Smart Mouth Blog™

I placed my first dental implant 17 years ago and have always found it to be an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth because of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Implants are stronger than actual teeth, can last a lifetime, and appear…

AI is making its way into dental practices and is expected to be widely used in the years to come. So how could it affect your next office visit? In 2023, our practice started using real-time AI software to identify areas of concern on a patient’s X-rays. We use it as…

As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I strive to guide patients to comprehend the connection between their nutrition and oral health. Outside of my dental practice, I work as a Certified Personal Trainer, which offers me even greater insights into the broader impacts of diet on the entire body. Here, I…

Having worked as a dental hygienist for 30 years, 20 here in the Lowcountry, I have certainly seen technology advance over time in the dental field. But does it really make a difference in your care? The answer is a whole-hearted “yes”!

Setting kids up with healthy dental habits is so important because it lays the foundation for maintaining good oral hygiene throughout their lives. Establishing a routine early will prevent dental issues over a lifetime while saving money, building confidence and self-esteem, and contributing to their overall health. Although baby, or…

I always encourage anyone wanting to improve their smile’s alignment to consider invisible braces. They are a series of clear, custom-designed aligners, very similar to retainers, that you wear 24 hours a day, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth. Each week, you graduate to the next aligner…

Dental assistants, sometimes called dental techs, are vital to modern dental practices. Have you ever wondered what is required to become a dental assistant or about the day-to-day responsibilities? Perhaps you know someone looking to make a career change or a recent high school graduate interested in getting into the…

As a registered dental hygienist and mom of two young children, I have seen firsthand the effects of pregnancy on oral health. Pregnant women sometimes avoid professional dental care during pregnancy for various reasons, which is never a good idea. Factors such as elevated hormone levels can cause various gum…

Most patients’ perception of a routine dental cleaning appointment is taking X-rays and cleaning teeth. However, hygienists are doing so much more! It is critical that we first review each patient’s current medical conditions and medications, as well as dental health. In my 30+ years as a hygienist I have…