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“But they are only baby teeth; won’t they will just fall out.” Our team at Afton Dental has had these questions asked many times from parents over the years. Primary teeth, or “baby teeth,” will indeed come out eventually, to be replaced by permanent teeth as the child grows and develops. These teeth serve a…

Cancer has become a common word, and it seems like there is new research about it every day. We know antioxidants are important. We know some cancers are more treatable than others. We know some lifestyles and habits contribute to our cancer risk. Smoking increases our risk of cancer, as does walking through a radioactive…

Concerned parents often ask Dr. Hill about which kinds of snacks are best for a child’s teeth. While most know that candy isn’t always the best choice, many parents are confused about which kinds of after-school snacks can actually be beneficial for teeth. Left to their own devices, children might pick the sugary snack that…

  Great question! Yes, in fact, tooth decay is preventable! Decay, which is caused by sugars left in your child’s mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down his or her teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be…

Dental fillings usually protect our teeth, but sometimes they need to be protected, too. If you lose a filling, contact our Afton Dental immediately and let us advise you on the next steps to take. Fillings serve an important function in oral health by preserving the structural integrity of your tooth. With the materials we…

Hearing that you need a root canal can be highly intimidating. What is a root canal? It is the removal of the nerve supply from the tooth. Here, Dr. Hill will describe the parts of a tooth and explain the reasons for a root canal and how it is done when you visit us in…

The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with friends and family members for BBQ, games, fireworks, and other celebrations in honor of our country’s independence. While your fellow revelers eat hot dogs and wave flags, you can impress them by sharing these fascinating facts and historical tidbits about some of our…

When a child is born, he or she will have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. But sometimes kids are born with additional teeth, and our team at Afton Dental call this oral condition “hyperdontia.” Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that erupt in your child’s mouth, typically by the time they…

Our team at Afton Dental would like to offer some tips regarding the sometimes dreaded task of brushing a toddler’s teeth. Much of the trick lies in the positioning. Before you begin, make sure you are in a position of control. This protects both you and your child from injury. Consider how well you can…

YES!  Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Cardiovascular disease remains American’s leading killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to our friends at the American Heart Association. In fact, an estimated 80 percent of American adults…