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Westgate Dental Care Blog

Can Gum Disease Raise Your Blood Pressure?

January 23, 2025

Blood pressure being taken

Do you struggle with high blood pressure? There are various different factors that can contribute to this. One that you may not be thinking about is gum disease. This is an infection of the gum tissue that affects nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty! Fortunately, while gum disease is very common, it is also preventable. Continue reading to learn about the connection between high blood pressure and gum disease, as well as how you can keep your gums healthy going forward.

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Cracks, Chips, and Slips: Signs Your Dental Crown Is Failing

January 10, 2025

Dentist working on replacement dental crowns

Dental crowns are built to be strong, but they don’t last forever! Over time, daily wear and tear can weaken your restoration, leading to discomfort or even damage to the tooth underneath. So, how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Continue reading to find some key signs that your dental crowns may need to retire.

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How Old Are You? The Link Between Sleep Apnea & Aging

December 4, 2024

woman experiencing chronic fatigue

Do you know someone who appears much older than they really are? Do they always look tired? If so, it may be that they’re suffering from untreated sleep apnea. They may not even realize they’re exhibiting symptoms, but one of the most common is signs of aging. Whether it’s you or a loved one who may be dealing with this type of situation, read on to learn what to look for and how professional help can ensure you start getting the rest you need.

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Too Hot: How Temperature Can Improve or Worsen Sleep Apnea

December 2, 2024

woman in bed with sleep apnea

When going to bed, do you tend to sleep under the covers or on top of them? Do you have fans going? Are you the kind of person who cranks up the thermostat or do you prefer to keep it cool? All of these factors can play a role in your quality of rest. What you may not realize is that when you suffer from sleep apnea, the temperature in your bedroom can help or hinder your symptoms. Keep reading to learn how to keep this area comfortable so that you can get the sleep you need.

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Winter Woes? Tips to Improve Your Mouth Health All Season Long

November 29, 2024

Patient smiling in the cold with good mouth health

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, your mouth health can face a few chilly challenges. From dry mouth to increased tooth sensitivity, winter can be tough on your smile. Luckily, there are ways to combat these common issues and keep your mouth healthy all season long. If you want to learn how to keep your oral health in check this winter, continue reading.

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The Future of Dentistry: How AI Is Changing Gum Disease Detection

November 15, 2024

Dentist using AI to detect gum disease

Imagine what could happen in the future if dentists could detect issues like cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they start! This is quickly becoming a reality thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). Although this breakthrough technology is not available in every dental office, it has the potential to completely change the game for oral health. Read on to see why AI-powered gum disease detection is so exciting and why early detection matters.

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Can Oral Bacteria Cause Brain Abscesses?

October 9, 2024

Digital image of human brain

A brain abscess is an area of pus-filled swelling within the brain. If this condition is not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can easily become life-threatening! In many cases, the cause of brain abscesses remains unknown. However, new research indicates that in certain instances, oral bacteria might be to blame. This blog post delves further into this startling connection.

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I Am Not in Pain — Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

October 5, 2024

Dentist and patient discussing treatment plan

If you have ever experienced a severe, throbbing toothache, you were probably eager to consent to your dentist’s treatment recommendation. However, your feelings may be quite different if you feel fine, but then your dentist informs you that you need root canal therapy. You might understandably be reluctant to move forward with the procedure! However, the chances are good that your dentist’s recommendation is accurate. This blog post discusses why root canal therapy might be necessary even if you are not in pain.

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Exposing Common Misconceptions: 3 Myths About Root Canals 

September 11, 2024

person undergoing a root canal

Your dentist just finished performing an oral examination and discovered that one of your teeth needs a root canal. The news causes you to become anxious about your upcoming procedure, so you decide that you’ll read about others’ experiences so that you’ll be better prepared. Unfortunately, doing your own research can cause you to stumble across an array of misinformation surrounding this tooth-saving method. Instead, keep reading to learn more about three common root canal myths so that you feel more confident saying “yes” to treatment.

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4 Things You Should Do to Avoid a Root Canal

September 6, 2024

digital image of a root canal

Root canals are often recommended when a patient is suffering from an infected or damaged tooth. Although highly successful and designed to save natural teeth from extraction, this type of procedure can be avoided. To ensure that you do what is necessary to maintain better oral health, here are four things you can do to reduce your chances of needing a root canal, one of which is using your dental insurance.

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