Written for those who’d rather do… literally anything else than book a dental appointment.
You know that little voice in your head that says, “You should see the dentist,” and then it gets drowned out by… literally everything else? Yeah, that one. If it’s been a few years (or maybe even more than a few) since your last dental visit, you’re not alone—and you’re not beyond help.
Whether you’ve been putting it off due to nerves, costs, embarrassment, or just the chaos of life, it’s okay. Seriously. You’re not being judged here. At SLO Smiles, we see people every day who are just starting to re-prioritize their health. And guess what? They leave feeling relieved—not scolded.
Let’s talk through how to get back on track—guilt-free, pressure-free, and with your dignity fully intact.
Let’s just say: the reasons are valid, and they’re more common than most people think.
Here’s the thing: whatever your reason is, it doesn’t make you a bad patient. It makes you human.
Okay, let’s say you keep putting it off. What’s the worst that could happen?
Actually… quite a bit. Not to sound dramatic, but your oral health is linked to your whole-body health. Problems in your mouth don’t just stay in your mouth—they can sneak into your bloodstream and contribute to things like:
(Still skeptical? Check out Mayo Clinic’s overview of oral health and systemic health. It’s worth a read.)
And beyond the science-y stuff, there’s the real-life stuff: bad breath, chronic tooth pain, difficulty chewing your favorite foods, or that self-conscious feeling when you smile in photos. It adds up.
Getting back on track now can prevent things from getting worse—and way more expensive.
So let’s break down the return-to-the-dentist scenario. You walk into SLO Smiles—nervous, unsure, probably wishing you were at lunch instead. We get it. But here’s what you can expect:
And guess what? Your first visit is all about getting to know your smile—no cleanings or procedures that day. Just a calm, pressure-free start.
Want to know more? Here’s exactly what to expect at your first visit.
We’re not your grandpa’s dental office—and that’s on purpose. From the way we design our spaces to how we talk with patients, everything at SLO Smiles is focused on making you feel safe, heard, and cared for.
Here’s what we offer to help make things easier:
Check out our comfort-focused approach and how we make dentistry feel more human.
Sometimes, the hardest part is walking through the door. Here are a few tricks that help:
If your last dental visit was sometime during the Obama administration… it’s okay. Seriously. No one’s keeping score, and there’s no shame in starting fresh. Every patient journey is different. Some are straight lines; others take a few detours. What matters is that you’re thinking about it again. That’s the first step.
And at SLO Smiles, we’re not here to judge the past—we’re here to help shape your future.
Whenever you’re ready (today, next week, three Tuesdays from now), we’ll be here. No pressure. Just kind, expert dental care in a place where you can feel comfortable—even if it’s been years.
Want to take that first step? Schedule your consultation today, and just let us know in the message: “It’s been a while, and I’m nervous.” We’ll take it from there.
New patients are always welcome at SLO Smiles. Our friendly San Luis Obispo dental team looks forward to meeting you!
While we may be in the business of keeping your teeth pearly white and sparkling. . . one thing is for sure, we love coffee just as much as you (if not more)! Because we would never dream of suggesting you forgo your morning cup of joe. . . today we’re sharing other teeth staining culprits and what you can do to restore the youthful, desirable look of whiter teeth.
You guessed it, coffee is a major contributor to teeth staining, as well as smoking, red wine and regularly consuming tea. A general rule of thumb is that the darker the food you’re eating or drinking, the more likely is it to stain your teeth. Also, those with tartar on their teeth are more likely to have a dull smile, as this crusty deposit traps stains and contributes to discoloration (not to mention plaque and bacteria)!
Our favorite benefit of teeth whitening is the boost of confidence and self-esteem that only a white, bright smile brings. Teeth whitening also helps to restore that youthful glow we’re all after, as yellow, dull teeth can give away older age. Better yet, the hydrogen peroxide present in whitening gel can also help kill bacteria that may cause gum disease and/or tooth decay.
For those looking to give themselves the boost of confidence that whiter teeth brings, we have the perfect solution. Enter, the Colgate Optic White Professional Whitening Kit! This at-home kit is only available through dental offices and is an affordable and time-saving alternative to traditional bleach trays and gels. The Colgate Optic White Professional Teeth Whitening Kit helps to brighten your smile with a portable, silicone mouthpiece using a 9% hydrogen peroxide gel that’s specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Just 10 minutes per day for 10 consecutive days and voila! Your teeth will be lightened by up to 8 SHADES! Sayonara, coffee stains!
