Meramec Dental Center

The tongue is covered in a multitude of bumps called papillae. While it is normal for these to vary in size, they can become inflamed and enlarged, making them more noticeable. Here are some common causes of this occurrence.

Why did the snowman visit the orthodontist? To correct his frostbite.

Most of us know cavities as the primary antagonist of our oral health stories. But what are cavities, really, and what can be done about them? Read on!

What do you call a boomerang made of teeth? ? I don't remember the punchline and it's probably gonna come back to bite me. ?

Our enamel is one of the most important parts of our body, and one of the few things that doesn't grow back. That said, weakened enamel can be repaired before it is lost altogether. Here's what you should know.

Fillings are a reality for individuals of all ages who experience tooth decay, and they have come a long way in recent years. If you plan of getting a cavity filled, start by understanding your filling options.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Meramec Dental Center to all of our beloved patients! (**photo taken before Covid**)

Meramec Dental Center recently celebrated Dr. Mark Scantlan being in practice for a third of a century, 33 1/3 years! As part of the celebration, one lucky patient, Dawn Robey, was the winner of five iconic 33 1/3 LP record albums: Pink Floyd--Dark Side of the Moon, Led Zeppelin IV, Garth Brooks--No Fences, Fleetwood Mac--Rumours and Michael Jackson--Thriller. Pictured with Dawn are Dr. Rowbottom and Dr. Scantlan.

Where do teeth shop? At The Gap!

Dry mouth is never comfortable, but it can also be harmful to your dental health if left untreated. Understanding the common causes of dry mouth can help you take the appropriate next steps to address it.

Despite what you may tell yourself, one toothbrush won't last forever. It is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months or so. If you're an aggressive brusher, you may need to do so more often, as indicated by flattened or frayed bristles.

Much of oral hygiene is common sense to most adults, thanks to years of practice, but even the best of us could use a healthy reminder every now and then.

The first completely recyclable toothpaste tube sets the bar for the rest of the dentistry world to be more environmentally conscious. Who's next?

Why did the tooth do to jail? ? It was guilty of INCISOR trading! ?

A cusp of carabelli is a hereditary dental abnormality. Essentially, the cusp is an extra bump that forms on the inside of the upper molars. It is non-functioning and not harmful but can increase vulnerability to tooth decay. Here's what you should know.

Oral Hygiene FAQ: Is it better to brush with soft or hard bristles? Contrary to popular belief, soft bristles clean equally as well as hard bristles, but are gentler on teeth and gums. In fact, hard-bristled brushes can do more harm to teeth than good.

With these whitening tips, get a whiter and brighter smile through dentist visits or at-home whitening kits. Whether its whitening toothpaste, strips, or trays, focus on following these guidelines to keep your dental hygiene high and your confidence!

There are many tips and tricks to help keep you and your family's teeth strong, white, and healthy! One of these tips is to visit your dentist at least two times a year for regular cleanings and check-ups!

If you've gone in for a dental exam and been told you need debridement, odds are your teeth have been neglected. This process is a more intensive cleaning that is sometimes necessary to properly examine teeth and gums that have accumulated excess tartar. Here's what you should know.

Someone asked me if my tooth stopped hurting after a trip to the dentist... I told them I don't know - he kept it. ?

Losing a crown or filling can be alarming - and painful - but it's no cause for panic. It is relatively common, and there are remedies to tide you over until you can see the dentist.

Grinding your teeth at night - or sleep bruxism - can be a tricky habit to curb, because you can't consciously fight it. Fortunately, stress-management techniques may reduce your body's subconscious desire to grind teeth during sleep. If this fails, a nightguard can at least prevent tooth damage when sleep bruxism does occur.