Nicolas Gallegos DDS

Gum disease is not curable, but it is manageable and preventable, EARLY DETECTION IS KEY! There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis: Occurs when plaque builds up and causes gum inflammation and bleeding. This stage is less severe and will progress if untreated.

Periodontitis: The 2nd stage of gum disease. Tartar accumulates causing the formation of pockets around the teeth. These gum pockets allow bacteria and plaque to spread, destroying the tissues that keep your teeth secure in your mouth.

*When the body reacts to fight the bacteria in the plaque, the body’s defensive “inflammatory response” chemicals cause the destruction of the gum and bone. Any continuous inflammation in your gums spreads throughout the body through the circulatory system.

We categorize gum disease from 0 to 4 (healthy to advanced) based on the amount of inflammation and damage to the bone that holds the teeth. Signs of gum disease may include:

* Red swollen and bleeding gums
* Mouth odor
* Gum recession
* Loss of jaw bone structure
* And, in advanced cases, loss of teeth.

Nobody wants to reach stages 2-4, but for some people they are more susceptible than others. For some, it may be heredity. It also could be someone’s lifestyle (Stress, diet, medical conditions). There are many factors as to why someone gets gum disease. By now, you probably know the drill (pun intended) but it bears repeating: brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are the most important habits you can have to maintain good oral hygiene!

No matter what stage you are at we will help you! We are a no judgment zone. We just want you to get the best care possible so you stay healthy, so make an appointment to see the dentist. Now that you are armed with information, you can create healthy habits that last well beyond September and into the rest of your life.

Happy Labor Day! A big thank you to our hardworking team and all the workers keeping our community going.

💙 Nicolas Gallegos DDS Turns 5 💙

What a journey the past 5 years have been! To our family, friends, team members, patients, labs, suppliers and all who have been part of the first 5 amazing years of Nicolas Gallegos DDS, we thank you for your support and look forward to serving our community with top quality dental care for years to come.

*Check out Dr's reaction to our staff surprise party 😆


🍏It’s Back to School month!! 🍎

We know August is busy with lots of back to school errands, but did you know it’s super quick & easy to schedule your dental cleaning with us?! Cavities are exceedingly common in children, they are also a painful distraction. It’s a good time to address any conditions requiring attention to ensure your child's oral health is in top shape.🦷🪥


It’s National Tell A Joke Day, our office loves to laugh. Hope this makes you smile today.

Whether you’re an avid swimmer or you enjoy taking a dip 🌊occasionally, here’s what you need to know to protect your smile.

National Watermelon Day! We LOVE watermelon. It’s cold, refreshing, and packed with hydrating water (hence the name).

Many feel that watermelon’s high sugar content discounts its health benefits. However, this fear is unwarranted. 1 cup of watermelon contains 16% Vitamin C needs for the day, and really, who only eats one cup-right?! Scientists have found red watermelon to contain over 600 micrograms of beta-carotene per 3.5 ounces of melon and over 6,500 micrograms of lycopene and 170 mg of potassium (good for kidney, heart, and nervous system function). Lycopene has been found to boost bone health, and therefore helps in dental health as well. Healthy bones help to anchor and hold those teeth in your jaw, so eating as many different kinds of antioxidants from fruits and veggies is great for dental and overall health. Watermelon contains amino acids which help to boost the body’s ability to create Nitric Oxide, a chemical that helps dilate blood vessels, and thereby reduce blood pressure. Trying to lose weight? Watermelon contains only 46 calories per 1 cup! That’s right-46! Made up 92% of water, watermelon is a refreshing snack that does not contain a lot of calories, and can easily take the place of fake-sugary foods as a dessert or sweet treat. Those who worry about consuming watermelon: they are hydrating, filling (due to their fiber content & water content), satisfying, and contain no added junk. No sugars, fats-just pure fresh summer nutrition.

When was the last time you came in to see us? Need to get back on a normal dental hygiene schedule? Let us help you with that!

