ALL SMILES ARTICLES

What is a Gag Reflex? A gag reflex occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat resist swallowing. Your body reacts to help prevent you from choking and swallowing things that could be potentially harmful. Gagging while receiving dental treatment is not a pleasant experience. Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex, causing this to become a regular occurrence while in the dental chair. Sometimes the reflex is physiological, while other times it is psychological (a memory...Read More

Why People Consider Mexico for Dental Implants Every year, thousands of Americans travel abroad for dental care. Mexico has become a leading destination because procedures are often advertised at a fraction of U.S. prices. Mexico dental tourism packages may include treatment, hotel accommodations, and even local transportation, making the option seem attractive for patients trying to save on costs. While lower pricing is appealing, it is important to look beyond the surface and weigh the true benefits and risks before...Read More

Veneers vs Lumineers? Remember when movie stars and politicians had teeth that weren’t perfect? Today, it seems almost impossible to see teeth that are crooked, yellow or otherwise imperfect. You have probably heard a number of people talk about veneers when looking at different options pertaining to cosmetic dentistry. Thankfully, the options available can help you to: Align your teeth Fill in any chipped teeth Straighten any crooked teeth Provide you with the proper tooth and gum balance Widen and...Read More

One of the greatest aspects of All Smiles Dental Care is our focus on teamwork and the close-knit group of staff that we have. An article by Jackie L. Sanders really summed up many of the ways that we foster an environment of teamwork and shared vision. Below are some of the ways Dr. Imm focuses on teamwork throughout the day at ASDC. Morning huddle: Specialized care of our guests is planned at the morning meeting, and gets staff on...Read More

How to Spot Future Dental Problems Your adult teeth are the only teeth you’ll have for the rest of your life. You will use these teeth for many decades, and for this reason, it’s important to take great care of them. When you look after your teeth, you’re not only ensuring that you have a healthy set of teeth that will serve you well when eating, but you can also avoid a multitude of other connected health issues. As well...Read More

How technology is changing how we treat root canal infections Is the thought of the traditional root canal keeping you away from your dentist? These days, your dentist can ease that anxiety and pain with the help of the dental laser root canal technique. A root canal procedure today is gentle and without the usual after effects with the help of the new laser technology available. How do you know if you need a root canal? Here are several symptoms...Read More

Many people forgo the flossing altogether…we commend you if you floss regularly! Below are 5 common mistakes people make while flossing, then some links to past blog posts for other helpful flossing tips. 1. Aimless flossing. Our mouths contain a lot of teeth! It’s easy, especially at nighttime, to lose track and forget where you’ve flossed and where you haven’t. This won’t cause damage every once in awhile, but if the same teeth are forgotten each time, they won’t receive...Read More

There’s an app for everything! Sure, you can use an old-fashioned timer to time your brushing, or just tell your kids to get the toothbrush back in their mouth for another minute, but why not make it more fun! We found some fun ways to spice up your brushing routine using your smartphone. Do you have a favorite app? Let us know below in the comments!   1. Brush DJ– The Brush DJ app is free, and randomly selects songs...Read More

About 10% of the populations brushes their teeth correctly. If we were talking about bathing or general hygiene, I bet people would really be saying “ew!”. However, it is just as yucky to slack on your oral health. Proper brushing can prevent tooth decay, cavities, plaque build-up, and bad breath–which leads to less missed work and fewer hours in the dental chair, not to mention happier co-workers and significant others! Not to worry, here are a few simple tips to...Read More

Amalgam fillings, the silver fillings that contain mercury, have been a controversial subject for quite some time now. We all know that high levels of mercury can damage our health, but for years it seemed that people didn’t think amalgam fillings posed any threat. That outlook is slowly but surely changing. These fillings have been attributed to serious health conditions, which is why more and more dentists are advocating for mercury fillings removal. That includes Dr. Imm of All Smiles...Read More

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas, Sweet Air) Sedation Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a colorless, odorless substance that slows down the body’s reaction time. Nitrous oxide sedation can result in a calm, euphoric feeling that can be used to treat pain and function as a mild sedative. When can you use Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)? Nitrous oxide can be used as a mild sedative for dental procedures. Dental sedation is a great choice for children...Read More

3 health benefits of cosmetic dentistry You probably know that cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and your self-esteem, but did you know that it can also help to improve your oral health? There are many ways that making cosmetic improvements to your teeth can also benefit the health of your teeth and gums. Here are three oral health improvements you can achieve through cosmetic dentistry. [widget id=”text-122″] 1. Fix your bite and help your jaws If you have a...Read More

The rule of thumb for dental implant longevity is: the better they’re taken care of, the longer they last. With great care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Generally, however, the lifespan of dental implants is about 15 to 25 years. What Are Dental Implants There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.  Endosteal implants are the most common variety, but subperiosteal implants are sometimes recommended for patients that either do not have a healthy-enough...Read More

Uh oh! You’ve chipped a tooth, now what do you need to do? Chipped teeth are actually pretty common, and depending on the size and type of chip, there are easy fixes. However, if the damage extends beyond the tooth’s enamel there is a risk of tooth loss or infection. So, first thing first, make a dentist appointment! It can take a couple of days to get in for an appointment, so the faster you move, the better your chances...Read More

3 types of dental fillings and what to know about them Is it time to visit your dentist for a check-up? Do you have a nagging feeling, accompanied by an achy tooth, that you might have a new cavity? Do you know what filling types are available or what fillings are made of today? Modern dentistry advances so quickly that the answer to this last question may surprise you. Here are the three types of fillings and what you should...Read More

Do you really need dental insurance? Westminster dentists, including myself, think dental coverage is a crucial investment in a person’s health. Some, though, would argue against that point. They feel that dental insurance is just a way to throw money away. Those who live paycheck to paycheck do all they can to avoid unnecessary expenses. But we can guarantee you – dental insurance in Westminster is not unnecessary. In fact, it is one of the best investments you can make...Read More

Losing teeth can be a challenging experience, impacting not only your appearance but also your ability to eat, speak, and maintain overall oral health. The causes of tooth loss are varied and can include trauma, periodontal disease, or tooth decay. Regardless of the cause, the effects on your quality of life can be profound, affecting self-confidence and daily functioning. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers two primary solutions for replacing missing teeth: dentures and dental implants. Choosing the right option is crucial,...Read More

When it comes to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, patients often face the choice between cosmetic and restorative dental care. While both approaches aim to improve dental health and aesthetics, they serve different purposes. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth, boosting confidence, and achieving your desired smile. Restorative dentistry, on the other hand, addresses dental health issues, restoring the function and integrity of damaged teeth. Understanding the differences between these two types of care can help...Read More

Many people often wonder, “how often should you get your teeth cleaned at the dentist?” Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health, but knowing just how frequent those visits should be can be a bit tricky. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information you need on the subject. Understanding Dental Cleaning Before diving into how often you should get your teeth cleaned, it’s essential to understand what dental cleaning is and why it’s...Read More