How to Prevent Bad Breath

Bad-breath

As we’ve all been wearing masks over the past year, many of us have gotten a lot more up close with our breath and realized that it might not smell that great. While gum or mints can be handy in a bind, they are definitely only a temporary fix for bad breath (halitosis) Many people … Read more

Oral Health Effects of Menopause

Menopause

Menopause, a phase of life all women must go through, yet many of the symptoms are not frequently discussed. We’re here to speak specifically about the oral health impacts of menopause on women. Not only does our oral health change as we age, but for women, menopause brings additional concerns.

What are Sealants?

Sealant applied by Cramer Dentistry in Tumwater, WA

Sealants are another line of defense against cavities, in addition to brushing and flossing. Our molar teeth have tiny grooves and pits on the chewing surface, that are so small they can’t even be cleaned with a toothbrush bristle. These small grooves are an easy hiding place for bacteria to gather and for a cavity … Read more

The link between Diabetes & Periodontal Disease

glucose test

The link between these two diseases has been studied for years and time and again a strong correlation has been found. The severity of periodontal disease increases with poor glycemic control and blood sugar levels are more difficult to regulate in individuals with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has even been described as a complication of … Read more

What Causes Cavities? 

decay

It’s estimated that approximately 91% of Americans over 20 years of age have had cavities at some point. In addition to this staggering statistic, nearly 30% of Americans over 20 have untreated cavities. These numbers are incredible given the fact that with preventive care most cavities can be avoided. So how exactly does a cavity … Read more

Understanding Periodontal Disease

periodontal disease

As we wrapped up National Dental Hygiene Month in October, it seemed fitting to follow up with information about the different stages of gum disease. As your hygienist has probably discussed with you, we take measurements of the gums at least every 12 months to aid in determining what stage of health your gums and … Read more

Oral Care Tips for Seniors

Oral problems

Over the last 80 years the average life expectancy has increased dramatically due to advancements in medical technology. By 2030 the last of the Baby Boomers will turn 65 and older individuals will account for 20% of our population. This is great, but also presents other problems for us to deal with as we age. … Read more

Autoimmune Series: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Effects on Oral Health

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Effects on Oral Health

A group of Autoimmune diseases called Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) result in chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main diseases identified in this group are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The symptoms of chronic inflammation over time damage the GI tract. This can cause discomfort and painful symptoms for those affected. The … Read more

Tips for Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening

Summer is upon us and many people are starting to think about whitening their teeth. Although there are certain considerations to be made, almost anyone can whiten their teeth. We have several different options here at Reflection Dentistry. This month we’ll focus on those options and the safety of tooth whitening. Is it safe to … Read more

Autoimmune Series: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Oral Health

3D illustration of Palm painful - skeleton x-ray, medical concept.

We’re kicking off a new blog series here at Reflection Dentistry! For the rest of 2019, we will be highlighting different autoimmune diseases bimonthly and discussing their impacts on oral health, and vice versa. Autoimmune diseases are wide ranging diseases that affect many systems of the body but commonly, the diseases cause the body to … Read more