As we near the end of 2018, your to-do list is probably filling up with holiday parties, gatherings, and a number of other fun events. Before things get too crazy during November and December, why not take a few steps to ensure that you are getting the most out of your dental insurance coverage? Each year, Americans waste literally billions of dollars in unused insurance benefits — but it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep reading to learn how a visit to the dentist in Tallahassee can help you save big before the year is up… for the benefit of your smile AND your wallet.

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While you may know to call an ambulance when an emergency is happening, what do you do if you or someone you know sustains an injury local to the mouth or teeth? Is it worth it to call an ambulance at that point? Should you try to schedule a visit to the dentist instead? What if you wake up to severe tooth pain? What’s the best plan of action then?

To find out, consider these tips from an emergency dentist in Tallahassee who gets questions like these from patients all too often.

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A dental emergency in Tallahassee will happen when you least expect it, and the severity of it can vary. Some emergencies are considered low-level and can be temporarily stabilized at home, while others require more immediate attention. As you read on, your local dentist explains the difference between the two and what you should do for each type of .

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If you need a new family dentist in Tallahassee, you can easily become overwhelmed when looking for the perfect one while searching the web. The options are practically limitless online!

Luckily, your local dental practice has developed a quick guide for you to reference. You can easily ask these questions before scheduling your first visit so that you can save time and money when locating your perfect dentist.

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Porcelain veneers in Tallahassee have the power to transform your smile, taking it from so-so to so-amazing. By disguising all the things you don’t like about your teeth, they can boost your confidence and make you the envy of all your friends. You might worry, though, about the lifespan of porcelain veneers. Is it really worth spending all that money if there is the chance that they’ll become chipped, cracked, or stained? The good news is that veneers can last a long time, and there are things you can do to keep them in great shape.

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If you’ve been wondering how to get a smile like your favorite celebrity, your cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee is here to share the secret stars have been keeping to themselves: porcelain veneers! Ready for a complete smile transformation? Learn more about this modern “smile makeover” here.

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Boys will be boys, right? You’ve always heard that but your son has really brought that saying to life—unfortunately. Sometimes you watch your little one and wonder, “Why?” as he decides to climb to the top of the monkey bars and riskily try to balance his way across them.

Even though the youngest members of your family can add so much fun and excitement to your daily routine lives, but they can make you really nervous as well. What would you do if your child ends up knocking their tooth out while innocently playing on the playground?

Your emergency dentist wants to make sure you are prepared for any dental emergency—especially a lost tooth. Follow this helpful guide to save lost teeth!

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We all hear about foods that are bad for your teeth! Sticky sweets and sugar-laden sodas can wreak havoc with your pearly whites. But did you know there are also foods that are good for your teeth and gums? Here is a list of dentally healthy things to chomp on, courtesy of your friends at Drs. and Badger’s office!

1. Cheese. Maybe there’s a reason that when we “say cheese” it’s time to smile! With high levels of phosphate and calcium, cheese promotes healthy teeth, balances the oral ph, and can destroy bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

2. Dairy products. Other than cheese, milk and yogurt are rich in calcium and low in acidity – both positive things for your teeth and gums.

3. Green tea. This delicious drink is an anti-oxidant soup which prevents plaque from accumulating on your teeth, reducing cavities and bad breath. Just take it easy on the added sugar and honey!

4. Kiwi. Most fruits are loaded with Vitamin C, and eating them raw can give your gums a good healthy massage as well. Kiwis are exceptionally high in Vitamin C, which can increase the collagen in your gums and make them stronger.

5. Onions. Sure – raw onions can make your breath pretty smelly. But the sulfur compounds that contribute to temporary bad breath also kill dangerous bacteria that harm the teeth. Brush, floss and rinse after you eat them, or better yet – make sure your kissing partner eats them too!

6. Celery. Eat plenty of celery and you may not have to stalk your dentist as much! Raw celery massages your gums, and can increase the production of healthy saliva.

7. Sesame seeds. These little wonders actually can scrape plaque from your teeth and are packed with tooth-strengthening calcium. The bleached white flour bagel they are often attached to – that’s a different story.

8. Sweet potato. These beauties are loaded with Vitamin A, and are especially good for babies whose teeth are developing. An orange nose is an added bonus!

9. Shiitake mushrooms. Believe it or not, these tasty fungi often found in Asian foods contain a sugar that prevents plaque from forming on your teeth.

10. Water. There’s a reason water is called “the gift of life,” and you would be hard pressed to find a healthy foods list without it. Dentally speaking, water keeps your mouth hydrated, cleans and rinses your teeth and gums, stimulates saliva production, and can dislodge trapped food particles.

As great as these foods are, there is much more to healthy teeth and gums than loading up on celery, cheese and water! If it is time for your regular dental examination and cleaning, or if you have any questions at all about your dental health, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 850-878-4117.

It’s something we’ve all heard many times – the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of its owner. But is that really true, or just an urban legend?
After all, dogs eat off the floor, drink from the toilet, and don’t seem too concerned with their oral hygiene. But the myth persists, so we asked veterinarian and author Dr. Marty Becker his opinion.
“They raid the garbage can. You know, we give each other a peck on the cheek when we say hello, they give each other a peck on the rear end,” said Becker. “All you have to do is look, watch, smell and you’ll realize that it’s not true.”
He thinks the myth that a dog’s mouth is clean stems from their practice of licking their wounds so that they heal more quickly.
The good news is, even though a dog’s mouth is loaded with bacteria, the large majority are specific to them and can’t infect a human.
So go ahead – give your dog a big kiss. But please realize that dog’s teeth and gums need expert care just like ours. They are prone to dental infections, bad breath, and just like in humans, have a very high incidence of gum disease. It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth frequently (unless they are smart enough to brush their own!) and have them cleaned and checked by a qualified vet.
At and Badger Dental Associates, we love dogs (and cats too!) and hope that you give your pets the best care possible. But don’t forget yourself and your human family! Proper oral hygiene at home, including regular brushing and flossing, along with seeing your dentist on a regular basis, can help you keep your teeth healthy for life.
When it comes to healthy mouths and beautiful smiles, we are here for you. If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please give us a call at 850-878-4117. Your friends, family and dog will love you for it!!

Today is a day to celebrate, and eat sweets of course, however, Valentine’s Day is no exception when it comes to taking great care of your teeth.
Indulging in the typical Valentine’s Day treats comes at a cost to one’s dental health. The candy exchanged today is most likely high in sugar, which is known to cause tooth decay. Enjoy chocolate and other sweets your sweetheart may surprise you with! If you do indulge on Valentine’s Day, remember to brush and floss after you enjoy your chocolate and sweets.
Avoid a sour experience on this sweet day and practice your dental hygiene techniques. Brush at least twice a day (for two minutes each) and floss at least once. Drinking lots of water to flush out the acids helps too.