Dr. Christine Coughlin

Bad breath can be a real confidence killer. Whether you’re heading into a big meeting, spending time with family, or going on a date, the last thing you want is to worry about your breath. At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, we’re here to help you feel your best every day with simple, effective ways to […]

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but (as you know) it also brings changes that can affect your entire body—including your dental health. At Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, we’re passionate about empowering you with knowledge and care to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy journey.   Let’s dive into how pregnancy affects your dental health, why […]

Yes, your teeth can stay straight after Invisalign—but only if you follow through with proper post-treatment care, especially wearing a retainer. Invisalign clear aligners are a fantastic way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile, but keeping your teeth in place requires consistent effort. What Happens After Invisalign? When you finish your Invisalign treatment, your teeth […]

Yes, dental implants are absolutely worth it for most people seeking a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution for missing teeth. They don’t just restore your smile—they also help improve your oral health, boost your confidence, and make everyday activities like eating and speaking effortless. Let’s break down why so many people consider implants a life-changing investment. Why […]

by Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS Do you ever clench your teeth when you’re stressed? I do! Do you sometimes use your teeth to open packages or crack open a nutshell? Or do you like to chew on ice or your nails? (I’ve been guilty of the latter). Or what about those sugary frappuccinos that you […]

Finding the best dentist for your family can be one of the most nerve-racking decisions in life. You want to find someone you can truly trust. Someone kind and compassionate. Someone exceptionally skilled and brilliantly talented. This is your health and your smile we’re talking about. And you deserve THE best dentist… for you and […]

Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Nate here at Thrive Dental and Orthodontics with my lovely wife, Dr. Christine, who is also a dentist. And we’re going to be talking about a very important topic today, and that is gum recession. First off, what is gum recession? Gum recession is when your gums or your gingiva start […]

by Dr. Nathan Coughlin Many of us have experienced a toothache at one point or another. A toothache can cause us to stay awake at night and be uncomfortable for days if left untreated. Let’s talk about some ways to help alleviate pain so you can get on with your life. Causes of a Toothache […]

If a child’s cavity isn’t filled, the decay will continue to spread, potentially leading to pain, infections, and long-term oral health problems. Cavities don’t heal on their own, so early treatment is essential to protect your child’s smile and prevent further complications. Here’s what could happen if a child’s cavity isn’t filled: The Cavity Will […]

I want to talk to you about a common dental emergency that can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly by an emergency dentist. I’m talking about a tooth abscess. What is a tooth abscess? A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection of the tooth and can occur in […]

Am I born with bad teeth? “I just have bad teeth… my mother had bad teeth… my mother’s mother had bad teeth… and my grandma’s mother had bad teeth. So I’ve always been doomed to have bad teeth. I’ll probably have to wear dentures by age 50, just like my mom!” Alicia had given up […]

Did you know? Dental disease remains the most common chronic disease in children and adults. Around half of US adults have gum disease, and a third have untreated tooth decay. And around 43% of children have cavities at some point in their lives. Did you also know that research links decaying and infected teeth and gums with […]

“What’s the best toothpaste?” This is the number one question patients ask me. Unfortunately, conventional toothpastes contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to our health. This includes fluoride, which is toxic in large amounts. So it’s important to know what’s in the toothpaste that you put in your mouth every day. In this article, I’ll […]

Everyone knows that brushing your teeth is extremely important for good dental health. But brushing the correct way is key. Choosing the right toothbrush will help you achieve this. And using an electric toothbrush can make brushing your teeth more manageable and more effective. The Sonicare toothbrush has been the most well-known brand out there. […]

Tooth extraction is the removal of a damaged or unrestorable tooth. There are 2 types of extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions. Wisdom tooth extractions are almost always surgical extractions. A tooth extraction is a procedure where an unrestorable tooth is pulled out of its bone socket. An extraction is required in cases of a deep cavity, wisdom teeth, broken teeth, etc. […]

by Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS “I’d rather just pull it,” said Kevin. “I don’t want to deal with a root canal. I just want to get rid of it and forget it.” It wasn’t the first time I’d heard those words from a patient. Too many people would rather “not deal with the problem” by […]

Your first visit to get braces is very easy. After you fill out the necessary paperwork, we will take a cephalometric and panoramic radiograph. The panoramic radiograph allows us to see your jaw bone level, wisdom teeth, missing or extra teeth, and any anomalies in your jaw. The cephalometric radiograph shows us the protrusion or […]

When your little one suffers with teething pain, this can be frustrating for you and baby. But knowing the signs and symptoms to look can help you sooth your baby with the right remedies. When your baby refuses to eat or sleep and is fussier than usual, this may be a sign of teething. You […]

Ceramic braces (aka clear braces) are a more aesthetic than traditional metal braces. They are more discreet and blend more with your teeth than metal braces. In this post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of braces, the costs, and what to expect. What are Ceramic Braces? Ceramic braces are similar to […]

