When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow back once it is lost.

The number one enemy of tooth enamel is acid. It eats away at the enamel leaving it vulnerable to decay as it weakens. Because tooth enamel protects the lower layers from acids and plaque, protecting it is vital to your oral health. Be sure to limit these harmful items as much as possible, and be sure to clean your teeth at least twice a day. Here are some items to avoid:

– Soda
– Fruit juice
– Flavored water (has citric acid and other additives)
– Sugary snacks like cakes, cookies and candies
– Starchy snacks like chips, crackers, pretzels and bread
– Citrus fruit

Of course, it’s not just about what you leave out of your diet that protects tooth enamel. There are foods that can help strengthen tooth enamel, so let’s take a look at them.

– Probably the number one food choice for healthy teeth is rich in calcium which helps form strong teeth and bones. Cheese, which is high in calcium, also helps balance your oral pH which lowers the acids that attack the enamel. Besides cheese and other low-fat dairy items like yogurt, you can find calcium in fortified rice and soy milk, sardines and salmon in the can, almonds, and dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli and spinach.

– Foods rich in vitamin D help your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is abundant in milk, salmon, margarine, as well as soy and rice beverages which are fortified.

– Your teeth also need phosphorus which you can find in eggs, meat and fish.

– Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, red peppers, mangoes and kale.

– Beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables which are orange.

– Magnesium rich foods like bananas, whole grains, and spinach.

For healthy tooth enamel, you also want to make sure are hydrated throughout the day. Water helps support saliva flow and keeps your mouth debris-free while helping all the bodily tissues.

Healthy eating habits, combined with daily tooth brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups and cleanings can help your teeth and gums stay strong for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

If you would like to have our team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will look for swelling in the gums or redness and bleeding and even measure the depth of gingival pockets signaling gum disease. We will evaluate your bite, determine if you have bruxism (a sign of teeth grinding), check the contact between teeth and examine the lower jaw joints for problems. We will also examine the soft tissues in your head, mouth and neck, including the lymph nodes, for any indications of cancer or infection. If problems are detected, you may require further diagnostics followed up with recommended treatment options.

As you can see, this is one of the biggest reasons why dental checkups are so important, because spotting problems early on is crucial for providing effective, minimally invasive, and economical treatment. Using x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we can detect problems early when you may not even be aware of them, especially since tooth decay isn’t usually obvious or painful in the early stages. By the time you do notice problems, the condition has often already advanced.

While most of the time you may need to see your dentist twice a year, there are circumstances that might require coming in more often, particularly since your oral health is directly related to your overall health and vice versa. For example, if you have a disease such as diabetes or heart disease you may be at greater risk of gum disease. If you have a weakened immune system, you will likely have a diminished ability to ward off infections and diseases. If you regularly use tobacco or are a heavy drinker, you are at greater risk of oral problems. Taking medications that result in dry mouth – a reduction in saliva production – puts you at higher risk of developing cavities. So be sure to let our dentist know what medications and supplements you are currently taking when you come in for your routine checkups. You can also let us know if you are noticing signs of tooth sensitivity, pain or an unusual lump. Again, the earlier a problem is addressed, the better the treatment success rate.

If you would like to have our dentist and team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment. Our goal is to help you create the healthiest oral environment for your teeth and gums and we look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

When you hear the word “dentist” you may just think of teeth. And yes, dentists do deal with teeth. But a dentist is also a doctor, and has studied the human body extensively and understands that your oral health is connected to your overall health. Because of that connection, your dentist should have the name and number of your primary physician, since from time to time the two of them may need to talk.

For example, our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook may want to talk with your doctor if your medications are having an adverse effect on your oral health. Depending on the situation, you may need a medication changed or a dosage adjusted, or the dentist may need to start a new treatment for you. Some medications can cause a condition known as dry mouth which can lead to tooth decay, bad breath and other issues. Some cancer treatments can affect your oral health, and the use of inhalers may lead to oral infections.

It’s important to remember that your dentist will not want you to stop treating another condition such as high blood pressure or Parkinson’s. But he may want to make adjustments to your oral health regimen or work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. You should also talk to your dentist about any vitamins or herbal supplements you are using.

