Westgate Dental Care Blog

According to the American Cancer Society, as of 2024, there are an estimated 58,450 cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the United States. These numbers may largely be attributed to risky lifestyle habits and behaviors (i.e., smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, HPV, etc.); however, some basic demographic factors may also be to blame (i.e., men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women). Since early detection is essential for a higher survival rate, read on to discover the importance of oral cancer screenings and how they are performed by a qualified dentist.

A root canal may not be a procedure you want to have, but it is highly effective when it comes to treating a severely decayed tooth that is putting the rest of your oral and overall health at risk. While you may already know what you can expect from the procedure itself, you may be unaware of what the time spent at home will be like. Keep reading to learn more about how you can ensure a successful recovery as well as when you should see your dentist for additional help.

It is believed that the mouth contains more than six billion bacteria. Both good and bad species exist, some helping to improve oral health while others trigger disease. New evidence now suggests that bad oral bacteria can not only create problems for teeth and gums but also for the brain. If you have not been as diligent about your dental hygiene routine, it’s time to discover just how risky it is to your whole-body health when it comes to neglecting your smile.

Learning that you have gum disease is not likely to be the news you want to hear when visiting the dentist’s office. Walking away with swollen gums that need extensive treatment can be bothersome, especially when you consider how your dentist might plan to fix it. Fortunately, many oral healthcare professionals are turning to dental lasers to make this process more convenient and comfortable for patients. Keep reading to learn how these precise instruments can improve your gum health and your overall experience.

When it comes to dentistry, there are many myths that dentists regularly have to dispel. Unfortunately, if they’re not given the opportunity, many patients will forgo treatment and experience worsening oral health. One of the most common is the idea that a root canal can increase a person’s chances of developing cancer. Read on to discover where this myth came from and why you have nothing to worry about when it comes to undergoing this type of procedure.

If you are thinking about investing in cosmetic dentistry, you have much to look forward to! Treatment might be able to completely transform your smile and give you a big confidence boost! However, you might wonder if cosmetic dentistry is really worth it. Will your results last long enough for you to get your money’s worth? This blog post discusses the average life expectancy of some popular treatments. It also provides tips to help you maintain your new look for as long as possible.

Veneers are an excellent way to hide aesthetic imperfections in teeth and achieve a glowing, attractive smile. Plus, they are made out of durable porcelain, so you can expect them to stand the test of time. Still, you may wonder if you can get cavities after you receive veneers. Unfortunately, yes, you can. This blog post explains how those cavities can develop and what you can do to protect your oral health.

If you’ve been suffering from a toothache that has suddenly seemed to vanish, you might be feeling pretty relieved; however, you should hold off on celebrating, as you may not be out of the woods just yet! Instead, you should contact your dentist quickly, as this odd reversal of symptoms might be a sign of something worse. Here’s more about this situation and why you could end up needing a root canal if your tooth’s pulp has become damaged or infected.

If your dentist has recently informed you that you’re going to need a root canal to address an issue with one of your teeth, you might be feeling a little nervous about the procedure. But you have nothing to fear; with over 15 million root canals performed in the US annually, the treatment is remarkably common and undeniably useful! Here are three reasons from your dentist that should have you feeling confident heading into a root canal.

Are you tired of coordinating multiple dental appointments for each family member? The hassle of managing various providers can be overwhelming, and that’s where a family dentist comes to the rescue. Continue reading to learn about the numerous benefits of having a family dentist, making oral care for your loved ones convenient and stress-free.