Kristin Petulla DDS' Blog

With the new year here and many people looking to make resolutions to improve their health, one of the most popular ways to achieve this goal is by regular exercise. But what you may not realize is that in addition to benefiting your physical and mental fitness, working out can also improve your gum health, too. Here’s how!

When it comes to your oral health, you may already know how brushing and flossing are great ways to keep it strong. You might also have an inkling that some foods are better for your smile than others, but what about spices? There are certain ones you can use for your meals that help benefit your mouth. Keep reading to learn five herbs and spices that give a boost to your grin.

It’s easy to think of a toothache or dental sensitivity as something that’s relatively “normal” or “harmless.” And sometimes they are – a sinus infection, for example, can make your upper and lower arches ache, but isn’t necessarily a dental emergency. At the same time, sore pearly whites are also a sign of cavities. So how do you know when it’s time to seek out urgent dental care?

If you experience one of these five symptoms, it’s best to pick up the phone and call your emergency dentist!

If you are missing one or a few consecutive teeth, a dental bridge is an affordable way to give you your smile back. They are able to restore both the appearance and function of your missing teeth. This type of restoration is durable and can last for many years when cared for properly. However, it isn’t unheard of for dental bridges to become dislodged. Read on to learn why this can happen and you should handle the situation.

If you’ve broken a denture, you might be wondering whether it’s truly urgent. After all, it’s not like a tooth got knocked out—right?

While dentures aren’t natural teeth, they still play a critical role in your ability to eat, speak, and go about daily life confidently. So yes, a broken denture does count as a dental emergency, and you should seek help right away.

If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, your dental team might suggest using sedation dentistry, in particular, nitrous oxide gas. But for many patients, the idea of falling asleep at the dentist makes them uncomfortable. So, will nitrous oxide send you to dreamland? Continue reading to learn what nitrous oxide does, how it feels, and what to expect during your visit.

Although there is nothing inherently wrong with dental-related anxiety, it can make everything from routine cleanings to essential restorative care unpleasant. In fact, many patients avoid their dentist entirely for that very reason! If that’s where you are now, it’s worth considering sedation dentistry. If you want to learn a little more about it before scheduling an appointment, then read on to learn the answers to a few common questions about it.

Proper preventative care can help you avoid many potential dental emergencies, but sadly, some are unavoidable. For instance, even if you consistently clean your teeth at home and visit your dentist regularly, you might sustain an injury or blow to the face that knocks a tooth out of your mouth.

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, you’re probably in pain and unsure what to do next. You might also have questions, like whether you should put it back in its socket. Continue reading to learn more about how you should handle this urgent scenario and if it’s safe to reseat it yourself!

Did you know occasional tooth pain isn’t normal? Toothaches are common, but they are a symptom of an underlying dental problem. Ignoring dental pain can cause a small issue to cause the loss of your tooth. Here are the top causes of toothaches and what your dentist can do to stop your discomfort.

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Veneers are the open secret behind the flawless grins of many Hollywood stars. These cosmetic dental appliances are used to cover flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and stains to completely transform a smile into a beautiful new state. While these thin porcelain shells are designed to be strong, durable, and long-lasting, they do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Here’s a brief guide to how you can extend the lifespan of your veneers through proper care and maintenance.