow and promotes healthy gums. The...
Nothing but the Tooth: FAQ’s Regarding Your Child’s Teeth
At what age should I bring my baby in to the dentist? As a general rule, it is best to bring your baby in once they get their first tooth. This establishes a routine and reduces dental anxiety later on into the toddler years. It is then strongly encouraged to take...
Cavities are Contagious
Now, this does not mean that if a person has a cavity the people they come in contact with will automatically “catch a cavity”, but the bacteria found in cavities can actually be passed along. As a parent, doesn’t that sound a little scary? For instance, has your baby...
The Seven Worst and Best Foods or Drinks For Your Teeth
We know that there are bad foods for our teeth but we at Creekside Dental in Kennewick will share some foods and drinks that you may not have thought about. We will also share some foods and drinks that are much healthier for your teeth. Seven Worst Foods/Drinks...
Is Baby Orajel Safe For My Teething Baby?
When it comes to my profession and family I usually try not make myself look like a “know it all”. I like to wait for my friends and family to come to me for advice rather than telling them what they should and shouldn’t be doing regarding their teeth. But this isn’t...
Plaque and Tartar (Calculus) Buildup – What is it? How can I Prevent it?
Dental plaque is a biofilm, or a mass of bacteria that grows on the teeth. At first, it is a sticky colorless deposit, but as it hardens and forms tartar (also known as calculus), it changes into a brown or pale yellow color. The rate at which plaque and tartar grows...
I Brush and Floss. Why Do I Keep Getting Cavities?
One of the main responsibilities of a dental hygienist, in addition to cleaning our patient’s teeth, is education. This part of our job may be even more important than the treatment that we provide during the office visits. This is because what a patient does at home...
The Dreaded Dry Socket – What it is and How to Prevent it
A dry socket is a painful complication that can sometimes occur after having a tooth removed. Just after a tooth extraction, blood fills into the tooth socket, forming a clot. During the first 24 hours this clot is very soft and fragile, somewhat like half-set Jell-O....
Weird Dental Trivia
Just in case you’re looking for some fun trivia to entertain guests at your next dinner party, the Creekside Dental Team has compiled this list of weird dental facts for your viewing pleasure. Ancient toothpaste was composed of interesting ingredients such as powdered...
Is periodontal disease (gum disease) dangerous during pregnancy?
During pregnancy it is common for gums to be swollen and bleed, but it is not normal. The signs to look for in periodontal disease (gum disease) are receding gums, tenderness during brushing/flossing, bleeding, and swelling. These are signs that should not be ignored...