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Tompkins Dental Blog View all posts
Man sleeping with sleep apnea snoring.

Surprising Facts About Sleep Apnea
Despite its prevalence, there's still a lot that people don't know all that they should about sleep apnea, including how your dentist can help.
Dec 26th, 2024
Close up of baby showing baby teeth.

All About Baby Teeth
While your child will eventually lose this first set of tiny teeth, baby teeth play a crucial role in your child's oral development.
Nov 26th, 2024

7 Ways to Make Your Dental Visit Less Stressful
Avoiding the dentist can lead to serious oral health problems. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to make your dental visits less stressful and more comfortable.
Nov 13th, 2024
Woman wincing from sensitive teeth.

Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity affects an estimated 1 in 8 adults. But what causes teeth to become sensitive in the first place?
Oct 21st, 2024
Woman with a toothache related to a cavity.

What Does A Cavity Feel Like?
How can you tell if you have a cavity if you've never experienced one before? Or, if you have, will another cavity feel the same?
Sep 24th, 2024
Young college-aged woman brushing teeth.

Maintaining Good Oral Health in College
College life is full of new experiences, challenges, and responsibilities. Between classes, studying, socializing, and living on your own for the first time, it's easy to let some things slip through the cracks - like your oral health.
Aug 27th, 2024
Man pointing to healthy teeth and gums

How to Prevent Receding Gums
Preventing and treating gum recession is a foundational piece of maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
Jun 25th, 2024
Woman with a white smile in the pool

Is Your Pool Bad for Your Teeth?
While a refreshing swim is a fantastic way to stay cool and active, you may want to be aware of the potential risks that pool water can pose to your oral health.
Jun 5th, 2024
Woman with sinus pain.

Can Dental Issues Cause Sinus Problems?
It’s that time of year: warmer weather, flowers blooming, and the sniffing and sneezing that comes with allergy season. But you might be surprised to learn that dental issues can also significantly impact sinus health.
May 21st, 2024
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile. But you also want strong and healthy teeth. Is it possible for you have both?
Apr 26th, 2024
Smiling man with strong, white teeth.

What Can You Do For a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth is more than a simple cosmetic issue; it's a dental health concern that requires immediate attention. But you shouldn't worry! There are actually several straightforward solutions to restore your tooth and protect your oral health.
Apr 14th, 2024
Man looking at bleeding gums.

What To Do If Your Gums Bleed
While it is typically not considered a dental emergency, bleeding gums can indicate an underlying problem that requires attention.
Feb 20th, 2024
Tooth with metal filing.

Should You Replace Your Metal Fillings?
We often get asked whether it is a good idea to replace old amalgam fillings with composite ones. The answer is going to depend on your individual situation.
Jan 24th, 2024
Model of tooth with saving money.

Budget-Friendly Oral Health Care Tips
When money feels tight, prioritizing your teeth and gums can seem difficult. But it's important to remember that neglecting oral health can lead to disastrous – and often expensive – consequences in the long run.
Jan 8th, 2024
Calcium-rich dairy-free foods for healthy teeth.

Dairy-Free Dental Health
Many people have dietary restrictions that prohibit dairy use. If that’s you, don’t worry; there are still foods you can choose to promote a healthy smile!
Dec 28th, 2023
Different people with toothaches.

7 Reasons For a Toothache
A toothache is one of the most uncomfortable dental issues one can experience. But did you know toothaches aren't always the result of a cavity?
Nov 18th, 2023
Family with a cold in bed.

A Dentist's Tips for Cold and Flu Season
While everyone is excited for Fall, we all know what's just around the corner – cold and flu season. What you might not realize is that these sicknesses can have a significant impact on your dental health.
Nov 1st, 2023
Woman with a healthy bright smile enjoying pumpkin soup.

