Most people don’t forget dental cleanings because they don’t care. They forget because nothing hurts, everything feels fine, and life moves on. The tricky part is that plaque buildup and gum disease often start quietly, without obvious symptoms. That’s exactly why regular cleanings matter. For many people, a visit every six months is enough. But depending on your gum health and risk level, you may benefit from more frequent cleanings.
Preventive dental care is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your smile for life. Instead of waiting for pain or problems to appear, preventive care focuses on stopping issues before they start. When you stay consistent with routine dental visits and daily habits, you give your teeth and gums the best chance to stay healthy long term. What Is Preventive Dental Care? Preventive dental care includes
Though clear aligners (CAs) and traditional orthodontics contribute to environmental pollution, braces may not be as bad because they are recyclable. The review was published recently in the International Journal of Dentistry. Future studies should focus on bettering recyclable polymers, innovating sustainable production methods, and optimizing clinical workflows, the authors wrote. “TMA (traditional multibracket appliance) appears more sustainable due to its recyclability and reduced waste generation,” wrote the authors, led
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) appear to show strong antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, possibly making them a favorable, multifunctional option for root canal disinfection, reports a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. Additionally, SeNPs may show lower toxicity, supporting their potential as a safer alternative to traditional root canal irrigants, the authors wrote. “SeNPs demonstrate promising antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, and favorable dentinal interactions,” wrote the authors, led by Salma Genena of
Dr. Tom Giacobbi has a reminder about fluoride usage in today’s society and the impact it has had for years. Transcript “She’s on Line 2? Tell her I’ll pick that up in just a minute. “This is a reminder that it’s still OK to love fluoride. Water fluoridation has reduced tooth decay by 20% to 40% across all age groups. It’s one of public health’s greatest success stories. “For patients
Tooth pain is one of those symptoms that is hard to ignore. It can interrupt meals, affect sleep, and make daily activities uncomfortable. Many people assume a cavity is the cause, but that is not always the case. It is possible to experience tooth pain even when no visible decay is present. Understanding why your tooth hurts without a cavity can help you take the right next step and avoid
A newly developed digital app called Happy Teeth may improve children’s knowledge about oral health, indicating that game-based education may be more effective than traditional methods. The study was recently published in BMC Oral Health. Additionally, the app’s interactive games and quizzes designed around oral health may increase awareness of healthy eating, the authors wrote. “Gamification appears to be a promising adjunct to traditional oral health education,” wrote the authors,
When you hear the word “bacteria,” you may typically think of the germs that make you sick during cold and flu season. But, when it comes to mouth bacteria, you may be surprised to know that there are many good bacteria in your mouth. Healthy bacteria are responsible for keeping harmful germs at bay. Get to know the good bacteria in your mouth, and you may not be so quick
Suppose you have dental surgery coming up. You probably have questions about what measures your dental professional will take to ensure the experience is pain-free. From wisdom teeth removal to getting dental implants to root canals, it’s normal to have questions about what the surgery will entail. And it’s quite common to wonder how much you will be aware of or able to feel. Fortunately, various sedation and anesthesia options
Did you know that 3D technology can help improve your smile? Three-dimensional printing uses an additive manufacturing process to build physical objects from digital files. Additive manufacturing is the process of printing thin, multi-layers of material to create solid objects. This technology is already being used in many industries, from astronauts printing tools in space to helping architects build models. Learn more about how this exciting innovation is used in
It’s commonly thought that gluten is only found in food. But gluten is also hidden in various everyday skin and oral care consumer products, such as toothpaste. If you have negative reactions to gluten, know that there are positive toothpaste alternatives with glutenous ingredients. Gluten-free toothpaste keeps your teeth clean and your gums healthy – without triggering a response that disrupts your overall health. Essential to staying healthy is learning
Burning Mouth Syndrome can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and confusing. It has many causes and many possible treatments. But with the right combination of diet, medication, and professional consultation, you can get to the bottom of BMS and relieve the discomfort. Learn about BMS, causes, treatment, and home remedies. What is Burning Mouth Syndrome? Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an irritating and rare condition that affects about 1 percent of