How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning? A Dentist’s Guide to the Right Schedule

How often should I get a dental cleaning? For many people, every six months is a good starting point, but the best schedule depends on your personal risk for cavities, gum disease, and tartar buildup. Most dentists recommend twice a year for routine prevention, and some patients benefit from more frequent visits. This guide explains […]
What Causes Receding Gums? Common Reasons, Risk Factors, and Prevention

If your teeth look longer than they used to, or you have noticed new sensitivity near the gumline, you might be dealing with gum recession. Gum recession is common, and it often happens gradually. Many people do not realize it is happening until the change is obvious. This article answers a question we hear frequently […]
How Your Diet Affects Your Teeth (and What to Eat Instead)

Why Your Diet Plays a Bigger Role Than You Think You already know that brushing and flossing are important for keeping your teeth healthy. But what you eat every day plays just as big a role in the health of your mouth. Your diet affects your enamel, your risk of cavities, and even your ability […]
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush?

Is It Normal for Gums to Bleed During Brushing? If you’ve ever noticed a bit of blood in the sink after brushing your teeth, you’re not alone. It’s a common occurrence, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal or healthy. Bleeding gums can be your body’s way of telling you something about your oral health. In […]
What Causes Bad Breath (and How Your Dentist Can Help)

What Causes Bad Breath (and How Your Dentist Can Help) Understanding the Difference Between Occasional and Chronic Bad Breath Bad breath is a common concern that affects people of all ages. Some experience it only after certain meals, while others struggle with it daily. Occasional bad breath is usually linked to food choices or temporary […]
Dentures FAQ: Answers to Common Concerns and Questions

Helping You Feel Confident About Dentures If you’re considering dentures to replace missing teeth, you’re not alone—but you may have questions. From comfort and appearance to maintenance and functionality, it’s natural to have concerns when starting this journey. At Ames Dentistry, our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of […]
What Happens During a Routine Dental Cleaning

Why Professional Cleanings Matter Even with great brushing and flossing habits at home, your smile still needs professional care. Routine dental cleanings are one of the most important ways to maintain your oral health and prevent future problems. These visits remove hardened plaque (tartar), catch early signs of gum disease or decay, and keep your […]
7 Warning Signs You May Have Gum Disease

Why Gum Health Is Crucial to Total Health Your gums do more than just hold your teeth in place—they play a vital role in your overall health. Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. When gums are inflamed or infected, bacteria can enter the […]
5 Safe Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth Fast

Why Acting Quickly Matters A chipped tooth may seem like a small issue—until it starts to interfere with your bite, your smile, or even your comfort. Whether it happened during a weekend basketball game or while biting into something hard, fixing a chipped tooth quickly and safely is essential to avoid further damage and protect […]
Top Signs You May Need a Dental Bridge

What Is a Dental Bridge and Why It Matters Losing a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can seriously impact your oral health, speech, bite alignment, and even your confidence. Fortunately, dental bridges offer a reliable, long-term solution to fill in those gaps and restore both form and function. At Ames Dentistry, we specialize in […]