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 […]

Thumb Sucking, Pacifiers, and Your Baby’s Teeth

Sucking is a common instinct for babies and the use of a pacifier or their thumb offers a sense of safety and security, as well a way to relax. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the majority of children will stop using a pacifier and stop sucking their thumb on their own between […]

Thanksgiving Trivia

At Hand Family Dentistry we love learning trivia and interesting facts about Thanksgiving! This year, the doctor wanted to share some trivia that might help you feel a bit smarter at the holiday dinner table and help create some great conversation with friends and family. The Turkey There is no historical evidence that turkey was […]

Why Are We Recommending a Periodontal Consultation?

The best way to protect yourself from gum disease is to be proactive: practice good oral hygiene at home and schedule regular checkups and cleanings in our Fort Myers, Florida office. How do you know if your dental routine is doing the job? There are specific symptoms you might notice when you brush and floss, […]

Happy Holidays! Healthy Holidays!

It’s the holiday season! With so much to do and so much going on, you want to be at your best. We have some ideas to help make your season bright with a few easy tips for a healthy smile. Keep Your Smile Merry and Bright There’s a lot going on during the holidays. Visiting […]

My gums are inflamed. What can I do?

Inflamed gums are a fairly common dental issue, but unfortunately, many people don’t take the problem seriously enough. If you ignore inflamed gums and continue your usual routine, you could be encouraging a much more severe inflammation problem, and the pain that goes along with that. Fortunately, it is quite easy to relieve inflamed gums […]