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Read Dr. Annie's blog articles to get some advice, recommendations, and information.

Man in light shirt covering his mouth, looking unwell, with blurred plants in the background
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • November 2, 2026
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is something almost everyone experiences from time to time. Morning breath, strong-smelling foods, and dry mouth can all leave your breath less than fresh. But when an unpleasant odor sticks around despite brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, it may be a sign of a more complex issue. 
Smiling mouth wearing a clear plastic dental aligner
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • October 5, 2026
If you've ever wished your teeth were a little straighter but dreaded the idea of braces, you're not alone. For millions of adults and teens, clear aligners have changed the conversation entirely by offering a discreet, comfortable, and surprisingly effective path to a better-aligned smile. Here's what you need to know.
Child in a dentist chair with mouth open while a dentist checks teeth with a mirror
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • September 7, 2026
It's one of the most common questions new parents ask at our office, Amaze Dental in Kirkland, WA and one of the most important. The answer might surprise you: earlier than most people think.
Dentist examining a smiling patient in a dental chair
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • August 3, 2026
Not every smile concern requires a major procedure. If you've been living with a chipped tooth, a small crack, or a gap you've always wanted to close, cosmetic bonding might be the solution and you may be surprised by how simple the process is.
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • July 7, 2026
If your dentist or hygienist has recently mentioned Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) as part of your care, you might be wondering what exactly that means and whether it's worth it. The short answer: it's a quick, painless, and increasingly common treatment that can meaningfully improve the results of your regular cleaning. Here's what you need to know.
Man brushing teeth in a bathroom mirror, smiling with toothpaste on the brush
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • June 1, 2026
You might not notice it at first. Maybe your teeth look a little shorter than they used to. Maybe you're dealing with new sensitivity, or your dentist has pointed out some unusual wear patterns at a recent visit. Tooth wear is more common than most people realize and understanding why it happens is the first step toward protecting your smile for the long term.
Dentist examining a smiling child’s teeth in a dental chair, wearing blue gloves and a mask
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • May 4, 2026
For many families, getting a child to the dentist feels like preparing for battle — the tears, the negotiations, the white-knuckle grip on the car door handle. Dental anxiety in children is incredibly common, and as a parent, it can feel discouraging when you know how important those checkups really are. The good news? With a little patience and the right approach, most kids can learn to feel comfortable, even confident, in the dental chair.
By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • April 6, 2026
If you notice pink in the sink after brushing, you're not alone — but bleeding gums are never something to ignore. Let’s discuss what your body is trying to tell you. Occasional gum bleeding can feel alarming, but for many patients, it's also easy to dismiss. The truth is somewhere in between: bleeding gums are common, but they're not normal. It is a signal that something is off, and the good news is that most causes are very treatable when caught early.
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