The end of the year is a busy but festive time for most people. You may have plans to visit family members or take a much-needed vacation. You could be arranging parties, doing lots of shopping, and so much more. During this fast-paced time of year, it could become all too easy to make mistakes that put your oral health at risk. Here are a few travel tips from a dentist to help you keep your smile healthy while you enjoy all that this special season has to offer.

When cold and flu season begins, you may think a lot about what you can do to stop yourself from getting sick. You might get a flu shot, start sanitizing your surroundings like crazy, and decline handshakes with anyone who sniffles. But, despite all of your efforts, you still might catch a bug. If that happens, not only will you feel icky, but your teeth will also be in danger! Here are some flu season tips to help you protect your smile even when you are feeling under the weather.

A tall glass of ice water, a steaming hot cup of coffee, and your favorite wintertime soup may all be refreshing treats in themselves — but what if you cannot enjoy them because of your sensitive teeth? If hot and cold temperatures make your teeth ache, the problem may be a minor issue that is relatively easy to manage. But it is also possible that you are headed for a dental emergency. Let’s discuss what causes sensitive teeth and how your dentist can help you find relief.

Admit it: you love your child’s Halloween treats just as much as they do. The moment you return to your home, you can’t wait to spill out the contents of the bucket and enjoy a few small pieces of sugary goodness. If you stick to eating it in moderation, you’ll likely be fine; however, the moment you realize you’ve demolished half the bucket, you and your teeth might be in trouble. Before the day arrives for your child to put on their costume and make their rounds around the neighborhood, here are 4 useful Halloween candy tips to remember when you get back home.

Did you know your dental insurance benefits go to waste at the end of the year if you don’t use them? If you’re wondering how this is possible, take a look at how many times you visited your dentist’s office in the last 12 months. Were you told at any point that you needed a certain procedure or treatment but decided to put it off? If so, you’ll be wishing you hadn’t when January 1, 2020, arrives. Find out why it’s in your best interest to get the most out of your benefits before they expire at the end of the year.

Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte launched 16 years ago. Since then, the giant coffee brand has sold hundreds of millions of its signature fall drink. Many other companies have launched their own versions of pumpkin spice flavoring. Indeed, it is difficult to resist the warm, comforting allure of this delicious concoction. Of course, when you aren’t indulging in fancy coffee, you might be sipping on other hot drinks, like plain coffee or tea, to stave off the chill of autumn. As you enjoy such beverages, you might begin to wonder, “Are hot drinks bad for my teeth?” Let’s discuss this important question.

Dental implants are among the most-talked about tooth replacement solutions, and for good reason. They are strong, long-lasting, and highly functional. Still, as much as you might have heard about dental implants, it’s possible that not everything you’ve heard is true. Let’s take a moment to debunk four of the most common myths about this treatment.

Your dental hygienist is more than just the person who cleans your teeth and gently points out that you should floss more often. They are also a treasure trove of knowledge — and they are happy to share their insight with you! The next time you visit your dentist’s office for a cleaning, why not have some questions ready to ask your hygienist? The answers you receive will equip you to take better care of your oral health and improve your oral hygiene routine. But what questions should you ask? Below are a few suggestions to help you start making your list.

Life can get a little hectic when you’re preparing to send the kids back to school. You might have to shop for new clothes, pick up a long list of school supplies, and coordinate transportation for all your family members. In all of the back to school chaos, it can be all too easy to forget to bring your kids to your family dentist for their biannual checkup and cleaning. Let’s talk about why you shouldn’t skip this routine appointment and why the back to school season is the perfect time to get it taken care of.

A dental emergency is distressing no matter when or where it takes place, but it is especially stressful if you are far away from home — and far away from you regular dentist. What should you do if you find yourself in such a situation? Here are some tips from an emergency dentist to help you manage your pain and acquire the help you need to get back to feeling your best.