Tea tree oil is a popular component of various at-home dental remedies, said to help control plaque, freshen breath, ease tooth pain, and treat periodontal disease. And natural, DIY remedies are attractive to people for many reasons, not least because tooth pain can strike at times the dentist’s office isn’t open. There’s a big “but” coming: the oil can be toxic if ingested, so it must be used in products
Your diet affects so many areas of your health — including your teeth! — and some foods offer more oral benefits than others. Consuming calcium-rich foods is an easy way to make your food work harder for your teeth. Dairy products like milk and cheese might seem like the obvious answer, but the variety of delicious calcium options might surprise you. Protect your smile and fuel your body with foods
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Flossing is crucial for cleaning between your teeth, removing food and plaque, and preventing diseases in your teeth and gums. Thankfully, you can try various flossing products, not just the strand of waxed string that has been around forever. Water flossers use a steady stream of fresh water to clean between your teeth. Learn the pros and
If your dentist recommends a dental crown, you’re probably wondering about how much of a dent it might make in your wallet. The good news is that there is a range of crowns to choose from. Consulting with your dentist can help you find one that matches both your dental needs and your budget. Find out what the different kinds of dental crowns for your teeth are and how much
For someone with a temporomandibular joint disorder, eating can be a real pain, literally. Because of the discomfort eating can cause, it’s especially important that those suffering from TMJ pain are extra mindful that they’re getting the nutrition they need. At the worst of times, nourishing smoothies and pureed soups will get you through. The best foods for TMJ are those that don’t require a lot of chewing. Here are
Your smile is one of the first things you’ll notice in your wedding photos. Once your big day is on the calendar, follow this simple timeline to prepare, so your teeth can look as fabulous as they feel. It’s one of the best days of your life, after all! Your Wedding Oral Care Checklist Whatever your dream wedding smile looks like, it’s best to create a game plan with a
Learning that you have tooth decay can be upsetting, but you’re not the only one getting this news at the dentist’s office. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 92% of adults between 20 and 64 years old have had cavities in their adult teeth. Fortunately, cavities can be easily repaired with fillings. There are many types of dental fillings, and both metal and metal-free fillings are available. The best
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) enables jaw movement and the ability to open and close your mouth. Experiencing pain and discomfort in your jaw or near the ears could mean you have a TMJ disorder. Although this often goes away on its own, TMJ exercises may help alleviate the pain. TMJ Stretches and Exercises When actively experiencing pain and discomfort from a TMJ problem, exercising the area may not be incredibly
Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for good health and wellness. We all want to live long healthy lives right? If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time fighting infections and building a strong, healthy mouth. Discover how nutrition impacts your oral health and simple adjustments you can make
You’re looking in a mirror and catch a glimpse of your tongue. It looks different. You stick it out, and you think, “That’s weird; why is my tongue brown?” Don’t panic. Here’s what to know and do if there is a brown coating on your tongue. Symptoms and Causes of Brown Tongue A healthy tongue is light pink and covered with small nodules (papillae). Typically, a healthy tongue sheds and
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease where the ingestion of gluten — a protein found in wheat and other grains like rye and barley — leads to damage of the small intestine. In fact, the Celiac Disease Foundation states that an estimated 1 in every 100 people worldwide is affected by gluten intolerance. But did you know that celiac disease can also impact your oral health? Learn about the
Is TMJ bothering you? You’re not alone. TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are usually the result of inflamed and painful chewing muscles around your jaw. For some, it comes and goes and is triggered by doing something like chewing a piece of gum all day. For others, TMJ can be chronic and very painful. You’re probably wondering how to get rid of your jaw