If you have questions about how your oral health can be affected by your medications in Alcoa, Tennessee, Appalachian Dental can help you find the answers. Call us today at 865-379-7555 and we’ll be happy to schedule you for an appointment.

As the years go by the white gleam of your tooth enamel can start to dull, which can be linked to the natural aging process as well as other lifestyle factors. Things like occasional tobacco use and frequently consuming dark beverages can significantly contribute to stained teeth. 

When you consume coffee, cola or other dark liquids residual traces can become trapped in the microscopic pores of your tooth enamel. If minor dental stains are not removed by your daily oral hygiene routine they can deepen, to leave you with teeth shaded in tones of yellow and gray. 

If you have significantly stained teeth, it’s best to set up an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook. After an essential examination he can help you understand the safest method for whitening your teeth. 

The whitening toothpastes and whitening strips sold in stores might be able to remove minor dental stains. Unfortunately, the mild concentration of hydrogen peroxide used as the primary whitening agent, will likely prove ineffective at removing significant dental stains. 

Individuals dealing with deeply stains teeth will likely need our dentist to administer a dental bleaching treatment. The process can effectively remove dental stains without harming your tooth enamel or any other oral tissues. 

If you live in the Alcoa, Tennessee, area and you are struggling with deeply stained teeth, you should call 865-379-7555 to schedule a whitening consultation at Appalachian Dental.

If you are looking for a crash course of oral hygiene basics, then this blog can help you! Oral hygiene is often dismissed or taken for granted until painful toothaches and cavities cause trouble. That is why keeping your oral hygiene active is vital for taking care of your teeth.

Our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook with Appalachian Dental in Alcoa, Tennessee, cares about your oral health and is happy to help you remember the basics of oral hygiene.

Here are some tips to help refresh yourself on the basics of oral hygiene:

Brush your teeth:
It is vital to brush your teeth for at least two minutes a day, two times a day. Brushing your teeth eliminates plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Plaque creates cavities and leads to gum disease placing your oral health in danger.

Floss daily:
Floss your teeth at least once a day, every single day. Flossing your teeth goes together with brushing and is vital to do because it cleans your teeth in places your toothbrush cannot reach. Floss goes deep between your teeth and along the gumline to clear the plaque that could be threatening your smile.

Visit your dentist:
Visiting your dentist semi-annually is essential to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Your dentist will be able to look for cavities or gum disease and treat any oral health problems that may occur. 

Now that you are refreshed in the basics of oral hygiene, you can set yourself up for a healthy smile! If you are in need of a dental checkup, please call us today at 865-379-7555 and we will be happy to make you an appointment. Our dental team stands ready to help you and will work to keep your smile in top-notch shape.

A dental filling is often used to treat a minor cavity in a tooth. These fillings are commonly used for small cavities, chipped teeth or a newly developed area of lost enamel. Some are made from metal amalgam, gold. Some may be made from a composite resin. If you don’t consistently brush your teeth every morning and evening or you sometimes forget to floss your teeth at least once per day, the acid in your mouth could have a negative impact on your oral health. This could start to affect the dental filling’s relationship to the surrounding tooth enamel.

As the enamel starts to weaken, you might notice growing discomfort and increasing sensitivity. On occasion, a filling comes loose and falls out while you are eating or chewing gum.

In a situation like this, the wisest course of action is to have your tooth examined as soon as possible by our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook. If you don’t see a dentist, you could end up with a severe dental fracture or serious tooth decay complications.  In some of these cases, our dentist can treat a missing dental filling by placing a slightly larger replacement dental filling. This involves carefully removing a small amount of the surrounding tooth enamel before applying the replacement material. If there isn’t sufficient tooth enamel remaining to viably bond a replacement dental filling we might recommend a dental crown restoration. This treatment plan is designed to essentially replicate the original tooth enamel layer with an alternate material. 

If you live in Alcoa, Tennessee, region and you have recently lost a dental filling, you should not delay in calling 865-379-7555 to seek treatment at Appalachian Dental.

