Mouthwash

Mouth rinses can have therapeutic benefits; others are only cosmetic in nature. Some have both attributes. The Food and Drug Administration even classifies mouth rinses this way. In general, some therapeutic rinses with fluoride have been shown to actually fight cavities, plaque and gingivitis formation. On the other hand, cosmetic rinses merely treat breath odor,

Fluoride Facts

For decades, fluoride has been held in high regard by the dental community as an important mineral that is absorbed into and strengthens tooth enamel, thereby helping to prevent decay of tooth structures. In nearly every U.S. community, public drinking supplies are supplemented with sodium fluoride because the practice is acknowledged as safe and effective

Flossing

What Is Flossing? Floss comes in a variety of materials and colors, but essentially, it is a very thin cord you hold between fingers of each hand and insert between adjoining teeth. The cord, or floss, helps loosen debris by gently moving it up and down and back and forth between the teeth. Flossing is

Brushing

Brushing is the best way to remove cavity-causing plaque and other debris from your teeth. Plaque, a colorless, sticky substance, reacts with the bacteria and decaying food particles in your mouth and when left on the teeth long enough, begins to erode the enamel. It is recommended that you brush your teeth three times a

What is Tooth Decay?

Plaque is an insidious substance-a colorless, sticky film that blankets your teeth and creating an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss. Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates,

High-Tech Office

Overview One national agency estimates that advances in dental research save Americans more than $4 billion a year. Dentistry today has the most sophisticated, high-tech equipment ever available, allowing the dentist to treat and diagnose with remarkable precision. Such technology also vastly reduces, and in some cases eliminates, much of the pain and discomfort for

Oral Piercing

Oral piercing (usually on the tongue or around the lips) is one of the more disturbing fashion trends in recent years. Many people fail to realize that that even precautions taken during the installation of a piece of piercing jewelry are not enough to stave off harmful, long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth,

Tobacco

What effects can smoking have on my oral health? Are cigars a safe alternative to cigarettes? Are smokeless tobacco products safe? The American Dental Association has some alarming news that you should know on its web site at http://www.ada.org. The American Dental Association states that it “has long been a leader in the battle against

Age and Oral Health

Oral Changes with Age Is tooth loss inevitable in your later years? How much should adults be concerned about cavities? Here you’ll find helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about oral health questions you may have as you get older. As many people get older, they often overlook their oral health when considering other

Latex Allergy

Naturally occurring latex has been linked in recent years to allergic reactions in people who use such products as latex gloves. The proteins in the latex, which can also become airborne, can cause problems in vulnerable people such as breathing problems and contact dermatitis. Some allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been more severe. Many