Got a cavity that needs filling? Your dentist might use a dental amalgam filling to seal it up and stop the decay in its tracks. You might have heard rumors about amalgam fillings that contain mercury and could be wondering if it’s safe to put in your mouth. Not to fear – We’re here to help put your mind at ease and answer some of your questions about dental amalgam
Tattoos have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade across the globe. While it used to be rare to walk down the street and see someone plastered with body art, the sight has become commonplace and is now unlikely to turn heads. Some have turned to more unusual forms of marking their body, including so-called tooth tattoos. What exactly are they? Are they safe? Read below, and we’ll walk you
Whether you’re brushing at home or on the road, you want to ensure your toothbrush is germ-free – as you do with all things you put into your mouth. But should you buy a toothbrush sanitizer to disinfect an essential instrument of your oral care? The answer: It depends. Learn why having a toothbrush sanitizer is dependent on many factors, including the care you take with your toothbrush to keep
We’ve all heard that milk builds strong bones. But did you know that your overall diet contributes to your oral health? The same is true for your children. While dietary needs vary as children move through different stages of growth, one thing is certain: Foods that are good for the body are good for the teeth. Read on to learn how your kids can get the nutrition they need, not
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. It gives you the ability to chew, talk and move your jaw up and down and side to side. However, according to The TMJ Association (TMJA), 12% of people in the U.S. experience some type of issue with their TMJ, the majority of this population consisting of women of childbearing age. There are a variety of
While you might have a great oral care routine, accidents can still happen. Sometimes an accident can result in a cracked front tooth. While seeing a sudden crack in your front tooth can be alarming, a visit to your dentist is the best thing to do at the moment. Read on to find out what treatment options are available to you so that you can repair your cracked front tooth
Ever woken up from a cozy afternoon nap only to find that the horrid smell on your pillow is actually coming for your mouth? Congratulations, you have now experienced the phenomenon not-so-fondly referred to as, “nap breath”. What is “Nap Breath”? By no means a scientific term, “nap breath” refers to the particularly foul-smelling breath and sour taste many people experience after waking up from a nap. Think: “morning breath,”
Often when adults lose adult teeth as they age, implant-supported dentures can be a safe and effective choice to help improve their smile and keep their mouth healthy. Most implant-supported dentures are made to look, feel, and act like natural teeth and are the closest thing you can get to natural, healthy teeth. Not only does this help preserve the aesthetic view of the mouth, but dentures also preserve the
According to the American Dental Association, a crown, or “cap,” is a dental restoration used to either strengthen a tooth with a large filling or restore a tooth that’s broken, discolored or poorly shaped. Crowns can also be used to cover dental implants (artificial tooth roots). As the Cleveland Clinic explains, they can be made of all metal, all resin, all ceramic or a combination of porcelain fused to metal.
If you’ve been inconsistent with oral care over the years and are now interested in amping up your routine, we have great news: You can totally do it! To get there, first focus on establishing that new habit — once that’s accomplished, people tend to automatically perform tasks based on contextual cues. Identify realistic goals, try to do them every day at the same time for 10 weeks, and track
Toothbrushes and toothpaste are essential oral care items you can pick up at so many stores, but where did they come from? Of course, they haven’t always looked like the toothbrushes we have today. Learn the history of toothpaste and toothbrushes and how to make sure you’re choosing the toothbrush you need. The world’s first toothbrushes Most historians agree ancient Babylonians and Egyptians created the first ‘toothbrushes’ from frayed twigs
Ever run out of toothpaste and grabbed a small tube from your travel kit or your dentist-visit samples supply? Next time you do, take a look at the tube. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate over-the-counter toothpaste expiration dates, toothpaste packaging lists them. These expiration dates help ensure your toothpaste’s ingredients remain effective in its packaging. Though expired toothpaste can work in a pinch and is usually