Endodontic Specialists of Wisconsin, S.C. Mequon

Do you think Santa will be upset if we leave him this instead of cookies? 🎅 We’re just trying to look out for his oral health! 😉

Tis’ the season to be jolly! 🥰 Let’s get festive and play the elf name game. Comment your elf name below!

You're going to an ugly sweater holiday party and you have to choose one of these options — which one are you wearing? ☃️ Comment your choice below!

We’ve been hearing for decades how dangerous smoking is to many aspects of our health. As dental professionals, our focus is particularly on the dangers to oral health, including unsightly stains on teeth at the less serious end of the spectrum, to a massively increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, to life-threatening oral cancer. More recently, va**ng and e-cigarettes have emerged as an alternative, but are they any better?

Because these particular ni****ne delivery mechanisms are so new, there isn't as much data about their effects, but the evidence far shows a link between e-cigarettes and poor oral health. No matter how ni****ne is consumed, it restricts blood flow to the gums, contributing to gum disease. An iScience study showed that far more e-cigarette users have gum disease than people who don't.

It's difficult to know the long-term dangers to something so new, but researchers are seeing periodontal disease (typically an adult disease) in younger patients who v**e, as well as an increase in cavities.

The term "v**e" is also misleading. This isn't water v***r that contains ni****ne, it works more like aerosol — essentially ni****ne hairspray, for the mouth. That doesn't sound as appetizing, does it? **ng

Courage isn't always loud; sometimes it's the quiet strength of simply showing up. 💙

May your smile be merry and bright and may all your teeth be sparkling white! Wishing you a season filled with joy, laughter, and good dental health! ✨

Keep your smile sparkling this season! 🦷✨ Amidst all the holiday cheer and festivities, don't forget to maintain fresh breath and stellar oral hygiene. 😁

What holiday movie is a must-watch for you every year? 🎥🎄Share your all-time favorite in the comments below for others to watch too!

Which holiday character are you channeling this season? Are you lighting up the neighborhood like a Griswold or feeling a bit Grinchy? "🎄🌟

Root canal recovery made easy! 🦷 Here are your post-treatment to-dos: Rest up, ice it, take pain relievers, opt for soft foods, and don't forget to protect that crown. Your smile will thank you! 😄

We’ve all heard of the active ingredient in toothpaste: fluoride. It supplies tooth enamel with important minerals to keep it strong and it protects against tooth decay. It's the one ingredient toothpaste must contain to earn the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. But what else is in toothpaste? 🤔

1. Mild abrasive ingredients help scrub the surfaces of our teeth clean as we brush (and it doesn't take more than a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing to get the job done).

2. Foaming detergents help the toothpaste reach every tooth. (Fun fact: the foam is why actors rarely use toothpaste when they brush their teeth onscreen. It's too messy for TV!)

3. Humectants keep toothpaste from drying out, so that it can come out of the tube in a smooth piece.

4. Flavoring and sweeteners make toothpaste taste good, but they can't include actual sugar and still get the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Toothpaste for adults is usually a strong, minty flavor, but that can be overpowering for kids, which is why theirs often tastes like fruit or candy. 😋

5. For people experiencing tooth sensitivity, numbing and cooling ingredients might be ones to look for. These specially formulated toothpastes can help with jarring temperature changes and other sensitivity triggers, but they can't fix a toothache and they're no replacement for treatment from the endodontist.

Supporting small businesses doesn’t necessarily have to cost money! 💰 Here are some things you can do for free. Remember to shop small today! 🛍️

Happy Flossing Day! Maximize your oral health routine by starting with flossing to loosen up food particles and conquer interdental plaque then brush it all away! 😁👍

Grateful hearts, full plates, and warm wishes. 🧡 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

Our jaws get a pretty constant workout between all the talking, chewing, and yawning we do, but those simple activities become more complicated for those with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ). There's a small, fibrous disk that serves as a cushion between the ball and socket of the joint. If it shifts out of place or erodes, that leads to jaw trouble.

Typical symptoms of a TMJ problem include tenderness or pain in the jaw, difficulty chewing, pain around the face or in the ear, and even locking of the jaw joint. 😬

There are a few things to try for TMJ relief. Avoid making extreme jaw movements when singing or yelling, and control yawns by putting a fist under the chin. Make small movements while chewing, and rest with the jaws slightly apart instead of fully closed (a lot of people don't realize that this is the natural position of the jaws).

Most TMD cases resolve on their own, but persistent symptoms may need treatment. 👨‍⚕️ Typical TMD treatments include ice packs, exercise, moist heat, medication, and splints. If those don't help, then the next steps often include ultrasound treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or trigger-point injections. For the most extreme cases, jaw surgery may be recommended.

Apple or Pumpkin Pie? 🥧 Which would you rather have a slice of? Vote in the comments!

