Understanding and avoiding grinding your teeth and its side effects. You may not even know you're doing it. But if you wake in the morning with jaw pain, headaches, or chipped enamel on your teeth, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, a condition called bruxism. Getting to know Bruxism In most instances, teeth grinding is a nighttime problem - if you have bruxism, you're likely doing i...

Anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, alcohol-free — your pharmacy’s oral health section has a wide varietyof mouth rinse products to choose from, all of them promising to protect your teeth and gums and freshen your breath. But how can you know which claims are true? And do you really need to use a mouth rinse — or is good brushing and flossing enough? “There are three major categories [of mouth rinses],...

This dental expert explains why sealants are a great alternative for your kids. Dental sealants, introduced in the 1960s, are a plastic coating, similar to a filling, placed in the deep grooves and pits on your teeth. Because of the shape and location of these grooves, they are often hard and sometimes impossible to completely clean with your toothbrush making them very susceptible to cavities. T...

There is a saying," you are what you eat". And in no better place can that be seen than in your teeth. This is because many foods and drinks can cause plaque, which does heavy damage your teeth. Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film that contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. After you eat a sugary snack or meal, the sugars causes the bacteria to release acids that attack tooth’s...

Get your kids smiles to a great start this school with these simple tips. It’s the start of a new school year, and your kids are set with new clothes and school supplies. But don’t forget about oral health! Add these dental health tips to your back-to-school checklist. 1. Take your kids to the dentist  Start the school year right with a dental cleaning and exam. Ask your child’s den...

Could rust removed be the answer to millions of people who suffer from sensitive tooth problems?  A chemical that is usually used as a rust remover may also help people with sensitive teeth. A sticky patch which contains a gel layer of the chemical potassium oxalate is being tested as a treatment for people with the condition. The patch is stuck onto the painful tooth in much the same way as stri...

Keeping your dogs teeth clean is very important for their oral health. Nobody wants to go to the dentist. Even brushing and flossing can be a hassle for some of us. But we do it to have healthy teeth and gums. However, things can get tricky when it comes to dogs and cats. Many pets are not happy when someone handles their mouths. So what is the best way to properly care for our pets’ teeth? First ...

If you are not using your floss for its intended purpose, try some of these unconventional other ideas. We’ve all been there: Stranded on a sun-drenched island, needing to dry your wet clothes as quickly as humanly possible, with nary a branch or flat surface to be found. Luckily, you do have plenty of dental floss. And it makes a perfect clothesline. You saved the day. If you’re saying to yoursel...

Some dental professional are concerned that lack of tap water in a child's diet maybe bad for their teeth. On grocery store shelves and kitchen counters alike, bottled water has become a staple of the American dietary landscape. But, some experts say it may contribute to diminished dental health. While most bottled water manufacturers declare that their products are 100 percent "pure," "clean" or ...

If you are like many people and thinking about getting dental veneers, then here is what you should know. If you’re looking for a dazzling smile, veneers could be the answer. Veneers are tooth-colored shells made to cover your natural teeth and produce a bright, beautiful smile. Veneers can correct a multitude of cosmetic defects, from discolored teeth to slightly crooked teeth to gaps in your smi...