Chewing gum is not a new development or even a new habit. Researchers have found evidence of humans chewing tree sap before anything was manufactured. Today, chewing gum is made up of synthetic materials that you may believe is bad for your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, choosing the right kind of gum may go a long way to protect your teeth and help fight cavities. Before you snag your next pack of gum, understand what to look for and learn why chewing a stick of gum can be...

As a parent, your to-do list most likely grows every day as you prepare for the start of the new school year: shopping for new clothes, organizing school supplies, and making adjustments to get back into the school routine. These are all necessary for a successful first day of school. Another important task you need to include on your list is a visit to the dentist. When you schedule a check-up now, you ensure your child doesn’t miss school, plus it helps your child get back on track with good ...

A receding gum line is a common dental issue that is difficult to detect yet easy to prevent. Unfortunately, many people do not address this problem until the gums have receded so much that various there is an increased risk for tooth loss. Regular teeth cleanings and good oral hygiene habits are the best ways to prevent gum recession and protect your overall dental health. Learn more about the symptoms and causes of gum recession and how Anderson & Atkins, DDS can help with prevention.

A research team commissioned by the National Coffee Association discovered that 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee every day. Maybe you fall into this category and have wondered whether or not you should try to kick the habit. But did you know that coffee can actually have positive effects on your oral health? We’ll show you why you don’t have to avoid your daily cup of joe in order to protect your teeth and gums. Better yet, your coffee intake may actually reduce your risk for ...

There are many ways you can take an active role to ensure the oral health of your children. But our bodies are incredible, and one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy is completely out of your control! This powerful tool is saliva. In most cases, you have no control over your saliva production and yet it takes care of your oral health in multiple ways. Learn more about the benefits of saliva and how you can make sure your child is producing enough.

You may be taking great care of your oral health—or so you think. You brush every day, you floss your teeth, you get your teeth cleaned regularly, so you’ve got it made. But what if your oral hygiene practices were actually harmful? At Anderson and Atkins Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to know how to take care of your mouth correctly, which includes avoiding common mistakes. Below are the top five mistakes most people make when it comes to dental hygiene.

Mouthguards are an essential part of your uniform if you play contact sports such as football, basketball, lacrosse, or boxing. When you participate in these activities, your front teeth are at risk of breaking or getting knocked out. The soft tissue in your gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue are also at risk of injury if a mouthguard is not worn. They are also necessary if you grind your teeth while sleeping. In fact, nearly 20% of adults and one-third of children in America have bruxism—a conditi...

As we enter into a season of celebration whether it’s prom, graduations, weddings, or family vacations, you’re sure to take countless photos. In fact, you’ll be in most of them. If you’re nervous about your smile, wishing that your teeth were whiter and brighter, we’re here to help! Don’t spend these special moments shying away from the camera. Instead, use the following tips to recapture a smile you’re proud of.

Wisdom teeth are the third row of molars that show up in your late teens or early twenties. This extra set of teeth was necessary for our ancestors who ate tough foods like meat, leaves, and roots. Considering the fact that their molars would fall out or get worn down, a new set of teeth was just what our ancestors needed. But over the course of time, the human jawline has adapted to a new diet of softer foods and the advancement of oral hygiene. We don’t need a third set of molars and in fact,...

You’ve done the hardest part—you scheduled your next dental appointment. Many people tend to avoid the dentist until they experience tooth pain or have a dental issue. But maintaining regular dental check-ups will go a long way to keep your mouth healthy. If you’re new to our practice or it’s been years since your last dentist appointment, we’ll tell you exactly what you can expect from a dental check-up at Anderson & Atkins, DDS. Our goal is to ease your fears and answer your questions so ...