When you see your dentist for a checkup, you may not be acutely aware of everything that they’re doing. For example, did you know that an oral cancer screening is a part of every checkup?

This exam takes mere moments, but in many ways, it’s one of the most important things your dentist checks you for. Oral cancer is incredibly serious, and detecting it early is one of the best ways to ensure a positive outcome.

With that in mind, here are some of the most common risk factors for oral cancer, and what symptoms you should look for.

The day that people get their tax refunds is always an occasion for celebration. If you’ve been putting off a big purchase for a while, that tax refund can be an opportunity to fund something that could desperately need it.

If you have dental insurance, you probably manage to take advantage of the preventive care covered by your plan. However, your tax refund could potentially go towards some dental care that insurance can’t ordinarily cover. Here are some examples.

The weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming. It’s official…springtime has arrived. This season is a time of renewal, which means spring cleaning is often a part of people’s “to-do” lists during March. While not often considered, you can always put your smile on that list! There’s no better time than now to push the reset button on your oral health. Here are five simple ways to refresh your smile for spring.

If you have had one or more cavities in your lifetime, you are definitely not alone! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90% of adults 20 years and older have had at least one cavity. Fortunately, no one has to live with decayed or damaged teeth. Dental fillings have to ability to repair and restore your teeth to health. However, while you can count on them for quite a while, they won’t last forever. Here’s what to know about dental fillings’ lifespans and how you can get the most out of them.

Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissue that helps hold the teeth in place. Though it is easy to avoid with proper oral hygiene, nearly half of American adults have it. That’s approximately 65 million people. Gum disease can do a lot of harm to your smile, but the damage doesn’t stop there. Continue reading to learn about how it can raise your risk of cardiovascular issues as well as what you can do to prevent it.

When it comes to raising a child, there is a lot to consider regarding their health. From what they eat to ensuring that they learn how to properly care for their bodies, smiles may sometimes be forgotten. Teaching your little ones about their smile will help them maintain good oral health as well as improve their overall well-being. That’s why Children’s Dental Health Month is dedicated to keeping growing smiles in good shape. Read on to learn about five oral hygiene products that will help you do that.

A bright, genuine smile not only makes you feel great but adds joy to other people. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that smiling is contagious: it triggers an automatic muscular response which, in turn, causes them to grin!  Unfortunately, you may have a cosmetic flaw that can keep you from freely flashing your pearly whites. A smile makeover can bring you the confidence you have always wanted! But you might not know how to begin your journey with cosmetic dentistry. Here are five questions to ask your dentist to get you started.

As the new year approaches, it’s always beneficial to reflect on ways to improve your health so you can live your best life. While you may often just think about diet and exercise when it comes to your well-being, your dental health is also incredibly vital! By committing yourself to better oral hygiene habits, you can create a healthy, radiant grin, as well as improve your overall physical condition. Here are three easy resolutions to get your best smile in the upcoming year.

The last thing you want to happen when you’re in the middle of a fun night out with loved ones or a relaxing night in with your partner is to have a medical emergency. Whether it’s during a birthday celebration with your friends or a family dinner, there is never a good time to have a dental emergency. It can be difficult to stay calm in this situation and to figure out what to do next. Should you visit your dentist, or is it better to go to the emergency room? Continue reading to learn if visit the ER for dental emergencies is the best option.

Now that the holiday season is here, you’re likely excited to munch on your favorite foods and spend time with your family. You might even be considering stocking stuffers for your loved ones to enjoy. While it can be tempting to go for normal gifts like candy canes and chocolates, it’s also good to consider items that’ll benefit their oral health in the long run. Keep reading to learn a few smile-friendly ideas from your dentist in Chaska!