Gum disease is more common than you might think, and it often starts quietly. You might notice a little bleeding when you brush, occasional bad breath, or slightly puffy gums. It’s easy to ignore at first, but gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss without treatment.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on prevention, early detection, and the simple steps you can take to protect your health. You may not realize how easy it is to get screened or how important early detection is. Keep reading for some of the most frequently asked questions about oral cancer and how to stay ahead of it.
Brushing and flossing are the foundation of a healthy smile, but some areas—especially the deep grooves of your molars—are harder to clean. Even with excellent oral hygiene, bacteria and food particles can get trapped in these crevices, increasing the risk of cavities.
Most people know that sugary snacks and drinks can lead to cavities—but your diet affects much more than your enamel. The right food choices can help prevent gum disease, strengthen teeth, and even keep your breath fresh. That’s why it’s worth looking at how everyday eating habits impact your oral health. A few simple changes can go a long way in keeping your smile strong. Keep reading for tips on how to make the best choices for your teeth!
Whether it’s a cracked tooth, decay, or a missing tooth, you might wonder what your options are for restoring your smile. That’s where dental crowns and bridges come in—two tried-and-true solutions that can help your smile look and feel complete again.
Your gums do so much for your smile—they keep your teeth secure, protect against harmful bacteria, and play a big role in oral health. But here’s the thing: gums often don’t get the attention they deserve.
Caring for your teeth at home is important, but professional dental exams take your oral health to the next level. At Vargas Dental Associates in Bowie, MD, we’re passionate about helping our patients protect their smiles for life. Regular checkups do more than just clean your teeth—they help us catch small issues before they become big problems, ensuring your overall health stays on track.
As the new year begins, many of us are focused on making positive changes to improve our health and well-being. If you’re thinking about your resolutions for 2025, we’d like to suggest a key area for improvement: your oral hygiene. Keep reading to learn why this is so important, as well as 7 proven practices to enhance your oral health this year.
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes that means ending up with a cracked, damaged, or missing tooth. Whether it’s from an accident, decay, or just natural wear, a damaged tooth can be more than a cosmetic issue—it can make eating, speaking, and even smiling uncomfortable. But here’s the good news: at Vargas Dental Associates in Bowie, MD, we offer effective, long-lasting solutions that can bring back the function and beauty of your smile.
Dental fillings play an important role in keeping your smile strong and pain free, but like anything else, they don’t last forever. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause fillings to weaken, crack, or even dislodge. Knowing when it’s time for a replacement can help you avoid discomfort and prevent more serious issues. Keep reading to learn the top signs that a filling may need attention.
