Kathy Lam, DDS Blog

We all want to put our best foot forward, and having a healthy, attractive smile is a big part of looking great. If you have had a large cavity or chipped/cracked tooth repaired with a dental crown, you may have noticed a visible tell that gives away the fact that you have had dental work – a black line around the base of the dental crown. It’s a common occurrence with a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, but there is a solution. 

You may have eaten rice cakes that taste like cardboard to lose weight. To get “his hair” back, your buddy shelled out big bucks for that toupee that makes him look like “Uncle Rico” from Napoleon Dynamite. To quit smoking, your brother started vaping, and now he’s addicted to that.

To make a positive change in your life, it’s not set in stone you must endure a negative experience along the way. Take teeth whitening, for example. Can it cause teeth sensitivity? Sure, but you don’t have to put up with that for a smile upgrade.

Keep reading to learn the common causes of teeth sensitivity after a whitening treatment and what you can do to prevent it!

The practice of teeth whitening is no new kid on the block regarding dental practices. In fact, it didn’t appear in 2011, or 1911, or even 11 AD!

This may be one of the oldest dental practices that still exists today. It is interesting that, although modern humans may not have that much in common with ancient cultures, they all seem to share more visual appreciation for whiter teeth.

Here’s a look at how some humans of the past pursued whiter teeth so you can see just how far the technology has come.

If you enjoy frozen snacks on a hot day, like popsicles or ice cream, you’re not alone. A cold, sweet treat is the perfect way to end a long summer day. Although you know they may not be good for your waistline, is ice cream bad for your teeth? Unfortunately, your sweet tooth can leave a lasting mark on your smile. Don’t worry, you don’t have to drive by your favorite ice cream shop. Here’s how you can protect your smile while indulging in a cold treat.

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Living without a full set of teeth can place limits on the types of food you can eat and affect your confidence. Thankfully, you have two convenient options for restoring your smile to normal. As you continue reading, a local dentist explains the difference between partial dentures and dental bridges so you can better decide which route to take.

It’s that time of year again! Some may know April for it’s spring showers, or taxes, however this month also brings allergies. Coughing, sneezing, sniffling, and mouth breathing are some of the common side effects that come with April, but did you know that your allergies can affect your oral health? Read on to see how your smile is at risk when allergies are at an all-time high.

Have you just broken or knocked out a tooth? Has a raging toothache developed out of nowhere? If so, you’re probably already stressed enough without worrying about how much your emergency dental care will cost. Fortunately, dental insurance might be able to foot some of the bill. Read on to learn more about whether dental insurance covers dental emergencies.

With the winter season in full swing, your body can experience some unfavorable changes. As it applies specifically to your mouth, you may notice such problems as discomfort, sensitivity and changes in its appearance. Unfortunately, there’s no fast-forward button to make the colder months go by swiftly, so what can be done to protect your mouth? Keep reading to discover how to prevent winter mouth issues.

Are you thinking about enhancing your smile? Everyone wants to feel confident about their teeth, but that is difficult to do when you’re insecure about certain imperfections. Fortunately, there are all sorts of different cosmetic treatments out there to help, including porcelain veneers. However, because they are such a huge investment, it is important that you are knowledgeable on the subject. Here are some facts about veneers you should know before making the commitment.

From haunted houses to creepy costumes, October is filled with spooky things. However, there’s one thing you shouldn’t be afraid of this time of year, and that’s visiting your dentist. Unfortunately, dental fear has become increasingly common – up to 1 in 5 Americans has avoided seeing their dentist out of fear or anxiety. Whether you’ve had a bad experience with a dentist in the past, you’re afraid of needles, or you simply don’t like the sounds the instruments make, it’s important that you don’t let dental fear stop you from attending routine preventive checkups. Keep reading to learn why frequent visits are crucial and how your dentist can alleviate your worries!