Fall Foods That are Great for Your Teeth
As the seasons change, our palates naturally gravitate toward warm and comforting foods. Interestingly, many of the seasonal foods we associate with fall not only satisfy our taste buds but are fantastic for our dental health.
Oct 5th, 2023
Senior couple travelling on sailboat

Traveling with Dentures
Traveling should mean freedom and adventure. But for those with dentures, a simple trip can bring unique challenges.
Sep 11th, 2023
Teen girl with braces at dental check up.

Do You Need Dental Care While You Have Braces?
You need to visit your orthodontist regularly to make sure your treatment is on track. So, do you really still need to see your dentist? Or is your orthodontist now in charge of your total oral health?
Aug 24th, 2023
Young woman with healthy teeth.

Why Even Healthy Adults Need Regular Dental Exams
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if your teeth look good and feel fine, they must be healthy. But without regular check-ups and cleanings, minor problems you didn't know you had can get much worse before you know it.
Aug 8th, 2023
Man vaping with electronic cigarette with damaged teeth.

How Vaping Affects Your Teeth
Some people think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, but it can still have a negative impact on your teeth.
Jun 3rd, 2023
Tired woman with sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Myths
Even though sleep apnea is prevalent in the population, many people do not have all the facts about this diagnosis. Find out the truth about some widespread myths about sleep apnea.
Mar 9th, 2023
Man pointing to lost dental crown.

How to Avoid Losing Your Dental Crown
Want to avoid the hassle and expense of replacing a dental crown? Here are some common reasons patients lose their crowns and how to avoid them.
Feb 5th, 2023
Woman and child eating vegetables for healthy teeth.

Eat Your Way to a Healthy Smile
Making smart food and beverage decisions not only contributes to overall health but can keep your smile strong and healthy.
Nov 2nd, 2022
Woman with healthy teeth biting hard candy.

Watch Out For These Broken Tooth Culprits
Our teeth are tough but not indestructible! Learn about risk factors for a broken tooth, why it is important to get it treated, and what to look out for to avoid chipping or cracking your teeth.
Sep 12th, 2022
Kids smiling playing summer sports

Summertime Dental Emergency Tips
Summer is a time for getting outside, playing, and having fun! But with more activity comes a higher chance of injuries- including dental injury.
Jul 22nd, 2022
Man worried about gum recession looking at teeth and gums.

Top Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession can be scary. So scary, in fact, that many people avoid seeking treatment out of fear. What you may not know is that the earlier you address it, the better.
Jun 21st, 2022
Woman grinding her teeth in her sleep.

How Teeth Grinding Can Destroy Your Smile
Teeth grinding may seem benign, but it can actually wreak havoc on your teeth. Fortunately, there are options to treat bruxism as well as the damage it causes.
Apr 27th, 2022

How Painful is a Root Canal?
Anxious about an upcoming root canal appointment? Learn what to expect during treatment to put your mind at ease.
Mar 29th, 2022

Moving Past Dental Anxiety in 2022

If you've spent years avoiding the dentist in Ithaca because of dental anxiety, likely, your teeth have suffered too. Here's how to move dental anxiety in 2022.
Jan 7th, 2022

Dental Implant Recovery Timeline FAQ
Here’s a list of dental implant recovery timeline FAQ, including if dental implants are really worth the healing time and upfront costs in Ithaca.
Oct 29th, 2021

How Long Should a Filling Last?

Dental fillings have a limited period of use before they fail, so it’s good to know the signs of a failing filling and when it needs to be replaced in Ithaca.
Oct 15th, 2021

How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?
All dental crowns have a set lifespan, and you can extend yours to ensure your smile lasts for years. Our Ithaca dentist shares our best tips and tricks.
Jul 20th, 2021

Are Veneers Hard To Maintain?

Help your new porcelain veneers last as long as possible by incorporating these tips and tricks into your oral hygiene routine in Ithaca.
Jul 6th, 2021

Debunking the Top 5 Oral Cancer Myths
Think only smokers get oral cancer? Think again! Here are 5 oral cancer myths we hear most during our complimentary routine oral cancer screenings in Ithaca.
Feb 24th, 2021