Our Blog - Clearwater FL | Natural & Cosmetic Dentistry

Scaling and Root Planing: What You Need to Know

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

You might think that your mouth is perfectly happy just because you don’t have widespread cavities or missing teeth, but the truth is more complicated. According to the CDC, half of all American adults have periodontal disease. That equals nearly 65 million people above the age of 30! What Should You Know About Gum Disease? Since periodontal disease develops gradually, it begins as a mild condition called gingivitis. This occurs when too much plaque accumulates along the gumline and triggers infection. Swollen, red, and bleeding gums fail to provide a seal between the teeth and gums, which allows bacteria to … Continue reading

What’s the Link between Diabetes and Dental Health?

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

It’s no secret that type 2 diabetes poses a major threat to your health, but it’s not just your heart and your waistline that you need to worry about. Diabetes also has the potential to trigger ongoing oral health problems like gum disease, thrush, and dry mouth. What is the connection between diabetes and dental health, and how can you safeguard your teeth and gums from lasting damage? A Brief Introduction to Diabetes Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to properly use blood sugar – called glucose – for energy. The pancreas is supposed to release insulin … Continue reading

Celiac Disease and Dental Issues: Everything You Should Know

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

You may be familiar with celiac disease, the chronic digestive disorder that makes the body completely intolerant to gluten, but are you aware of the direct connection between celiac disease and dental issues? According to recent studies, one in every 141 Americans is currently living with celiac disease, while another two million people are suffering the symptoms without a proper diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or suspect that your symptoms indicate a gluten intolerance, the best way to control and alleviate your symptoms is to understand your condition. This includes the serious dental implications of celiac … Continue reading

A Guide to Homemade Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

Have you ever read the ingredients list of a standard toothpaste or mouthwash? Commercial oral care products are loaded with ingredients and chemicals that you definitely wouldn’t want near your mouth or in your body. It is much safer (and cheaper!) to make your own natural toothpaste and mouthwash. The Dangers Lurking In Your Toothpaste You will find a number of questionable ingredients in your store-bought toothpaste and mouthwash. The first and most important is fluoride. Though the FDA has long asserted that fluoride prevents cavities, it has continually been linked to concerning side effects including neurological development problems, infertility, … Continue reading

A Holistic Approach to Dental Restoration

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

You deserve to smile widely and with confidence, but missing or decaying teeth make that nearly impossible. In addition, a mouth without all teeth cannot function properly, which means that you experience difficulties chewing and talking. Dental restorations can replace your missing teeth, but not all dental restorations are created equally. It is important for your oral health and overall wellness to ensure you take a holistic approach to your dental restorations. Repair Teeth With Inlays and Onlays

What is Oral Cancer?

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

Cancer has become nothing short of an epidemic in our nation, but some cancers are not as widely recognized as they should be. Oral cancer is one of them! Cancer of the mouth is a serious yet highly preventable condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Since this April marks the 15th Annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month, many organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association are joining forces with the Oral Cancer Foundation to help all Americans learn more about the essential importance of regular oral cancer examinations, detection methods, … Continue reading “What is Oral Cancer?”

Teeth Grinding: Why Does It Affect Your Dental Health?

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a dangerous habit that significantly affects your dental health. But most people don’t even realize they are vulnerable to the mashing, clenching, and gnashing actions that can wear down their teeth! Since the majority of grinding occurs during sleep, you may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from the consequences of bruxism without knowing it. Look For These Signs of Bruxism Bruxism is most commonly identified by teeth grinding and clenching motions that scrape the teeth together in an unpleasant way. This grinding and clenching is often loud enough for others … Continue reading

Everything You Should Know about pH and Dental Health

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

When was the last time you contemplated the role of pH in your daily life? Maybe 10th grade chemistry class? Most of us don’t realize that pH isn’t just a part of a science lesson; it is a concept that impacts your body’s wellness every single day. In fact, pH is especially relevant when it comes to your dental health. What Does pH Mean? If you need a quick review, pH is short for “potential of hydrogen”. It is a numerical scale used in chemistry to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The pH scale ranges from 0, … Continue reading

How to Maintain Strong Dental Health

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

Strong dental health doesn’t happen by accident. If you want an enviably white and beautiful smile, you need to commit yourself to a thorough oral care routine every day and night. This is important not just for your teeth, but also for the rest of your body! The condition of your mouth influences your overall wellness and quality of life. By following this four step formula, you will be able to successfully protect and support your teeth, gums, and entire body.

Nutrition and Its Relationship with Your Family’s Dental Health

Posted By Dr. Beata A. Carlson

We are taught from an early age to brush our teeth every day, but did you know that brushing isn’t nearly enough to ensure lasting oral health? The truth is, if brushing is the only step you take to protect your teeth, you are still vulnerable to cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease. Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools you have at your fingertips (literally!) to protect your mouth, improve your oral health, and enjoy a white smile for years to come. If you have children, this lesson is all the more relevant. The nutrition habits that you … Continue reading

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