Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Blog

The holidays are about indulgence. In fact, they’re about overindulging in your favorite sweet treats, right? While these special days only come around once a year, they fall so closely together that most people tend to use it as an excuse to eat whatever they want for 2 or 3 full months and then start again with their New Year’s Resolutions. While having a cookie or slice of pie is fine in moderation, too much of a good thing can be very bad, especially for your teeth. To help you get through the holidays without developing tooth decay, hear from a dentist who suggests 3 ways to protect your oral health from the dangers of sugar.

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Halloween isn’t all about the tricks. In fact, if you asked most children what they enjoy about this holiday, they would most certainly say it is the treats they look forward to the most. While these sweet little candies are fine in moderation, eating a bucket full might have your little one facing not only a tummy ache but also a toothache. To ensure their oral health (and yours) stay safe from tooth decay and cavities, here are 5 Halloween candy tips to remember.

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Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that eliminates the need for cumbersome and uncomfortable metal braces. With these clear, smooth, plastic aligners, your teeth will be gently nudged into their ideal positions to improve your oral health and beautify your grin. However, in order for them to do this effectively, they’ll need to be regularly cleaned and sanitized. That way, no oral health problems will arise during your treatment. For some do’s and don’ts about caring for your Invisalign aligners, continue reading. (more…)

The official Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL) was officially invented in 2003 and more than 200 million were sold between 2003 and 2015. These popular drinks are just one of the seasonal hot beverages people enjoy during the colder months of the year. In fact, some people wouldn’t feel like it’s autumn without them! But one question many people have for their dentist is, “Are hot drinks bad for my teeth?” Find out below and learn how you can keep your smile healthy while still enjoying your favorite fall drinks.

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According to the Internet, everything can be do-it-yourself these days. People are even creating their own versions of braces and Invisalign to straighten their smiles. However, these DIY treatments can actually do much more harm than good. Read on as we talk about 6 reasons why you should leave teeth straightening to the professionals.

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The start of a new school year is an exciting time for most kids. Yes, they’re sad to leave behind the fun-filled days of summer but making new friends and meeting their teacher is often enough to have them ready to show off their new backpack and run to get in the car. Before they head out of the door for their first day, while they may be equipped with new clothes, a new bookbag, and a freshly made lunch, what about their smile? Find out why it’s beneficial to schedule a dentist appointment before your child starts a new school year.

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If you’re dissatisfied with the crooked smile you see in the mirror each day, the good news is you don’t have to live with it. More and more adults are getting orthodontic treatment for straighter, prettier teeth. While some choose to wear traditional metal braces, others prefer Invisalign as a less conspicuous, more convenient treatment. Which one is right for you? Here are the pros and cons of each option for you to weigh.

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It’s easy to think of seeing a dentist twice a year as a hassle. But the truth is that regular checkups go a long way towards reducingyour overall number of dental visits in the long run. And that saves you significant time, money, and potential discomfort down the road. So what exactly do your checkups include and how do these visits prevent bigger problems? Keep reading to find out!

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No one likes to sleep with a bed partner who snores. If the snoring is loud enough, one partner might even end up relocating to the sofa. As annoying as snoring is, however, it is often a symptom of a much more serious problem: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, the soft tissues in the mouth or throat obstruct the airway, leading to breathing problems that disrupt the sleep cycle. Those disruptions, in turn, can cause or worsen some major health problems. Let’s discuss how OSA can wreck your health and what you can do to protect your well-being.

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