When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow... read more »

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will... read more »

Did you know, you can improve your oral health with sugarless gum? Yes, it’s true! Sugar-free gum has many advantages when it comes to your oral health. As a result, you can still be chewing gum as a treat while keeping your smile healthy and in tip-top shape. Our dentists, Dr. Michael Shirer, encourages you to keep your oral health... read more »

Some things in the dental world are widely known and understood - things like filling cavities, braces, and dental crowns. But fewer people know about bone grafting as it relates to dentistry. It’s actually a critical part of some aspects of dentistry, including periodontistry - the prevention and treatment of gum disease. So what exactly is a bone graft? And... read more »

At Shirer Family Dentistry, your child can have a calm and enjoyable dental checkup by receiving laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. We are pleased to offer this method of sedation dentistry to assist children who struggle with dental anxiety and have a hard time sitting through dental care. If your child struggles to feel calm during dental checkups, we encourage... read more »

Did you know that dental erosion, also known as enamel erosion, has several causes which are preventable? The truth is that there are several things you can do to keep your smile safe from the risks of tooth enamel loss or damage. By understanding the causes and treatments involved, you can drastically improve your oral health and keep your smile... read more »

Do you feel a sharp pain in one or more teeth when you bite into something cold or hot? Barring an actual cavity, if sipping a hot cocoa or eating ice cream has become an uncomfortable experience, you may have tooth sensitivity. There are various causes for the condition of sensitive teeth ranging from tooth enamel loss, exposed roots from... read more »

If you have doubts about selecting an appropriate mouthwash for your particular needs, you can rely on us at Shirer Family Dentistry to help. Finding an effective product depends on the health benefits that you would like to achieve, and our team can help you determine which these are. The two main types of mouthwash are therapeutic and cosmetic, and... read more »

A cavity that appears on one of your teeth when you smile can be unsightly as well as cause lingering sensitivity and discomfort. Without timely treatment, even a small area of tooth decay can become a significant dental health problem. If you have noticed a problem with one of your teeth, you should have it examined as soon as possible... read more »

Cavity prevention is one of the pillars of oral health care. To help prevent cavities, it is important to make sure you are implementing effective habits in all areas of your life. This includes not only monitoring the foods and drinks you consume but your cleaning habits as well. For a list of effective cavity prevention techniques, consider the following:... read more »