It’s free to be kind! 🩵 Small acts can make a big difference. Spread love, show empathy, and make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Honoring our nation's heroes today and every day. 🇺🇸 Thank you to all the brave veterans who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.

We’re here to help you fall in love with your smile! 😁🍂

It is TMJ Awareness Month, also known as Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. If you feel pain around your jaw, have difficulty chewing or have pain around your ear, let us know so we can help! 👍

Hello, November! 🍁 We’re ready to embrace a new month filled with gratitude for all that lies ahead. What are you looking forward to this November?

Let's celebrate National Brush Day with a quick toothbrush tip! Remember, a healthy smile is a happy smile! 😁✨

Creep it real this Halloween and have a scary good time! Happy Halloween! 🎃☠️👻

Sink your fangs into these healthier Halloween treats! 🧛 These alternatives will keep your smile spooktacular!

Who's ready for some spooky fun? 👻 Tag your favorite local haunted house if you dare!

What comes next after root canal therapy? Here's a simple timeline our patients can follow to give themselves the best odds for a great recovery.

Once the anesthesia wears off after treatment, it's normal to experience some discomfort — particularly if there was swelling, inflammation, or an abscess beforehand. This discomfort should be much milder than the pain of an untreated tooth, so over-the-counter medication is usually enough to manage it. 💊 Avoid chewing with the treated tooth while it's tender.

Temporary fillings don't fit as well as the permanent one that comes later, but it can still function like a normal tooth, so eat and speak normally with it. Just avoid brushing too hard around it and be careful not to snag floss on it.

Root canal treatment has an incredibly high success rate compared to other types of surgery, but there are still complications sometimes. Contact us if the temporary restoration becomes loose or if there is:

1. Temperature sensitivity in the treated tooth.
2. Pain when chewing.
3. Persistent discomfort after the first week.

We’re so happy to give our patients the best chance for smile success! 😀

Endodontic treatment is all about saving teeth from extraction when infection or damage strikes!

Your smile is in good hands with our expert endodontic care! 🤝

Fall is here and the holidays are just around the corner so when does the autumn magic start happening in your home? 🍂🎃

Unless the dentist is an active TikTok user, it's not a good idea to get dental health advice from social media. 👎 We've noticed a lot of dangerous DIY ideas popping up so let's take a minute to nip them in the bud.

1. "Healthy Soda"

No soda is truly healthy for teeth, as the bubbles in soda come from acid and teeth are highly vulnerable to acid erosion. Sparkling water and balsamic vinegar (the combo in the trend) do not make a healthier soda alternative because that's just two acids mixed together!

2. "Veneers Check"

Some TikTok users are filing their own teeth down to pegs prior to crown restorations. PLEASE do not do this. 🙅‍♂️ It can lead to nerve damage or the need for root canals and can even lead to previously healthy teeth needing to be pulled. Teeth don't even get filed down before veneers anyway!

3. Home Hydrogen Peroxide Whitening

Swishing 3% hydrogen peroxide is not a good way to whiten teeth. It can cause long-lasting sensitivity and gum irritation. Go to the dentist for whitening recommendations and good results!

4. DIY Braces

It takes orthodontists years of education and training to learn how to effectively move teeth into their correct positions; this is not something a random TikTok user can figure out with rubber
bands and paper clips. 📎 DIY braces lead to bad results and sometimes tooth loss!

October is Dental Hygiene Month so we're celebrating our dental hygienists and raising awareness of the importance of good oral health! 🎉😀

Let's brighten the world one smile at a time. Share your grins and spread the joy! 😊🌍

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. 💞 Join us in spreading knowledge, support, and hope this month and always.

We are excited to welcome a new month! We’re ready for you, October! 🎃

Happy International Coffee Day! ☕️ What does your coffee say about you?

Did you know jack-o-lanterns were originally made out of a different vegetable? 🎃 Can you guess which one it was?

Root canal therapy around the corner? Here's a handy checklist to go through before the appointment arrives. ✅

1. Get some good sleep the night before.
2. For IV sedation patients, avoid eating for at least six hours before and avoid drinking anything for at least two hours before. This is a critical safety measure, not an arbitrary rule.
3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any tooth pain. (This will also apply to any post-op soreness.)
4. Bring insurance information and X-rays from the general dentist.
5. Relax! 😌 Many people struggle with dental anxiety, so try to focus on the fact that root canal therapy relieves pain, it doesn't cause it. Think about how much better that problem tooth is going to feel soon.

The actual procedure typically takes a little longer than a normal dental exam. We encourage our patients to contact us with any questions about the procedure. 😊

It’s officially the first day of fall so bring on all the fall drinks! What flavor do you prefer more – pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon? 🎃🍎

This is what an apicoectomy is! It’s the next step we take when a root canal is not enough to save your natural tooth. 🦷

September is Gum Care Month! Did you know that gum disease is linked to a variety of health problems? That’s why maintaining optimal oral hygiene is so important so it can help prevent such serious problems from arising. 😊