Our Blog

Happy November from Twohig Dentistry! Thanksgiving is one of our office’s most cherished times of the year. It’s a time for togetherness, reflection, and gratitude. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this holiday season is not what we expected but we should still take the time to give thanks to those we appreciate and love.

This year our team plans on having small family gatherings. For connecting with extended family or those who live further away, phone calls or zoom calls can help us feel closer to each other, we even love sending cards. This year there will be no Twohig turkey trot in Wisconsin, hopefully next year though!

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the food! Dr. Mary Rose is going to try a smoked turkey this year. When it comes to desserts you can’t really go wrong with whatever you choose. Our team agrees that Pecan pie squares are the best! We recommend trying Ina Garten’s recipe.

This year, in the midst of a pandemic, we are so grateful for the health of our patients, family, and staff. We are thankful for all the wonderful shared experiences with family and friends.

Please note, the week of Thanksgiving our office will be closed Wednesday through Friday so that our team may celebrate with friends and family. We hope everyone has a safe Thanksgiving.

More than one patient has come into our office and asked, “What can I do to help my teeth when wearing Invisalign?”

While everyone’s teeth and dental needs are different, there are certain things everyone can do to make wearing their Invisalign aligners a more rewarding experience. Always follow the list of instructions and tips from Drs. James and Mary Rose Twohig, and add the following advice to your daily routine.

Always ask us about teeth whitening. Our team at Twohig Dentistry knows how important it is for you to keep your teeth white and stain-free from the foods and drinks you consume daily. If you have attachments to your teeth, they will not whiten properly. Ask our office about teeth whitening when wearing your aligners; it might be best to wait until your treatment is complete.

Continue flossing every day. You should be flossing in any case. But it can be easy to assume that Invisalign will protect your teeth from bacteria. This is not true. Bacteria can get behind the aligners and affect the health of your teeth and gums, so keep up with your flossing schedule.

Follow the 48-hour rule when wearing your aligners. When you insert every new set of aligners, you should leave them in as much as possible during the first 48 hours. Your teeth will move more during this timeframe, and the aligners do the most good during this time.

You may experience slight discomfort while wearing your Invisalign aligners. You can take a pain reliever to help with the discomfort, but if you experience too much pain, please give us a call at our convenient Albuquerque office to schedule an appointment!

Happy October! Here at Twohig Dentistry, we are always excited to greet the beginning of a new month, and October is particularly special. There are so many beloved festivities to enjoy not to mention all the treats! Who else is indulging in pumpkin-based treats?

Our Halloween traditions usually include decorating the office and handing out treats to the kids. Outside of the office, Lucie plans on having a pumpkin carving contest with her neighbors. On Halloween night we will watch some of our favorite Halloween-themed films like Nightmare Before Christmas, we don’t like anything that’s not too scary. Want some alternative options to candy to enjoy? Try Pretzels, popcorn in bags, or sugarless gum.

We continue to operate under strict health restrictions but we can’t thank our wonderful patients enough for being understanding! You all have been extremely considerate. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.

We wish you all a happy and safe October! Hope to see you in our office again soon.

When most people think of complications of diabetes, they think of an increased risk of blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, and neuropathy. However, Drs. James and Mary Rose Twohig and our team want you to know that emerging research is revealing a possible connection between uncontrolled diabetes and dental problems. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or type 1, uncontrolled high blood glucose level increases the risk of certain oral health conditions, including:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Gingivitis (early gum disease)
• Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease)

Diabetes and proper dental care

If you have diabetes, it is more important than ever to take your dental care seriously and practice excellent oral hygiene. These recommendations will help:

1. Manage your diabetes. First and foremost, it is vital to control your high blood sugar in accordance with your physician’s instructions — not only for the sake of your oral health, but your overall health. With properly controlled blood sugar, you reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and other oral health issues.
2. Practice good at-home oral hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day AND flossing. At a minimum, brush your teeth in the morning and at night, but after meals and snacks if you can. Use a soft toothbrush to avoid injuring your gums. Don’t neglect flossing, because it helps to remove plaque below the gumline and between teeth.
3. Visit the dentist regularly. While it is important to see the dentist every six months even if you don’t have diabetes, it is even more crucial to have a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam if you have the disease. As dental professionals, our team at Twohig Dentistry is able to detect early dental conditions before they develop into something more serious and costly.
4. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes. If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to let us know as soon as possible, and remind us at every appointment.
5. Be conscientious about examining your own gums and teeth. By looking for early signs of gum disease, which can include bleeding gums, irritated gums, gums that are red (versus a healthy pink), or swelling, we can get started on treatment right away.

Managing diabetes takes effort, not only in watching your diet, exercising, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and taking your medication, but obtaining proper dental care.

To learn more about the link between diabetes and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. James and Mary Rose Twohig, please give us a call at our convenient Albuquerque office!