This kit has been a favorite here at SLO Smiles and patients agree that this whitening treatment is the perfect option for sensitive smiles that need a little brightening. Questions? No problem! Know that our dentists in San Luis Obispo are happy to answer any of your questions about this exciting new product. All you need to do is give us a buzz at (805) 541-0550. . . after your morning caffeine fix of course!
Morning Breath. Halitosis. Mouth odor. Whatever you call it by, it’s estimated that more than half of all Americans suffer from bad breath. . . but what are the reasons, and how does it so often go undetected and untreated? Today we’re breaking down the causes of foul breath and what you can do if you suspect you have it.
First, out of the millions of Americans living with bad breath, how is it so often going undetected and/or untreated? We often find that patients may not notice their own foul breath because over time, they have grown accustomed to their own odors. Other times, we come across patients who are nervous about what bad breath can mean about the state of their mouth. . . and to these patients we always say, we’re listeners, not lecturers. We’re not here to tell you what you already know, we’re here to meet you right where you’re at and help you in a comfortable, judgement-free zone. Now on to the causes, and the fun part – the cures of bad breath!
Because of how common some of the causes are, mild mouth odor is normal, but if you think you might have chronic bad breath. . . try asking a loved one or schedule an appointment with your friendly San Luis Obispo dentist at SLO Smiles, you can reach us at (805) 541-0550!
Are you ready for a whiter smile this spring? We’ve got exciting news for you.
As always, our dentists in San Luis Obispo are in the know with the latest innovative techniques and treatments.
Only available through dental offices, this is an affordable and time-saving alternative to custom bleach trays and gels. The Colgate Optic White Professional Teeth Whitening Kit lightens your pearly whites with a portable, adaptable-fit silicone mouthpiece with a 9% hydrogen peroxide gel. Pretty cool, right?
it produces much less sensitivity than regular opalescence gel, and all it takes is 10-minutes per day for 10 consecutive days to whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades.
Our SLO Smiles team is raving about this new kit—Dr. Ian Leopold, our practice manager Robyn Adkins, and Maria Compton from our hygiene team have all given it a go, here’s the scoop:
“I haven’t been able to whiten in the past because my teeth got too sensitive. This program was easy to use, convenient, quick and caused me NO discomfort. I am thrilled to have it!”
—Robyn
Our dentists in San Luis Obispo are also excited to announce the launch of
This product has been a favorite here at SLO Smiles. Using Arginine and Calcium Carbonate technology, this serum provides instant relief of sensitivity where the tooth meets the gum line.
Our hygienists use this product chairside for patient comfort and are excited to finally send it home with folks who have sensitive smiles. When sensitivity strikes after treatment or anytime, all you have to do is apply it with your fingertips—a little goes a long way!
With the new year still young, who says you can’t treat yourself to the shining smile you’ve always wanted? We say go for it!
Know that our dentists in San Luis Obispo are happy to answer any and all of your questions about these exciting new products. All you gotta do is give us a ring at (805) 541-0550.
So fall is officially here, which means cookies, candy corn, and pumpkin-spice everything. It’s an exciting sugar-packed time of year for your little ones, but trick or treating isn’t the only thing worth celebrating—October is National Dental Hygiene month!
It’s no secret that oral health is closely linked to overall health, we won’t lecture you there. But now more than ever is time to teach your little ones how to fight off those cavity-causing sugar monsters on their teeth.
In honor of Halloween and National Dental Hygiene Month, here are 5 ways to make brushing fun for your kiddos
As every parent knows, teaching kids the importance of daily flossing and brushing is no easy task. Our SLO Smiles dentists recommend making brushing a fun event your child will look forward to. Don’t just set a timer—crank up your child’s favorite song and have a dance party with the whole family.
Does your kiddo have a character they love? Many children’s shows and movies have special stories about brushing. Read or watch them together, and your child will learn that their favorite superhero brushes their teeth too.
When your child gets to choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, they’ll feel more excited to use them. Give your little ones some age-appropriate options (our dentists recommend ones that are ADA approved). Not only does choosing colorful brushes and yummy flavors make brushing more fun, but it also empowers your child to care for their oral health.
A time tested trick from our own families here at SLO Smiles: make brushing a game! Whether it’s racing your kid to the bathroom, choosing animals or monsters to chase with a toothbrush, or pretending to clean the mouths of all your child’s favorite toys, the sillier you get, the more excited they’ll be when it comes time to polish their pearly whites.
What gets your child excited? If it’s movies and books, let your child pick their bedtime story or show. If it’s stickers, make a brushing chart and let them add one each morning and night. Maybe it’s as simple as giving them a high five or a hug and praising them for their healthy smile.
Here at SLO Smiles, our dentists are parents too. Teaching little ones the importance of oral health isn’t always easy, but with patience and a few tricks, your child will create healthy habits in no time.
