Myths concerning kids’ teeth are especially common. Many of these myths come from well-intended people, but they won’t help your children’s dental health. Here are some common myths about kids’ teeth and what you should know instead. Myth 1: Fruit juice is safe for my child’s teeth Fruit juice contains many nutrients. Unfortunately, it also has a high sugar content…
Crown lengthening is a common procedure that serves a cosmetic purpose, but it may also be necessary for dental devices and addressing dental health issues. Read on to learn what you need to know about crown lengthening. What is crown lengthening? Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure that is performed using local anesthesia. Anxious patients may be further comforted with…
Oral piercings—that is, lip and tongue piercings—are increasingly popular, especially among young people. This can be a fun way to alter your appearance, but the risk to your dental health is real. Before you decide whether to get an oral piercing, read the risks below. While piercings can be removed and will eventually heal, you may experience negative and long-lasting…
Getting older is a privilege. However, as we age, we tend to face different health problems. The same is true for your dental health. The better your overall dental health throughout your life, the less likely you’ll suffer major issues in your later years. Dry mouth, cavities, tooth loss and oral cancer are the most common problems seniors may encounter.…
Fruit juice, pop, sports drinks, energy drinks, and your pumpkin spice latte are loaded with sugar—and that’s bad news for your teeth. Do you know how much sugar is in your favorite beverages, and how it affects your dental health? Recommended sugar limit Your recommended daily sugar limit depends on several factors, including age, gender, activity level, total caloric intake…
Young children frequently suck their thumbs, fingers or pacifiers in an effort to calm themselves. While this can provide comfort and security, it can also interfere with tooth alignment, bite, jaw shape and sensitivity. Furthermore, these comfort habits introduce dirt, bacteria and viruses into your child’s system. Thumb sucking does not always result in damage to your child’s teeth or…
Halloween is just around the corner, and children across the country will be trick-or-treating once more. Protecting your children’s teeth is essential, especially if they’ve already lost their baby teeth. Here’s how to keep your kids’ teeth healthy, even with a new haul of sugary treats: Avoid sticky, hard or acidic candy: Cavities form when bacteria feed off sugar and…
Retainers are most often used following orthodontal treatment, such as braces. Retainers, as the name implies, help to ‘retain’ the proper position of the jaw and teeth from misaligning or crowding. There are various types of retainers, from removable to permanent options. Wearing your retainer properly is the key to preserving your dental work and maintaining your brand-new, beautiful smile.…
Dry mouth can happen for a number of reasons: nervousness, medications, allergic reaction and more. Dry mouth symptoms typically resolve as soon as the trigger goes away, whether that’s finishing a course of medication or getting a public speaking obligation over with. When dry mouth persists, it can negatively affect your dental health. This condition is called xerostomia. It’s a…
You may have heard people refer to their teeth as ‘soft.’ Individuals with ‘soft’ teeth may experience more cavities, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, even if they faithfully brush and floss. Some people notice a change over time as they age, while others may experience oral health decline during/after pregnancy or as a result of a chronic illness. The truth is,…