News

Have you noticed a little blood in the sink after brushing your teeth? Maybe your gums have been tender lately, or you've noticed that a few teeth look longer than they used to. These are things worth mentioning to Dr. Spaulding, even if your teeth feel perfectly fine. Read More »

Jaw pain can intrude on your day more than you might think. You may wake up with tight cheeks, feel an ache near your ears while you work, or catch yourself rubbing your temples by midafternoon. Eating can become uncomfortable, your neck may tense up, and even opening wide enough for a sandwich can feel like work. Read More »

Pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can affect how your gums and soft tissues respond to plaque and bacteria. They can also affect saliva, which helps protect your teeth every day. Read More »

As winter finally loosens its grip on our beautiful city, spring blooms and days grow longer. It is a time to reassess and get back on track with our health. April is also Oral Cancer Awareness Month. It is an important reminder to stay on top of one of the most important and commonly overlooked aspects of your dental visit: your oral cancer screening. Read More »

Dental implants are designed to be strong and long-lasting. With the right care, they can serve you well for decades. At Spaulding Dental Co., we want patients to understand that implants require consistent, intentional care to keep the surrounding gums and bone healthy. Read More »

Beauty does not look the same on everyone. Your smile is part of what makes you recognizable and uniquely you. At Spaulding Dental Co., our care focuses on bringing out the natural beauty already there, to keep your teeth healthy and functional Read More »

A new year gives you a fresh start and a chance to focus on your health with intention. Here in the Gig Harbor community, many of us use this season to reset routines and plan the appointments that help us stay well throughout the year. Read More »

The holiday season brings time with family, photos, and meaningful moments. It is also a time to feel your best. Dr. Melissa Spaulding welcomes you to enjoy this season with confidence and comfort. We are grateful for every patient who trusts us with their care, and we wish you and your family a joyful holiday season. Read More »

If you’ve noticed a thin, dark line where your gums meet your teeth, you’re not alone. These lines are common, but they can have different causes, and some are easier to fix than you might think. Read More »

Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentin. Dentin is filled with tiny pathways that send pain signals straight to the nerve. The result is that sharp twinge you feel with hot, cold, or sweet foods. Read More »

Gig Harbor, often called the “Maritime City,” takes its name from 1840, when Captain Charles Wilkes sheltered his small boat, known as a gig, in the protected bay during a storm. Today, Gig Harbor has grown into a vibrant city that blends its maritime heritage with small-town charm, modern amenities, and a thriving waterfront. Read More »

While dental implants are seen as the gold standard for tooth replacement, they aren't always the best option for everyone. Certain health conditions, inadequate bone density, or personal preferences may lead patients to explore alternative solutions. Read More »

Bad breath can be both embarrassing and indicative of underlying health issues. Thankfully, tackling this problem doesn't have to be complicated. Spaulding Dental Co. recommends three practical strategies to keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy. Read More »

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is one of the most common yet misunderstood dental conditions. At Spaulding Dental Co., we’re getting back to the basics to help you better understand what it is, what causes it, and how to manage it. Read More »

At Spaulding Dental Co., your smile deserves the highest precision, artistry, and care. That’s why we work with a select master dental lab known for crafting restorations that outshine the competition in fit, function, and natural beauty. Read More »

A dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. Spaulding Dental Co. incorporates a soft tissue exam and oral cancer screening into every routine checkup to detect potential concerns early, when they’re most treatable. Read More »

Join Spaulding Dental Co. in welcoming Tina, our new schedule coordinator, and we would like to thank our wonderful team member Alison for her many years of outstanding service to our patients in this role. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors... Read More »

Spaulding Dental Co. believes that family well-being starts with a healthy smile. Oral health is a vital personal habit that can be passed down from generation to generation. As we embark on this New Year, there’s no better time to give your loved ones the gift of a healthier future by prioritizing dental care for the whole family. Read More »

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, all of us at Spaulding Dental Co. want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you—our patients and our Gig Harbor community. Your trust, loyalty, and smiles inspire us every day. We are so thankful to be part of such a supportive and vibrant community. Read More »

At Spaulding Dental Co., your overall health and safety are at the heart of everything we do. For patients with certain medical conditions – like heart issues or those who've had joint replacements – taking antibiotics before a dental cleaning is an important step. Read More »

Dental crowns and veneers can be excellent options to improve the look, feel, and function of your smile. Whether capping an entire tooth, as in the case of a dental crown, or covering the front of the tooth with a dental veneer, Dr. Spaulding is highly skilled in fixing blemishes and cracks, hiding stains, and resolving any other imperfections in your smile. Read More »

Are you tired of hiding your smile due to missing teeth? Spaulding Dental Co. has the solution you’ve been waiting for. Our removable dentures and bridges are designed to comfortably restore your smile and your confidence. Read More »

There are many reasons why moving teeth (braces or Invisalign) is a good idea. Sometimes it is strictly for esthetic reasons, but sometimes it is needed to keep your teeth functioning at their best for long term health. Read More »

Dr. Spaulding prides herself in working closely with a team of highly trained dental specialists in the Gig Harbor/Tacoma area. When restoring teeth, Dr Spaulding uses a comprehensive approach with a team of highly trained specialists. Read More »

Dr. Melissa Spaulding aims to educate and empower patients to actively manage their oral health and maintain healthy, comfortable smiles by raising awareness about xerostomia (dry mouth) and its implications. Read More »

Have you ever wanted to see how your smile would look before any restorative treatments began? Spaulding Dental Co. of Gig Harbor, WA, prides itself on providing reliable and predictable dental care through diagnostic wax-up mock-ups for treatment planning. Read More »

