Just like bad habits can have a negative effect on your waistline or your wallet, there are some routine activities that can harm your teeth as well. If you want to avoid spending time and money to correct the problems that can arise, you should break these bad dental habits and make sure that you’re practicing beneficial ones instead. Which
Toothpaste, when used in conjunction with a toothbrush and flossing, is an essential part of any daily oral hygiene routine. You’re likely to see lots of different types of toothpastes on the shelf. Choosing the right brand to use can be confusing. Which kind of toothpaste is right for you?
A mouthwash or rinse, can be a helpful part of your oral hygiene routine. Some can help you fight off the accumulation of plaque and other bacteria inside your mouth. Mouthwashes are not meant to replace brushing or flossing, but to be used in addition to help keep your mouth cleaner. The American Dental Association does not specifically recommend the
Every time you eat or drink, you create an environment in your mouth that is favorable to oral bacteria. If not held in check by regular brushing, flossing, and dentist office visits, such bacteria can lead to tooth decay. Different foods can have different effects on your teeth. The leading cause of tooth decay comes from sugary, i.e., carbonated soft
Whenever you visit your dentist, she’s likely to ask you: “Have you been flossing regularly?” For most people, the answer to that question would be no. In a recent survey, just over 50 percent of people said they floss on a daily basis. Over 18 percent said they never do it at all. But according to the American Dental Association,
Before the invention of the modern toothbrush, there were a variety of methods and devices used for teeth cleaning. People would rub their teeth with sticks or feathers. Even chewing on pieces of sweet smelling wood with the hopes of a cleaner smile was common. The first use of a device with a handle and bristles on the end can
In the early days of dentistry, people only went to the dentist if they had a problem in need of immediate attention. Regular brushing was not a daily practice until after World War I. There were no established guidelines for when to visit the dentist, making the doctor’s job mainly to fix teeth and other oral problems. However, thanks to
It’s recommended that you visit your dentist at least twice per year. Even if you don’t have any mouth pain or any pressing issues that you feel might need professional care, a visit to the dentist’s office for a routine examination and cleaning can help prevent any serious problems from popping up unexpectedly.
Oral cancer is among the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer in America today. Yet, despite its commonality, the causes of oral cancer are largely a mystery. Many people believe that oral cancer is mostly caused by smoking, and while that is historically true, recent studies reported by the Oral Cancer Foundation indicate that is no longer primarily the