— articles —

Dental health, explained.

Practical information from Dr. Andy Engel and the Living Dental Health team. 28 years of experience, written down.

August 1, 2025

Understanding Your First Dental Appointment at Living Dental Health

For over 25 years, we’ve proudly served the Bend community, helping them achieve bright, healthy smiles. If you are new to our practice or are considering becoming a patient, you likely have questions. In this blog, we will address the most frequently asked questions from new patients. What Happens During the Initial Comprehensive Dental Exam?

July 1, 2025

Unmasking the Damage of Clenching and Grinding Teeth (and How to Fight Back!)

Have you ever woken up with a headache you can’t quite explain? Or notice a persistent soreness in your jaw or neck? You might be unknowingly engaging in a nocturnal battle with your teeth – the insidious habits of clenching and grinding. At Living Dental Health, we recently had an enlightening chat with our fantastic

June 1, 2025

Not All Dental Cleanings Are the Same. Understanding the Difference Between Prophy and Perio Cleanings

Seeing our patients checking out their smiles in the mirror after a dental cleaning always tickles us. It is hard, if not impossible to beat the level of clean that your dental hygienist can achieve. However, not all patients receive the same type of dental cleaning, with some requiring a deeper cleaning. Let us explain

May 1, 2025

Tobacco, Vaping, and Other Tobaccoless Products are an Oral Health Recipe for Disaster

Smoking, a habit deeply ingrained in human culture for thousands of years, and vaping, a more recent trend, are both significant contributors to the deterioration of oral health. Despite the increasing awareness of the long-term dangers of smoking, such as emphysema and cancer, the impact on oral health is often overlooked. This month’s blog takes

April 1, 2025

Are People with Diabetes Doomed to Have Dental Problems?

When you think of diabetes, you probably envision blood sugar checks and eating the “right” foods. Oral health is probably low on your list of likely health risks of having the chronic disease. However, for people with diabetes, not managing blood sugar can wreak havoc on their smile. Diabetes is a condition in which the

March 2, 2025

Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: Filling the Gap in Your Smile

Losing a tooth can be a daunting experience, impacting both your oral health and confidence. At Living Dental Health, we understand the importance of finding the right solution to restore your smile while honoring your time and budget. Two popular options for replacing missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges. We sat down with

February 1, 2025

Three Crucial Questions to Ask When Choosing the Best Dentist in Bend, OR

Having choices is a beautiful thing. Can you imagine if everyone in town wore the same clothes or drove the same car – or – gulp – didn’t have a choice in where to go for their healthcare? While we may not have multiple options for hospitals or cancer centers, we do have a lot

January 2, 2025

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Healthy Gums Make a Healthy Baby

Pregnancy is a time of beautiful changes within the body. However, the changes that occur to grow a fetus impact parts of the body that may surprise you. As a dental office, we are particularly interested in how pregnancy affects oral health, which, if not addressed, can snowball and affect the health of the developing

December 7, 2024

Navigating Dental Insurance: The Importance of Choosing the Right Dentist Over an Insurance Plan

When it comes to dental care, one of the most common concerns is whether to stick with in-network providers to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs. However, it’s essential to understand that you shouldn’t be overly concerned about being out-of-network if it means receiving the right care from a dentist you trust. Many insurance plans offer excellent

November 1, 2024

Timing Dental Work Around Joint Replacement Surgery: How a Simple Cleaning Can Impact Your Surgical Results

Bend is home to some of the most active people in the world. Active communities typically have higher rates of total joint replacement surgeries, which is certainly true in our little corner of the world. Most people are surprised to learn that major surgeries like hip and knee replacements have specific rules and timings for

October 1, 2024

What to Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

We all remember the dread of having our wisdom teeth removed when we were in our late teens or early twenties. It’s a rite of passage that many of us have to go through. But what can we really expect when facing this common dental procedure? I recently spoke with Christy Spencer, a dental assistant

September 1, 2024

What’s all the Fuss About Nightguards and Do They Really Work?

