Westgate Dental Care Blog

Countless health conditions require patients to take one or more prescription medications. Although they may be essential to keep hearts, brains, lungs, or guts in check, they may also be wreaking havoc on a person’s oral health. Since the mouth and body are closely connected, it’s vital that what happens to teeth and gums does not negatively affect the rest of one’s overall health. Keep reading to learn how certain medications can lead to tooth decay and what you can do to keep it from happening to you.

As you age, your metabolism slows, making it harder to lose weight and keep it off. What you might not realize is that poor oral hygiene can also be a contributing factor. If you neglect regular brushing and flossing, you are hurting more than just your smile; you’re also negatively impacting the rest of your body and overall health. Keep reading to learn how the two are connected and what you can do to get your smile and digestion back in order.

Dental checkups are about more than just your oral health. While your dentist examines your smile for any signs of cavities, decay, gum disease, infection, and damage, they also want to learn about your medical history and overall wellness. It might seem as if this information isn’t necessary, but the truth is that there is a close connection between the mouth and body. When preparing for your next visit, consider sharing these three health factors with your dentist.

You may not feel ready to face the day until you have your morning cup of coffee. This caffeinated beverage is often considered a necessity for those who have trouble waking up and starting their day. But what kind of effect does it have on dental health? If you are one of the many who turn to coffee for energy, keep reading to learn the pros and cons of this dark-colored beverage and how it can impact your smile.

As we see new patients and visitors, we often hear them talk about how hard it is to find “good” dentists. Sometimes they don’t know what to look for in dental providers, and in others they’ve had bad experiences that make them hesitant to visit. Regardless, we sympathize; entrusting your smile to someone isn’t easy. We thus hope to provide good tips to those looking for a new dental home. So, just keep reading to learn what you should consider.

Dental checkups are often seen as a time for your dentist to examine your smile for cavities, gum disease, and possible dental damage. Although catching these in their earliest stages is essential, they’re not the only potential problems your dentist is looking for during your biannual appointments. Keep reading to discover what else is going on while you lie back in the treatment chair.

Frequent replacements and relinements, messy denture adhesives, and accidental slipping while talking and eating are just a few reasons you may want to switch from traditional dentures to All-on-4 or implant dentures. But are these permanent prosthetics as good as they claim to be? Keep reading to learn why so many are happy to make the switch.

Filling out paperwork, discussing your current medications, and providing a detailed medical history are common practices when meeting with your dentist. But why is taking your blood pressure necessary? This added component of your dental checkup reveals more than you realize. Keep reading to learn why your dentist cares about what your heart is saying.

The internet makes it easy for individuals to spread misinformation about dental health. Unfortunately, this creates a problem for anyone seeking information about a particular problem or treatment option. This is why you are encouraged to ask your dentist for the truth. In the meantime, here are 3 myths that need to be debunked so that you can make the right choice about your smile.

Dentists think about what exists inside the mouth all the time. Their education and hands-on experience lead them to consider the pros and cons of all the bacteria that live in the mouth, but have you ever wondered how many of these microbes live among your teeth and gums? Keep reading to learn the truth and how you can ensure only the best stay behind.