Midwest Dental Center Blog

Always Stressed Out? It Could Hurt Your Oral Health

May 3, 2025

Woman stressed out.

Chronic stress is something many people deal with in today’s fast-paced world. While it’s well-known that ongoing stress can affect your heart, sleep, and immune system, what often gets overlooked is how it can also take a toll on your oral health. If you’ve been feeling stressed for a long time and are experiencing issues with your mouth, the two may be more connected than you think. Here are some of the most common ways chronic stress can negatively affect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

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Out of Mints? How Yogurt Can Combat Bad Breath

Man checking his breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common problem that can be both embarrassing and frustrating. While brushing, flossing, and keeping regular dental visits are essential parts of keeping your breath fresh, some people are surprised to learn that certain foods may also help. One food that’s been getting attention for its breath-freshening potential is yogurt. But can yogurt really combat bad breath? Let’s explore how it works and what you should keep in mind.

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What To Do if You’re Nervous About an Upcoming Tooth Extraction

April 3, 2025

Woman looking nervously at multiple gloved hands that are holding dental tools

The idea of your dentist pulling out your precious pearly white probably isn’t pleasant. No one would blame you for feeling nervous about your upcoming extraction! But it’s also not fun to be overwhelmed by anxiety until the process is over and done with. If you’re having trouble managing your stress, keep reading. This post will tell you what you can do to relieve your nerves.

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All About Dental Crown Materials: Which Type is Right for You?

March 3, 2025

Various types of dental crowns scattered on a white surface

There’s more than one way to make a dental crown! Nowadays, your dentist can use a variety of different materials for your restoration, depending on what your needs and preferences are. This means crowns are more versatile than ever before – and also that it will take some research to fully understand your options!

Don’t worry, this post will tell you all about dental crown materials so you can choose the right restoration for your smile.

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Am I Too Old to Replace My Missing Teeth with Dental Implants?

February 13, 2025

Woman smiling outside

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Thanks to their ability to replace the roots of the missing teeth, implants offer a wide range of benefits that you can’t get from dentures or dental bridges. However, if you are a senior, you may be wondering if dental implants are still suitable for you. Age isn’t one of the main factors that is considered when determining eligibility. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and who they are ideal for.

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Let’s Get Literate: Dental Implant Terms You Should Know

February 3, 2025

Dentist showing patient a dental implant.

We’ve all been in that situation: Someone is explaining something to you that you’re unfamiliar with, and all the words just sound like gibberish. Maybe it’s your buddy who’s recently taken up golf, or the co-worker who wants to tell you all about their jiu-jitsu class. Whatever it is, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, perplexed, and maybe a little embarrassed. When it comes to your dental implants, rest assured that knowing these terms will put you ahead of the curve and help you understand the process you’re considering.

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The Tag Team of Decay: How a Newly Discovered Bacteria Boosts Your Risk of Cavities

January 31, 2025

Patient covering their mouth with cavities

Most people know that sugar and poor oral hygiene can cause cavities, but recent discoveries show there’s much more to the story. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new bacterium, Selenomonas sputigena (S. sputigena), that teams up with the notorious Streptococcus mutans to cause tooth decay. Continue reading to learn about this new discovery and how you can protect your teeth!

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Can My Current Diet Harm My Oral Health?

January 13, 2025

Selection of healthy foods

Learning to make smarter eating decisions is a crucial part of preserving anyone’s oral health, but some diet trends can have unintended consequences. If your goal is to slash carbs, eat cleaner, or source your food more ethically, it’s still important to keep your oral health in mind when considering any diet plan. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular dieting trends and the risks that they can present to your oral health.

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5 Oral Hygiene Practices You Shouldn’t Skip (& Why!)

December 26, 2024

Woman smiling while flossing teeth

Be honest… Is your dental care regimen not really a regimen at all? If so, that’s okay – there’s no time like the present to see where improvements can be made to keep your teeth decay-free and your gums infection-free. If you’re not quite sure where to start, then keep reading to learn five oral hygiene practices you shouldn’t skip and why!

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3 Factors You Should Consider Before Buying Dental Insurance

December 10, 2024

person filling out paperwork

Dental insurance is known for its complexities and challenges. Its verbiage can be difficult to navigate for most individuals, and attempting to compare plans can leave a person more confused than ever. However, investing in this type of safety net is crucial should you require invasive, complex, and expensive dental care at any point. If you have yet to purchase a plan, it’s important not to jump on the first one you see. Instead, consider these 3 factors before you decide to buy.

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