It’s officially that time of year when we all eat, drink, and be merry. But, with all the eating, drinking, and merriment going on, it can be hard to prioritize our oral health. Luckily, simple changes in our Thanksgiving Day celebrations can add up to huge improvements in our smiles. In this post, we discuss ways to have a dental-friendly Thanksgiving in 2022. From smile-enhancing foods to dental aftercare tips, we give you and ...
Enamel is an incredible part of our body. In fact, tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body! How is that fun fact? Despite the powerhouse strength of this mineral, teeth are highly susceptible to damage and decay. We all know that eating healthy is important to our bodies, but it is also vital to our teeth. These eight, innocent products are items we consume every day. Clinical studies show the ...
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health. According to the CDC, “Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.” The list of health issues linked to smoking includes: Coronary heart disease Stroke Lung cancer Cardiovascular disease Respiratory disease Cancer anywhere in almost any part of the body Difficult becoming pregnant Early delivery Stillbirth Ectopic pregnancy Orofacial clefts in infants When it comes to oral health, smoking ...
Summer is almost here, and there are several good and important ways that people prepare for it: booking vacations, summer activities for kids, working out, saving money, and eating healthier. Another way to prepare for summer is to create a plan to take care of your oral health. Neglecting your teeth for any amount of time can lead to dental decay, damage, and staining. Thankfully, there are many practical habits you can integrate into your ...
Turn that frown upside down! You know smiling is an outward sign of happiness, but did you know that the simple act of smiling can also create tangible physical changes? In case you needed another reason to flash your pearly whites, we’re sharing a list of benefits below: Elevate Your Mood Some sayings are more wishful thinking than hard fact (i.e., an apple a day keeps the doctor away), but it turns out ...
The benefits of preserving tooth structure goes beyond cosmetics to impact your overall health. Teeth are part of an intricate network of bones, tissues, and nerves. While they may look straightforward (i.e., a hard surface that grinds down food), teeth have a complex structure. Each tooth is comprised of the following components: Gums – Gums house the teeth and protect a tooth's roots and any teeth that have yet to break through. Crown - The ...
Happy Birthday, the Alphabet Song, Stayin’ Alive – what do all these songs have in common? They make great hand-washing soundtracks! Over the past year and a half, hand washing has been everyone’s focus. Why? Because it’s the best way to prevent the spread of germs (lest we forget we are in a global pandemic). How Does Handwashing Work to Fight Disease? If done correctly, washing hands rids your hands of bacteria, viruses, and ...
When we think of oral health, our focus tends to be on teeth. Everyone wants that movie star smile, right? However, even though your pearly whites might steal the show, gum health plays an integral role in your dental and overall health. Unfortunately, because early signs of gum disease are often painless, most people aren't aware they have this potentially dangerous condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that almost half (47 ...
There’s no shortage of teeth whitening solutions. From in-office lasers to at-home whitening kits and snap-on veneers, there have never been more ways to achieve a white smile! But, before you order a custom kit or hit up the drugstore for whitening strips, there’s more you should know about teeth discoloration. Not all stains are created equal, and the cause of yours needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a whitening solution ...
You know mouthguards play an important role in contact sports, but did you know that you can benefit from wearing one off the field? If you’ve been told you clench or grind your teeth or are one of the 90 million Americans who snore or have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the solution might be a custom-fitted mouthguard. Bruxism & TMJ Do you often wake up with sore jaw muscles or a headache? How about general aching in the face, head, or neck? If so, there might be more to these symptoms than life’s everyday stressors. Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind, gnash or clench your teeth. People with bruxism may unconsciously clench their teeth throughout the day or clench or grind them while sleeping. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to tooth pain and loose or chipped teeth. In some instances, parts of the teeth are literally ground away, and the surrounding bone and gum tissue are destroyed. It can also lead to painful jaw issues, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard prevents grinding by separating your top and bottom teeth. This alleviates muscle tension caused by clenching, which can prevent jaw problems from developing and help relieve any existing jaw pain. Snoring & Sleep Apnea Beyond poor sleep, snoring and sleep apnea can have long-term health consequences such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stroke. However, a custom mouthguard or oral appliance can help alleviate snoring and sleep apnea. Instead of simply covering your teeth, a mouthguard for sleep apnea works by pushing your lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping your airway open, thus reducing the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring. Some types have a strap that goes around your head and chin to re-adjust your lower jaw. Braces & Mouthguards Mouthguards can be worn with braces, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Mouthguards are made to fit against your teeth to provide protection; however, when you have traditional braces, brackets, and wires on the surface of your teeth block ...
