Read Our Blog

Losing teeth is an exciting time in any young child’s life. Not only does this mean they are growing up, but it also means they are due for a visit from the Tooth Fairy! There are so many creative things that go beyond just putting money under a pillow that can create wonderful memories that will last your child a lifetime. Keep reading for some ways to make your child’s visit from the Tooth Fairy a lot more exciting from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry.

Read More

Halloween is almost here, and with it comes a ton of candy! While indulging in your favorite treats is part of the fun, it’s important to take care of your teeth to avoid the real scare – cavities. Here are a few tips from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry to help you keep your smile healthy this Halloween season:

Read More

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 easy to remove your aligners and leave them behind. Here are some tips from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry for traveling with your Invisalign, to make sure you don’t have to take time out of your vacation for an orthodontic emergency!

 Read More

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 health with the utmost care. Here’s a look at what goes on during a cavity filling appointment and how we ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.

 

First things first, what can your dentist do to take care of a cavity? There are four methods of single tooth restoration.

• Fillings
• Inlays
• Onlays
• Crowns

Read More

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, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

 

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by these practices hardens and forms “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. This tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

There are risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in women, diabetes, and medications that lessen the flow of saliva.

If you think you may be suffering from gum disease, here are some symptoms to look for:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Read More

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help prioritize the health of your mouth and teeth with minimal effort. Here are some tips for keeping the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry!

Brush and floss 

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily in between teeth to keep plaque at bay. Flossing, while boring and annoying, is pertinent to teeth health. Did you know not flossing is linked to heart disease? YIKES!

Read More