According to the American Dental Association, most people report the one thing they dislike the most about their smile is the color of their teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and simplest cosmetic dental treatments that can improve your smile and boost your confidence. But teeth whitening, even when it’s done by a professional, isn’t permanent.

Veneers are a great way to brighten your teeth, make them more uniformly shaped and evenly spaced, and help you get a more dazzling smile. But beyond the cosmetic value of dental veneers, did you know there are many noncosmetic reasons to consider them?

If you keep waking up with a headache, you might be clenching or grinding your jaw when you sleep. Many people tense their mouth and jaw while sleeping. A night guard protects your mouth through the night, letting you rest comfortably and wake pain-free. At Meadowbrook Dental Care, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards for patients of all ages in the Mineola, New York, area. Once you’ve got your unique night guard, you’ll be able to rest comfortably all night, protecting your teeth and letting you wake pain-free.

It can be hard to figure out the causes of persistent bad breath, especially once you’ve eliminated factors like oral hygiene and smelly foods. If you’re struggling with persistent bad breath no matter what you do, your problem might actually be in your gums. 

If you wanted to have straight teeth back in the day, you were subject to a mouth full of metal, plus a retainer for the rest of your life. Thankfully, times have since changed! You can now have straight teeth in less time, without the fear of tearing up your lips, cheek, or tongue. 

Wearing the right sports equipment can enhance performance and protects you from injury. Athletes at all levels must use the appropriate gear for their sport if they want to reduce their chances of getting hurt. While the need for helmets and padding is obvious, many athletes ignore the protection that a mouth guard can provide until they suffer the pain and inconvenience of an oral injury.

No matter how often you brush your teeth or floss, the time may come when you need a root canal. This occurs when the cushion-like pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or injured in some way and may cause you distress.

Wisdom teeth get their name from the time of life they tend to appear: well after your “baby” teeth and as you’re entering adulthood, typically between ages 17 and 25. While not everyone has the large molars, many who do benefit from their removal. If they’re impacted or growing at odd angles, you have cavities or gum disease, or you don’t have room in your mouth for wisdom teeth, this likely includes you.

Even if you brush and floss daily and see your dentist twice a year, you may still end up with sensitive teeth. You know you have sensitive teeth when you feel sharp pain or discomfort when you eat or drink something cold or hot.

Your ideal smile is likely a row of white, immaculate teeth. You’re not alone, as teeth whitening solutions are one of the most requested dental services nationwide. Food, drink, and daily living can add up to stains on your teeth, which also tend to yellow with age. Lighter dental enamel thins, allowing darker-colored dentin below the surface to dull down your teeth’s appearance.