The sugar craving bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, are key components in tooth decay. However, when distributed correctly, such as inside the human intestines, bacteria can play a role in achieving good, balanced health. With this information, we can potentially control S mutans when they reach harmful levels in the mouth.Your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Young, explains how…
Candy, candy everywhere, so let’s all have a bite. Starting in October, children will be leveled with a barrage of seasonal candy displays in grocery stores. As school carnivals sweep in with cakewalks and apple bobbing, it might seem impossible to protect children’s teeth. However, Dr. Michael J. Young provides a few tips to help…
By the age of 39, approximately 86.7% of adults in the United States have had at least one instance of tooth decay in their permanent teeth. By the age of 59, that number jumps to 95.1%. Because cavities are such a common occurrence, many people are lulled into believing that tooth decay is a normal,…
Our Lafayette dental office provides several options for replacing missing teeth. Addressing tooth loss is important for a number of reasons, from cosmetic enhancement, to restoring tooth function and preventing dental issues. Your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Michael Young, will explain some of the benefits of a particular tooth replacement method, dental bridges, as well as…
Before the invention of acrylic, toothbrush bristles were made from all kinds of materials we would not think of putting in our mouths today. While other mammals contributed to the animal hair toothbrush bristle industry, the most popular toothbrushes were made from boar’s hair bristles. One of the major disadvantages to these animal hair toothbrushes…
For over 4,000 years, green tea has been a staple of Asian culture. Ancient Chinese and Japanese civilizations believed drinking the liquid could cure diseases and heal wounds. In modern times, green tea’s popularity has drastically risen in Western culture, and research is establishing the beverage’s health benefits, including weight loss, heart health, and cancer…
Discomfort in your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ disorder, can be excruciating. The joints connect your lower jaw (mandible) to the temple area on either side of your skull (temporal bone). Along with the muscles that surround them, the joints are responsible for allowing your jaw’s diverse range of movements. Several factors are associated with TMJ…
In today’s hectic society, finding time to sit and eat a home-cooked meal three times a day can be difficult. You may be too rushed to eat breakfast before you fly out the door on your way to work. Stopping at a fast-food restaurant for a quick breakfast may seem like a good idea when…
Doing the most you can for your oral health is as simple as one, two, and three; brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once, and visit your dentist at least twice a year. As simple as the proper oral hygiene routine is, if done incorrectly, you may wind up causing…
The mere mention of a root canal procedure can make the mightiest of men cringe. Some people would rather risk the extreme tooth sensitivity taking their chances with a little mild tooth decay. Besides, your body fights infection, so as long as you keep brushing and flossing, the infection should go away, right? Wrong. Although…
