Advanced Dental Clinic Blog

With 2025 drawing to a close and 2026 right around the corner, now is the time to take advantage of your remaining annual dental insurance benefits before they expire on December 31. This is the perfect opportunity to schedule that appointment for a closer look at that nagging jaw pain that could be making it difficult to eat, speak, and get through the day pain-free. Here’s what could be causing it and why treating it before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve can help protect your smile and your wallet!

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! This special holiday is all about family, gratitude, and of course, plenty of delicious food, from turkey and stuffing to your grandma’s world-famous pumpkin and pecan pie. That said, while your taste buds certainly have a lot to be happy about, the truth is, many of these festive foods aren’t very tooth-friendly. However, your smile doesn’t have to suffer at all if you know what foods to look out for and how to take care of your teeth. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Do you get nervous at the idea of going to the dentist? This is much more common than you may think. In fact, over 30 million Americans experience stress related to the dentist. The good news is that this doesn’t mean that you need to avoid dental care forever. There are several sedation options available to help even the most fearful patients get the care they need without added stress. Here are the different sedation options to choose from.

While teeth are crucial to your oral health, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your gums. These special mouth tissues will get infected if you aren’t careful enough, putting your whole grin at risk. That being said, how do you reduce your odds of such an infection? Your Catonsville dentist is here to address this question, so don’t worry. Just keep reading to learn about four major risk factors for gum disease and how to manage them.

Clear aligners like Invisalign have revolutionized orthodontics, offering a nearly invisible and removable alternative to traditional braces. While wearing them may feel natural after a few days, removing your aligners—especially when they’re new—can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, with the right technique and a few helpful tips, you can learn how to remove your clear aligners easily and comfortably.

No one wants to have a tooth extracted. Your dentist will only ever recommend it as a last resort. Sometimes, a tooth extraction is necessary to preserve the health of the rest of your smile. When you have extensive tooth decay, have been injured, or you just don’t have the room in your mouth, and extraction can help to prevent future oral health issues. If you have a fear of tooth extractions, this is easier said than done. Here are some tips to help!

If you’ve ever experienced persistent headaches that just don’t seem to go away—especially ones accompanied by jaw discomfort—you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder. TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, and headaches are one of the most common.

Understanding what a TMJ headache feels like can help you determine if TMJ treatment could bring you relief.

Do you have dental discoloration detracting from your appearance? You’re not alone if you have stubbornly stained teeth that make you feel self-conscious. Every year, an estimated 40 to 45 million Americans use some form of teeth whitening to lighten their smiles and boost their self-confidence.

Unfortunately, some patients wanting brighter grins end up developing sensitivity and don’t understand why. Continue reading to learn more about how this sometimes happens and what you can do to prevent it!

Invisalign is often an ideal treatment for those wanting straighter smiles without the hassle of traditional braces. Instead of relying on metal brackets and wires, this alternative method uses clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently reposition them. Not only is the transparent material less noticeable, but it’s also considered more comfortable because it won’t cut the soft tissues inside your mouth.

However, wearing new trays is normal to experience discomfort until your teeth adjust to the changed dimensions. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to alleviate any associated aches from wearing Invisalign!

Whether you’ve been smoking for years or you just picked up your first cigarette or vape pen a couple of weeks ago, it’s never too early or late to quit. In fact, several medical conditions and diseases have been connected to this habit, ranging from an increased risk of heart disease to oral cancer. Learn more about the connection between oral cancer and smoking, and start taking important steps towards quitting, like visiting your primary care physician, to better your oral and overall well-being.