Your tube of toothpaste is running low, which means that it’s time to restock. There are so many types of toothpaste and you may not know which is best for your smile. Dr. Greg Cook and our team are happy to offer tips on choosing a toothpaste.

Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect the teeth from cavities. Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste for both adults and children. Fluoride toothpaste is especially helpful for those whose medication causes dry mouth or who have health issues that make them especially susceptible to tooth decay.

Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Do your teeth tend to feel sensitive when you consume things that are hot or cold? The underlying cause of tooth sensitivity isn’t always easily apparent. Often, tooth sensitivity is caused by an exposed tooth root or weakened tooth enamel. Our dentist may recommend toothpaste for sensitive tooth to combat this.

Whitening Toothpaste
If you are yearning for a whiter, brighter smile, ask Dr. Greg Cook about whitening toothpaste. Some whitening toothpaste is more effective than others and our dentist can help with determining which type is best for your smile. Some whitening toothpastes use peroxide to fight stains and others use baking soda.

Tartar Control Toothpaste
Plaque that remains on the teeth hardens into tartar and can only be removed by a dental professional like a dentist or dental hygienist. If there is excess tartar in the mouth, gum disease could be the result. Some people are prone to quick tartar buildup. Tartar control toothpaste can aid them in their oral hygiene.

Contact our office today at 865-379-7555 to learn more and to set up an appointment with our dentist in Alcoa, Tennessee.

When multiple teeth are lost in one area of your mouth it can significantly limit your ability to chew and process food before swallowing safely. If the affected area is in the front of your mouth it can leave you with an embarrassing smile and compromised clarity of speech.

If you would like a more permanent treatment option than that offered by a removable partial denture, Dr. Greg Cook and his team might be able to install a dental implant supported bridge.

This mode of dental restoration starts with a thorough examination of the area to assess the health and integrity of the underlying bone structure. If there are any structural concerns you might need a bone graft installed in the area to provide sufficient structure to anchor the dental implants.

Once any structural concerns have been addressed, a minimally invasive oral surgery will be needed to install two titanium dental implants in a single outpatient oral surgery. This typically requires full sedation, so a friend or family member will need to drive you home afterward.

Intime the titanium material will gradually bond with the living bone tissues. Then a pair or abutments capable of anchoring a dental bridge will be prepared before the dental work is cemented in place with a strong dental adhesive.

If you live in the Alcoa, Tennessee, region and you are missing multiple teeth you should call 865-379-7555 to explore the dental restoration available at Appalachian Dental’s clinic.

Every year millions of Americans experience chronic discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances. It’s important to note that persistent tooth sensitivity is often a sign of a dental health condition that has gone undiagnosed or untreated.

In a situation like this, you should consider scheduling a routine dental exam with an experienced dentist like Dr. Greg Cook. After a professional assessment, he will be able to determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity to help develop an effective treatment plan.

Demineralized tooth enamel from poor oral hygiene practices or the frequent consumption of acidic beverages can often contribute to tooth sensitivity symptoms. Without remediation from increased fluoride exposure, this can form microscopic channels through the enamel to the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth. It also leaves your teeth at increased risk of suffering cavities.

In a case like this Dr. Greg Cook might recommend administering a fluoride treatment at the end of your routine dental exam. Then he might also follow this up with the daily use of prescription fluoride supplements. This can help strengthen your tooth enamel to reduce tooth sensitivity symptoms.

Cavities that develop on multiple teeth can also contribute to tooth sensitivity discomfort. If you fail to have the teeth examined and treated in a reasonable amount of time it could even lead to tooth loss.

It’s also worth noting that a chronic sinus infection can also cause tooth sensitivity discomfort with your upper teeth. The pressure in the sinus cavities can apply unnatural pressure to the nerves of your upper teeth. This might require a prescription decongestant from your primary physician.

If you live in the Alcoa, Tennessee, area and you are struggling with tooth sensitivity, you should call 865-379-7555 to seek professional diagnosis and treatment at Appalachian Dental.

