As you get your child’s costume ready and make a plan for fall festivals and trick-or-treating, you know they are already thinking about the candy that comes with Halloween. Can you blame them? There’s something almost magical about coming home and dumping all of the candy out on the kitchen table. You watch as they sort through each piece, finding their favorites, the ones they need to hide from their siblings, the ones they willingly offer up for a trade. But it’s important to monitor the a...

You use your molars the most out of all your teeth because they help you chew your favorite foods. However, they are not that easy to reach. This makes brushing and flossing effectively difficult. You may take great care of your teeth but are still at risk for cavities and tooth decay if your oral hygiene habits prove unproductive on your molars. Rather than surrendering to the pain and problems caused by decay, you can take an extra step in protecting your teeth with sealants.

Successful athletes have discipline, drive, and determination that propels them toward the top. Whether you’re a professional athlete or your child is just starting to play on a little league team, it’s important to be disciplined in oral hygiene and determined to do whatever it takes to keep your mouth healthy. Here are three ways athletes can take care of their teeth.

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...