Gum disease occurs in different stages. The first stage is gingivitis, where the gums become red and swollen due to infection under the gum line. If not treated immediately, the disease can worsen and the consequences are quite severe. The next stage of untreated gum disease is periodontitis. In this stage, the gum can pull […]

At an early age, brushing and flossing are taught as the staples of good oral health. As kids, having our parents guide our dental care routines helps engrain certain practices, but as we get older, it is our responsibility to keep up our oral care. A common issue that results from improper oral care is […]

While most people understand why dental work is necessary, there is still a lot of anxiety surrounding the idea of being in the chair. Fear of the dentist, also known as Dentophobia, can prevent some patients from getting the treatment they need. Neglecting gum disease and other oral problems can result in serious health conditions. […]

During our lifetimes, we will grow and lose 20 primary teeth. As those teeth fall out, they will be replaced by an average of 32 adult teeth. That’s only an average, however—not everyone has 32 teeth (or, in the case of those who have had wisdom teeth removed, 28). Are you one of those people? […]

There are many ways we exhibit anxiety and stress, such as nail-biting or restlessness, but one way that may go unnoticed is the grinding and clenching of our teeth while we sleep. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can also be caused by sleep disorders or tobacco and alcohol use. In fact, there are many reasons why […]

We’d like to take a moment to welcome Grant King, DDS, MDS to the Periodontal Associates of Memphis team! We’re very excited to have him join us in continuing our tradition of providing our patients with high-quality periodontal care. Dr. King graduated with honors from Clemson University in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Microbiology.  […]

Thumb-sucking is a normal habit in children. It is a reflex that calms them and causes them to feel more secure, and it can even help them sleep. But, if it persists, thumb-sucking can cause various dental problems. As permanent teeth are replacing the milk teeth (baby teeth), thumb-sucking can hinder the general growth of […]

Ankyloglossia, better known as tongue-tie, is a condition that limits the tongue’s range of motion. It happens when the lingual frenulum (the band of tissue between the bottom of your tongue and the floor of your mouth) is too tight, short, or thick. The lingual frenulum is an important part of your mouth. It helps […]

Picture this: After lunch, you and a few friends decide to go for a walk through the park. The sun is shining and, as people picnic and dogs chase after tennis balls, a live band starts to play a familiar melody. Then, just as you’re about to tell your friends how nice of a day […]

Everybody knows about dental braces. A lot of us sported them or knew lots of people who did during our younger years. Around 4 million Americans are wearing braces presently, and they are the top used form of adolescent orthodontics. We’ve collected a short lineup of some early orthodontic accessories that a lot of people […]