1. Common Root Canal Myths

    There is quite a lot of mythology regarding the dreaded root canal floating around in our society, but much of it is either outdated or entirely untrue. Today, we will debunk many of the root canal therapy myths and the fear they cause patients everywhere when their dentist suggests the treatment. Understanding Root Canal Therapy Save Your Teeth The biggest myth about root canals is that they are …Read More

  2. The State of Soda Tax

    There are a number of controversial things appearing on local ballots across the country, but for many cities one of the big ticket items is centered around condemning sugary drinks to the same “sin tax” currently enjoyed by alcohol and tobacco. Is this so-called “soda tax” actually going to be effective, and why is it even a point of consideration? Today, our Missoula dental office will d…Read More

  3. Benefits of Digital X-Rays

    For over 100 years, the utilization of x-rays in dental care has provided dentists and patients alike with a way to see tooth decay, bone issues, and other unseen problems from the inside. There are, however, drawbacks to the radiation necessary for this inside view; in addition, the technological limitations of printable x-ray sheets are evident in the low-quality and timely upload and download t…Read More

  4. Consider Pouring Out the Mouthwash

    Nearly every US bathroom has the same things sitting on the sink each morning. It is common to expect toothpaste, toothbrushes, and, of course, mouthwash. Of all oral health care products, perhaps the most heavily marketed of the bunch is this last one. While we do see advertisements for toothpaste, it is far more common to see the litany of mouthwash ads that run nearly all the time. Listerine, f…Read More

  5. Alcohol & Oral Health: Duller Smile

    In our previous blog, we talked about the dangers associated with increased oral cancer rates from alcohol abuse. Many of us, however, don’t habitually misuse alcohol; still, by drinking beer, mixed drinks, and even wine, you could be diminishing your smile in a number of ways. Alcohol & Common Oral Health Damage While alcohol doesn’t directly create oral health problems for those that cho…Read More

  6. Alcohol & Oral Health: Cancer

    It is no secret that alcohol, especially in excess, is unhealthy. Many people (correctly) associate alcohol consumption with liver damage, some still point to reduced healing times and brain damage, yet very few understand the emerging link that is being identified between alcohol excess and oral cancer. Why might alcohol, in contrast with other drinks, cause havoc in your oral health? Understandi…Read More

  7. Toothpaste: How Much is Too Much?

    We all know how to brush our teeth, right? For most people, proper brushing was taught to them by their parents, which was taught by their parents, and so on. Yet, the truth is not quite that spot on. In Missoula alone, we have found that many adults, when asked by our dentist, cannot agree upon the actual amount of toothpaste recommended for usage. After all, we all know how to brush our teeth, s…Read More

  8. Fluoride Myths Part 2: Rinsing

    As we’ve briefly explored in our previous blog, Fluoride Myths Part 1: Drinking Water, the integration of trace amounts of fluoride can have tremendous benefits for overall dental health. T fluoridation of our drinking water supplies has had a dramatic impact on our dental health, it is not the only myth abound regarding fluoride. Another major fluoride myth is centered around rinsing after brus…Read More

  9. Engaging Kids in Dental Care

    Parents routinely struggle with teaching children proper dental habits that will translate into lifelong oral health. Your friendly, local Missoula dentist at Bitterroot Dental has some key tips and techniques that can help to engage children of all ages with their own oral health. Start Young As with any habit, the earlier you begin to reinforce the importance of oral health, the more likely posi…Read More

  10. Fluoride Myths Part 1: Drinking Water

    It seems as though the only time that fluoride concerns arise, the issue it at hand is on one of two things: A city’s water supply and household toothpaste. In both instances, there are far more misconceptions abound than actual data. We’ve heard that fluoride is a poisonous and dangerous substance, which is an exaggerated truth. The fact of the matter is that it tends to scare people when the…Read More