Flenniken Dentistry Blog

In the current “Information Age,” it can be overwhelming to research a product or service before making a decision. There’s so much information to sort through that it can be hard to distinguish between facts and opinions! But when you’re making an investment in your oral health, it’s crucial that you get valid information so you can make an informed choice. If you’re one of the 178 million Americans who’s missing at least one tooth and you’re thinking about getting dental implants, you may have heard one of the 4 myths about them below. In this blog, you’ll learn the truth about implants so you can decide if they might be right for you!

(more…)

A lot of people have that “DIY” mentality. There are even TV shows based around Do It Yourself ideas like remodeling, crafting, gardening and much more. Why wouldn’t you do it yourself? It’s typically a lot cheaper, you can do it at your own pace, and you’ll feel accomplished once you’re done. However, not everything should be done yourself: dental braces are something you should always leave to a professional. Read on to find out the reasons why you should never do braces yourself from an expert dentist.

(more…)

Have you already had braces or dental work done but still want to improve your smile? Are you wondering whether it’s possible to receive Invisalign aligning trays after you’ve already made changes to your teeth? Sometimes, teeth can shift after braces get removed or you stop wearing a retainer. Your trusted dentist has got you covered. Keep reading to learn if Invisalign is a possibility for you!

(more…)

Be honest: Do you treat visits to your dentist with the same importance you give to keeping appointments with your regular physician? For many of us, the answer is“no.” This is unfortunate, because your dental health is tied in with your overall well-being in many crucial ways. Taking care of one helps you to take better care of the other. Let’s see why this is true.

(more…)

Few things in life are as common, or as unpleasant, as a toothache. Knowing the potential causes for this problem can help you to discuss solutions with your dentist. Here’s a look at five possible reasons for aching teeth.

(more…)

Have you ever sat closely next to someone, perhaps on a date or at an important work meeting, and been afraid to open your mouth to speak because of bad breath? Perhaps you were more than just embarrassed, but confused too, because you are very good about brushing your teeth every day? If you ask your dentist, he or she will tell you that good oral hygiene includes more than just brushing and flossing your teeth – it includes cleaning your tongue as well. Read on to learn more about why a clean tongue is important for a healthy mouth.

(more…)

Every time you visit the dentist, you have a unique opportunity that many patients don’t even consider. Sure, you’re just there to get your routine cleaning and confirm no cavities are present, but what’s stopping you from speaking to a licensed professional on ways to improve your oral health? What’s stopping you from asking your dentist if what you’re doing at home is good enough for the long-term?

To help you get started, here are a few questions worth asking your dentist and hygienist.

(more…)

If you’re brushing and flossing regularly, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to your oral health, right? Unfortunately, it’s not so simple! While good hygiene habits and seeing a dentist regularly are certainly the foundation of a healthy smile, there are also certain things you should avoid doing if you want your smile to stay healthy. Keep reading to learn about five of the most common habits to avoid to help you stay out of the dental chair and hang on to your healthy smile for life!

(more…)

Since childhood, you’ve desired to have a perfect smile. However, the steps necessary to make that happen have yet to materialize. Thus, you find yourself in adulthood with the same desires but hesitant about the idea of wearing metal braces. Now that you’re ready to make a change, is there not another way available? Your dentist has the perfect alternative for you – Invisalign – and he’ll explain how the process works as you continue reading.

(more…)

If you pick up any magazine in the grocery store checkout aisle, there’s a good chance you’ll find an article about the many ways that diet affects health. The old saying, “You are what you eat,” still applies today, since what you eat impacts every part of your body, including your gums!

As a dentist, we know that gum health is the result of having regular dental care, good hygiene habits and a healthy diet. In this blog, we’ll focus on how your diet affects your gums and discuss seven of the best foods for keeping your gums healthy and happy!

(more…)