Author: Dr. Laurie McNamara

What is gum disease?  Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by these practices hardens and forms “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. This tartar can only be removed by a dentist or Read More

Braces can be sharp and restrictive. This makes the dating scene seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, dating with braces is possible and still just as fun. Here are a few of our tips Read More

Canker sores are flat white sores that appear in your mouth and can last for a week or more. What causes these small mouth ulcers is unknown. Canker sores aren’t a serious issue, but they aren’t the most comfortable.  However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them.   In Read More

When a dentist or orthodontist recommends getting braces or moving forward with orthodontic treatment, many people are scared or apprehensive. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting. But, many patients may overlook Invisalign when Read More

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off a beautiful smile. There are many treatment options available to reduce treatment time.  With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care Read More

Getting outside in the sun is important for our health and wellbeing for many reasons! However, did you know it can actually help the health of your teeth as well? A little sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and catalyzes vitamin D production in our bodies. Keep reading for some advice Read More

Exercise is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle. Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular endurance, and is a cost effective form of exercise as it can be done outside almost anywhere. However, you probably don’t think about how running can affect your oral health, as the two may seem unrelated. In Read More

Braces don’t hold you back from doing the sports or physical activities you love! Fortunately, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, braces are an investment in getting your best smile, so you have to take a little extra special care of your teeth while in treatment. To be sure Read More

It’s no fun having bad breath. It’s even less fun when you don’t know what is causing it. While bad breath is genetic for some people, the culprit is often the foods we eat. There are certain foods that are notorious for causing bad breath, but there are also some lesser known ones you may Read More

Give your teeth the spa day they deserve! Your teeth work hard every day to help you to eat and do many other things. All that hard work definitely deserves some TLC. Your skin isn’t the only thing that deserves a spa day! Next time you go to the store, take a stroll down the Read More

Pregnancy is such a unique and exciting time in a woman’s life. It is vitally important during this time that a woman takes good care of her body for the sake of her health and the baby’s. This includes your oral health. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to plaque (the Read More

Did you know that an estimated nearly seventy five percent of adults in the United States experience some amount of fear with regards to visiting a dentist? Thus, if you fear going to the dentist, know you’re not alone. About five to ten percent of those people have a strong enough fear to be considered Read More

These sores are small ulcers that can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. While they are not serious, they can be pesky and annoying. If you can find out what causes them, they can be easier to prevent! Keep reading for some advice from Read More

One part of orthodontic treatment that doesn’t attract a lot of fans are elastics, also known as rubber bands. These are a very normal part of orthodontic treatment, but are known to cause some discomfort or be a nuisance for some people. However, elastics are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment, and it is imperative Read More

The health of your body is very crucial to your well being and quality of life. Your teeth and mouth are a part of that too! It is important that your teeth and mouth are well nourished and taken care of to keep your smile healthy and shining bright. Luckily, there are many easy ways Read More

Have you wondered about tooth contouring and reshaping? You need to first make sure that you know what it’s all about to see if it is the right decision for you. Teeth reshaping is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for fixing chipped, uneven, or poorly-aligned teeth to create a more attractive smile. Read More

Experiencing a little soreness after your braces have been tightened is not uncommon. While each person’s mouth is different, fortunately, most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Moreover, as you are in braces longer, the quicker your discomfort will resolve itself after each tightening. No need to Read More

You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year as part of your oral health maintenance. Although it can be challenging to find time for an appointment with busy schedules, these appointments are crucial to having your best and healthiest smile. Once you have your appointment, here is a list of things you Read More

You have enough to worry about when getting ready to go on a date, don’t let your braces add to your worries! While date night can be a nerve-wracking experience, above all else, it should be fun! Fortunately, your braces don’t have to be a source of worry. With a few simple tips you can Read More

A beautiful smile filled with pearly whites is what everyone longs for. However, some of our daily consumption of products such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Have no fear though, this doesn’t mean you need to invest in a fancy teeth-whitening treatment. Start Read More