Blue Wave Dental of Walnut Creek Blog

Despite popular knowledge to the contrary, people have always cared about their smiles. In fact, long before dental offices existed, ancient civilizations were finding creative (and sometimes painful) ways to improve their teeth. The fact that cosmetic dentistry exists today is the result of thousands of years of trial, error, and innovation. Keep reading to take a brief journey through the history of cosmetic treatment.

Airports have always been a source of stress for many patients, especially frequent flyers. So, it’s only natural that one of the first questions they ask when considering dental implants is, “Will this make my life more difficult?” Despite your dental implants being made of metal, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Here’s why.

In ancient times, replacing a missing tooth meant using whatever you had—everything from ivory and animal bone to seashells. Fortunately, dental technology has advanced a lot through the ages, and now metal brings both durability and strength to prosthetics. But if dental implants are made with metal, won’t they rust? Not necessarily. Continue reading to learn how titanium changed the game for dental implants, and how you can take care of your new smile.

There is no doubt that dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, but admittedly, they can cost quite a bit of money! As a frugal individual, it is understandable if you decide to shop around a bit and ask different practices how much they charge for this service. However, it is important that you look beyond the price! Indeed, if you find a bargain that seems too good to be true, it likely is. In this blog post, you will learn about some of the dangers of discounted dental implants and discover why top-quality care is worth investing in.

A smile makeover is about much more than fixing a chip here and there. It’s a carefully planned cosmetic dentistry treatment that tries to get a bird’s-eye view of your entire smile and how it fits your face. When dentists begin treatment, they look at several aspects of your teeth to “get it right.” Read on to learn five important aesthetic elements of smile makeovers, so you can articulate your desires to your dentist.

Many patients delay beautifying their smiles because they worry that cosmetic dentistry might be painful. However, modern techniques make treatments simple and painless. If you’re thinking about improving your smile, understanding what comfort protocols are in place and how each procedure feels can ease your anxiety. Here’s what to expect before your makeover begins.

You already know that brushing, flossing, and preventive dentistry protect your teeth, but did you know they may also protect your waistline? It may sound far-fetched, but studies from the University of Debrecen, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, and others suggest that poor oral hygiene can negatively affect your metabolism. Keep reading to see how your mouth and body are connected and find some strategies to keep your whole body happy.

Most people think brushing twice a day is enough to keep their smile healthy, but your dentist might disagree! While brushing is an essential part of every oral care routine, it’s just one part. The truth is, many patients skip some steps that could quietly undo their good work over time. If you want to go from “good” to “great” oral health, here are a few oral hygiene habits you should reincorporate into your routine.

Exercise has many benefits from improved strength and endurance to a calmer mind and better mobility. However, your mouth might not feel the same way about your routine as you do. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts don’t realize that certain workout habits can quietly harm their oral health. Without proper support, these small issues can lead to big dental emergencies. The good news is that with a little awareness, you can enjoy your exercise routine and keep your smile healthy. Here’s how.

Jaw pain can be annoying at best and alarming at worst—especially when it seems to be isolated to one side of your mouth. You might think it’s just from chewing too much gum or sleeping awkwardly, but there could be more going on. Some causes are minor, while others require a dentist’s attention right away. Here’s what could be behind your one-sided jaw pain and when you should declare a dental emergency.