If you’ve ever experienced jaw pain or chronic headaches, or your dentist informed you that your teeth were being worn down because of grinding, you may have been advised to consider using a nightguard. But what is all the fuss about nightguards, and do they actually help stop tooth destruction? I spoke with Dr. Andy

August 1, 2024

Hate the Dentist? Have Dental Anxiety? Get Connected to a Dentist Who Cares

If you were to rank the health care providers you had to see from the most enjoyable to the least enjoyable, visiting the dentist would likely be at the low end of the scale—hovering near the gynecologist. For many people, visiting the dentist isn’t a big deal. You go in, get a cleaning (hey, let’s

July 1, 2024

Nine Dental Myths You Must Stop Believing

The lines between truth and reality often get blurred due to fallacies. This is most certainly true when it comes to our teeth. The challenge, though, is discerning what is real from what isn’t because wrong information can be dangerous. This blog, which is crucial for promoting accurate information about oral health, will highlight some

June 1, 2024

Eight Destructive Oral Habits that Can Ruin Your Teeth

We live, we learn, or at least, hopefully, we learn. That’s one of the reasons we are given baby teeth as children—to learn how to take care of them before the official ones kick in. But old habits can die hard, and some of us are guilty of oral habits that destroy our teeth. And

May 3, 2024

The Advantages of Clear Aligner Braces for Adults

For many, the thought of wearing braces as an adult is a complete and utter no-way! Braces are a right of passage for kids, but most adults outgrow the patience and willingness to undergo uncomfortable tooth movement. Do you want to be a brace face in your 40s or 50s? Not likely. Whether you’ve already

April 1, 2024

Dentistry Isn’t a Sprint – Why a Speedy Dentist is Not Good for Your Health

You probably don’t think much about the purpose of a dental exam. Perhaps your experiences have consisted of an “adequate” cleaning by a dental hygienist and a quick peek in the mouth by the dentist to ensure you don’t have any cavities. A dental exam – at least if done right – is much more

March 1, 2024

Having Surgery Soon? Seeing the Dentist First Can Save Your Life

When you think about needing surgery, you probably don’t consider how it will impact your teeth or how your oral health can impact your surgical outcomes, but your dentist does. Dental work can impact surgical outcomes in other parts of the body. This is because the mouth is a gateway to the rest of the

February 1, 2024

The Connection Between Mental Health and Oral Health and How it Can Ruin Your Teeth

Life can be stressful. Today’s fast-paced and demanding world expects so much of us. And, sadly, life isn’t getting any easier. Stress levels have been on the rise in the United States, with about three-quarters of adults reporting experiencing at least one symptom of stress in the past month. Understanding Bruxism Which brings us to

January 11, 2024

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry and How it Can Improve Your Smile and Confidence

Smiles are good for the soul. When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and even lower blood pressure. Smiling also boosts your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections. Immune boosting is especially

December 1, 2023

Your Gut Health Could be Ruining Your Teeth

Gut health is directly linked to overall health. People with a healthy gut tend to be sick less frequently than those with GI (gastrointestinal) issues. This is because most cells that make up the immune system are located in the gut. But gut health is also linked to oral health. If you are prone to

November 2, 2023

Essential Updates from Your Bend, Oregon Dentist Plus, Why Time, Trust, and Transparency Should be Important to You

I am not sure about you, but time is lacking in many business relationships. This is especially true for healthcare relationships in Bend, Oregon. A 2018 study of 19,000 healthcare providers found that the time spent with a patient was between 13-24 minutes, with 25% of providers spending less than 12 minutes. The relationship between

October 1, 2023

Gaps are Meant for Pumpkins, Not Your Smile

It’s that pumpkin spice time of year when the leaves are aglow with majestic hues of red and yellow, and fireplaces are dusted off and turned back on to keep us snuggly as we sip our coffee and tea. And while you consider how to carve your pumpkin, consider the mouth – and more specifically,

September 1, 2023

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Really Necessary?

We are creatures of evolution and are grateful for three significant evolutionary changes: opposable thumbs, losing body hair, and larger brains. An area that hasn’t entirely kept up with evolution is wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Our ancestors had larger mandibles so they could tear and chew meat. We don’t. Evolution made our

August 1, 2023

Dental Implants – Because Having Teeth is in Style

I remember going into my grandparent’s bathroom as a child and seeing their dentures soaking at night. Dentures were the norm until advancements in dentistry proved there was a longer-lasting and functional treatment available for missing teeth – dental implants. What is a Dental Implant? The majority of dental implants are made of medical-grade titanium.