We all know that we are supposed to brush our teeth twice a day and floss our teeth once every day. What else can you do to take care of your teeth and gums? Here a couple things to know as you keep your smile healthy and strong. 

Eat Well–Eating well directly affects both your overall and your oral health. Be sure to get a rainbow of vegetables and fruit to ensure you are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals. Also include plenty of calcium and lean protein. Many people turn to dairy for calcium intake, however, you can also get calcium from dark leafy greens, beans, fortified orange juice, and other products. 

Chew Gum– After you eat, your teeth and gums are more sensitive to abrasion. The act of brushing is inherently abrasive,, and toothpastes have mild abrasives. Thus, brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking can actually be harmful to your teeth and gums. Chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes instead. This stimulates saliva flow, which in turn fights cavities. Make sure to get a product that actually helps your teeth; sugared gum does stimulate saliva flow, but also feeds the bacteria that ruin your teeth. 

For more information, call Appalachian Dental at 865-379-7555. If you are in the Alcoa, Tennessee area, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Cook today!

Do you ever wonder about orthodontics, like treatment, appliances, and techniques? If so, you have come to the right blog! Dr. Greg Cook wants to answer all of your questions so you feel comfortable and confident when considering orthodontic treatment. To get you started on finding those answers, he is happy to provide the answers to frequently asked questions about orthodontics in Alcoa, Tennessee.

Why should I consider orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can help you and your smile in more ways than you might realize. It can align your teeth, boost your self-esteem, prevent dental issues, eliminate the hard-to-clean areas of your mouth, and help you properly chew, eat, and talk. It can also correctly position your jaw and give you the smile of your dreams.

What types of treatments are there?

There are many different orthodontic treatments that can help you align your smile. The most common type of treatment is traditional (metal) braces. Then, you have ceramic braces (these are like traditional braces but they are the color of the teeth). Then, you have clear aligners (these align your teeth with nearly invisible mouth trays).

How long does treatment take?

Typically, treatment can last as little as 18 months or as long as 30 months. Each treatment depends on the condition of your smile.

Now, if you still have orthodontic questions that were not included in this blog, it’s best to contact Appalachian Dental at 865-379-7555 and talk to a member of our team. There is no need to feel nervous or anxious about talking to us. We are happy to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Are you at a loss when trying to come up with a great birthday gift for your child? If so, our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook, has some recommendations for you! There is nothing much better than a clean and healthy smile, so why not give your child a dental gift? This might seem a little boring, but it can be more exciting than you think.

The first gift we recommend is an exciting and fun-to-use toothbrush. This could be an electric toothbrush, a toothbrush that has flashing lights, or a toothbrush that plays music when your child uses it. These brushes can make oral hygiene fun and exciting.

The second gift we recommend is a handy flossing tool. There are many high-tech flossing tools available, like water flossers. These tools clean the crevices of your child’s smile without the use of dental floss. The water flosser sprays a stream of water out of the tip, and all you child needs to do is place the tip toward the crack between two teeth.

The third gift we recommend is a straight smile. If your child has misaligned teeth, they might feel self-conscious about their smile. To help your child feel better about their appearance, give them the gift of orthodontics. When they finish their orthodontic journey, they will have the smile they have always wanted!

Do you have any questions about our recommended dental gifts in Alcoa, Tennessee? If so, please call Appalachian Dental at 865-379-7555 today! Our dental team will be more than happy to help you, even if you just want to know the best electric toothbrush and water flosser brands.

Can genetics play a role in your oral health? Despite the fact there does seem to be evidence backing up claims of genetic influence on your oral health, basic routines such as flossing and brushing remain the key features in keeping your risks low for oral health disorders.
Here are a few tips about genetics and your oral health:

– The risks for oral health disorders, including sleep apnea, can be significantly augmented due to genetics. However, even if you are genetically predisposed to a disorder or disease, it does not inevitably mean you will get it.
– Known dental issues such as cavities and gum disease do come with certain genetic markers, but suffering from either rests much more on your lifestyle and oral hygiene than your genetics do.
– Although genetics can enhance your chance for oral health disorders, at this current time, there are no systems capable of correctly predicting your risk for developing them

If you notice signs of an oral health disorder, we will strive to treat it. Our dentist in Alcoa, Tennessee, remains committed to your oral health, and you are welcome to book an appointment with us by calling 865-379-7555. Stop by our dentist office and Dr. Greg Cook and our team will give you the treatment you need. Make the change you seek in yourself today!

