What Is Dental Plaque? How to Fight It.
Have you ever run your tongue across your teeth, only to discover a gross, gritty layer? Maybe it felt fuzzy or even slimy. Well, that’s dental plaque and it’s fairly common. Specifically, dental plaque is a microbial biofilm produced when the bacteria in your mouth mixes with proteins and food byproducts. Untreated, it transforms into tartar, also called calculus – a hard, mineral build-up that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Some studies even link the bacteria in gum disease…
Read MoreCosmetic Dental Implants: Function and Beauty
There was a time not too long ago when cosmetic surgery was exclusive to the rich and famous. Just as procedures like face lifts and tummy-tucks have become both desirable and accessible to a broader population, more and more patients now are considering cosmetic dental implants. Invented in 1952 by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named…
Read MoreTeeth Whitening: Your Smile Says A Lot
Standards of beauty might evolve over time, but a bright smile never goes out of fashion. Nowadays, TV and social media are saturated with images of young women with perfectly luminous teeth. A recent study out of the UK claims, “Teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock’s tail, a sign of health and genetic…
Read MoreDental Fear Is Common. Ways to Feel at Ease
Do you feel scared, nervous or stressed on the drive to the dentist? Does the idea of making an appointment cause you to tense up? At Surf City Dental, we have built an entire culture around helping patients relax and receive the quality care they deserve. We’ll get into a few ways patients can tackle…
Read MoreDental Implants at Surf City Dental: What to Know
At Surf City Dental, we see all kinds of situations that lead patients to consider dental implants. Some take a closer look after losing teeth to a sudden mouth injury or periodontal disease. Others choose the treatment option to feel more confident about their smile or improve their ability to chew. Regardless of the reason,…
Read MoreGum Disease and Alzheimer’s: Examining A Potential Link
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia, but what’s the connection to oral health? A recent study published in the journal Science Advances revealed a potential link between P. gingivalis, the bacteria associated with periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease), and Alzheimer’s. Researchers found Gingipains – the toxic enzyme…
Read MoreSurf City Dental’s Dr. Matthew Parr Receives Rare Dental Implant Recognition
Dr. Matthew Parr, D.D.S. and owner of Surf City Dental, recently received a fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). The advanced credential comes as the result of Parr completing a series of requirements. These included submission of a list of 20 successfully completed implant cases (surgery and restoration) – all a minimum…
Read MoreThe Importance of Visiting the Dentist While Pregnant
As most any pregnant woman will attest, there’s likely no other time when others — family, friends, and strangers — feel obligated to shower you with advice. It just keeps coming and coming, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Like this wives’ tale gem from way back: It’s typical to lose a tooth…
Read MoreReceding Gums Treatment Options
Maybe, over time, you’ve noticed that your gums are shrinking back from your teeth and leaving more of the tooth exposed. Your gums are often swollen, red, and even painful. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to visit Surf City Dental. Yes, you probably have receding gums, but, no, you don’t have to panic.…
Read MorePrevent Receding Gums from Happening to You
The old idiom “long in the tooth” originates from measuring horses’ teeth to determine their age. That’s because horses’ teeth continue to grow longer as they get older. While human teeth don’t keep growing as we age, they can appear to do so when our gums recede. The good news is regular visits to the…
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