Dr. Valerie Barba

APRIL IS ORAL CANCER Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to ask yourself a simple but important question: when was the last time you were screened for oral cancer? Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, yet it remains one of the least talked about. Every year, tens of […]

IF YOU’VE NOTICED your baby struggling with breastfeeding or your toddler having difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, the culprit might be a lip or tongue tie. These common conditions affect many children, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about your child’s care. What Are Lip and Tongue Ties? A tongue tie, medically known as

MOST PARENTS ARE pretty good about getting their kids to brush. Two minutes, twice a day, with a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. But flossing? That’s where even the most diligent families tend to fall short. The truth is, flossing isn’t optional, even for little teeth. And the habits your child builds now will follow them for

EATING DISORDERS AFFECT millions of Americans, and while much attention focuses on their impact on overall health, the damage they cause to oral health is often overlooked. Understanding the connection between eating disorders and dental problems is crucial for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike. The Acid Attack on Teeth One of the most devastating effects

EVER WONDER WHAT’S actually in your toothpaste? That tube sitting by your sink contains more than just minty freshness. Understanding the ingredients in toothpaste can help you make better choices for your family’s dental health. Active Ingredients: The Cavity Fighters Active ingredients are the components that actually protect your teeth. Think of them as the hardworking

NOVEMBER IS HERE, and with it comes TMJ Awareness Month — a time dedicated to educating patients about temporomandibular joint disorders and the important role oral health professionals play in diagnosis and treatment. Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain yourself or simply want to learn more about this common condition, now is the perfect time to understand

SCROLL THROUGH SOCIAL media for five minutes, and you’ll likely encounter someone confidently dispensing dental health tips. From oil pulling to activated charcoal toothpaste, the internet is awash with supposed miracle cures and quick fixes for everything from whitening teeth to preventing cavities. While some of this advice is harmless, much of it ranges from ineffective

ONE OF THE MOST common questions we hear from parents is about dental sealants. Do they really do much good for a child’s oral health? The simple answer is yes: dental sealants are one of the most effective tools we have for preventing tooth decay in children and teens. What Are Dental Sealants? Dental sealants are thin,

BREATHING MAY FEEL automatic, but how you breathe can have a big impact on your health. While nasal breathing is the body’s natural and most efficient way to take in oxygen, many children and adults rely on mouth-breathing instead. This may happen occasionally during exercise or when congested, but chronic mouth-breathing can cause surprising effects on

AS A PARENT, you want to do everything you can to help your child grow up healthy, and that includes taking care of their smile. Cavities are one of the most common childhood health problems, but the good news is that they are largely preventable. By developing good oral hygiene habits early and staying consistent with