New patients are always welcome at SLO Smiles. If you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere designed with your utmost comfort in mind, schedule an appointment today at (805) 541-0550.
Our SLO Smiles family would be honored to care for your family.
Curious about tongue scrapers? This blog is for you. Our SLO Smiles dentists are busting common myths about this popular practice.
Tongue scraping involves taking a small tool, either a wire or brush, and scraping buildup off your tongue (yuck!) as a part of your normal brushing and flossing routine. Tongue scrapers come in many different shapes and sizes, although some folks choose to clean their tongue by simply using their toothbrush.
There are many claims circling that tongue scraping can remove toxins, banish bad breath, and improve your whole body health by removing bacteria from your tongue. But according to the American Dental Association, there is no evidence that brushing or scraping your tongue will prevent bad breath or improve halitosis (chronic bad breath). In fact, bad breath bacteria grows back just as fast as you remove it.
Tongue scraping won’t be your new magic bad breath cure, but one study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology showed tongue cleaning may help you taste food better. Dead cells and debris build up on your tongue after eating, which clogs taste buds, so scraping it away might improve your taste sensation.
If you enjoy feeling like your mouth is extra clean and don’t mind another step to your daily routine, go for it. Tongue scraping is a temporary way to relieve bad breath, but if you really want to put a stop to your halitosis, it’s best to make an appointment with our SLO Smiles dentists. Our friendly staff would be happy to help provide you with more effective ways to fight off this pestering condition.
The truth is, tongue scraping does little for your wellness in regards to removing toxins and preventing illness. There is no science to back any of these lofty claims, and our dental experts agree it’s best to rely on proven methods to enhance your oral health. Regular checkups, along with brushing, flossing, and healthy habits will pave the way to a pearly white smile.
At SLO Smiles, our San Luis Obispo dentists have the training, technology, and talent to help you reach your dental goals. Reach out to our team today at (805) 541-0550 to schedule a personal consultation. Our friendly dentists are happy to answer any and all of your questions.
Here at SLO Smiles, we are more than just a dental office in San Luis Obispo—we are a team of talented and highly experienced dental professionals focused on improving your whole body health. Rather than seeing good dental care as just clean and shiny teeth, we take a holistic approach in our treatments and checkups. Your oral health is connected to so many other parts of your body and it’s important to understand how they work together. That’s why today our SLO Smiles team is breaking down recent findings from the American Heart Association (AHA) Hypertension Journal that connects poor oral health conditions to high blood pressure.
In their review, the AHA found that patients with high blood pressure who were taking medication for the condition are more likely to benefit from it if they have good oral health. Let’s rephrase that: Good oral health is linked to lower blood pressure! These findings are based on a review of medical and dental exam records of more than 3,600 patients with high blood pressure and revealed that those with healthier gums ultimately had lower blood pressure compared to individuals with periodontitis (a gum disease that damages soft tissue in your mouth). Those with periodontitis were 20 percent less likely to reach healthy blood pressure ranges compared with patients in good oral health (AHA).
Good oral health may be just as important in controlling high blood pressure as other lifestyle interventions like diet, exercise, and weight control (AHA). The AHA researchers also mention that physicians should pay close attention to patients’ oral health, particularly those receiving treatment for high blood pressure, and urge those with signs of periodontal disease to seek dental care.
Yep, you heard it right folks. Good oral health is extremely important to whole body health, and can even affect your blood pressure. If there is anything to learn from this research it is that as a patient, you should be expecting more from your dentist in San Luis Obispo. At SLO Smiles, we are the most comprehensive dental office in town—none offer a greater level of specialized experience or comprehensive services.
We want to empower you to take control of your dental health, and we want you to understand how your teeth and gum health relate to your whole body health. SLO Smiles is here to support you every step of the way to a brighter smile. Reach out to our friendly dentists today at (805) 541-0550.
The first day of school is just around the corner, and our SLO Smiles dentist office is here to remind you that it’s time to schedule check ups for your little ones! Keeping your kiddo’s mouth healthy is key for them to have a productive school year—cavities create unnecessary stress, and can be avoided if you follow a few easy dental tips. Here are five steps from our family dental office to help your child take on the new school year.
The second school picks up, life begins to move much faster than it did in the summer. Although it is easy to send your child with lunch money and trust they’ll make good choices, try to keep them fueled with healthy lunches and snacks. When you make their lunch boxes, be sure to avoid sugary processed foods and instead opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. If your child relies on the school cafeteria, take time to explain to them balanced food choices before the first day of school. Teach them to nix the soft drinks and instead choose juice, and health bars instead of candy bars. The truth is, a healthy diet is just as important for your child’s teeth as brushing and flossing.