Call us today 509.327.8681

On this special day, we celebrate the birthday of our exceptional dental assistant Stacie! She is hard working and her humor brings out our best smile. Thank you for your 20 plus years of service and commitment at this practice.

Our office is closed Monday 15th through the 18th to enjoy some much needed fun in the sun. We will see you all for your scheduled appointments on Monday July 22nd.

Shark Week starts today. Shark teeth are arranged in neat rows and can be replaced within a day of losing one. We, however aren’t that fortunate. Let us help you take care of the ones you have, so your chompers stay healthy and in place.

Happy International Kissing Day! Who ever you kiss💋 today, make sure your breath is fresh.

Keep Bad Breath Away By:
Brushing 2x a day , don’t forget to floss
Use mouthwash
Clean your dentures
Keep saliva flowing
Quit smoking
Visit dentist regularly

Certain actions, such as eating, drinking and brushing, may cause sharp, momentary pain if you have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are typically the result of worn tooth enamel, or exposed tooth roots. However, there are times when other problems - cavity, cracked or chipped tooth, worn filling, gum disease - are to blame for dental discomfort. Give us a call if you have sensitive teeth so we can find the underlying cause of your dental pain. Enjoy your ice cream pain free 🍦

The best thing about today? Celebrating a very special birthday! Another year wiser, we wish you the sweetest of birthday wishes Tracy! ❤️

As summer begins, so do sports and physical activities all of which can result in sport-related injuries to the mouth. Our team is here to help you keep your teeth in the game! Play it safe and protect your mouth with a mouthguard.

If a dental emergency happens during any recreational activity, sport, or a friendly neighborhood game of basketball it is crucial to know what you need to do.

The 5 Scariest Sports Injuries To Teeth
1. Knocked-Out Teeth:
In the event of a knocked-out tooth, it’s crucial to act quickly. Find the tooth, and pick it up by the crown (not the root) rinse it gently with cold water. Properly align the tooth and push it firmly into the socket, hold in place for 5 minutes. If not, place it in a container of milk or saliva and seek immediate dental care. *do not do for baby teeth.

2. Broken or Chipped Teeth:
Depending on the severity, the nerve and pulp of a tooth can become irritated and infected as a result of cracks, chips, or other trauma to the tooth. We provide services to treat and restore chipped or broken teeth

3. Tooth Displacement or Luxation:
When a tooth is pushed out of its normal position. This injury requires professional intervention to reposition the tooth and stabilize it with a splint. Do not attempt to force the tooth back into place on your own.

4. Lip, Cheek, and Tongue Injuries:
Mouths bleed a surprising amount. Even the tiniest of cuts can produce a surprising amount of blood.
So keep calm, apply firm pressure with moist gauze can help to stop bleeding in the area. Watch for pimples forming on gums, this indicates an infection.

5. Fractured Jaw:
In extreme cases, sports injuries can result in jaw fractures. If you suspect a jaw fracture, seek immediate medical attention.

Sports injuries to teeth are a reality, when participating in sports or recreational activities, a mouthguard is your best ally. Your smile is worth protecting, both on and off the field! If you or your child are involved in a dental emergency , contact our office to assist you.

Celebrated each year during June, Men's Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. The month is dedicated to encourage men to set goals for their own health and wellness and/by making healthy lifestyle decisions.

Here are some tips to help men take control of their health:

1- Get preventative care and screenings to stay healthy.
2- Eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol and smoking.
3- Brush and floss for 2mins 2x a day.
4- Be active, small steps make a difference.
5- Build and nurture healthy relationships with family, friends, and community can positively impact mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Reach out to a professional if you are struggling.

Make the call to our office to keep you on a healthy path.

In observance of Memorial Day we will be closed. Let us remember and honor our brave soldiers. 🇺🇸

This patient wanted to restore their smile due stained restorations, tooth discoloration and wear. Our goal as always, was to restore oral function, and provide customized shade and esthetics that create a natural smile. This patient was beaming with her results and renewed confidence.

