Woodside Dental Care Blog

Summer is the season when many people are out and about enjoying the sun. You might have plans for yourself, but certain seasonal activities can be trouble for your smile if you aren’t careful. You may be at a higher risk of dental emergencies because of them. So, to help make sure your grin stays in great shape during this time of the year, here are three things that can harm your teeth.

When I meet new patients, or those who’ve switched from another practice, I often hear the same story: finding a dentist they actually felt comfortable with was harder than it should’ve been. Maybe they weren’t sure what to look for, or a previous bad experience made them hesitant to book again. After all, trusting a stranger with your health isn’t always easy.

As a dentist, I hope I can offer some useful perspective for anyone on the hunt for a dental home they can count on. Here’s what I’d suggest keeping an eye out for.

With so many activities and responsibilities dotting the average calendar, it can be difficult to squeeze in another appointment to your already packed schedule. Unfortunately, this often means people skip important preventive care like their six-month dental checkups and cleanings. But while this may save you a few minutes today, it can end up costing you a lot more time, frustration, and even money later. Here’s a closer look at some common oral health problems you could be missing when you don’t visit your dentist regularly, and why it’s so important to make time to care for your smile!

When you wake up in the morning, do you not feel 100% until you have finished your favorite coffee? Whether you make it at home or do a pit stop at your local café, you may relish in the liquid gold you get. However, did you know that this beverage can have an impact on your oral health? Before you imagine quitting your beloved brew, here’s what you need to know and how to enjoy it safely.

Fluoride treatments are often associated with childhood dental visits, when developing teeth benefit from extra protection against cavities. But cavity prevention doesn’t stop when you grow up—fluoride can still play a valuable role in your oral health well into adulthood.

Whether you’ve noticed more tooth sensitivity, have a history of cavities, or simply want to strengthen your enamel, fluoride may be a helpful addition to your dental care routine.

Toothaches are considered, by the vast majority of dentists, to be a dental emergency. So, what’s the verdict? Did you win or lose that bet?

All jokes aside, this might seem a bit extreme. After all, aren’t toothaches fairly common? While that impression isn’t necessarily wrong, there are plenty of reasons why a toothache should be taken seriously. Keep reading to learn why paying close attention to these dental disruptions is so important! 

Jennifer McPhail, a registered dental hygienist, recently joined Woodside Dental Care, located at 36 South Main Street in Assonet, MA. MacPhail is also a resident of Assonet, MA.

“Jennifer has been a very good addition to our team and helped us get through a demanding period where there was a backlog of patients who needed cleanings,” said Dr. Derek Cornetta, DDS. “Jennifer is a seasoned hygienist with a lot of experience working at other dental practices. We are grateful to have her on staff.”

The calendar may still say summer, but fall sports are well underway at local towns and schools. Unfortunately, with those fall activities comes the potential for concussions, particularly if young athletes use the wrong type of mouthguard.               

“Boil-and-bite mouthguards that many young athletes use offer a false sense of security because these pieces do not always maintain their initial shape. Or the athlete alters the shape to make it more comfortable and to appear like they still have protection,” said Dr. Derek Cornetta, DDS, owner of Woodside Dental Care at 36 South Main Street in Assonet. “With the shape of the mouthguard altered, the mouthguard may not hold the jaws in place after a blow to the head. And that increases the likelihood of concussion.”

Maybe you already know that dental implants are highly effective. It’s a well-established fact – the metal posts even have a ten-year success rate of around 95% or so! That said, it never hurts to give these replacement teeth an extra edge. You should get more vitamin D once you’ve had them placed; this nutrient will ensure your implants’ success. As for how that’s possible, let your Assonet dentist explain. Here’s a primer on how vitamin D helps dental implants succeed.

Bob Adams moved to Assonet in 1974. Almost from Day 1, he began volunteering for various organizations in town as a way to meet people and give back to his new community. Recently, Woodside Dental Care, a dental practice located at 36 South Main Street in Assonet, recognized him for those efforts by making Adams the first recipient of the Gratitude & Grins Award.