You may not be familiar with the word diastema, but chances are you have seen many of them in your life. Most frequently between the top two front teeth, a diastema is a gap or space. Some people choose to appreciate the teeth they were born with, and sport their gaps proudly. However, many people are very uncomfortable having a significant space between teeth – especially the front ones. Fortunately, for people that feel self-conscious about having a diastema there are several treatment options. East Deerfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will share them with you.
Causes of Diastemas
Why do you suppose that some people end up with a prominent gap in between their front teeth? Children often have natural gaps in their primary teeth to make room for the permanent ones that will one day erupt. However, there are adolescents, teens, and adults who have size discrepancies in teeth that cause a permanent diastema. Another cause might be an oversized labial frenulum (the skin that connects gum tissue to your lip. Misalignment or protrusion of teeth can also cause spaces in teeth. (more…)
We ended last month blogging about Invisalign, the clear solution for straightening teeth that we offer in our Greenfield office. For adults and teens that feel self-conscious about the idea of wearing braces but believe straight teeth will improve their quality of life and dental health, Invisalign can be a good alternative to traditional braces. Your 
We try to teach you plenty of facts about important topics in dentistry in our weekly blog, but sometimes it’s fun to lighten things up a little. Here’s an example of a fun fact: chocolate (of the dark variety and in moderation) is not only good for your heart, but also your teeth? The reason is a compound called theobromine that is found in the cocoa bean and has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That’s not all. The American Dental Hygienist’s Association (ADA) reports that chocolate can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans (bacteria that cause tooth decay). Read on for more interesting factoids related to dentistry from your 
Certain foods are best eaten in moderation. Cakes, pies, cookies, and anything full of sugar or refined carbohydrates are definitely best avoided if you want healthy teeth and a slim waistline. However, most baked goods contain one ingredient that some people swear by as a natural teeth whitener: baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate. 
A white smile is the equivalent of a more youthful and vibrant appearance. No wonder teeth whitening has become one of the most highly requested cosmetic dental services available. Your 
We are very proud to be able to offer our patients the innovative orthodontic solution that has a “clear” advantage over anything else. If you want straight teeth, Invisalign is a terrific solution. Many of our patients have questions brewing in their heads about these clear aligners that can straighten crooked teeth without the disadvantages of traditional metal braces. Your 
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Do you enjoy chewing on a stick of sugarless gum after a meal, or whenever your breath doesn’t feel fresh? Over the years there have been some concerns about the long term health effects of various artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, however, is derived from natural substances, making it a safe means of sweetening gum without added calories and detriment to your dental health. In fact, not only does xylitol make gum taste good, but it can actually protect your teeth from decay and gum disease. Your 
Healthy gums are crucial in maintaining dental health. Natural aging brings a number of general health concerns, and gum recession is on that list. Unfortunately, you can’t guarantee prevention of gum recession, but you can turn to dental hygiene and preventive dental care to stave off the oral health complications that come along with growing older. Your 
It is lunch time, and you didn’t have a chance for breakfast. Your stomach was rumbling so loudly in the mid-morning office meeting that three people looked at you and laughed. You are starving. You can’t wait to join your co-workers at the restaurant up the street where you can order a burger so big, you can barely fit your mouth around it. Today, you’re just hungry enough to devour the whole thing. You open your mouth wide to take that first juicy bite and you feel a shooting pain in your jaw. Your