😄 Sit back and relax - you’re in good hands at Nicolas Gallegos DDS

It is National Root Canal Awareness Week. Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that can help save a tooth that is damaged or infected, preventing the need for extraction and potentially saving the patient from further dental problems.

What are the signs you need a root canal?

1. Persistent pain, especially when eating or drinking
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
3. Swollen gums or bump on the gum
4. A discolored or darken tooth
5. Tender of painful lymph nodes in the neck or jaw

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait! Schedule a consultation for treatment.

Today, we’re celebrating the amazing talents of our front-office pros- - - Brande and Tracy. They keep everything running smoothly, from managing appointments to handing your inquiries. These multitasking superstars are the glue that holds everything together.

Drop a 💙 in the comments to show your love and appreciation.

Dental implants are a GREAT solution to tooth loss, offering a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting result.

Consequences of missing tooth include: difficulty chewing, hard to speak, bite irregularities, shifts teeth, facial pain, accumulation of plaque, and low self-esteem.

At Nicolas Gallegos DDS, Dr. Gallegos provides personalized implant treatment to rejuvenate your smile and oral health. We have the external relationships necessary to ensure you have the best care no matter the complexity. Contact us at (509) 327-8681 to learn how we can help you.

What does Dr. Gallegos do on his day off? Teaches children to practice good oral hygiene early on, with a special visit from the tooth fairy. 🪥✨

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that every time you come in for a cleaning, our hygienists and dentist perform an oral cancer screening? Our goal is to insure you maintain in optimal oral health and, in turn, overall health! Give us a call to get in for your Spring Cleaning and oral cancer screening!

Below are some facts you may not know about oral cancer. This is not meant to scare you but inform you. It is important to have any sore or discolored area of your mouth, which does not heal within 14 days, looked at by a professional. Other symptoms include; a painless lump or mass which can be felt inside the mouth or neck, pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing, any wart-like masses, hoarseness which lasts for a long time, or any numbness in the oral/facial region.

We are thrilled to introduce Robyn, the newest addition to our dental team! She brings a kind and caring source of comfort & expertise. She has been a natural fit, we know you'll like her as much as we do! Join us in welcoming Robyn to the Nicolas Gallegos DDS family. 👏

Happiest birthday to Brande! She started here right after high school, remembers generations of so many families, and keeps everything running smoothly. She is an integral part of our practice. Today we celebrate you! 🎈🎉

Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

This year we celebrated late. We are so proud to work alongside these fantastic humans everyday. Thank you for all you do to keep our patients happy and healthy.

Happy National Dentist Day to the best dentist/boss a team could ask for! Dr. Gallegos had always had an urge to contribute and connect to his community which lead him to Dentistry. As a provider, he treats each patient like family and believes whole heartedly in conservative dentistry. He devotes hundreds of personal hours each year to continuing education for personal growth and because you deserve it.

Dr. Gallegos is a girl dad, loves spicy salsa, nature and of course the Utes. We love your and appreciate your hard work!

Happy Dental Assistant Recognition Week!

At our office, we value our talented dental assistants and all of their hard work. Stacie and Olivia hustle day in and day out, make our patients feel welcomed and comfortable, and greet obstacles with a smile. Each has a different demeanor and our office wouldn't be complete without them! This week be sure to give them a little extra love!

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day 🦷

Losing their first tooth is a big milestone for children and parents alike. Different types of children react differently to losing their baby teeth. Some children get really excited about losing teeth and putting them under their pillow for the tooth fairy. Others are more worried or fearful about the pain of losing teeth or what they will look like without them.

Here are 5 fun ways to celebrate:

1. Read your favorite tooth fairy story
2. Make your favorite healthy tooth friendly snack
3. Tooth fairy box or pillow
4. Tooth fairy coloring page
5. Talk about teeth -> Use this opportunity to talk to your child about the importance of teeth, what we use them for, how they can take care of them, and how our smile affects our self-confidence. There are many children’s books that help to explain the importance of oral health in a simple way. Talking about the dentist and oral health can be educational and fun.