Laura Philipps, DMD Blog

Have you ever wondered what exactly makes a smile beautiful? When someone looks at another person, the human brain quickly evaluates their appearance and makes a judgment about it. This process usually takes less than a second, and it’s unlikely that you’ll notice it happening if you aren’t paying very close attention. Here are a few traits in a smile that people generally find beautiful and how cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve them.

Halloween is the time of year when everyone takes a little extra time to get some frights in. Many people do this by watching horror movies or reading scary stories like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the works of Edgar Allen Poe. Dentists love a good scare just as much as everyone else, so if you’re in the mood for some terrifying Halloween reading, this list of frightening dental statistics will horrify you onto the straight and narrow path of proper oral hygiene.

In medieval times, dentistry was often performed by barbers. One popular “treatment” was a whitening technique that involved applying several coats of acid to the teeth that would turn them a brighter, whiter color. While it succeeded at bleaching the teeth, it also severely eroded enamel, leaving the teeth more vulnerable to decay. The moral of this story is that white teeth are not necessarily healthy teeth.

Luckily, modern dentists know a lot more about keeping teeth healthy and bright than medieval barbers. Here’s what you should know about how dental problems can occur in perfectly white teeth and why you should keep showing up for regular dental appointments even if your teeth seem to be looking their best.

Gum disease is an unfortunate problem to have, but it’s also an interesting topic to learn about. It begins by putting your gums in an irritating state of inflammation called gingivitis and, if left untreated, it will reach a painful and destructive level of infection called periodontitis. In honor of September being Gum Care Month, your dentist is bringing you this list of fascinating facts about gum disease to help affirm your commitment to excellent oral hygiene.

After a summer of fun and relaxation, it’s time for your kids to head back to school. From shopping for school supplies to planning carpools, you’ve been busy preparing your child for the new semester. However, amidst the chaos, make sure you schedule their six-month dental checkup and cleaning so their smile stays healthy and strong during the school year. Keep reading to learn about how oral health impacts your child’s academic success.

If dental imperfections are making you camera-shy, you’re far from alone. Studies show that 3 in 5 Americans hate how their smiles look in photos. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can correct any aesthetic problems so you show off your pearly whites in every beach selfie worry-free. Read on to learn how veneers can transform multiple dental flaws at once and get you a perfect summer smile.

Everyone likes the cool side of the pillow, but it’s hard to find it when everything around you is hot. Your body temperature and the ambient temperature of your sleeping area are huge factors in the quality of your sleep. You can expect hot nights during the summer months, so it’s best to know how to optimize the potential for good sleep, especially if you deal with sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which an oral obstruction blocks proper airflow into the lungs during sleep. This loss of oxygen will cause the sufferer to wake in the middle of the night. There are cases of this happening as many as 100 times in one night, making deep sleep impossible. Sleep apnea’s ability to chronically disrupt sleep can interfere with a patient’s quality of life, and summertime factors can make the situation worse. Read on to learn more about why the heat makes for restless nights and what you can do about it.

Everyone knows that accidents happen despite our best intentions, and summer vacation is no exception!  Planning in advance can help you avoid a dental emergency while you’re traveling or away from home, but even then, there’s no true guarantee that something won’t go wrong. Read on the learn some ways to manage if you find yourself in a dire situation.

For many, summer is a season of socializing. Fun in the sun offers many chances to meet new people and chat! Still, you might find the idea of making connections scary. Maybe you want to learn how to seem more approachable first. As it happens, though, your Midland dentist knows how to help with that task. Here, then, are a few crucial tips on being likable and making others feel comfortable around you.

As July gets closer and closer, the summer heat rises higher and higher. Even now, the weather here in Midland is downright scorching. Given these facts, you may be gearing up for a summer trip. That approach could certainly cool you off! Still, do look after your smile during this time. Healthy teeth and gums will enhance your fun in the sun. In fact, your local dentist can move things along. Read on, then, to learn three helpful oral health tips for your summer vacation.