Bad breath happens to us all. After a restful night’s sleep, most of us experience some form of morning breath. It’s also common after eating foods like garlic or coffee. While bad breath can make us feel self-conscious, it can also be a warning sign of something more serious. Those who experience regular instances of bad breath may have halitosis. Understanding Halitosis Halitosis is the medical term used to describe persistent bad breath. While some forms are worsened by diet, most people with halitosis didn’t develop symptoms just from eating a lot of garlicky food. It’s often caused by poo ..read more

It’s a debate most of us have on the daily. You wake up after a refreshing night of sleep with morning breath. You’re looking forward to your hot cup of coffee and plate of bacon and eggs. Whether you’re put off by the idea of chasing toothpaste with a glass of orange juice or just want to make sure you get all the food out of your teeth before starting your day, many people delay brushing until after eating breakfast. But what’s best for your oral health? You know you need to brush at least twice a day. But when it comes to your morning routine, is it better to wait? Believe it or not, the fe ..read more

Gum recession is all too common. Poor oral health often causes gums to pull back and form pockets between the gum and the tooth. These gaps tend to fill with bacteria, impacting the bone and tissue. When left untreated, receding gums can cause significant pain and even tooth loss. It’s important to note that gum recession is a gradual process. You might not notice anything is wrong until the pain and sensitivity set in. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular dental appointments to identify gum recession as early as possible. In addition to regular visits, here are a few ways you can ..read more

Brushing your teeth twice daily helps keep your mouth healthy and free of cavities. When you’re just brushing and not flossing, though, you’re only cleaning about 60 percent of your teeth’s surfaces. Floss reaches where toothbrushes cannot, removing food and plaque that causes infections, cavities, and even periodontal disease. Many people will admit they don’t floss regularly. They say it takes too long or is too uncomfortable. The right floss can make all the difference. Given how important flossing is to the overall health of your mouth, it’s important to find the best type of floss for you ..read more

Ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist? You’re not alone – millions of people experience dental anxiety. Some are scared the visit might hurt. Others are nervous that it’s been a while since their last visit and feel uncertain about what the dentist may find. No matter the reason, it’s important not to let dental anxiety jeopardize your oral health. The more you put off going, the higher the risk of developing dental problems. Indeed, regular dentist visits makes the entire process easier.  Use these strategies to help ease your anxiety and boost your smile: Meditate De ..read more

School is out for summer! It’s time to relax, sleep in, and spend the day at the pool. While the warm months offer great opportunities for family time, they also tend to throw us off our usual routines. If you’re hoping to prevent tooth decay this season, try these tips on for size: Skip the Sugary Drinks We’re more relaxed during the summer months, which may make us more inclined to sip on sugary sodas, juices, and for adults, cocktails. As you enjoy your break, be mindful about how often you’re reaching for sugary drinks. There’s nothing like an icy cold lemonade on a hot day, but it should ..read more

Childhood milestones are exciting for kids and their parents alike. When a child feels their baby teeth start to wiggle, though, some parents feel panicked. Losing baby teeth is a universal experience that’s totally normal and healthy, but it can still lead to confusion for parents. Here’s what you should know about this important milestone: Timeline for Baby Teeth Loss Baby teeth get loose as adult teeth push on them and are ready to come in. We tend to lose teeth in the same order they came in – expect the front teeth to loosen first, followed by the canines and molars. Kids as young as four ..read more

Pop quiz: when was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? While we frequently toss out expired food, beauty products, and cleaning solutions, we often forget about our dental hygiene tools. If you’re hoping to maintain the integrity of your oral health, though, it’s important to replace your toothbrush frequently. When to Change Your Toothbrush The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It’s around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor. While we might not like to thi ..read more

Each year, seven million young athletes will become injured while playing their favorite sports. In fact, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates about three million kids have their teeth knocked out in sporting events annually. While these statistics sound frightening, the right athletic gear can help keep your child safe on the field or court.  Protecting the teeth of young athletes is of the utmost importance. Fail to prevent injuries and your child may experience eating problems, crooked teeth, and future costly dental work. Thankfully, a mouth guard, helmet, and pads ca ..read more

The world can be a stressful place. From turbulent current events to pressure at work or in your personal life, stress can begin to impact your oral health. At increased levels, stress hormones can lower your immunity and make you more susceptible to periodontal disease. Stressed out people are also more likely to indulge in bad habits like smoking, too. Other effects of stress on your oral health include: Bruxism About 70 percent of bruxism cases stem from stress and anxiety. Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is common in people who hold tension in their jaw. When left untreated, bruxism ..read more