RiverPlace Dental Blog

According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more children are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum than ever before, an estimated one out of every 36 to be more precise. This is largely in part due to more parents and children becoming aware of signs that they could be on the spectrum, allowing families to access necessary resources to improve their child’s health and accessibility to spaces like the dentist’s office.

Autism can impact a wide range of areas in your child’s life, one of which is their dental health, and with the right understanding of their risks, you can help them maintain a healthy and happy smile. Read on to learn more about the connection between oral healthcare and autism and what you can do as a parent to preserve your favorite grin.

Your toothbrush is the most important tool you have at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you’re like many people, you have a set routine: brush, rinse, and spit. While you might have followed this habit for years, your dentist may recommend one small change to safeguard your pearly whites – don’t spit right away, and here’s why. 

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The holiday season is that magical time of year for gift-giving and spending time with loved ones. During the festivities, you’ll likely enjoy Christmas music along with chowing down on all your favorite staple meals. While your belly may be thoroughly satisfied, you might want to keep your oral health in mind to avoid future complications with your smile. Read on to learn five essential tips for keeping your teeth safe during the holidays!

Dental crowns are restorations that are used to protect teeth that have been structurally damaged as a result of decay or another reason. They are hollow and placed over a compromised tooth as a way to protect it from enduring additional damage. If you have had a dental crown for a while now, you may notice that a dark line has formed around it. Reason on to learn what this is and what you can do about it.

Dental fillings are a lifesaver – at least as far as your teeth are concerned. A filling gives your tooth a second chance after suffering from a cavity. But how long do fillings last? The answer depends on several factors, including the materials used and how well you care for your new and improved smile. With this in mind, keep reading to learn about the average lifespan of fillings, how to properly maintain them, and signs it’s time for a replacement.

There are a lot of traits that you inherit from your parents—virtually everything from the color of your hair to the length of your pinky finger is determined by genetics. But did you know that your genes can also leave you vulnerable to certain medical conditions? These can vary from the serious to the mundane, but one you should definitely be aware of is gum disease! Believe it or not, gum disease isn’t just the result of poor oral habits—unfortunately, genetics plays a role as well. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about this link along with some tips for keeping your smile healthy.

You’d probably think of going to your hospital’s emergency room in a medical emergency. That’s an appropriate response to take in most situations. However, a dental emergency is a bit different. Should the latter occur, it’d be best to see your local emergency dentist at their office.

Want to know what’s involved in an emergency dental visit?  Read on to learn four things you should expect from the experience.

As you know, brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once is key to keeping your smile healthy and looking its best. Along with practicing good oral hygiene, eating the right foods is also an important part of maintaining a gorgeous grin, but consuming the wrong things or putting non-food items in your mouth can harm your oral health. Read on to learn about six things that you shouldn’t put in your mouth to prevent a dental emergency.

There’s never a good time for a dental emergency. From damaging one of your pearly whites to losing it altogether, having to stop what you’re doing and go to your dentist’s office to receive urgent care can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Though avoiding these situations is best, it’s wise to have a plan for what to do if the need for prompt treatment arises. Read on to learn about five factors that you should take into consideration when choosing an emergency dentist.

Every six months, you’re supposed to go to the dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning. This allows them to do a thorough exam of your mouth and to clean built-up plaque and tartar off your teeth. As a key part of maintaining good oral health, scheduling and attending these appointments is crucial. Even so, some people still avoid them out of fear of their dental cleanings being painful. Read on to learn whether dental cleanings hurt and what you can do to reduce sensitivity or discomfort.