Hal M. Lippard, DDS Blog

National Dental Hygiene Month is nearly here once again, making it the perfect time to focus on your smile. A well-cared-for mouth not only boosts your confidence but also plays an important role in keeping your whole body healthy and functional. If you’re excited to celebrate this year, continue reading. You’ll find some simple yet effective tips to help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile just in time for the festivities.

For many people, summer means that it’s time to go on vacation. While it’s important to enjoy a few well-deserved days off once in a while, you should also remember that tooth decay and gum disease won’t go on holiday just because you are. Proper oral hygiene and smart eating habits are crucial parts of ensuring a good time on your trip, so here’s a brief overview of how to keep your smile healthy and avoid dental emergencies while traveling during your summer vacation.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to show your special someone how much you care. If you’re looking for unique ideas for gifts, why not grab something that will improve their smile? It’s probably one of your favorite things about them, so why not help them take care of it with a dentist-approved gift?

If that idea sounds just corny enough for you. here are five dentist-approved Valentine’s Day gifts that will make your partner smile from ear to ear.

In the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, millions of people hit the road or head to the airport to be with loved ones. If you’re one of them, then you know all too well how much preparation goes into leaving town. Despite this, your teeth won’t take care of themselves; you need to continue to prioritize your oral health! Don’t worry – you can do so with a few simple steps, which we are sharing right here.

In the whirlwind of a busy life, it’s easy for certain priorities to slip through the cracks, and unfortunately, routine dental care is often one of them. Despite our best intentions, the importance of regular dental check-ups can sometimes be overlooked. The truth is, neglecting these appointments can have repercussions on our oral health. The good news, however, is that it’s never too late to get back on track. If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about visiting your dentist after an extended hiatus, fret not! They are there to support your smile in looking and feeling its best. Read on as we explore what to expect when returning to your dentist’s office and why it’s a crucial step in maintaining optimal oral health.

October marks the arrival of a few things: cooler autumn weather, Halloween season, and of course, Dental Hygiene Month! That said, you should take some time this month to educate yourself about how to properly take care of your pearly whites; after all, they’re a very important asset. Continue reading below for a few sensible oral health habits your dentist thinks you should be sure to adopt all month long—and beyond!

Are you feeling fed up with that pesky gap between your two front teeth? While they’re not uncommon, or even particularly dangerous, a space like this (also referred to as a diastema) can leave us feeling self-conscious about the state of our smile. After all, no one wants to feel like flaws in their teeth are the most noticeable thing about them. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help. Continue reading to learn about 2 methods your dentist can use to close the gap!

As you might know, dental implants are highly effective. Their success rate is over 95%, even ten years after placement. Still, the reality is that you need to care for dental implants. They’ll fail early and need replacement otherwise, both of which cost you time and money. Luckily, your Charlottesville dentist can help you with this regular maintenance. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of implant care, as well as dental implants’ benefits.

Are you embarrassed by the way your teeth look? You’re not alone. Few people have perfect smiles naturally, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with imperfections. You can invest in the smile of your dreams with the help of a cosmetic dentist. Contrary to what you might have heard, you don’t have to be rich or famous to benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Here’s how to determine if it’s right for you.

(more…)

Dental checkups are critically important opportunities for your dentist to check on the status of your oral health and to ensure you’re getting the care that you need. However, it’s also a chance for your dentist to provide information to you that could help you bolster your oral health.

To make the most of your dental checkup, here are some questions that it would be smart to ask your dentist.