Dr. Laura Gramse Family Dental Care Blog

Have you ever felt so tired you could close your eyes for two seconds and immediately fall asleep? While that’s extremely helpful when it’s time to go to bed, it can be very dangerous in situations where being awake is vital, such as when you’re behind the wheel. It’s called drowsy driving, and studies have shown that it can cause mental impairment similar to drunk driving. In fact, research has found that just 24 hours of sleep deprivation affects the body the same way a blood alcohol (BAC) of 0.10% does!

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep despite going to bed and waking at a reasonable hour, you could be suffering from sleep apnea, which may lead to sleep deprivation. Here’s how treating this condition can help get you the rest you deserve so you’re safe and well rested behind the wheel and in your everyday life.

If you’ve just had a tooth extraction and have a flight scheduled soon, you might be wondering whether it’s safe to fly. While traveling after dental surgery isn’t always dangerous, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Pressure changes, healing timelines, and potential complications all play a role in determining whether it’s a good idea to board a plane. Here’s what you need to know about flying after a tooth extraction and how to do it safely.

One of the top priorities of the dental profession is the preservation of patients’ natural teeth. However, the removal of one or more troubled teeth is sometimes necessary to protect the health of the rest of the mouth, and your dentist will only recommend extraction if no other option is available. Here’s a brief guide to a few reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary to keep your mouth healthy.

Life has a tendency of getting pretty busy when we least expect it, and it’s natural for some things to slip through the cracks in our schedules and become totally forgotten. However, this shouldn’t be the case with routine dental checkups! These visits keep your teeth and gums healthy, bright, and problem-free. That said, if life has gotten in the way and it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, don’t panic; it’s never too late to get things back on track. Here’s more about what you can expect during your return visit to the dentist, and some ways to ensure that once you’re seated in the chair, things go smoothly.

It might sound more than a little far-fetched, but it’s true – researchers believe they’ve found a link between certain oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. Severe memory conditions like Alzheimer’s and Dementia are still very mysterious, so this discovery is kind of a big deal.

More research needs to be done to fully understand this connection, but scientists have some pretty solid theories about how oral bacteria contribute to cognitive decline. When all is said and done, remembering to brush your teeth could very well help prevent Alzheimer’s!

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a go-to remedy in the natural health community for everything from digestion to weight loss. But while there’s evidence to suggest it may have some health benefits, it’s not so friendly to your teeth. Before you take another sip, continue reading. You’ll explore how ACV affects your dental health and what you can do to protect your smile.

If you’ve been to the dentist recently, or have ever bought a tube of toothpaste, you’ve probably at least heard the word plaque before. But many people don’t know what this substance is, or why it’s so bad for their teeth.

Here’s what you need to know about dental plaque, and how you can help protect your smile from accumulating it!

Dental problems like stubborn stains can leave you feeling so self-conscious about your teeth that you avoid speaking or smiling in front of others. You’re not alone if you’ve tried over-the-counter whitening products with no luck. Many patients who are disappointed in the lack of results or have developed tooth sensitivity have turned to their dentists to upgrade their grins instead.

Your provider has access to ultra-concentrated products designed to minimize possible discomfort and lighten your smile safely. However, you must take proper precautions to maintain your updated hue. Continue reading to learn about three foods you can enjoy that help preserve your whitening results!

Dental implants aren’t “real” natural teeth, so you may think they need little (if any) care. Wouldn’t some simple brushing be enough to keep them clean and functional? That said, these metal posts require more than just a toothbrush to work well; flossing is also crucial. The good news is that your Springfield dentist can explain how to floss around your new teeth. So, read on to learn why flossing with dental implants is crucial and how to go about it.

Replacing your lost permanent teeth with dental implants is simply the best thing you can do for your oral health. Not only do dental implants restore your beautiful smile, but they also restore your chewing capabilities and protect the bone density of your jaw. But just like your real teeth, dental implants still require proper care. In fact, you may be wondering if they’re susceptible to the same kinds of damage your real teeth were. Here’s why you still need to maintain your oral hygiene, even though your implants aren’t biological.