Statistics about Smiling and Happiness

Smiling is an important part of your health and happiness! Your dentist’s office (and your orthodontist’s) are committed to keeping your smile healthy and happy for years to come. While smiling can seem very superficial initially, a beautiful smile can actually have a positive impact on your overall well-being in addition to making you feel Read More

Reasons Not to Fear the Dentist

If you fear going to the dentist, don’t worry, you’re not alone! It is estimated that nearly seventy five percent of adults in the United States experience some amount of fear with regards to visiting a dentist. About five to ten percent of those people have a strong enough fear to be considered sufferers of Read More

Your Next Dentist Appointment

Just like you have a well visit from your general practitioner each year to make sure your body is healthy; you need to have a dental check at least once every six months to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. Most dental checkups are quick, but they make sure to do a comprehensive Read More

Invisalign While You Travel

Traveling is already stressful, so we don’t want caring for your Invisalign to make it even worse. The good news is that there are a few small changes to your packing routine that can alleviate Invisalign- related stress taking away from your vacation. When you’re in a new place, far from your orthodontist’s office, it’s Read More

What Happens When You Have a Cavity?

At Westover Family Dentistry, Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash understand that hearing you have a cavity can be unsettling. Most people immediately think of drills and uncomfortable procedures. But do you know what’s actually happening when we treat a cavity? As experienced dental professionals, we are committed to restoring your teeth to optimal Read More

Do I Have Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden. If the disease worsens, Read More

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Pregnancy is an amazing thing. However, there are some important things to keep in mind during this time. While pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, potentially resulting in gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s Read More

Why Do Straight Teeth Matter?

Straight teeth help to create a beautiful smile. However, straight teeth actually do so much more than provide a great smile. Teeth are made to fit together in a certain way. If they don’t fit together properly, they can’t function properly, which can lead to a variety of oral health problems. Keep reading to learn Read More

Foods that Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

Everyone is always chasing after the elusive shiny white smile. However, coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Luckily, there are several cost-effective options to help bring your teeth back to their pearly glory. There are even some foods that whiten your teeth naturally. To learn Read More

Daily Habits to Improve Your Oral Health

Your oral health is always extremely important! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry. Some of the easiest ways to keep your Read More

Are Dental X-Rays Safe

It is quite common that when you go to the dentist, they will take X-rays of your teeth. Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist will use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as getting your teeth Read More

The Connection Between Athletes & Poor Oral Health

Athletes are typically praised for their high level of wellness and health. However, did you know athletes tend to have more teeth-related issues than most? A recent study found that untreated tooth decay and gum inflammation was still prevalent among elite athletes despite regular brushing and flossing. Keep reading for some athlete related dental advice Read More

Should I Floss or Brush First?

Most likely you’ve heard that you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. However, should brushing come before flossing or vice versa? According to recent studies, researchers have found that flossing before brushing may be the most effective way to remove dental plaque. This sequence also makes your tooth enamel stronger by increasing the Read More

Is Sparkling Water Bad for My Teeth?

We all know that sugary carbonated drinks do more harm than good to the teeth, but what about sparkling water? In most carbonated beverages, the acidity levels are very high – which can weaken tooth enamel. If you’re not familiar with tooth enamel, it is the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first Read More