Brice Dental Blog

A bright, white smile is often seen as the gold standard of dental health. It’s no surprise—white teeth are strongly associated with cleanliness, youth, and confidence. But while a whiter smile can look healthy, the truth is that tooth color alone doesn’t tell the full story about what’s happening inside your mouth.

In reality, teeth can appear white and still have underlying issues, while slightly discolored teeth may be perfectly healthy. Understanding this difference is key to maintaining long-term oral health.

Historically, dentists relied on silver dental fillings to prevent cavities from progressing while rebuilding a tooth’s functionality. Although the metals used in these amalgam repairs are durable enough to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, they also pose a few risks that could harm your oral or overall health.

Fortunately, many dentists today use biocompatible tooth-colored materials to treat tooth decay instead. Continue reading to learn more about each option and why you might want to consider replacing older restorations with more contemporary solutions!

Tooth loss has affected humans for centuries, but the way we replace missing teeth has changed dramatically. Dentures, once crude and uncomfortable, have transformed into lifelike, functional restorations that help patients eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Understanding this evolution highlights just how far modern dentistry has come—and why today’s dentures are more comfortable and beneficial than ever.

When you hear “gum disease,” you likely picture an issue caused by bad oral care. Dentists (rightly) say that infected gums stem from a lack of proper brushing and flossing. Still, the condition is more complex than you’d think; gum disease is also genetic. Infections of the tissues around teeth can partly result from inherited biology, whether from your parents, grandparents, or so on. To learn more, read over the matter in this summary from your San Antonio dental practice.

Gum disease can typically be prevented by keeping up good practices. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist every six months can prevent this type of infection from developing. That being said, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from gum disease at one stage or another. As your symptoms progress, it becomes much more difficult and even impossible to reverse. If you are struggling with gum disease, you might benefit from Arestin. Continue reading to learn what it is and how it can keep gum disease at bay.

When you think of foods that cause cavities, candy and soda probably come to mind. But tooth decay isn’t just triggered by obvious sugar bombs—some everyday foods that seem healthy or harmless can be surprisingly tough on your teeth. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids that weaken enamel. Below are 4 foods that might look innocent on your plate but could be quietly increasing your risk for decay.

Most dental emergencies are fairly predictable — a sudden toothache, a broken filling, or a knocked-out tooth. But every now and then, something truly strange happens that leaves even the most experienced dentists amazed. These unusual cases remind us that oral health can sometimes take unexpected turns — and that it’s always better to appreciate a routine cleaning than to end up with one of these bizarre dental stories!

Tooth pain can range in severity from a mild nuisance to excruciating agony, and it may be a sign of a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment. The best way to resolve dental pain depends on what is causing it, and your emergency dentist will be happy to determine an appropriate treatment to restore your comfort. Here’s a quick look at a few common types of dental pain, what may be causing them, and when to set up an appointment with your emergency dentist.

Now that you have started Invisalign, you may be excited about getting the straight smile that helps you feel more confident. You’ll get a healthier bite, but since this type of orthodontics is different from traditional braces, many people wonder, “Does Invisalign hurt?” Some discomfort is expected as it means your treatment is working, but here are four ways that you can manage the sore feeling.

Are you looking forward to straightening your smile with Invisalign? This orthodontic treatment is a great option that’s discreet and fits easily into your lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about any metal in your mouth, but they do have one thing you’ll have to overcome. That is how they will change your speech. It’s not a dramatic difference, but many people don’t know what to expect. Keep reading to learn why this happens and what you can do about it.