The natural processes of the bacteria in your mouth, as well as acidic foods and beverages, can cause a microscopic erosion of the mineral crystals that make up your tooth enamel. Enamel is the hardest material in the body, but it’s not living tissue. If this microscopic enamel erosion is not countered by regular, daily exposure to fluoride it can... read more »

The removal of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, is one of the most common surgical procedures in dentistry. Wisdom teeth grow at the back of your mouth and are the last teeth to come through If they do at all. Most people have four wisdom teeth - one in each corner of the mouth so to speak. Wisdom... read more »

Ideally, keeping healthy teeth and gums is the goal. Not having consistent and healthy oral health habits can result in cavities, also known as tooth decay, though there are many contributing factors. Cavities are damaged areas on the hard surface of your teeth that can lead to pain and more serious oral health issues if not treated. Tooth decay (cavities)... read more »

The teeth in the back of your mouth are often called upon to do a significant amount of chewing and grinding. Deep textures, pits and fissures in the tooth enamel along the occlusal biting surfaces make these teeth more effective for the task at hand. These areas can sometimes trap food particles and plaque, causing tooth decay.  When basic fillings might... read more »

There are two different classifications of bruxism (BRUK-SIZ-UM) awake and sleep. They both have to do with the grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth, the main difference is quite obvious, being whether you are awake or asleep. When someone grinds their teeth while they are asleep it is considered a sleep-related movement disorder. Many people who suffer from this often... read more »

Your wisdom teeth are essentially molars, sometimes referred to as your third molars. They were necessary from a time when our ancestors survived on a diet of crunchy foods and roots. Most people have four wisdom teeth. However, it is not uncommon for some people to have as many as six, while at the same time, some people never develop... read more »

You probably understand that there are many things you should do to keep your teeth healthy and strong. For instance, you may know that you should floss and brush regularly. You’ll also need to schedule regular dental cleaning appointments. Many people, at any age, decide to have their wisdom teeth removed due to painful tooth eruptions or to protect the... read more »

Your tooth enamel has been designed to be strong enough to handle the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing food. Unfortunately, there are still times when a blow to the face or other activity can chip a tooth. This is even more likely to happen if you grind your teeth on a regular basis, use your teeth as... read more »

What was once considered a great smile has, in modern times, been pushed further back into the pack. Even if you have spectacular oral hygiene and brush and floss as directed, you can still find yourself with a smile that lacks the dazzle of modern smiles. Teeth whitening treatments have raised the bar, but dental veneers have changed the game.... read more »

Sometimes even the most thorough oral hygiene regimen simply isn’t enough to prevent a cavity from forming on one of your teeth. Your regular dental checkup at Brent A. Spear, DDS is designed to detect any areas of tooth decay on your teeth. However, if you notice a problem area on one of your teeth in between dental checkups, you... read more »