Look at The
Bright Side
Welcome to Lux Dental’s official blog - The Bright Side. This is your place for dental health tips, industry news as well as expert advice from our resident dentist, Dr. Suzanne Tack.
Should I Brush Before Flossing?
The age-old question – should you floss before you brush or after? If you asked any one of our team members, you just might get a different answer on this one!
Swish Your Way to a Healthier Smile: The Potential Benefits of Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, has been gaining popularity in recent years. But what exactly is it, and can it really benefit your oral health?
Don't Forget Your Dental Hygienist: The unsung hero of your smile!
Twice a year, many of us visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning. But the friendly face greeting you with a smile and the tools to tackle plaque buildup might not be the dentist themselves – it's the dental hygienist!
How To Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Let’s say you sprained an ankle. What are your first steps? Most of us probably would say something along the lines of plop down on the nearest couch, ice the ankle, elevate it, add some compression, and see a doctor if it’s a bad sprain.
But what about a dental emergency, like a broken tooth? What’s your first step?
Don’t be surprised if you don’t know. Most of us aren’t that familiar with the recommendations. But after this post, you’ll be the go-to source if it happens.
Protecting Yourself Against Oral Cancer
If there were a quick and painless way to identify pre-cancerous cells in the mouth of someone you loved, would you want them to try it? What if that person were you? The truth is, as uncomfortable as it may be to even think of the word “cancer,” thinking about it, and thus detecting it early, is key. That’s why, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you should schedule a visit, because while the oral exam that accompanies your cleaning may not be noticeable to you, it’s often your earliest line of defense in the detection of oral cancer. Lets take a quick look at a few of the risk factors and symptoms, and consider a few options you may have to help reduce risk. Keep in mind that no list is exhaustive, and to always share with each of your health care providers your concerns and strategies regarding your oral health.
Foods That Cause Tooth Decay
When it comes to tooth decay, it’s important to know the main culprit – acid. Acid is what eats away at our enamel and causes cavities.
Bad Dental Habits to Break
Nobody’s perfect. We all pick up bad habits along the way. Even our oral health isn’t immune. Try as you may, odds are you’ve picked up a habit or two in the name of convenience.
That’s totally okay! We get it. And that’s why we’re here: to ensure your oral health is in fantastic shape.
Here are a few less-than-stellar dental habits that we often see, with some tips on how to break them.
Coffee Lovers, Unite! But Hold the Brush... for Now
We all know the struggle: that post-coffee craving for a fresh, minty mouth. But before you reach for the toothbrush, hold on! Brushing your teeth immediately after coffee or other acidic beverages could actually do more harm than good.
Straighten Your Smile in Style
A beautiful smile is a powerful asset, boosting confidence and making a positive first impression. For many, achieving that perfect smile requires orthodontic treatment. But when it comes to straightening teeth, you're faced with a choice: traditional metal braces or the increasingly popular Invisalign clear aligners. Read on to find out why we offer Invisalign here at LUX Dental.
Ditch the bad breath blues!
Here are some tips to help you keep your breath fresh all day long:
Maintaining a Healthy Smile: The Importance of Replacing Your Toothbrush Regularly
A healthy smile is more than just a cosmetic asset; it's a reflection of your overall well-being. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While brushing twice a day is essential, the effectiveness of your brushing routine depends on the condition of your toothbrush.
Beat the Chill, Keep Your Smile Healthy
As the winter chill sets in and the air becomes crisp, we often find ourselves reaching for warm beverages and cozy blankets. However, these seasonal changes can also bring about challenges for our dental health. The cold weather can dry out our mouths, making us more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, the increased use of sugary drinks and holiday treats can further contribute to oral health problems.
A Celebration of Smiles
As the season of gratitude approaches, our thoughts turn to the many things we have to be thankful for. And at the top of our list are our wonderful dental patients. You, our patients, are the heart and soul of our practice, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence you place in us.
Smile, it's contagious!
Smiling is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to improve your own mood and the mood of those around you. It's also a great way to reduce stress, boost your immune system, and make yourself more attractive to others.
Time for a new toothbrush?
It's easy to forget to change your toothbrush periodically, but it's an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The bristles on your toothbrush can start to fray and become less effective at removing plaque and bacteria after just a few months of use. Plus, your toothbrush can harbor germs, so it's important to replace it regularly.
Your Mouth is Like a Garden: Grow Good Things
Your mouth is a garden. It's a delicate ecosystem full of life, both good and bad. The good stuff, like the bacteria that help you digest food, needs to be nurtured. The bad stuff, like the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, needs to be kept in check.
Use Them Or Lose Them!
Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar-year basis, which means that any unused benefits expire at the end of the year. That's why it's important to schedule your dental appointments and get the care you need before the new year starts.
