If you love wine, you’ve probably already noticed it has a sneaky way of lingering in your mouth long after you’ve enjoyed it. Ever observed how your teeth look a bit purple after your glass of cabernet? This is thanks to a set of bitter astringent compounds known as tannins. Tannins can be found in foods such as grapes, cacao, cranberry, and tea. But why do they leave behind such annoying mementos on your teeth? Keep reading to understand how tannins take their toll!
(more…)Sommers Family Dentistry Blog
September 19, 2024
June 20, 2024
Can You Wear Dentures if You Have Bone Loss?
If you’re missing teeth, you may have heard that you are at risk of bone deterioration. This happens because your jawbone is not being stimulated by your teeth, and thus as the saying goes “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Unfortunately, bone loss can cause you to lose even more teeth, and it can make it very difficult to get dental implants. If you have significant deterioration, you may need a bone graft procedure to help restore some of the damage. This could be a requirement before getting dental implant surgery, but in some cases the deterioration may be too severe, and you may not be able to get dental implants at all.
Thankfully, if you do not have adequate bone density to support dental implants, dentures could be a viable solution. But do dentures prevent deterioration? Here’s what you need to know about dentures and your jawbone health.
(more…)March 9, 2024
Can Veneers Be Used to Straighten your Teeth?
When people start looking into veneers for the first time, they’re often surprised by the incredible versatility of the treatment. Veneers can be simply layered onto any teeth that you have a particular problem with, allowing you to completely alter the appearance of your smile.
If you have crooked teeth, for example, you might wonder whether veneers could help you align your smile. Here’s what you should know.
(more…)December 13, 2023
5 Ways to Balance Holiday Indulgence with Dental Health
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, gatherings, and a plethora of delectable dishes that tempt your taste buds. However, not all festive foods are friendly to your teeth. From grandma’s famous apple pie to your cousin’s sweet potato casserole, tempting tooth-averse meals will be all over the table. How can you enjoy them without ruining your dental health?
Luckily, you can find some strategies for doing just that below. Continue reading to learn how to balance the scales between deliciousness and responsibility.
(more…)November 3, 2023
5 Popular Thanksgiving Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you’re probably looking forward to enjoying all your favorite foods: fried turkey, sweet potato casserole, and of course, your grandma’s famous pecan pie! However, as tasty as Thanksgiving food might be, some of these dishes aren’t exactly great for your teeth—and some might even leave your pearly whites stained and dull. Keep reading to learn more about which foods can pose a potential threat to your smile’s shine, along with a few things you can do about it—including opting for teeth whitening from your trusted dentist!
(more…)October 17, 2023
Toothy Timelines: How Far in Advance to Whiten Teeth for Your Event
A beautiful, bright smile can give you the boost of confidence you need to look and feel your very best. If you have a major event coming up like a wedding, job interview, family reunion, or some other celebratory occasion, you could be planning to whiten your teeth in preparation. After all, you know there will be many photos taken and don’t want to waste time or energy worrying about imperfections. Many people wonder, however, how long the effects of whitening can last and how far in advance to get started for the best results. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn more so that you can develop an appropriate timeline before your big day!
(more…)August 7, 2023
Back-to-School Tips for Your Teen with ClearCorrect
A new school year is here! As your teen heads back to the classroom, there’s one major difference this year. They’ve started their journey to a straight smile with ClearCorrect. It’s easy to follow their treatment plan at home, but it can be more challenging when they are at school. Here are 5 back-to-school tips to help your child navigate the year with clear aligners.
July 2, 2023
What Colors of Makeup Show Off White Teeth?
You can’t put a price on the benefits of having bright, white teeth. However, many factors affect their color, including wearing makeup. Certain shades can make your teeth look discolored, while others can enhance their vibrancy. Here is how to choose the best colors to ensure your pearly whites look their brightest.
June 3, 2023
How the Summer Sun Benefits Your Smile
Summertime is finally in full swing, and with it comes warmer weather, longer days, and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun! But did you know that spending time outside under the summer sun can greatly benefit your pearly whites? Keep reading to learn more from your trusted dentist about how getting enough sunlight and vitamin D can work wonders for your oral health.
(more…)April 12, 2023
Are DIY Dental Implants Safe?
If you’re like many Americans, inflation, gas prices, and other factors might have you pinching pennies right now. You’ll find a variety of do-it-yourself solutions online for just about everything, so you don’t have to pay a professional for jobs around the home. You can even find DIY dental care. However, you should never use online tutorials to keep your smile healthy and looking its best, especially if you’re interested in dental implants. A complete smile doesn’t have to cost you an arm or a leg. Here’s how you can skip the risks of DIY dentistry and invest in a complete smile without breaking the bank.