Murphy Dental Home Blog

The Connection Between Lip & Tongue Ties and Colic

June 18, 2026

Baby lying on its back crying.

Colic is one of the most frustrating challenges new parents can face. Characterized by excessive crying, fussiness, and difficulty soothing an otherwise healthy baby, colic often has no single identifiable cause. However, in some cases, an undiagnosed lip tie or tongue tie may contribute to symptoms that resemble or worsen colic.

While not every colicky baby has an oral restriction, understanding the potential connection can help parents seek the right evaluation and support.

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How Lip and Tongue Ties Can Affect Your Baby’s Transition to Solids

May 21, 2026

A baby crying while being fed solid food

If your baby has a lip or tongue tie, you may already have noticed that breastfeeding can be a challenge for them. However, many parents are tempted to skip the frenectomy procedure to correct these conditions because they believe that once their child transitions to solid food, the problem will go away naturally. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and leaving a tongue or lip tie untreated can cause a laundry list of new feeding problems. Here’s a closer look at some of the issues that not correcting these conditions can create once your child has switched to solids.

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The 5 Main Parts of Your Mouth and How they Help You

April 16, 2026

A closeup of a woman’s mouth.

Although it’s a single entity when it comes to your body, your mouth is comprised of many different but equally important parts. These unique pieces all play a unique role in helping you do things like eat, speak, breathe, smile, laugh and even sneeze. Here’s a closer look at the five main components that make up the mouth, and why it’s so important to care for them all with excellent oral hygiene!

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Can Exercise Promote Gum Health?

March 5, 2026

Couple getting ready to go for a run

It’s believed that nearly half of adults over 30 in the U.S. have some form of periodontal, or gum, disease. That may be a nerve-racking statistic, but you can do your part to ensure you land in the group that doesn’t have to deal with it. One way that you can boost both your oral and overall health is by exercising. Working out can benefit the soft tissues in your mouth, so here’s what you should know.

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The 4 Most Common Oral Health Conditions

February 4, 2026

Woman in dentist's chair holding mouth in pain.

Your mouth plays a vital role in your overall health, yet oral health issues are incredibly common. In fact, millions of people experience dental problems each year, many of which are preventable with proper care and regular dental visits. Understanding the most common oral health conditions can help you recognize early warning signs and take action before small problems turn into bigger ones.

Here are 4 of the most common oral health conditions and what you should know about them.

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How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

January 30, 2026

Woman with dental implants smiling into mirror in dentist's chair.

Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to restore both function and appearance while providing stability similar to natural teeth. Many patients considering dental implants want to know how long they can expect them to last. While dental implants are extremely durable, their lifespan depends on several factors, including oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and overall health.

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How a Healthy Diet Can Make Dental Implants Last Longer

January 4, 2026

Assortment of healthy foods.

Dental implants are a durable and long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. With proper care, implants can last for decades and provide strong, natural-looking results. While good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for maintaining implants, your diet also plays a significant role in their longevity. Eating nutrient-rich foods supports gum health, strengthens bone, and helps protect your implants from complications. Here’s how a healthy diet can help your dental implants last longer.

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The Dental Implant Post-Op Experience: Answers to 5 Common Questions

December 3, 2025

Curious man standing in front of chalkboard with question marks on it

Dental implant surgery is a big deal! It is a major step on your path to a stronger, healthier, and more functional smile. As you embark on this journey, it is natural to have questions about what the recovery period will be like. Understanding the post-operative experience can help you feel more confident as you heal and adapt to your new dental implants. Below, you will find answers to five of the most common questions patients ask about the dental implant post-op experience.

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4 Reasons to Consult Your Dentist Before Teeth Whitening

November 4, 2025

Man having teeth whitened.

Teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most popular ways to brighten your smile, but before you grab an over-the-counter kit or book a spa whitening session, it’s important to talk to your dentist first. Whitening may seem simple, but your oral health, past dental work, and the cause of your discoloration all play a major role in how effective and safe the process will be. Here are 4 important reasons to schedule a dental consultation before starting any whitening treatment.

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Can Sleep Deprivation Cause Unwanted Thoughts?

October 27, 2025

Woman with unwanted thoughts

We are all familiar with unwanted thoughts. After all – we are only human. It is normal for unhappy thoughts of doubt and distress to pop up. However, if you notice these thoughts becoming repetitive, uncontrollable, and impacting other areas of your life, you could be dealing with another issue. One factor that can contribute to intrusive thoughts is sleep deprivation. Read on to learn more about unwanted thoughts and how sleep apnea treatment can help to reduce them.

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