As your child begins brushing their own teeth, it can be difficult to choose the right toothbrush for their overall oral health. The market is flooded with products all claiming to clean teeth better than the rest. But, what about an electric toothbrush? Is it really better than a standard toothbrush? The answer may surprise you. Manual Toothbrushes Manual toothbrushes …
Tooth Friendly Stocking Stuffers
Those of you celebrating Christmas are quite familiar with stockings, and have surely filled them with little gifts on more than one occasion. This year, we suggest balancing out some of the candy and tiny treats with some mouth-healthy stocking stuffers! Toothbrush Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, depending upon the health of the bristles, which makes Christmas the …
Teeth are for Chewing and Smiling, Not Opening Bottles
People use their teeth in surprising – and sometimes destructive – ways. We’ve all used our teeth as tools at some point in our lives, but did you know that you can crack or fracture your teeth if you use them improperly? In fact, cracked and fractured teeth are the third leading cause of tooth loss. This is why it’s …
The Truth about George Washington’s Teeth
George Washington, the first President of the United States and revolutionary general, had dental problems his entire life. When he was inaugurated President in 1789, he only had one real tooth remaining in his mouth. A man known for his strength and resolve, Washington’s great oral pain sometimes made it quite difficult for the renowned orator to deliver speeches, and …
Is Your Child at Risk for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is the most widespread diseases among children today – and it’s almost entirely preventable. Tooth decay is called early childhood carries (cavities) when it occurs in children ages 6 and younger. Tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than childhood obesity and 20 times more common childhood diabetes. All of this means …
Are Oral Piercings Safe for my Teenager?
Piercings are a trendy way for teenagers to fit in with their friends and express themselves. Teens can pierce just about any part of their body, but it can be particularly concerning when your child gets an oral piercing. Tongue, lip and cheek piercings can damage teeth, gums and cause infections that can lead to more serious illnesses. The bottom …
Horse Hair? The Strange History of Dental Floss
Humans have used tools since before the birth of modern, written history. From fire to arrowheads, we’ve always looked for ways to improve our lives and advance ourselves. Did you know that this ingenuity extends into our oral health care? Before modern toothbrushes were invented, ancient humans would use “chewsticks” to clean their teeth. But what about dental floss? Have …
Taking Care of a Mouth after a Pulled Tooth
Baby teeth are meant to be lost so that the incoming adult teeth can erupt without issue. Most of the time, baby teeth are lost naturally, or due to an impactful force common in childhood. However, sometimes a baby tooth must be pulled to make room for the incoming adult tooth to avoid crowding and misalignment. If your child has …
How did Native Americans and Pilgrims Care for Their Teeth?
As Thanksgiving approaches, we look back to the discovery of the new world and observe how two cultures came together to share in their humanity and celebrate the harvest over a great feast. We know about the meal – but what about the clean up? Did the Native Americans or pilgrims take care of their teeth? They did, and here’s …
The Best and Worst Drinks for Your Teeth
The average American consumes 22 grams of sugar per day, which is double the recommended daily amount. All of that sugar does considerable damage to tooth enamel and can lead to cavities and other oral issues. Some of the beverages we consume are surprisingly high in sugar. Below are some of the best – and worst – drinks for your …