If your child plays sports in school, investing in a mouth guard is one of the most important things you can do for their oral health this year. Broken and chipped teeth can be painful and devastating for a child. You can’t predict accidents but you can help prevent damage. Mouthguards are inexpensive and will keep their pearly whites in place during sports, recess, and PE classes. Many schools are starting to require them for sport participation because of their effectiveness!
To restate the point above, you can’t predict when a dental accident will happen. Just as you should have a first aid kit with you in your car and at home, always be prepared for a dental emergency, especially if your child is in a sports program. Stock your car and their sports bag with gauze, a handkerchief, and a small container to store broken or lost teeth, ibuprofen, and your family dentists information.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to let brushing and flossing habits fall by the way side. Make sure that you and your kiddos floss and brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Buy several brushes so it’s easy to swap them out every three months, or after an illness. If you help your child develop these habits early, they will carry on well into their adulthood.
According to the American Dental Association, dental exams are just as important as immunizations and booster shots. Tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other infectious disease. Dental pain and disease can can be distracting in learning, and cause difficulty in eating and speaking. Regular dental exams with your family dentist can help catch tooth decay early, before it becomes painful and problematic and leads to lost school time.
Still in need of a family dentist? Know that our San Luis Obispo dentist office is gladly accepting new patients. We would be honored to help you and your little ones on your way to good oral health. We offer flexible scheduling, including weekend appointments. Schedule a visit today online, or at (805) 541-0550.
By now, most people know that smoking is bad for your health. We won’t lecture you there. However, something that patients often don’t realize is that smoking and vaping can seriously affect your teeth. Since your mouth is point A for all cigarette damage, there are serious oral health issues that go hand and hand with inhaling nicotine. Our San Luis Obispo family dentists are here to give you the facts when it comes to these harmful habits.
As soon as you start smoking, a flow of nicotine, tar and other harmful chemicals immediately hit your teeth. These chemicals can cause everything from tooth discoloration to periodontal disease, and it doesn’t stop there. Cigarette smoke can weaken enamel, making it easy for harmful bacteria to eat away at your pearly whites. Smoking also makes it incredibly difficult for your gums to heal following a tooth extraction, leads to gum disease, and contains harmful chemicals that can play a role in oral cancer.
Vaping has been pushed as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, but recent research hasn’t been assuring. While e-cigarettes don’t necessarily result in bad breath and tooth discoloration, the nicotine in the vapor can still pose risks. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which makes it difficult for your body to fight off bacteria in your mouth.This can lead to gum infections.
Even more frightening are the potential risks for e-cigarette burns and explosions. A recent study in the Journal for Tobacco Control found “an estimated 2035 visits to emergency departments for e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries in the U.S. from 2015 to 2017”. These burns and busts can permanently damage your teeth, as you can see in this case covered by Forbes magazine.
So before you pick up your vape pen or cigarette, know the risks you’re posing to your oral health. At SLO Smiles, our family dentists would be happy to answer any and all of your questions about the way this harmful habit impacts your pearly whites.
Reach out to us today at (805) 541-0550.
May is here, which means it is time for Dental Care Awareness Month! This is the time that our dental office, and many others, focus on spreading the word about the importance of oral health. Good oral hygiene includes proper brushing, flossing, and healthy food choices. The integrity of our mouths and teeth are key to whole body health, so when you build good oral health habits, you are positively impacting your body for years to come.
May also means Root Canal Awareness Week! During the second week of May, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) sponsors a special campaign to celebrate the super heroes saving teeth across the country, and spotlights the signs and symptoms of a diseased or injured tooth. The AAE also uses it to educate the public about the benefits of the modern root canal treatment, and the value of saving natural teeth. In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, our team is breaking down root canal procedures and the importance of emergency dentists in our community.
A root canal is a procedure that repairs and saves a badly damaged tooth, or one that is seriously infected, rather than removing it.
Instead of extracting a tooth, emergency dentists or an endodontist will clean the canals inside a tooth’s root, hence “root canal”. With modern dentistry and local anesthetics, most patients experience little to no pain during a root canal—in fact they are in more pain with a damaged or decayed tooth. The procedure takes roughly 90 minutes per tooth, and most patients are comfortable resuming their day afterwards—no major downtime is needed.
Know that if you ever experience toothache or oral pain, our friendly experts and emergency dentists are here to help you. Whether you need a root canal or other treatment, or if you are simply looking for a family dentist, our experts have your utmost comfort in mind. Schedule an appointment today at (805) 541-0550. Our SLO Smiles family would be honored to care for you and your family.
