Dr. Gary Vance
Did You Know: Diabetes Can Affect Your Dental Health
Among the many complications that can arise from diabetes is the greater risk for gum disease. Here’s what you need to know.
Are You a Tea Drinker? Your Dentist Will Thank You
The health benefits of an afternoon cup of tea have been well-documented. For example, a simple mug of green tea can improve heart health…
National Dental Hygiene Month: The Ripple Effect of Oral Health
All of that brushing, flossing and mouthwashing you do on a daily basis doesn’t just give you pearly whites and fresh breath (although that’s probably the main…
Brush Up on the Best Floss and Toothbrush for You
Good oral hygiene may seem like a cosmetic issue, but the state of your teeth and gums impacts your overall wellbeing (in fact, gum disease is a major risk…
Healthy Dental Habits for Kids
From the moment your little one gets their first tooth, it’s time to teach proper dental care. A few lessons now can make a difference in how their healthy…
The surprising link between medicine and oral health
If you take any sort of medication—over-the-counter or prescribed—you’ve probably noticed those long lists of potential side effects listed on the labels.
Are your favorite foods causing tooth erosion?
Do you drink a glass of orange juice every morning? How about a warm cup of tea to beat the 3 p.m. slump? These habits seem harmless (even healthy!)…
Dental prescriptions and the dangers of teen drug abuse
There are some dental procedures that, in order to control post operative pain, require narcotic analgesic medication. The most common drugs in this category…
Tooth-friendly stocking stuffers for the family
Hung by the chimney with care, stockings typically hold the best bite-size gifts of the holiday. Unfortunately, the majority are filled with tins of licorice…
Holiday edition: Foods your dentist won’t eat
The holidays are known as a time to indulge in homemade sugar cookies, your coworker’s famous fudge, and cup after cup of eggnog. But while these tempting…
Dogs and dental distress: Conquering dental anxiety with man’s best friend
They have been known to bring happiness to adults and children alike, ease veterans’ post-traumatic stress and provide support to those following a tragedy.
Ask the Dentist: What foods protect against cavities?
There is nothing better than biting into a juicy Michigan apple fresh from the farmer’s market. Besides the incredible taste, this in-season produce is packed…
Trick or treat: What Halloween’s spooky treats can do to your teeth
Halloween candy is delicious – but there can be some scary consequences when you eat too much.
Ask the Dentist: When should I get my wisdom teeth out?
Getting wisdom teeth out is something that many people experience. Find out when to schedule your wisdom teeth removal with help from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
#HealthyMurr: David goes back to the dentist for a filling
Making a regular dentist appointment promotes good health. Read about David Murray’s continued pursuit of dental health, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
#HealthyMurr: David visits the dentist
After 10 years of avoiding the dentist, David paid a visit to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s dental expert Dr. Gary Vance for a check up.
Ask the Dentist: Is TMJ causing my headaches?
What would it take to pack the house at Spartan Stadium from now until year 2079, or keep Maize and Blue fans cheering in the Big House for the next 327…
Back-To-School Oral Health: Tips for keeping a child’s mouth healthy
Prioritizing health is always important. Here are some ways to keep your child's oral health in tip top shape.
Moms-To-Be Need Extra Dental Check-Ups
Pregnancy can be an exciting time for expanding families. But with so many to-dos, it can be easy to overlook oral health. That said…
How-To: Handle a dental emergency
Accidents happen – even to your mouth. The good news is with quick action and proactive measures, you can make sure your dental emergency doesn’t escalate…
Ask the Dentist: Are sports drinks bad for your teeth?
Sports drinks may seem like a healthy choice, but they can also cause serious damage to your teeth – putting you at a much higher risk for cavities and tooth…
What does a dental plan typically cover?
When most people think about health insurance, they typically think about covering the cost of illnesses or medical procedures. How familiar are you with…
Participating in athletics? Don’t forget your mouth guard!
Wearing mouth guards is the one of the most important protective gear you can wear when playing a contact sport.
Ask the dentist: Should I brush my teeth at the office?
What’s on your check list of office tasks tomorrow? Staff meeting? Client call? Brushing your teeth? If you’re like the majority, you likely left the last one…
Ask the Dentist: What is the best treatment for teeth grinding?
Every person deals with stress differently, and while back pain and headaches are common side effects, most people don’t realize how stress can affect their…
Green isn’t festive on your gums & teeth during your St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with green drinks is fun, but the effects on your teeth may not be.
Five surprising things damaging your teeth
We all know the importance of daily brushing and flossing, and many of us are familiar with habits that put our teeth at risk, such as eating sugary foods or…
How to protect your baby’s teeth from cavities
As a parent, protecting your baby from illness is a top priority. We safe-proof our children from all of the obvious threats – we ensure they have the necessary…
Healthy habits for your children’s smile
Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness around the importance of good oral health…
Starting to feel sick? It may be time to change your toothbrush
It’s that time of year again when the temperature starts to drop; germs spread and most of us inevitably get sick. I’m sure you’ve tried almost everything…
Ask the dentist: What can I do to avoid my sensitive teeth from hurting in cold weather?
Have you ever wondered why your teeth are more sensitive during the winter months? If so, you’re not alone. Studies suggest that at least 45 million adults in…
Excessive drinking can harm your teeth
As the holiday season comes to an end and we prepare ourselves for football playoffs and Valentine’s Day, it’s common for people to shop, eat…
Why you should add flossing to your New Year’s resolutions
What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2013? Losing weight? Spending more time with family? Flossing your teeth at least once a day? Most people don’t…
Ask the dentist: What kind of toothbrush would you recommend for the cleanest teeth?
A toothbrush is one of the main components to maintaining proper oral health. We all know brushing twice a day and replacing your old toothbrush every 3-4…
How to achieve a picture-perfect smile for the holidays
No one wants to look in the mirror and realize their once pearly whites now more closely resemble a shade of yellow. Similarly, no one wants to spend hundreds…
Diabetic-friendly football snacks that are also good for eye and teeth health
Football season is upon us, and regardless of whether it’s you or your significant other who loves the sport, most people have found themselves watching a few…
Six steps for diabetics to ensure a long-lasting, healthy smile
Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose to energy, which is our main source of fuel. More than 8.3 percent of the adult population in…
Ask the Dentist: What are some healthier alternatives to candy on Halloween?
In the eyes of children, Halloween ranks right up there with Christmas and Hanukkah. Since Halloween is a day children always look forward to…
Common Dental Problems as You Get Older
It is a known fact our bodies change as we get older, but did you know your mouth and teeth also go through changes as we age? However, with proper care of your…
Ask the Dentist: How Can I Avoid Gum Disease?
I’m going to discuss a problem affecting our mouths as we get older: gum disease or in dental terms – periodontal disease. To avoid gum disease…
Good Dental Health Means Healthy Aging
Maintaining your dental health is an important part of ensuring a healthy aging experience.
What are the top causes of sensitive teeth?
Does a sip of hot cocoa, or breathing cold air cause you to experience tooth discomfort? If so, you might be experiencing sensitive teeth.
Five Ways to Make a Tooth-Friendly Lunch Box
Sending your child off to school each morning well-prepared not only means a backpack filled with the right technology, pencils and notebooks, but a lunch box…
Add a dental checkup to your back-to-school checklist
Many parents know to schedule a doctor's appointment before the start of the school year, but don't forget about oral health too.