The Difference Between Amalgam and Composite Dental Fillings
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between amalgam (silver-colored) fillings and composite (white) fillings, you’re not alone. That’s why Dr. Haslam sat down to explain what each one is all about and how he determines what’s right for each patient. (more…)
Can BOTOX Help With TMJ and Migraines?
Can Botox(R) help with TMJ and migraines? For many people, the answer is “yes.” Chronic pain–including migraines and jaw pain triggered by clenching or grinding teeth can often be reduced by injecting Botox into key muscle groups in the face and neck.
Facts You Should Know About Oral Cancer
Every year, more than 640,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed around the globe–and it is deadly. Those with mouth cancer are more likely to die of the disease than those diagnosed with melanoma or cervical cancer. However, thousands of deaths could be prevented each year with early detection and treatment. (more…)
Tooth Whitening Gone Wild: Bleachorexia
Have you ever kicked back to watch your favorite TV show and suddenly seeing a commercial about tooth whitening extolling “the tissue test?” Odds are, yes. There continue to be more and more tooth whitening ads on television, popping up online and, of course, in your favorite magazines.
We’re constantly bombarded by advertising messages that tell us there are a long list of things wrong with us. THIS (fill-in-the-blank) is the answer to whatever the problem we have with how we look that day. With all of this negative feedback and focus on body image, it shouldn’t be surprising that approximately 1% of the U.S. population suffers from Body Dysmorphic Disorder or (BDD)–including “Bleachorexia.” (more…)
Family Dental Care: Winter Weather Warnings
Family dental care is a year-round task, but did you know that winter weather can make it even more challenging? In the colder months, the air is dry, the risk of falling is high and even the treats we enjoy can take their toll. That’s why Dr. Haslam has some suggestions for cold weather dental care: (more…)
Don’t Toss the Floss
“Only floss the teeth you want to keep!” That’s something you’ll hear a lot at Haslam Family Dental when someone asks us if flossing is really necessary. (more…)
What’s Causing My Tooth Pain?
As a dentist, one of the questions I’m asked frequently is “What’s causing my tooth pain?” The answer is one that isn’t always easy for patients to hear: “it depends.”
Generally speaking, any tooth pain you might be feeling is associated with the nerves inside your tooth or, more specifically, within the tooth’s pulp. But the type of tooth pain differs in type and severity, from general sensitivity to something far more intense—at times even debilitating. (more…)
Can You Inherit Bad Teeth?
Your mom had tooth problems. Your grandpa had to wear dentures from the time he was only about 30 years old. Your dad is always having to go to the dentist. In short, it seems your entire family tree is riddled with cavities, every root apparently needs a canal and braces are as common as potato salad at your family reunion.
But can you really inherit “bad teeth?”
Yes…and no.
Getting to the Root (Canal) of the Problem
We’re all familiar with urban legends – stories that are frightening to the point of being (almost) unbelievable. They’ve been around for years, spreading from person to person and group to group at the speed of sound. The invention of the internet made the spread of information possible at a rate faster than ever before, often with little or no regard in terms of accuracy. One of those legends happens to be about getting a root canal which, naturally, gets our attention every time it makes the rounds. Most recently, we saw the story shared on social media. It’s been around for a while, and goes something like this: root canals are dangerous to your health.
So with all due respect to the well-intended folks out there, we thought it was about time to get the root of it all and dispel the myths surrounding this story. (more…)
The History of Dentistry
We live in the 21st century, a time where high-tech is almost as much a part of our lives as breathing. We’ve become accustomed to all things new and modern–including dentistry. But the fact is, dentistry has been around for thousands of years, moving from a primitive form of medicine to the modern preventative practice we know today. (more…)