Request Request an Appointment Call Call Our Office Map Map Us

Highland Smiles Dental Blog

Yuck! Why Do I Have a Bitter Taste in My Mouth?

October 28, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 6:50 am
Man cringing

Do you ever wake up with a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth that just won’t go away, no matter how often you brush? While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, a persistent bitter taste can actually signal an underlying health or dental issue that deserves attention.

Here’s what might be causing it—and why it’s important to schedule a dental checkup as soon as possible.

(more…)

Why Does My Jaw Hurt on Only One Side?

August 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 5:15 pm
Woman clutching jaw in pain in the dentist's chair.

Waking up or going through the day with jaw pain on just one side can be frustrating and concerning. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp pain, one-sided jaw discomfort often has an underlying cause that needs attention. Understanding the possible reasons for this pain can help you know when to seek professional care and how to find relief. Here are some of the most common causes of jaw pain that affects only one side.

(more…)

Just in Case: Preparing an Emergency Dental Kit

June 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 3:28 pm
Tooth pictured beside red doctor's kit with white cross.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether you’re on vacation, at work, or simply at home. A chipped tooth, lost filling, or severe toothache can be painful and stressful. While it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible in these situations, having an emergency dental kit on hand can help you manage the discomfort and prevent the issue from worsening until professional help is available. Here’s a guide to assembling a practical and effective emergency dental kit.

(more…)

5 Tips to Make Tooth Cleanings Less Painful

April 3, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 3:43 pm
Young woman having her teeth cleaned by dentist.

Trips to the dentist are a catch-22: nobody looks forward to them, but the more you go, the better your experience at them will be. So if it’s been a while, you may be feeling some apprehension about a tooth cleaning and are asking yourself, Will it be painful? They don’t have to be. With the right preparation and communication, your next visit can be much more comfortable. Here are 5 simple strategies to help make tooth cleanings less painful.

(more…)

How Long Do Dentures Last?

February 13, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 4:49 pm
A woman wearing a new pair of dentures

Your new dentures are an important investment in your oral and overall health. In addition to restoring your beautiful smile, they also make it easier for you to speak, chew, and feel confident in social and professional settings. Naturally, you’ll want to make the most of them so they last as long as possible. Here’s how to care for your new prosthetics so you can continue to enjoy them for years to come!

(more…)

Filling In the Blanks: How to Know Whether You’ll Need a Dental Filling

December 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 7:57 pm
Close up of dentist examining a patient’s teeth to see if she needs a filling

Dental problems come in all shapes and sizes – fortunately, modern dentistry has adapted to provide equally unique solutions. It’s good to know that there’s a treatment plan out there for you and your specific needs, but sometimes it can be hard to tell what your dentist might recommend.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’ll be needing a filling or some other type of restoration for your pearly whites, keep reading. This post will “fill” in the blanks!

(more…)

Freehand vs. Guided Dental Implant Surgery: How Do They Work?

October 17, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 8:39 pm
Dentists performing surgery

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option on the market. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of additional benefits, including stability, comfort, and longevity. Thanks to modern developments in dental techniques and technology, dental implants are more successful than ever before! Today, guided dental implant surgery is becoming common for more accurate results. Continue reading to learn more about how guided dental implant surgery works and its benefits.

(more…)

Can Dental Implants Suffer from Tooth Decay?

August 9, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 12:04 am
3D render of dental implants

Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth, known for their durability and functionality. Unlike natural teeth, they are made from materials such as titanium and zirconia, which are resistant to decay. However, a common question arises among patients: Can dental implants get cavities? Understanding the relationship between dental implants and cavities requires examining the nature of implants, how they interact with surrounding tissues, and the factors that influence their longevity.

(more…)

How To Protect Your Family’s Oral Health This Summer

June 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 4:26 am
Family playing in the summer sun

If there’s one thing that Texas heat inspires in people, it’s the desire to take a vacation somewhere far, far away. Now that we’re at the height of summer, it’s the perfect time to load up the family and take a trip. Before you go, however, it’s important to keep in mind what you should do for your family’s teeth.

If you aren’t careful, it’s easy to see your oral health slip a bit when you’re on summer vacation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that doesn’t happen.

(more…)

3 Cosmetic Dental Treatments That Are Ideal for Graduating Students

May 1, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — highlandsmiles @ 2:18 pm
College graduate smiling and cheering

Is your child graduating soon? Whether it’s from high school or college, this is an exciting milestone, which comes with taking lots of photos and videos with loved ones. For that reason, many students are interested in addressing minor gaps, noticeable chips, and stubborn stains before the big day. If that’s the case, then keep reading to learn three cosmetic dental treatments that are ideal for graduating students!

(more…)
Older Posts »