Is bad breath cramping your social standing? Bad breath, which is also known as halitosis, can cause embarrassment or shame. Our dentist and team are happy to share some simple things you can do at home to fight gum disease. Drink Water One of the simplest ways to combat bad breath is to drink plenty of water. Hydration is important... read more »

Oral cancer is a very serious oral disease that can progress to advanced and dangerous stages if not detected quickly with an oral cancer screening. Each year, around 40,000 American adults discover they have oral cancer, and successful recovery greatly depends on the early detection of the condition. You can receive an oral cancer screening every six months at Dodge... read more »

More often than not, you will know if you have a problem with your teeth. You can feel the pain from a toothache, see the signs of gum disease, and will be able to see and feel the effects of a broken or last tooth. But what about a cracked tooth? It may be hard to believe, but you could... read more »

The hardest substance in the human body can be found in your mouth. It is the enamel on your teeth. The enamel is the first line of defense that your teeth have against plaque, bacteria and acids that can lead to tooth decay. Unlike the other parts of your body, your tooth enamel can’t be replaced once it is gone.... read more »

To help your smile flourish, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush and floss to remove oral bacteria and dental plaque daily. For optimal results, brush your teeth every day for at least two minutes twice a day, as this is proven to fight tooth decay and gum disease. Oral Hygiene Give yourself the gift of using the right... read more »

In general, dental extractions, sometimes called tooth removal, come in two forms: -A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth. In a straightforward extraction, Dr. Keith Dodge loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then the dentist uses an instrument called a forceps to get rid of the tooth. -Surgical extractions... read more »

Denture maintenance is a key part of keeping your dentures operating as necessary. If you do not care for them, oral health ailments including bacterial contamination can occur. It is important to always clean your dentures and keep them free of damage. Listed below are a few tips to help you: - Whenever removing your dentures, always make sure you... read more »

A healthy smile means being free from tooth decay and gum disease. However, oral issues can still arise, and one of them is canker sores. These sores in the mouth are tiny, shallow, ulcers that can make eating and speaking rather unpleasant because they are painful. Today, our dentist, Dr. Keith Dodge and our dental team in Orem, Utah, are going... read more »

Some children resort to thumb sucking as a coping mechanism for stress. However, prolonged thumb sucking can damage your child’s teeth and gums, and you should encourage them to quit. For more information, see below: - If a child sucks their thumb, they could introduce new bacteria to their mouths. - Thumb sucking usually can delay the growth of a... read more »

Dental bridge restorations are used to replace a tooth that was lost to a cavity, trauma, or an extraction. They are from durable materials that are intended to restore the tooth’s function. If you participate in a contact sport without the protection of a mouth guard, or your grind your teeth at night on a frequent basis, you could damage... read more »