Valentine’s Day History

Valentine’s Day is best known as a celebration of love in all its forms. Pink hearts, red roses, and cute greeting cards adorn every surface you see. What many people

Are you nervous about seeing the dentist? You’re not alone!

With advances in modern dentistry, a trip to Hand Family Dentistry these days is pretty routine. But visiting the doctor and our team still makes some patients anxious—so much so that they don’t go as often as they should and end up with costly complications down the road, such as tooth decay or gum disease. […]

New Year’s Day Around the World

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year in most parts of the world. The holiday is celebrated on January 1st of each year. Customs and celebrations vary by country, religion, and even individual desires. Whether celebrated quietly or with gusto, the day brings the start of new opportunities for those that observe […]

Tooth Protection and Winter Sports

Just because it’s cold out there doesn’t mean you’ll give up keeping fit and active! Winter is the season for some of our favorite team sporting activities, and when you’re donning your protective gear, don’t forget to protect your teeth as well. Basketball This sport actually tallies one of the highest counts of dental injuries. […]

What type of toothpaste is right for you?

Toothpaste no longer comes in simple choices of fluoride and fresh breath. Paste is not even the only option! You can choose gel forms and even some with ribbons of color and flavor. With so many varieties available, it may be difficult to know which features or combinations of ingredients are best for your mouth. […]

My teeth feel great. Do I still need to see the dentist?

Absolutely. Checking in with the doctor on a regular basis—usually every six months—is essential to keeping your smile looking its best. At Hand Family Dentistry, we are proud to offer a number of preventive procedures to ensure the health of your mouth and the beauty of your smile. Your smile is just as important to […]

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Tooth decay affects everyone, with studies reporting that 92% of adults have had a cavity at one point in their lifetime. In more serious instances of tooth decay, however, the nerve of the tooth may become infected. This type of infection requires a root canal, in which the affected nerve is removed, and the interior […]

Find Out how Your Diet can Cause Cavities

Sometimes food that’s good for your body isn’t necessarily the best for your teeth. the doctor and our team want you to know which healthy foods can harm your teeth and gums, and what steps you can take to continue enjoying these foods, even when you’re dieting. When you begin to substitute empty calories with […]

How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Health

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, an estimated three out of four Americans suffer from gum disease. In milder cases, the disease is called gingivitis. More severe cases are called periodontitis. Despite the prevalence of periodontal disease (and it is very common), only three percent of people who suffer from periodontal disease get treatment […]

Headaches, TMJ, and Dentistry

That ache in your head may stem from your jaw. If your jaw falls out of alignment, you could have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. It’s not clear what causes TMD. Obesity may factor in. Stress and pressure on the jaw may also contribute. A misaligned bite (that is, where your upper and lower teeth […]