Christopher J. Cowell, DMD Blog

Diagnosing cancer of the mouth or throat is difficult because most people don’t notice the warning signs. For example, if symptoms only show up at the back of the throat, the condition can be all too easy to miss until it’s too late. Of the 1.7 million Americans who were diagnosed with cancer in 2019, about 53,000 of them had an oral malignancy, according to the American Cancer Society. To help you reduce your chances of developing this disease, here are four common risk factors for oral cancer.

Nobody wants to experience a dental emergency, but unfortunately, not everything always goes as planned. When experiencing pain and are in need of treatment, many find themselves feeling anxious about what is to come. However, knowing what to expect can help you to feel more prepared about your visit to the emergency dentist. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common emergency treatments so that you know what you’re in for.

If you’re missing one or more teeth in a row, a fixed dental bridge is a convenient solution to close the gap. New innovations in dentistry make them look and feel more natural than ever. They are made of high-quality material to last for a decade or longer with the right aftercare. Unfortunately, your bridge won’t last forever. Here are 4 of the most common causes of dental bridge failure and what you can do to protect your investment.

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When all your family members visit separate dentists for different types of dental care, keeping their smiles healthy can feel overwhelming. Between juggling appointments, driving all over town, and remembering who needs which treatments, it’s all too easy for your loved ones’ oral health to get off track. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to switch to a DeLand family dentist! Here are five great ways taking your family to the same experienced and friendly dental professional can keep their smiles happy and healthy.

Dentures in DeLand are a quick and affordable way to replace missing teeth and regain a full set of beautiful pearly whites. However, filling those gaps in your smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Missing teeth lead to jawbone loss, which can cause changes in your facial structure and give you a sunken, aged appearance. Read on to find out how to restore your confident smile while preventing bone loss.

Do you get migraines? These intense headaches often come with symptoms such as light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and throbbing pain that can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Although this is a very common health disorder, researchers still don’t know much about them—including what causes them. However, recent research indicates that chronic migraines may be connected to another condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD or TMJ disorder). Read on to learn more about how that pain in your head may be caused by soreness in your jaw, and what your dentist can do to help alleviate both!

Unlike other tooth replacement options that need to be replaced after a few years of use, dental implants can easily last for several decades or more! However, their lifespan depends heavily on how well they’re taken care of. Even though dental implants are incredibly strong and durable, there are a few ways they can be damaged or dislodged. Make sure to break these six bad habits in order to keep your newly rebuilt smile happy, healthy, and complete for a lifetime!

Dental crowns are one of the most common forms of dental restoration out there. They are very popular, look natural, and have a high success rate. However, they don’t last forever and over time, crowns can become loose and even fall out. Fortunately, this is usually a quick fix for your dentist. If you have a loose dental crown, continue reading to learn why it occurred and what you should do.

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Stress impacts countless Americans on a daily basis. Many people don’t realize that when it’s left unchecked, it can begin to impact other parts of your body, such as your immune system and oral health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re likely trying to process immense amounts of anxiety all while staying isolated in your home. If you’re having a hard time doing this, your dentist in DeLand has a few tricks and tips to help, so your oral health doesn’t begin declining as well. (more…)

Are you considered an at-risk patient for COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions? Unfortunately, the virus has kept many people with existing health problems from being able to go out and do major tasks, such as grocery shopping and getting their teeth cleaned. That’s why your dentist in DeLand has implemented special safety protocols in an effort to provide at-risk patients with a safe space to receive preventive dental care in. That way, your oral health won’t decline while you’re self-isolating. Read on to learn more about what it means to be an “at-risk patient” during the COVID-19 crisis and how your dentist is accommodating your unique situation. (more…)