Labor Day: Our favorite holiday to rest!

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday each September here in the United States, is a holiday devoted to the American working community. The purpose of the holiday is honoring the country’s workers and their contributions to the strength of our country as a whole. How Labor Day Started There is actually some debate as […]

How long will a root canal last?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canals have a success rate of over 95% and in most cases they last a lifetime. There are a few factors that ensure the root canal will last and should be followed. You want to make sure you allow the doctor to perform a permanent restoration of […]

Is Invisalign® Right For You?

When patients ask the doctor about who benefits from Invisalign clear aligners, the simple answer is this: almost everyone. Unlike conventional braces, they are removable, which makes eating and cleaning your teeth much easier. They are molded to fit each patient’s mouth and are practically invisible. Because aligners apply less force in straightening teeth than […]

The History and Mythology of the Tooth Fairy

While the last baby teeth generally aren’t lost until age ten or 11, most children stop believing in the tooth fairy by the time they’re seven or eight. Of course, children are more than happy to play along with the game when there’s money at stake! While it is impossible to know what the tooth […]

Hot Day? Three Drinks to Leave Home When You’re Packing the Cooler

Whew! It’s a hot one! And whenever the temperature soars, you need to stay hydrated, especially when you’re outside or exercising. But all cold drinks aren’t equal when it comes to healthy hydration. Which beverages shouldn’t have a prime spot in your cooler when you’re wearing braces or aligners? Soft Drinks You’re probably not surprised to find […]

Fluorosis: What is it?

Many people think dental fluorosis is a disease, but it’s not; it’s a condition that affects the appearance of your tooth’s enamel, not the function or health of the teeth. These changes may vary from tiny, white, barely noticeable spots to very noticeable staining, discoloration, and brown markings. The spots and stains left by fluorosis […]

Keep It Cheesy for a Long-Lasting Smile

You’ve heard people tell you to say “cheese” when you’re having your picture taken, probably more times than you can count. There is another reason you should be saying “cheese” … or “YES” to eating cheese. Although the doctor and our staff routinely encourage our patients to brush their teeth after eating, the one time […]

My gums are shrinking!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth looked longer? Does it seem like your gums are shrinking? This condition is called recession—many adults have it. Let’s look at some of the causes and what you can do about it. During your exam at Hand Family Dentistry, we will take measurements […]

Summer Sports and Mouthguards

School’s out and you’ve emptied your gym locker until next fall. But while you’re stowing away the football gear, the basketball warm-ups, the field hockey sticks, and all the other equipment you’ve collected over the school year (that’s where that other shoe went!), be sure to keep one item handy: your mouthguard. Team and contact […]

Happy Fourth of July

Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of the country and its independence on the Fourth of July. There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends. For some people, July 4th […]