Articles

At Las Cruces Dental Solutions, we’re proud to serve the families of our New Mexico communities. We’re also proud of our state as a whole, too! To celebrate New Mexico and all its (dental) glory, we’re taking a look at the teeth of some of New Mexico’s official state animals. Just like with humans, an animal’s teeth (or lack there of) tell you a lot about their diet. When it comes to you and I, teeth types such as molars help us process veggies and fruits by grinding them together. For the more carnivorous among us, our pointed teeth help… Read Full Post →

Today we’re going to talk about the differences between powered and manual toothbrushes and how they affect your oral health. Experts believe that the type of toothbrush you use has a direct impact on how well you remove plaque. So which is better? And why does it have such an impact? It’s all in the details There are some obvious differences between the two types of toothbrushes, mainly one being powered by electricity and the other by your own brute force. Also, some electric toothbrushes spin in a circular motion that is difficult to replicate manually. But which one is… Read Full Post →

In honor of the historic 4th of July weekend coming up, Las Cruces Dental Solutions wanted to celebrate the history of American Dentistry! People have been concerned with tooth care for as long as people have had teeth – that is to say, forever. As far back as 5000 BC, there are mentions of causes of tooth decay (“tooth worms”), and the earliest reference to a dental practitioner comes from Egypt around 2600 BC. But what about American dentistry? Just like our great country, dentistry in the United States has come a long way, baby. But to know just how… Read Full Post →

No, we don’t want you to start putting toothpaste on a hotdog. However, as dentists, we champion the greatness of toothpaste when it comes to caring for a healthy smile. But even we can admit there are other uses for this unsung bathroom hero that you might not even know about. Below are some of our favorite, unexpected uses for toothpaste. There are literally hundreds more on lists around the web (try here, here and here!). These were just some of the ones we found the most useful and effective. Cleaning with Toothpaste Jewelry Use a spare toothbrush and a… Read Full Post →

What to do in a Dental Emergency So, you have a tooth that’s been knocked out. Do you know what to do? Fear not, your friendly Las Cruces dentists are here to let you know the proper steps to take. 1) Don’t Panic The most important thing to remember is to give yourself a moment to take a deep breath. 2) Act Quickly Speed is of the essence when your tooth has been knocked out. The faster you are able to get to your dentist, the better! If you are not in severe pain, you can consider checking your dental… Read Full Post →

Let’s start with a little quiz for all our teeth-wise Las Cruces residents… Q: Teeth are harder than: A) Gold B) Human Bone C) Steel D) All of the above Yep, you guessed it, the answer is D! Teeth are the hardest substance in your body. While not considered bones, they are both made of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals, However, Bones mostly consist of collagen and are much more flexible. Also, not all parts of a tooth are all that hard. Here’s a breakdown of the different components of a tooth: Enamel – This one you may know about…. Read Full Post →

Curious about Dental Implants? If you have missing, failing, or broken teeth, dental implants might be a good choice for restorative dental work. If you feel embarrassed about your smile, dental implants will help you smile with confidence again. Q: What are dental implants? Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as replacements for the roots of missing teeth. Titanium has biocompatible properties, so dental implants fuse with the surrounding bone to become solid anchors for replacement teeth, bridges, and dentures. Q: Are dental implants painful? After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness along the gum line. This… Read Full Post →

Fear of the Dentist? (Sedation Dentistry) If you suffer from dental anxiety, never fear! You are not alone. Feeling nervous or anxious about going in for even a routine cleaning is something many people face, up to 30% of the population. Dental fear is one of the most common reasons why patients avoid the dentist, which can be detrimental to overall health and wellness. Sometimes these feelings are caused by previous negative dental experiences, while other times, patients fear the dentist because they have a sensitive gag reflex or have trouble sitting or holding their mouths open for long periods… Read Full Post →

Five Tips for Finding the Right Dentist Although it may not seem like it, dental practices are everywhere — even in towns that don’t boast a huge population. If you live in a big city and you don’t already have a dentist you trust, it can be overwhelming figuring out the best dentist for you in your community. The following tips can help you make the right choice, even with so many options — ahem — in your face. 1. Know Your Insurance Benefits. Your insurance provider’s website might offer a list of dental providers in your network, but first… Read Full Post →

7 Technology Advancements That Make Your Dental Visits More Effective — and More Comfortable Let’s face it: No one likes going to the dentist. In all fairness though, the oral health industry has made major strides in bringing comfort to the dentist’s chair. And there’s a lot to be excited about in the coming years — but there’s a lot to feel comfortable about right now, as well. Take a look at just a few of the industry advancements that make sure you’re getting more effective — and more comfortable — dental care. Air Abrasion. This alternative to the traditional… Read Full Post →