It’s such a common habit, yet most of the time we never know we’re doing it. Not cracking your knuckles or biting fingernails, but intense clenching and grinding of your teeth—known in dental terminology as bruxism. The reason this phenomenon goes unnoticed so often is that “grinders” usually perform when they’re sleeping. Most research agrees […]
Expiring Dental Insurance Benefits?
Use Them or Lose Them! What if someone gave you free money to spend on improving your smile? With one string attached: use it all by New Years’, or lose it. Well, for those fortunate enough to have dental insurance, be sure to take advantage of your plan’s benefits before they expire at the end […]
Have You Knocked Out a Tooth?
Cheat The Tooth Fairy We sure can try, but your help is needed, and the most important word is TIME. When a permanent tooth is knocked out, the less time it is out of the mouth the better. In fact, the best results are obtained when the tooth is replaced within 30 minutes! A parent […]
Oral Health Tips when Having a Baby
You’ve got the glow of a mother-to-be. Keep it with these tips for better oral health for you and your baby. Now you’re eating (and brushing, flossing and keeping dental appointments) for two. Make an appointment at the outset of your pregnancy for a healthy head start and advice on changes that could lead to […]
Where Did All the Pain Go?
The Reality is, Today’s Dentistry is Virtually Painless There’s a bright new trend in dental offices these days: More people are making appointments because they want to, not because they have to. What is it about a visit to the dentist that feels this good? One simple, wonderful fact: In most cases, the pain is […]
The Calcium Advantage
How important is calcium to us? It’ s very important. Here’s why. It builds strong bones and teeth; helps the heart to beat, muscles to flex, blood to clot, and nerves to send messages throughout the body. Calcium helps to reduce risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, and high cholesterol. Calcium Advantage […]
Don’t Share Your Toothbrush!
One of the tenets of good dental health is obvious—Brush your teeth after every meal. This can help keep your mouth healthy throughout a long life. Another rule should be just as carefully observed: Do NOT use someone else’s toothbrush. Sharing toothbrushes can shorten your life. Be safe, not sorry. But what about emergencies, when […]
Can Toothpaste Help Fight Canker Sores?
About the only good thing about canker sores is, they’re hidden inside the mouth. Beyond that—they’re painful, annoying, and bound to erupt at the worst possible time. And common though they are, the medical world has mixed opinions on what causes them and what can prevent them from recurring. Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are […]
Can a Musical Instrument Affect Teeth?
Ever think of asking your dentist which musical instrument you should play? Few people do. But especially for young people, an early dental analysis–before selecting a musical instrument–can be important. Surprisingly, some instruments–woodwind or brass–can actually help some children who have an overbite problem. Yet, the same instrument can make the problem worse in another […]
The Most Common Affliction?
When it comes to most common, not even winter colds strike as many of us as gum infection (periodontal disease). As many as 75% of adults will be a victim sometime in their lifetime. If this infection could grow on your arm, you’d be horrified. Instead, periodontal disease does its dirty work out of sight: […]