Dental stains can gradually develop on the teeth in your smile if you frequently consume dark beverages or occasionally use tobacco. As this happens, you will likely find that retail whitening products lack the potency to fully restore your white smile.

In a situation like this, you can contact Dr. Greg Cook’s dental office to schedule a dental bleaching treatment. The potent whitening agents and professional techniques at Dr. Greg Cook’s disposal represent the safest way to remove dental stains.

Afterward Dr. Greg Cook can help you understand the necessary measures needed to maintain your white smile.

Simple lifestyle changes will certainly help. This includes abstaining from tobacco and cutting back on certain foods. Drinking dark beverages through a straw can also help prevent dental stains from developing on the teeth in your smile.

You might also find whitening toothpaste and whitening strips convenient. Just keep in mind the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in these products will only be strong enough to remove minor surface stains.

If you do choose to use a retail whitening product to maintain your new smile you want to look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance on the label. This small logo indicates that the product has been researched and tested for safety and effectiveness in an oral hygiene routine.

If you live in the Alcoa, Tennessee, area and you have significant dental stains on the teeth in your smile, you should call 865-379-7555 to schedule a dental bleaching treatment at Appalachian Dental.

Your new crown restoration performed at Appalachian Dental’s Alcoa, Tennessee clinic has successfully replaced the enamel layer of your previously compromised tooth with an artificial material. While your new crown will not be susceptible to tooth decay, you will still need to practice consistent oral hygiene measures each day.

If hardened tartar forms near the gum line, it might lead to gum disease. This bacterial presence and inflammation in the gum can pose a threat to the long-term integrity of your crown. In time, the severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis can cause your gums to pull back from the base of your teeth creating small pockets of infection in your gums.

This can potentially allow bacteria direct access to the seam where your crown is cemented to the abutment. This can potentially start to weaken the cement holding the crown to the abutment.

On a long enough timeline, untreated periodontitis can even cause a loss of bone structure that anchor the abutments to your jaw. This could cause the core of the tooth to come loose or result in the abutment breaking off inside the gum line.

Our dentists advocate brushing your teeth as well as the crown twice each day. This should be followed up by flossing between each of your teeth as well as the crown, each evening. Be sure to work the strand into the gum line to clear away any stray food material and plaque before it can harden into tartar.

If you’ve had a crown restoration performed at Appalachian Dental’s Alcoa, Tennessee clinic and you have concerns about how to maintain good oral hygiene, you can always call 865-379-7555 to speak with a member of our staff.

Do you understand that laser dentistry has actually been used for more than twenty years? You see, in recent years, laser dentistry has become more and more popular—but do you understand why? Specifically, are you aware of the benefits of laser dentistry?

Did you know that several treatments can be performed with lasers? If your pearly whites seem smaller than they used to be, they are probably being covered by your gums. If you have this problem, dental lasers could be employed to remove this extra tissue. Laser dentistry may also be useful if your teeth fail to erupt properly or to deal with a TMJ disorder. Finally, dental lasers can be useful for helping kids who struggle to speak or to enhance your teeth whitening treatments.

Moreover, laser dentistry can be very useful for individuals who are afraid of visiting a dental office. Similarly, you might not need anesthesia if lasers were used during your procedure since procedures that are performed with lasers are usually much less painful. Similarly, treatments done with these lasers can be more precise and cause less bleeding. This means you’ll be less likely to have infections. Lastly, the treatments usually heal faster. 

To hear more about the dental care you can get from our team, or about the benefits of using laser dentistry in Alcoa, Tennessee, please don’t hesitate to contact Appalachian Dental at 865-379-7555. Our dentist, Dr. Greg Cook, and our team are excited to hear from you soon.

