What's the big deal about teeth, anyways?

Teeth are essential for many daily activities, such as eating, smiling, and talking (Try saying "the Fourth of July" without touching your teeth with your lips or tongue!). After we lose our baby teeth, we only get one set of adult teeth for our whole life. Thankfully, with good oral hygiene and regular professional dental care, these teeth are made to last! Good dentistry also includes taking care of the gums and tongue—we can't forget about these important structures either.

Isn't dentistry expensive?

Yes... and no. Dental fees can seem high—this is in part due to the cost of dental materials and equipment, as well as the costs associated with paying staff and running a dental practice. However, dental fees are often not as high as people assume; most importantly, taking care of your oral health and achieving a beautiful smile are things that are well-worth the investment! A good dental insurance plan can also help lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Do I need to floss?

Only if you want to keep your teeth! In all seriousness, and despite what you may have heard, flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene. Flossing cleans in-between teeth, preventing cavities. Good flossing also removes plaque from the gum pockets around our teeth. If the plaque is not removed, our gums become inflamed, which is a condition known as gingivitis. Over time, the inflammation causes bone loss around our teeth (periodontitis), which can result in teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. So, yes, you need to floss!