Esparza Family Dentistry Blog

White teeth are attributed to youth, health, and confidence, but not everyone has a bright smile naturally. Not to mention, years of drinking coffee, smoking, or poor brushing habits can leave stains. OTC whitening products appear as a convenient, affordable solution to combat discoloration, but they aren’t as safe or effective as you might believe. Here are the facts behind 4 common myths that may make you think twice before using an OTC whitening product.

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Part of growing up is leaving behind the things we used to love, but aren’t appropriate anymore. When it comes to children and thumb sucking, however, that can be easier said than done. Lots of kids are really attached to thumb-sucking, and you can’t exactly take their thumb away from them.

That can be a problem because sucking behavior past a certain age can cause oral health problems. If you want to know why, and what you can do to help your child stop thumb-sucking, here’s a guide that might help you.

It’s perfectly natural for your teeth to become discolored over time, but this can happen much more quickly if you enjoy pigmented foods and beverages, like wine, coffee, and tomatoes. The good news is that you don’t need to settle for staining. There are a variety of options to choose from, including teeth whitening and veneers, but which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about each option so you can make an informed decision.

When the colder months approach, so does the winter fun! Drinking hot cocoa, celebrating the holidays, and cozy clothing begin to make an appearance. Unfortunately, so do seasonal sicknesses like the flu and colds. The average adult will get two to four colds throughout the year, while the average child gets six to eight, mostly occurring during the winter months. As a loving parent, you want to do all you can to keep them healthy, including their smile. Read on for four tips on keeping your little one’s oral health on track during cold and flu season!

Do you have dental insurance for everyone in your family? If so, it only makes sense to get the most out of your benefits as possible. This includes maximizing your coverage for your kids. After all, most dental insurance benefits expire once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Keep reading to learn why now is the perfect time to maximize your children’s dental insurance coverage and how to save money while also giving them a healthy smile!

If you’ve lost all your teeth, dentures are a great way to rebuild a beautiful, functional smile. Although you’ll no longer have to worry about cavities, that doesn’t mean you can throw out your toothbrush or stop seeing your dentist. Tooth decay isn’t the only risk to your oral health. Despite not having any real teeth, you can still develop various issues that can affect your wellness and the lifespan of your denture. Besides caring for your new set of teeth at home, dental checkups with dentures are just as important, and here’s why. 

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It’s exciting to watch your little one participate in sports while cheering them on! But the world can come to a screeching halt when you witness your child get popped in the mouth by a flailing arm, foul ball, or errant pass. That said, these situations aren’t entirely avoidable—but there are measures you can take to protect your child when it does happen! One thing to consider is a mouthguard; these handy devices are great for preventing serious oral trauma. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about why mouthguards are paramount for protecting children’s smiles as they run and play.

When you start with dentures, you may be tempted to treat them exactly like natural teeth. After all, aren’t they meant to replace your old ones? That said, you might think it’s all right to just sleep with them in your mouth instead of taking them out beforehand. However, that really isn’t a good idea — the better option is soaking dentures overnight. As for why that’s the case, your local dentist knows the answer: Here’s a summary of three key reasons your false teeth need a nightly soak.