Getting your kids to brush their teeth… it’s one of the trickiest things parents have to deal with. But also one of the most important. How do you get a toddler to stay still? Let alone, get them to brush their teeth for 2 minutes twice a day? Well, you’re not alone in this struggle, […]

Think you might need a dental bridge? It’s one of the most common dental procedures for replacing a missing tooth. It’s an excellent solution that should last you many years if you maintain it properly. You might have lost a tooth due to trauma, gum disease, tooth decay, or a failed root canal. Missing teeth […]

Crest Whitestrips have become extremely popular for their convenience and affordability. They do work and can be an easy solution for whiter teeth, but you need to know some of the risks with this teeth whitening method before you try it. In this post, I’ll discuss how Crest Whitestrips and similar brands work. How Crest Whitestrips Work Crest Whitestrips work by […]

Dry socket is a painful ailment that happens after a tooth extraction. When the blood clot from the extraction site falls out prematurely (within the first 4 days after surgery), dry socket causes extreme pain that may radiate to the jaw, face, and ear. It also causes bad breath. The highest risk for this condition is […]

You’ve probably dreamt about having a perfect, sparkly smile. Maybe to fix crooked, chipped, or discolored teeth?  Find out if dental veneers are the right choice for your smile transformation. This post will discuss what you should know before making this important decision – the cost, process, pros and cons, types, and more. What are […]

Invisalign is one of the most powerful and popular dental advancements today.  But there are a few things you must know before getting Invisalign. Having experienced Invisalign myself, I think it’s a great option for adults who want the freedom to remove their aligners for pictures and special events. However, this advantage can also become […]

by Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS Thinking of getting an electric toothbrush for your kid? One of the most asked questions I get is: should I get my child an electric toothbrush? What type? I do recommend an electric toothbrush, but it needs to be the right kind. Before you buy your kid an electric toothbrush […]

  by Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS Did you know that you don’t need to use any toothpaste for your baby before age two? The most important thing is that you’re brushing. Toothpaste isn’t actually essential for dental health – it’s brushing and flossing. It’s the actual physical motion of brushing that disintegrates biofilm and prevents […]

Most people think kids must be in their teens or pre-teens for orthodontic treatment. But your child needs an orthodontic exam much sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Why your child should get an orthodontic exam by age 7 Your orthodontist can spot […]

Most people believe the myth that you have to wait until all your baby teeth fall out before getting braces. But if you wait that long, chances are you will miss the best window of opportunity for fixing time-sensitive problems that may be too difficult to fix later. When to see an orthodontist Did you […]

Caring for your baby is a huge blessing and responsibility, and caring for their teeth is no exception. We want to make it easier for you, so we created this comprehensive guide to help you out. Baby teeth: function and purpose Just because baby teeth aren’t permanent doesn’t mean they’re not crucial to your child’s […]

This one thing could change your life forever. It did for me. I’m talking about braces. If you’re thinking about getting them for yourself, your child, or a loved one, let me tell you that it will be the biggest gift you ever give yourself or your loved one. Braces do so much more than […]

by Dr. Nathan Coughlin Half of the patients who come into our Thrive Dental offices want to fix their overbite. I love talking about this subject because it is so widespread, but there are a ton of misconceptions when it comes to overbites. Let me explain what exactly an overbite is and how we can […]

 You’ve always wanted to try whitening your teeth but thought it’s too expensive (not anymore! – keep reading). Everywhere you look, there’s a new DIY hack or whitening pen that promises quick and easy results. They almost seem too good to be true. Brush my teeth with charcoal? Swish oils in my mouth for 30 […]

by Dr. Christine Couglin DDS Although baby teeth eventually fall out, they have a lasting effect on your child’s dental health. In this guide, you will learn five critical steps every parent should know to properly care for baby teeth to set up your child for a lifetime of excellent dental health. Start oral care […]

by Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS It’s a question that every parent wants to know: How do I help my kids prevent cavities? Do you want to learn how to save your money and your sanity and prevent cavities in your family for life? Moms, can I get an “Amen”? With all the information (and misinformation) […]

by Dr. Christine Coughlin, DDS Everyone wants whiter teeth, but many don’t know where to start. Regarding teeth whitening, there are two options available: whitening at home and professional in-office whitening. Both methods offer several different systems and products, using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down surface stains. Here are the different […]

Hi, friends! We’re here to talk to you about a question I get asked all the time. When do baby teeth grow in and how do I care for them? Baby teeth development Kids typically get their first tooth at 4-7 months of age, which is when you should bring your baby in for his […]

Ahh, the age-old question: Should teeth be straightened with Invisalign or Braces? Okay, maybe it’s not the age-old question for everyone, but I deal with this every day. It seems like summer is the time when everyone wants to straighten their teeth. With many people staying at home, straightening their teeth with no one looking […]

Welcome, friend. We are so grateful you are here. We are absolutely honored to serve you and your family, and we want to share our heart and the reason behind everything we do. Back in the day… Well, when we first graduated from dental school, we were bright-eyed and excited to save the world, one […]