Flenniken Dentistry Blog

We live in a world where you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t confident showing off. There are several different teeth straightening options out there to choose from, including Invisalign. This treatment involves the use of a series of clear aligners to slowly push your teeth into their new places. As you probably expected, you need to wear an Invisalign retainer after your treatment, but for how long? Continue reading to find out.

You probably already know that eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise and sleep can keep your gut healthy and your metabolism moving at a steady pace. Did you also know that your oral health has a direct effect on how well your metabolism works? Every year, more than three million people are diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome, which refers to a cluster of health issues that happen simultaneously that can be life-threatening. Keep reading to learn what those conditions are and how your oral health impacts them.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes swimsuit season, shorts, and sleeveless tops. Maybe you have a trip to the beach coming up, or perhaps you just want to get in better shape before lounging by the pool in your swim trunks or bikini. This is the time of year that many people consider a diet shift in order to shed a few pounds. If you’re in that boat, it’s important to understand that there are some fad diets that may seem good for your waistline, but they can be very bad for your oral health. Keep reading to learn more.

If your goal is to achieve a gorgeous smile, you have quite a few options. Depending on your dental flaws and needs, either veneers or Lumineers could be the right choice. But how do you decide? Keep reading to learn the differences between these treatments and what factors can help you make the right choice for your smile.

Vacations are meant to let you leave your stress behind and regain your peace. But keeping your orthodontic treatment on track doesn’t have to be stressful. There are many simple things you can do to keep your smile moving in the right direction when traveling with Invisalign. Here are 4 best practices for you to keep in mind.

Taking time to floss every day is a key part of a proper oral hygiene routine. If it’s already included in your regular dental care practices, that’s great news! However, you may not be flossing correctly. Studies show that out of the 36 percent of the population that floss regularly, about 20 percent are making key mistakes that leave them vulnerable to tooth decay. Keep reading to see what you might be doing wrong and how to correct it.

You may not crave it all the time, but devouring sweets can cause quite a few problems for your teeth. You might start your day with syrup-drenched waffles, you may treat yourself to a mid-afternoon iced coffee, or a few scoops of your favorite ice cream might comfort you at the end of a stressful day. Luckily, there are ways to prevent cavities, regardless of how often you feed your sweet tooth. Read on to learn 3 simple ways you can protect your teeth throughout the day.

Did you know that the strongest muscle in your body is part of your mouth, and it’s not your tongue? There is a lot more to your mouth than just eating, drinking and speaking. Keep reading to learn about 5 different parts of the mouth and their functions. 

Having a sore on or inside of your mouth can take over your thoughts throughout the day. There are many causes of oral irritations, but two of the most common are canker sores and cold sores. They often seem to show up out of nowhere, and they can be painful and embarrassing. Keep reading to learn the difference between these mouth sores, what causes them and how you can help minimize the pain. 

With the kind of year that 2020 has been, the holiday season couldn’t have come soon enough. Whether you’re excited for the seasonal music, sending gifts to family members, or enjoying a (virtual) meal together, there is certainly a lot to look forward to. However, the holiday season is rife with opportunities for oral health issues to wreak havoc on your smile. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid having to spend the holidays in your dentist’s office. Continue reading to learn why the holiday season is so harmful for your oral health and how to prevent damage to your smile this year.