Why is oral health so important for kids?
In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month in October, we want to talk about the importance of oral health for kids. Oral health is essential for overall health, cognitive development, and more. It’s never too early to start teaching your child how to take care of their teeth! In this blog, we will discuss three…
The Best Dental Hygiene Tips
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and we want to make sure you are celebrating in style! This month is all about promoting good oral health and hygiene practices. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why it’s so important to follow some basic dental hygiene tips…
Ways to Improve Gum Health
Did you know that gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental problems in the United States? It’s true! In fact, nearly half of all adults have some form of gum disease. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about taking care of your gums. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what gum disease…
Things Dental X-Rays Can Find
Are you getting ready for your dental exam? If so, one of the things your dentist will be doing is dental x-rays. Dental x-rays are an important part of oral healthcare and they can help find problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. In this blog post, we will discuss the different…
7 Common Myths About Root Canal Therapy
Are you in pain? Do you think you may need a root canal? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States. In this blog post, we will dispel some of the myths that surround root canals and explain what…
7 Reasons to Try Invisalign Treatment
Do you have crooked or improperly spaced teeth that make you self-conscious when you smile? Invisalign treatment may be the perfect solution for you! Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. In this blog post, we will list and discuss 7 reasons why you should try Invisalign…
How Diet Affects Oral Health
Did you know that what you eat affects your oral health? A healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being, including oral health. Poor nutrition can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Conversely, a good diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. In this blog post, we will…
The Top 4 Most Common Questions About Teeth Whitening
It’s no secret that many people wish they had brighter teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because it can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of someone’s smile. But there are a lot of questions about teeth whitening, and we’re here to answer them! In this blog post, we…
How to Fix a Broken Tooth
Teeth can break, this much is true! Even though enamel is the strongest substance found in the human body, teeth can break due to a number of reasons. If you have a broken tooth, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. In this blog post we’ll discuss the different ways that teeth…
Is Vaping Bad for Your Oral Health?
Vaping is a popular activity among people of all ages. Though it is often considered a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, there are still some risks associated with vaping. One of the biggest concerns about vaping is its effect on oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss the various ways that vaping can…
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Coming In?
Most people have four wisdom teeth – two on top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people don’t know what wisdom teeth are or why they exist. In this blog post, we will discuss the purpose…
Direct vs. Indirect Fillings: What is the Difference?
When it comes to dental fillings, there are two main types: direct and indirect. Direct fillings are placed in the mouth without the use of a temporary restoration. Indirect fillings, on the other hand, require a temporary restoration to be placed in the mouth first. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between…
Soft Drinks and Your Oral Health
Do you love soft drinks? If so, you’re not alone. Soft drinks are one of the most popular beverages in the world. In fact, a Gallup Poll found that 48% of Americans drink an average of 2.6 glasses of soft drinks daily. However, many people don’t realize that drinking these bubbly drinks can be bad…
3 Types of Prosthetics Supported by Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular choice for people who are missing teeth. Not only do they look natural, but they also function like natural teeth. They are placed in the jawbone and support a variety of prosthetics, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. In this blog post, we will discuss more about dental implants and the…
How Swimming Can Affect Your Oral Health
It’s summertime and that means one thing for many people: time to hit the pool! Swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun, but it’s important to be aware of the potential oral health risks associated with swimming. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential effects of swimming on oral…
What is a Composite (Tooth Colored) Filling?
A composite filling is made from resin material and glass-like materials that are used to treat significant cavities. Composite fillings are also known as white, clear, or tooth-colored fillings because they can be customized to blend into your natural tooth color. Composite fillings are strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper…
The Top 5 Cosmetic Dental Treatments
If you’re looking to improve your smile, you’re not alone. Millions of people undergo cosmetic dental treatments every year in order to achieve the perfect smile. There are a variety of different treatments available, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the…
The Most Common Flossing Mistakes
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health, but it’s also tricky and one of the most commonly neglected oral health practices. Unfortunately, if you’re not flossing correctly, you could be inadvertently making your teeth and gums more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. In this blog post,…
The Most Common Toothbrushing Mistakes
It’s probably safe to say that almost everyone has been taught how to brush their teeth at some point in their lives. And for the most part, people know the basics: use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, brush on the chewing surfaces of your molars, and brush for two minutes. But even if you know…
Should You Be Using Mouthwash?
Mouthwash is a liquid that is used to clean teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. It comes in both cosmetic and therapeutic varieties. Cosmetic mouthwashes are used to improve the smell of your breath, while therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients that can help treat various dental problems. There are many different types of mouthwash available on…
4 Types of Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an important part of oral care. They help remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, and they also help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings every six months for most people, however some people may benefit from more frequent cleanings. In this blog post,…
How Long Does it Take a Cavity to Form?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about cavities until you have a toothache. But the fact is, cavities are a common dental problem that can affect anyone. In this blog post, we will discuss how long it takes cavities to form, and the different types of cavities that can occur. We will…
Family & General Dentistry
At Altoona Smiles, we believe in the power of a healthy smile. Located in Altoona, Iowa, we specialize in family and general dentistry, offering a comprehensive suite of dental services designed to meet the needs of every family member. Our dedicated team of doctors is committed to providing personalized, high-quality dental care that ensures optimal…
Children’s Dentistry
Start A Life With Beautiful Healthy Smiles At Altoona Smiles At Altoona Smiles in Altoona, Iowa, we recognize that early experiences with children’s dentistry can shape a child’s attitude towards oral health for life. We are committed to ensuring these experiences are positive by providing comprehensive, gentle, and kid-friendly dental care. Our dedicated doctors and…
Cosmetic Dentistry
We often don’t have the smile we’d like to share with the world, whether due to trauma, decay, or genetic reasons. Altoona Smiles provides cosmetic dentistry services for its patient family in Altoona, IA. We can address professional quality services to misaligned teeth, cracks, chips, and discoloration. Don’t hide your smile for the shame of…
Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies shouldn’t be ignored. Altoona Smiles is here to provide immediate care with our Emergency Dentistry services. Dental emergencies are abrupt and can strike at the most inconvenient times, causing significant discomfort, distress and potentially even threatening overall health. They can result from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries, biting on hard food, or…
Invisalign and Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Over recent years, there’s been a rising demand for clear aligners, including Invisalign. These appliances have been demonstrated to provide similar results to traditional braces. This is accomplished without requiring unsightly elastic bands, wires, and brackets. They also provide the convenience of being able to remove them when eating and performing dental hygiene. Altoona Smiles…
Botox
More than teeth!…. Welcome to Esthetic Botox at Altoona Smiles Thinking about Botox for cosmetic enhancement? You might be surprised to learn that your dentist is one of the most qualified professionals to provide this treatment. With advanced training in facial anatomy, dentists are uniquely skilled at delivering Botox with precision and care. Dr. Eric,…
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a struggle faced by dental patients of all ages. Maintaining a solid and consistent oral hygiene routine is essential to keeping it under control. In many cases, tooth decay goes in hand in hand with gum disease. Orthodontic concerns such as misaligned teeth can also increase the risk of developing gingivitis or…
Root Canals
Root canals are a common dental procedure designed to treat the inner pulp of a tooth that’s been infected or damaged. At Altoona Smiles, our skilled doctors are dedicated to providing you with a pain-free and comfortable experience, ensuring the health and longevity of your tooth. Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that treats…