Harris Parkway Dental Care Blog

Your mouth may feel clean after brushing your teeth, but it’s actually home to a remarkably large community of microorganisms. In fact, researchers estimate that the human mouth contains hundreds of billions of bacteria at any given time. While that may sound alarming, most oral bacteria are harmless or even beneficial when your mouth’s microbial community is balanced. Maybe now you can appreciate why daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits are so important!

(more…)

Fluoride seems to show up everywhere in dentistry, whether it’s through a dedicated in-office treatment or as an ingredient in your everyday toothpaste. Despite how common it is, plenty of myths continue to circulate around it. These misconceptions can make people hesitant to use it for their oral health, so here’s the truth behind three of the most common ones.

(more…)

Missing multiple teeth can affect much more than your smile. Gaps can make it harder to chew your favorite foods, speak clearly, and maintain proper alignment of your remaining teeth. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several reliable ways to restore your smile, including dental bridges and partial dentures.

Both options can successfully replace missing teeth, but they work in different ways and offer unique advantages. Understanding the differences can help you have a more informed conversation with your dentist about which solution best fits your needs.

(more…)

A dental bridge is an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and helping you chew and speak comfortably again. Modern dental bridges are durable and can often last 10 to 15 years—or even longer—with proper care. However, like any dental restoration, they aren’t indestructible.

Knowing what can cause a dental bridge to fail can help you protect your investment and enjoy a healthy, functional smile for years to come.

(more…)

When it comes to protecting your smile, you should keep an eye out for any subconscious habits you may have. It’s easy to think that chewing on seemingly innocent objects won’t stir much trouble, but certain things you put in your mouth can lead to a dental emergency! It can be tricky to spot at first, but being aware of certain items can be helpful. Here are four of them you should never gnaw on.

(more…)

Athletes put their bodies on the line every time they step onto the field, court, track, or rink. While most people think of sprains, fractures, and concussions as common sports injuries, dental emergencies are also surprisingly frequent. A collision, fall, or impact from sports equipment can cause significant damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw.

Understanding the most common dental emergencies among athletes can help players, parents, and coaches respond quickly and protect long-term oral health.

(more…)

If you’re seeking a reliable, long-lasting solution for tooth loss, you might ask your dentist about dental implants. Many experts consider them the ideal restorations because of their unique placement in your jaw. They’re more firmly rooted, and therefore are less likely to be destabilized or dislodged than alternatives like dentures or bridges.

You might worry that your implants will look awkward or unnatural, but these prosthetics are so realistic that even celebrities have used them to perfect their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about 3 stars reported to have dental implants!

(more…)

Athletes put their bodies through intense physical demands, and unfortunately, sports injuries can sometimes lead to tooth loss. Whether it’s from contact sports, falls, or accidents during training, missing teeth can affect both performance and confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a durable and reliable solution that fits the active lifestyle of many athletes.

Here are 4 reasons why dental implants are often the ideal tooth replacement option for athletes.

(more…)

The desire for a perfect smile is something that many likely want. Younger people might get cosmetic dentistry to boost their social, work, and love life; that way, they feel more confident as the years go by. However, if you are an older adult, you might wonder if you can enjoy these services as well. The good news is you still can! Here’s how age doesn’t come into play and what popular treatments can transform your grin.

(more…)

Although seemingly everyone wishes they had a flawless, bright smile, very few people come by them honestly. Even perfectly healthy teeth are naturally more ivory than snowy white, but if your teeth have stubborn stains or blemishes you can’t seem to brush away, you might feel so self-conscious that you try to remain tight-lipped.

But if you noticed that several family members have also developed dental discoloration, you might wonder whether this condition can be inherited. Continue reading to learn more about it and how your dentist can help you lighten your grin!

(more…)