EVERY TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance has the same two things in common: it is sugar-free and it contains fluoride. Fluoride is a key building block in our tooth enamel. The sugary or acidic things we eat and drink pull minerals out of our enamel, and we can build it back up …
CHILDREN DON’T HAVE to deal with a lot of the health problems that affect adults, but they aren’t exempt from the risk of gum disease. The harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis don’t care how old someone is. Gum Disease Causes The biggest cause of gum disease in childhood is poor oral hygiene. When plaque is allowed …
MEN AND WOMEN don’t always face the same dental health challenges, nor do they have the same dental health advantages. The bad news for women is that hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all contribute to oral health issues. It increases the risk of gingivitis and gum inflammation, making brushing and flossing even more …
HARMFUL ORAL BACTERIA reproduces very quickly, which is why it matters so much that we brush twice a day and floss daily. A clean, healthy mouth will contain between a thousand to a hundred thousand bacteria on the surface of each tooth. Without diligent brushing and flossing, those numbers can quickly explode into the millions and …
MINIMIZING THE RISK of childhood tooth injuries starts with knowing the most common causes of those injuries. Babies and toddlers are most likely to injure themselves by slipping in the bathtub. Non-slip mats are a great precaution! Projectiles like balls and frisbees can easily cause injuries, so make sure to discuss safety and not aiming at …
THERE’S A GOOD REASON dental health professionals warn their patients not to chew ice. This habit can cause serious and permanent damage to teeth and gums, so what makes it so addicting in spite of the dangers? A Mental Condition Compulsive ice eating is called pagophagia. Sometimes it’s a symptom of pica, a psychological disorder in …
GUM DISEASE, TOOTH DECAY, and other oral health problems don’t set in overnight. That’s why it’s so important to have regular checkups and to be diligent with daily oral hygiene habits. If it’s been a while since the last trip to the dentist, here are the top 5 signs it’s time to schedule a quick visit: …
DENTAL ANXIETY KEEPS millions of people from seeking dental treatment every year, and it affects kids too. Parents can help their kids develop a positive mindset about the dentist by following a few simple tips: 1. Start Early As soon as a child has their first tooth, they can benefit from seeing the dentist. 2. Play …
Parents Can Help Make the First Dental Visit Great Read More »
ANYONE WHO SWIMS or scuba dives frequently could encounter some unique dental issues if they aren’t careful. Let’s take a closer look at the big ones. Chlorine’s Effect on Teeth The longer teeth are exposed to acidic chlorine ions in pool water, the more likely they are to develop brown or yellow stains. These are called …
AS PARENTS, EVERY milestone a new baby reaches is incredibly exciting, and sometimes we can get impatient and even start worrying long before we should. To get out in front of that tendency, let’s lay out the average schedule of baby teeth development and eruption. Baby Teeth Development and Eruption The process of growing teeth (called …