Dr. Spaulding is excited to share a recent case study with you where a patient came in with a chipped tooth, and our team was able to provide a successful repair. Read More »

Spaulding Dental Co. in Gig Harbor is proud to offer personalized dental implant services to our patients. Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for replacing missing teeth that mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Read More »

Spaulding Dental Co. needs your help! We are very grateful for the opportunity to serve the thriving community of Gig Harbor, and that's why your feedback and reviews mean the world to us. Read More »

Consider reducing the unhealthy habit of drinking carbonated soda, one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Soda is a triple threat to your teeth! The sugar, carbonation, and acids in soft drinks lead to tooth decay by encouraging the growth of bacteria and weakening tooth enamel. Read More »

The condition where you grind, clench, or gnash your teeth unconsciously is called bruxism but is commonly referred to as teeth grinding. Teeth grinding usually occurs during sleep and can result from excess stress or anxiety. Read More »

The holiday season is finally here! This special time of the year is all about the season's magic, time with loved ones, and lots of delicious food. That said, before you dig into your favorite Christmas treats, here's a few tips so you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your smile! Read More »

As a new patient at Spaulding Dental Co., you'll see either Drs. Spaulding or Rogers for a comprehensive one-on-one evaluation. During this exam, we will discuss your dental and medical history, current sleep/airway conditions, and any anxieties you may be experiencing. Our goal is to make each appointment as smooth and comfortable as possible. Read More »

Living in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, we can feel nature all around us, beckoning us. This beautiful place isn't just our home; it's part of who we are. Caring for our home is important, but taking care of ourselves often gets overlooked. Read More »

Our charming Puget Sound Bay city was highlighted in a recent Travel + Leisure magazine featuring the Best Small Towns in Washington. Of course, we already know how amazing Gig Harbor is! From our picturesque waterfront with its stunning views of Mount Rainier to the fantastic quality of life that Gig Harbor offers, there’s always something to take your breath away and make you smile. Read More »

At Spaulding Dental Co., our core philosophy incorporates patient care as a life-long relationship, and our relationship begins with understanding you and your dental needs as a whole. We take the time to get to know you and your dental and medical history, and we are committed to making your experience with us as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Read More »

Good oral health is critical to your overall well-being, and keeping active helps improve your oral and overall health. If you're looking for ways to stay active this summer in Gig Harbor, look no further. Read More »

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. When you are confident with your smile, you’re more apt to take good care of your teeth. Improve your natural smile with these tips and fall in love with your Classique Smilé! Read More »

Over time, teeth wear down and can become susceptible to disease or injury. When a tooth becomes too worn, weak, or broken, a dental crown is made to fit over the affected tooth, restoring its natural look as well as its size, shape, and strength. Read More »

Spaulding Dental Co. has continued to thrive because of your good referrals to your friends, family, and co-workers. As a way of saying thank you, we are offering 50% off our Zoom! Professional Whitening treatment for the first eight patients who refer a friend to us! Read More »

Oral health often determines the overall health of the entire body. Scientists are studying antioxidants to determine their effect on interfering replication and attachment in infectious viruses. The use of antioxidants is seen as an extra line of defense against systemic inflammation. Read More »

Dental decay can happen to people of all ages and occurs when plaque bacteria feed on the sugar in your diet. Your mouth is full of both beneficial and harmful bacteria, and when you eat sugar, it sets off a whole chain of events. Read More »

Spaulding Dental Co loves being part of the thriving community of Gig Harbor, WA! Located near Puget Sound and in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, Gig Harbor is a captivating maritime community known for its dazzling walkable waterfront and rich naval history. Read More »

As we kick off the holidays and head toward the new year, you may already be putting together a list of resolutions that you want to take on. Most people begin to think about improving their health – eating a healthier diet, going to the gym more, or meal prepping for the workweek rather than eating out. But what about your oral health? Read More »

At Spaulding Dental Co. in Gig Harbor, WA, we care about you and take your comfort seriously! Are you someone who experiences anxiety about visiting the dentist? Maybe you have especially sensitive teeth or are sound-sensitive, or have an aversion to pain? Read More »

What is a cavity, really? Cavities are permanently damaged parts of the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by the union of many factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent repeated, sipping on sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Read More »

Anxiety associated with dental visits is common. Whether it’s from a bad experience in the past or simply an aversion to the sights and sounds of a dental office, know you’re not alone. At Spaulding Dental Co, we have taken extra steps to help you feel at ease. One of the techniques we use is minimally invasive microdentistry. Read More »

We have an exciting announcement to share with you! My husband and I are excited to greet a tiny new addition to our family in August! Read More »

Are you satisfied with your smile? When is the last time that you invested in your own self-confidence and well-being? A beautiful, confident smile can completely transform your life. Read More »

Is my twice-annual dental cleaning really that important? Have you put your regular cleanings on hold? Most people know that brushing and flossing their teeth every day is essential, but did you know that your oral health might play a more significant role? Oral health is a key indicator of overall health. Read More »

We are very thankful to be part of this community and are so excited to announce this coloring contest for kids and adults. The winners will receive a gift card to one of our amazing local businesses. View and print the coloring pages... Read More »

Our gentle, yet effective whitening program gives you the confidence to shine! Achieve a lighter and healthier looking smile with Philips Zoom!, a light-enhanced whitening technology capable of rapid tooth-whitening. Read More »

Dr. Spaulding's unique patient-centered approach and customized treatment with individualized care will help you will find the confident smile you've always wanted. Read More »