Dentists follow strict state and federal guidelines to ensure their patients' safety. The risk of your health being affected because you skip your dental appointments is far greater than the risk of cross-infection. The best advice is to talk to your dentist so you feel comfortable with receiving the treatment you need. In the meantime, here are some of the ways we protect our patients while providing quality dental care.

Do you know what to do if your child injuries his mouth? Whether it's a bit lip, a split lip or an injury from a fall, it's important to take action immediately. Here are five tips that help ensure the child receives the care he or she needs.

The number of children with cavities is on the rise. One out of four toddlers and preschoolers have tooth decay, and half of children in their early teens have at least one cavity. If the decay is allowed to spread, the child may need to have a baby root canal or have the tooth pulled.

Sound painful? It can be. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to help prevent cavities in your children's teeth.

Do you have any pain or sensitivity when you eat something hot, cold or sweet? You may have a cracked tooth. Wesley Chapel dentist Diaa Ghabbour, DMD, explains what can cause a tooth to crack, what are the symptoms of a cracked tooth, and how a dentist can fix the problem.

As part of our "Does Your Mouth Look Like This" blog series, we take a look at a common problem: old amalgam (silver) fillings that are now corroding around the edges. Here are some of the warning signs that a filling needs to be replaced, and what can happen if you wait too long.

You know that you should visit the dentist every six months or even more often if you have gum disease. But did you know it's your daily home care routine that makes the biggest difference in keeping your mouth healthy?

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you may also need to use a mouthwash or mouth rinse. There are a lot of over-the-counter varieties that are used to mask bad breath. However, you may need a prescription-strength mouth rinse to treat the bacteria that's causing the bad breath and other problems.

About one in 10 Americans have yellow, brown or grey teeth caused by a type of medication called tetracyclines that doctors used to prescribe for ear infections, acne and other common conditions. Teeth whitening can't hide the stains. Here's how one patient transformed his smile - with incredible results.

Do you have hard, bony bumps on the roof or the floor of your mouth? They may be tori. Here's what they look like, what may cause them, and what you should do if you have them.

Lasers are being used in brain surgery, heart surgery, eye surgery and more. Now, our orthodontists are using laser surgery in five ways to help our patients achieve the smile they desire. Not only can laser surgery alleviate some painful conditions, they can also speed up treatment time in some cases. Here's how.

Let the feasting begin! Millions of Americans will gather around the table on Thursday to give thanks and chow down on homemade goodies.

Loading up your plate affects more than just your waistline; it also affects your teeth. Here are five tips from Coast Dental to ensure you're still smiling after the holidays.