There are many people who have teeth they wish were back to pristine condition. If you have a tooth with a cosmetic issue, you know how this can sometimes feel. Thankfully, there is a way to make the tooth look brand new. You can be one of the thousands who’ve found their smile again thanks to dental veneers. 

A dental veneer bonds with your tooth in order to make it look perfect. The thin, tooth-colored shell is made from either porcelain or a dental resin that will match your natural teeth, making your veneer fit right in with the rest of your teeth. The shelf life of a veneer is somewhere between five and ten years and can be replaced when needed. Veneers are a great way to hide the following dental cosmetic issues: 

– Cracked teeth
– Chipped teeth
– Discolored teeth
– Stained teeth
– Slightly misaligned teeth
– Small gaps between teeth

When you come in for your dental veneer, Dr. Greg Cook will use all of his years of experience to make sure you walk away with the perfect tooth. If you are wondering if a veneer is right for you or have any questions about dental veneers, please call our dental office in Alcoa, Tennessee. We will be glad to answer any questions and help you see if a veneer is right for you.

Fillings are generally used to repair cavities and chips in tooth enamel. Even though they are intended to repair the tooth for many years, no filling can last forever. In time, the bacteria living in your mouth can infiltrate the space between the filling and the healthy tooth enamel. This is even more likely to occur if you struggle to maintain good oral hygiene.

The larger and older a filling is, the more likely it is to have trouble. Sometimes you can notice an overt symptom that one of your fillings is about to go bad. Catching it early can improve your repair and treatment options.

Suspicious fillings often have a sharp pain when biting down or chewing on that tooth. This could also be associated with a change in texture, especially if the filling is on the lingual side of the tooth near your tongue. You should also beware a filling that causes heightened sensitivity when you consume cold, hot, sweet, or acidic things.

A gray discoloration forming in the nearby tooth enamel is a telltale sign that bacteria have invaded the seam between the filling and the healthy tooth enamel. Much of the cement has likely been compromised and there is serious potential for new decay to set in.

Sometimes Dr. Greg Cook can replace a small bad filling with a fresh new one. Unfortunately, if the filling was large or if the tooth suffers from a new area of decay, it might call for having the entire tooth enamel layer replaced by a dental crown. 

If you suspect you have a bad dental filling in Alcoa, Tennessee, you should not delay in calling 865-379-7555 to have it examined and treated at our office.

It’s the beginning of a new year, which means it’s time to work toward the goals you’ve set for yourself. Many people have made goals to have a stronger and healthier smile, and our Appalachian Dental dental team encourages you to make that same goal for yourself. If you have healthier teeth and gums, there’s a high chance you won’t suffer serious and dangerous dental issues. So, in order to reach this beneficial goal, we encourage you to do the following things:

Brush properly

Many people brush their teeth each day, but they don’t brush properly. To help you brush properly, work on brushing for two minutes twice a day. We also recommend brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Do your best to thoroughly scrub each tooth, and make sure you are soft as you brush along the gumline.

Floss daily

Flossing is just as important as brushing, so it’s best that you floss your smile at least once a day. Flossing will help you free the food particles that are stuck between your teeth, and it will also remove the plaque that grows in the crevices of your smile. This task will help you further prevent gum disease.

Chew sugarless gum

Sugarless gum is a product that can help you frequently clean your smile and prevent tooth decay. As you chew, your mouth will produce saliva. The saliva will then rinse your teeth and will neutralize the acids in your mouth, protecting your smile from dental issues.

Have a healthy diet

Having a healthy diet will help you maintain a strong and reliable oral health. This is because there are foods that are both good and bad for your teeth. So, do your best to avoid eating the unhealthy foods, like sugary treats and candy, and eat more teeth-healthy foods, like fresh fruits and veggies.

Visit your dentist

Make sure you visit your dentist twice this year. It’s very important that you professionally clean and examine your smile every six months. If you don’t, your smile will be vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. So, do your best to commit to your dental visits this year.

Call our office today at 865-379-7555 if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about how to take good care of your smile in Alcoa, Tennessee. Your dentist, Dr. Greg Cook, is more than happy to help you in any way he can!