July 3, 2023

Understanding Radiation Exposure in Dental X-rays

Wait, I don’t want that dental X-ray. Do you get a little nervous when you hear that X-rays are needed? While most people take getting X-rays with ease, some people have concerns about radiation and the risk of getting cancer from too much exposure. This is a valid concern we want to address in this

June 2, 2023

Choosing A New Dentist Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore – Learn What to Look For

Moving to a new city is fun and exciting. But it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got to find new healthcare providers. The pandemic created workforce shortages that are felt all across the U.S., including Bend. Long wait times to establish care with a dentist can create issues, especially when you’re struggling with

May 1, 2023

Should You Remove Your Silver Fillings? This Dentist Says Yes, But for a Different Reason Than You’d Expect

Technology is wonderful. But the thing about technology is that it continues to evolve. Forms of toothbrushes have been around for over 3000 years, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the toothbrush that we are familiar with came into existence. I can tell you that brushing with frayed twigs in ancient Babylon was probably pretty

March 21, 2023

Always Be Learning – A Plea for Continuing Education in Dentistry

When you’ve been a dentist for 25 years, things change. That’s why staying on top of innovations in your field is essential. Most medical professions require Continuing Education or CE, and dentistry is no different, for the most part. When choosing a dentist in Bend, OR, it is crucial to consider their priority of continually

March 13, 2023

Celebrating 25 Years as a Dentist in Bend, OR

Living Dental Health: Customized Care with a Gentle Touch Many options exist when you need a new dentist in Bend, OR. And while it is good to have choices, sometimes too many can make the decision more difficult. We also don’t need to sugarcoat the reality that for the average person, visiting the dentist isn’t

February 7, 2023

The Connection Between Oral Health and Whole Health

The health of your body is directly linked to the health of your mouth. This is called oral health. And while most of us are good about brushing and flossing every day, others aren’t. That’s why we sat down with Dental Hygienist, Nicole Nolan, to get the dirt on how oral health impacts overall health

January 17, 2023

A Missing Tooth and a Bone Graft Goes Hand in Hand – Understanding the Importance of Bone Grafts to Long-Term Oral Health

Missing teeth are super cute in kids but not so much in adults. Thankfully, there are ways to replace adult teeth, restoring your smile to its former glory. But, before this can happen, you must ensure the tooth’s former home doesn’t collapse. In this blog, learn the importance and significance of bone grafting. First off,

December 1, 2022

Three Tips for Saving Money on Your Health and Dental Expenses

It is the most wonderful time of the year. It is the time of year for enjoying egg nog and candy canes and snuggling up by the fire. It is also time to make healthcare plans for the year ahead. Insurance is downright expensive, and the final quarter of the year is your last opportunity

November 1, 2022

Why Your Chronic Headache May Be TMD and How Your Dentist Can Help

Dentists are known for making beautiful smiles, but did you know that they can also make your headache disappear? Chronic headaches, such as migraines, affect more than 39 million men, women, and children throughout the country and more than 1 billion people worldwide. The prevalence of headaches is so significant that it is considered the

October 1, 2022

How the Heck Did Dentists Become So Scary?

When asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up,” most children don’t say, “a dentist.” Let’s face it, many people, and I mean many, have a love-hate relationship with their dentist. And that’s pretty sad because it takes a special kind of person to stare into a person’s mouth – breath and

September 1, 2022

Ten Most Frequently Asked Dental Questions

Our teeth are pretty spectacular. They’ve been a part of our lives for decades. They help us talk and eat and kiss. But despite our familiarity with our chompers, we consistently get some great questions. Here are the top ten questions we receive. Is an electric toothbrush really better? If you’re a patient of Dr.

August 12, 2022

Is Transparency in Dentistry Possible? We Think So.

Healthcare today seems shrouded in mystery and unknowns – especially if you’re a consumer. You think you will see one dentist and then get switched to another when you show up for your appointment. And all too frequently, those services that you thought were covered by insurance at 80% are only covered at 50%, unless

August 1, 2022

You Only Have One Set of Teeth – Keep Them for Life

You Only Have One Set of Teeth – Keep Them for Life Unless you’re a small child, your teeth are all you have. But as human nature has it, we often don’t treasure those wonderful gifts until they’re at risk…or are gone. A perfect example is a teen who never had a cavity and had

July 1, 2022

Not All Dentists Are Terrifying

Not All Dentists Are Terrifying Dental Anxiety, Dental Phobia, and Overcoming Fear Depending on a person’s childhood, their feelings about visiting the dentist vary significantly. Dental phobia, or a deep fear of the dentist, only affects around 10% of people. However, it is estimated that as many as 75% of adults in the U.S. have

June 1, 2022

Don’t Shortchange Your Health – Slow Down When You Eat.

