This is a blog post about how poor oral health can lead to dementia.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a perplexing condition that causes a persistent burning sensation in the mouth without an obvious cause. People experiencing BMS often describe it as painful and uncomfortable, with symptoms that can appear suddenly and vary in intensity. This condition can affect the tongue, lips, gums, palate, or the entire mouth. While it is generally not dangerous, the discomfort can significantly impact daily life, including eating, speaking, and emotional

Menopause marks a significant phase in every woman’s life, bringing changes that affect overall health in many ways. One area often overlooked is oral health. As hormone levels shift and the body ages, the mouth undergoes changes that can lead to discomfort and disease. Understanding these effects helps women take proactive steps to maintain a healthy smile during and after menopause. How Menopause Affects Oral Tissues The drop in estrogen during menopause influences the tiss

Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums, affects millions worldwide. While many think of it as a dental issue, research reveals a deeper impact on overall health, especially heart health. The bacteria causing gum disease can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that may worsen heart conditions. This post explores how periodontal disease links to heart disease, what the research shows, and practical steps to protect both your smile and your heart. Wha

At Laurel Park Dentistry our dentists and hygienists recommend flossing because your toothbrush can’t clean everything in your mouth — especially the tight spaces between teeth and under the gumline. Here’s why flossing matters: 1. Removes Plaque Between Teeth Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Brushing cleans the front, back, and chewing surfaces — but floss reaches the areas in between where cavities often start and cannot be seen easily. 2. Prevents G

Did you know that: Dr. Jiamachello’s dad is a pediatric dentist Dr. Lopez was born in Brooklyn, NY Dr. Jiamachello is from Shelby and likes liver mush Dr. Lopez’s family is from El Salvador and she loves pupusas Dr. Jiamachello ran cross country in high school Dr. Jiamachello was once a sponsored racquetball player Dr. Lopez played tennis in high school and still plays recreationally Dr. Jiamachello’s family is Swiss, Italian and French Dr. Lopez speaks Spanish Dr. Lopez and

A bright smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. If you have a special event coming up, like a wedding or graduation, you want your teeth to look their best without spending weeks on whitening treatments at home. At Laurel Park Dentistry, we offer a convenient in-office whitening option that brightens your teeth in just one visit. This quick and effective treatment helps you achieve a radiant smile, ready for any occasion. Patient completing our in hou

Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can cause serious damage to your teeth and lead to persistent headaches, jaw pain, and facial discomfort. Many people suffer from these symptoms without realizing that a simple dental device called an occlusal guard can help protect their teeth and reduce pain. Occlusal guards are custom-made appliances worn over the teeth, designed to prevent the harmful effects of bruxism and improve overall oral health. This post explores how

Teeth staining is a common concern that affects many people. Over time, teeth can lose their natural brightness and develop discoloration that impacts confidence and appearance. Understanding what causes teeth to stain is the first step toward maintaining a healthy, white smile. This post explores the main reasons behind tooth staining, the difference between external and internal causes, and practical ways to brighten your teeth. Close-up of stained teeth showing discolorati

Tooth pain can strike suddenly and disrupt daily life, making it hard to focus on anything else. Understanding why teeth hurt helps you take the right steps to relieve discomfort and protect your oral health. Each tooth contains a nerve at its center, connected to smaller nerves running through the root. When these nerves become irritated, they send pain signals to your nervous system. This post explores the common reasons behind tooth pain and guides you on when to seek prof

Taking your child to the dentist at the right time sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Many parents wonder when exactly they should schedule that first dental visit. The answer is clear: ideally, your child should see a dentist soon after their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. This early visit helps establish good dental habits, prevents future problems, and makes dental care a normal part of your child’s routine. Why Early Dental Visits Ma

Dental radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, play a crucial role in modern dental care. They provide dentists with detailed images that reveal what cannot be seen during a regular visual exam. If you have ever wondered why your dentist recommends these images or if they are safe, this post will explain their importance and address common safety concerns. Why Dental Radiographs Are Essential Dental radiographs help dentists diagnose a wide range of dental issues accurately. W

When you visit the dentist for a gum check, you might notice the dental professional using a thin, long instrument with markings on it. This tool measures the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. These numbers might seem confusing at first, but they provide important information about your gum health. Understanding what these numbers mean can help you take better care of your mouth and prevent serious dental problems. What Happens During a Gum Check? During a gum

Cavities remain one of the most common health problems worldwide, affecting both children and adults. One of the most effective ways to reduce tooth decay is through water fluoridation. Around 70% of the U.S. population benefits from fluoridated community water, which helps prevent cavities by providing consistent, low levels of fluoride. This simple public health measure reduces tooth decay by about 25% in people of all ages. Understanding how water fluoridation works and wh

A damaged or weakened tooth can cause discomfort and affect your smile. Sometimes, a simple filling is not enough to restore the tooth’s strength and function. In these cases, a dental crown offers a reliable solution. But how do you know when it’s time to get a crown? This post explains the key signs and reasons for choosing a dental crown, helping you make an informed decision about your dental health. What Is a Dental Crown? A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over

Maintaining good dental hygiene starts with the right toothbrush and brushing technique. Many people underestimate how much proper brushing impacts oral health. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, acids, and fermentable carbohydrates, builds up on teeth and gums daily. If not removed effectively, plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease. This post explains how to use your toothbrush correctly and when to replace it to keep your smile healthy. Proper toothbrush placement at

Cavities affect millions of people worldwide and can cause pain, discomfort, and costly dental treatments. Understanding what causes cavities is the first step toward protecting your teeth and maintaining a healthy smile. Cavities form when the tooth structure breaks down due to acids produced by bacteria on the tooth surface. These acids develop after consuming certain types of carbohydrates, which feed the bacteria naturally present in the mouth. This blog post explains how

The frequency of how often you should get your teeth cleaned is dependent on your oral health. If your gums are healthy and you have low risk for decay then the usual recommendation is every 6 months. Over time plaque and calculus build on your teeth and this needs to be removed regularly to prevent gum disease and cavities from developing. If you have periodontal disease then we may recommend you return for a periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. With having periodontal

Missing teeth can cause more problems than just affecting your smile. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth tend to shift into the empty space. This movement can create misalignments that make it harder to clean your teeth properly. As a result, you may face increased risks of tooth decay and gum disease. At Laurel Park Dentistry, we offer dental implant placement as a reliable solution to replace missing teeth and protect your oral health. How Missing Teeth Affect Your

A confident smile can open doors, but straight teeth offer more than just a boost in appearance. At Laurel Park Dentistry, we use SureSmile technology to help patients achieve not only a beautiful smile but also better oral health and function. Straightening teeth is a smart investment in your overall well-being, and understanding the full range of benefits can motivate you to take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile. Why Straight Teeth Matter Beyond App