Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Helping kids build healthy dental habits doesn’t have to involve constant reminders or daily battles. When dental care is presented as fun and positive, children are more likely to participate willingly and carry those habits into adulthood. With the right approach, brushing, flossing, and dental visits can become something kids actually enjoy.

Fluoride has been used in dentistry for decades to help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood topics in oral health. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear and lead people to avoid a proven tool for protecting their smiles.

Let’s bust 4 common fluoride myths and set the record straight.

If you are one to enjoy a drink on the weekends or on occasions, you aren’t alone. Many like to loosen up for an event, but you should know that these adult beverages can cause trouble for your smile. While they can affect your teeth, they can also increase your risk of gum, or periodontal, disease. Here’s what you need to know about this habit and the health of the soft pink tissues in your mouth.

Many people take January 1st as an opportunity to improve their habits in a few important ways. While adopting smarter eating habits, spending more time with the kids, and exercising more are all noble and wonderful new year’s resolutions, it’s important to remember that making the effort to improve your oral health can enhance your quality of life in many significant ways. Here’s a quick look at a few excellent new year’s resolutions you can make for your oral health.

After a long day, you may be ready to do nothing but get ready for bed. Your blanket is calling your name to drift you off into dreamland and have a rejuvenating rest. But what if you start to feel some dental discomfort creeping up? It can disrupt your needed sleep, but how can you stop it? Here is what to do if you have a toothache at night and what you should do first thing in the morning.

Dental misalignments can lead to a host of issues like difficulty chewing, problems with speaking clearly, and being shy about showing your smile. Thankfully, Invisalign can be an excellent way to straighten out mild to moderate misalignments without the irremovable metal parts and frustrating dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. Here’s a quick guide to how you can make sure your Invisalign treatment stays on track while traveling for business or pleasure.

It can be hard to throw a fun holiday party without tasty snacks, but many seasonal favorites such as candy canes, cookies, coffee, and alcoholic beverages can be harsh on your guests’ teeth if they aren’t careful. Thankfully, there are a few delicious appetizers that can keep your party happy and festive while providing benefits for everyone’s oral health. Here’s a quick look at some tasty and tooth-friendly treats that are perfect for your gathering.

Bleeding gums can be alarming, especially if it happens when you brush or floss. Often, this is a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup and inflammation. While professional dental care is essential for long-term gum health, there are several effective home remedies you can try to reduce bleeding and soothe inflamed gums.

Every Invisalign treatment plan will be tailored to each patient’s unique situation. However, the one thing they’ll all share is the 20+ hour-a-day wear time rule. That’s why, if you discover that you’ve misplaced one of your aligners, it can easily become a worrisome predicament, especially since you’ll want to avoid delaying your progress as much as possible. Here are several tips on what NOT to do and the steps to take if you lose your Invisalign trays.

Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatments to enhance the appearance of your smile. Whether you’re dealing with discolored teeth, gaps, chips, or alignment issues, there’s likely a solution that fits your needs. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How long will cosmetic dentistry take?” The answer depends on the specific procedures involved, your personal goals, and your oral health. Let’s explore the timelines of popular cosmetic dental treatments so you know what to expect when planning your smile makeover.