Don’t Shortchange Your Health – Slow Down When You Eat. You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” but did you know that the food you eat and even the speed with which you eat your food has been found to have significant life-saving benefits. The French and Italians had it right all along.

May 6, 2022

Not All Dentists Are Created Equal and Why You Should Care

Not All Dentists Are Created Equal and Why You Should Care You may be surprised to learn that not all dentists are alike. While the focus of their career is to help patients maintain health through preventative oral care and treating conditions such as cavities and gum disease as they arise, the tools of their

April 2, 2022

Dentistry is More Than Your Teeth

Dentistry is More Than Your Teeth Sara knew something was wrong. The pain in her mouth wasn’t improving, and after a year of hoping it would get better, she knew it was well past time for help. She decided to see Dr. Andy Engel of Living Dental Health. Through his exam, Dr. Andy discovered that

March 3, 2022

Common Myths Surrounding Food and Oral Health

Common Myths Surrounding Food and Oral Health An unknown author once said, “You don’t have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep.” This person was on to something. Yes, keeping your teeth is important because, well, a person’s smile is the first thing people notice, and most of us want

January 1, 2022

Starting the New Year with a Confident Smile

Transforming Your Year With a Confident Smile A smile is the universal sign of happiness. When we smile, we show others that we are happy, warm, and kind. The act of smiling makes us appear more approachable and likable and can even help us land a job and get promoted. And while we’ve had our

November 1, 2021

Tips for Having the Most Kissable Mouth This Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Tips for Having the Most Kissable Mouth This Valentine’s Day and Beyond February is affectionately (or not depending on your current relationship status) known as the month of love. It is also heart health month (go figure). So we wanted to provide some tips you could benefit from because who doesn’t love a good kiss?

October 20, 2021

Dental Gifts You Never Knew You’d Love to Have

Dental Gifts You Never Knew You’d Love to Have Yes! We have almost made it through another year. And as we pat ourselves on the back for a pandemic year survived (kind of), we gulp in earnest and realize that the start of December also means we are in the throes of the gift-giving season.

August 25, 2021

Back to the Basics: Dental Tips from Your Dentist

Back to the Basics: Dental Tips from your Dentist From a young age, most people are taught the importance of oral hygiene – you know, brushing twice a day and even flossing. But have you ever wondered whether you were doing it right? Have you wondered whether or not the products you were using were

August 17, 2021

Some Wise Advice on Wisdom Teeth Removal

Removing wisdom teeth is a rite of passage of sorts, something almost every high school or college student experiences. A good dentist will prepare the teen for what’s to come, providing updates on how their wisdom teeth are coming in and advising when to have them removed. But is removal really necessary? Wisdom teeth, also

July 26, 2021

The Icky Truth About Gum Disease and Why You Should Care

The importance of brushing your teeth twice a day is widely known and hard to debate. Even super busy and lackadaisical personalities eventually succumb to the calling of their lonely toothbrush. But flossing is thought by many to be something extra – and according to the ADA, around 55% of adults say that time is

May 26, 2021

How Going Out-of-Network for Dental Care May Save Your Teeth and Wallet

Insurance is something ingrained in most of us as a necessity, a way to save money for the health services we need. It also protects us from the unexpected and ensures we can receive the highest quality of care by choosing the providers who care for our family and us. But what happens when you

April 21, 2021

Two Solutions for Achieving Your Perfect Smile

The definition of a great smile will vary depending on who you ask. And while as dentists, we’d like to think we are the ‘great smile’ experts, we tend to find beauty in all kinds of smiles. However, over one-third of Americans are unhappy with something about their smile and want to have it fixed.

March 31, 2021

Meet Your New Dentist

Introducing Dr. Andy Engel of Living Dental Health When you first meet Dr. Andy Engel of Living Dental Health, you are entranced by his calm demeanor and genuine interest in listening and truly hearing what you have to say. He is a dentist, right? There are plenty of jokes about dentists who like to ask

March 31, 2021

Why Not All Dentists Are Created Equal

If you took a poll and asked how many people enjoyed going to the dentist, the majority would say no. The fear of needing dental work outside of a traditional cleaning and an exam can send some into a panic. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have the right dentist, it