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 is different for each […]
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 on a day to day basis between those […]
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. If you are not careful this clot can accidentally […]
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 fruit, honey, dried flowers, mice and lizard livers. Some Egyptians used 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 during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her progesterone hormones are […]
A Guide to Teeth Whitening
Are your pearly whites not so white anymore? There are many options available to you to get your smile looking bright again. First let’s discuss why your smile isn’t what it used to be. Food and Drink-red wine, coffee and tea are some of the major causes of stain Age-over time the outer layer of […]