The Question I Hear Every Week Last week, a patient stopped me mid-cleaning and said, “Dr. Soria, I swapped soda for sparkling water. Did I just trade one problem for another?” I love this question, so here’s the good news first: you didn’t make a bad choice. Plain sparkling water is a far better pickRead more
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Over the years, I have noticed something interesting about dental visits. Patients will sit in my chair, answer every question honestly, and then hesitate right before they leave. That is the moment when the real question comes out — the one they have been holding onto since they walked through the door. Maybe it isRead more
As we get older, our teeth and gums require more attention, not less. Years of normal wear, changes in medications, dry mouth, gum recession, and previous dental work can all affect oral health. Even patients who have always taken excellent care of their teeth may notice increased sensitivity, changes in their bite, or new concernsRead more
The Hidden Impact of Screen Time Our daily routines have changed dramatically over the past several years. Whether we’re working on a computer, scrolling through our phones, or streaming our favorite shows, increased screen time has become a normal part of life. While technology keeps us connected and productive, it can also contribute to habitsRead more
Life gets busy, and I understand how easy it is to let a dental cleaning slip off the calendar. But when a year passes without a professional cleaning, small issues can quietly turn into bigger problems. Even with good brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are difficultRead more
Most dental problems do not start with pain. In fact, many of the issues I diagnose during routine exams are completely invisible to my patients. A tooth can look perfectly healthy in the mirror while decay quietly develops between teeth or beneath an old filling. Gum disease can progress slowly without discomfort, and tiny cracksRead more
Life moves fast, especially for families juggling school, sports, work, and everything in between. I often hear from patients that maintaining good oral health feels overwhelming when you’re constantly on the go. The good news is that protecting your teeth does not have to be complicated. With a few simple habits built into your dailyRead more
The Hidden Risk Behind “Healthy” Snacking I often hear patients say they’ve replaced sugary treats with healthier options like fruit, granola, or crackers, and that’s a great step for overall wellness. However, what many people don’t realize is that how often you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comesRead more
The American Dental Association recommends that adults brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. It’s not uncommon for some people to brush after every meal or sometime in the middle of the day, and that’s good too. These are healthy habits, but when you start brushing too much or too long you couldRead more
Have You Ever Skipped or Rescheduled a Dental Appointment Due to Fear or Anxiety? If so, you are not alone. Most people experience some level of nervousness when going to the dentist. For about 10-20% of people, going to the dentist causes such anxiety that they will avoid going much longer than they should, sometimesRead more