If you're like the rest of us, now that belt-tightening is the "new normal," you may already be eating more meals at home, dropping subscriptions, vacationing closer to home. You may also be tempted to cut back on your dental care. But think it over. If a problem has surfaced with your oral health, nipping [...] The post Prevention is Your Best Protection appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

"Meal Replacement" alternatives...How much of the hype is science—and how much is fiction? Like personal aircraft, elixirs offering all the necessary nutrients in a single dose have been a staple of science fiction. For good reason. Athletes seek a power surge. Seniors dream of a healthy dinner which needs no cooking before and no clean-up [...] The post Energy… Not! appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

These days, ordinary people are cosmetically enhancing their appeal, stripping years from bodies, faces, and smiles. And dentistry can go a long way in helping you look as young as you feel! Cosmetic vs. Restorative Dentistry What's the difference? Both have to do with individual wants and needs. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to [...] The post Looking Good at Any Age appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

Risk-taking is a normal part of teenage development—and often a growth opportunity for parents, too! Heads up to handling some common dental risks of adolescence so you both stay smiling. Wisdom Comes With Age The wisdom teeth, the third molars, are the last to emerge. They appear in the teen years sometimes two, sometimes three [...] The post Targeting Teenage Risks appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

Choosing the right toothpaste for yourself—or your family—goes beyond the coupon you may have in hand, or bright displays in the marketplace. For your health, you have to think like a dentist. At different times in our lives, dental strategies change, toothpaste requirements change. And product name isn't half as important as the basic components [...] The post When it Comes to Toothpaste appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

Some prescribed drugs and dental surgery may not be a good mix. You might not think that what your MD prescribes—and what your dentist does for your mouth's well-being—are closely related. But both are significant. If you are contemplating upcoming dentistry like a tooth extraction or an implant, it may be helpful to review which [...] The post When Prescriptions and Dentistry Don’t Mix appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you're probably doing more harm than good if your brush has seen better days. All dead toothbrushes should be given a decent burial. If you have doubts about the life left in your toothbrush, bring [...] The post Dead Toothbrushes appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

Homicide: bad word. It means killing another human being. Germicide? For many, good word. It promises to kill what are hated and feared most in this super-sanitary era: germs. Germ is sort of a catchall that refers to any microorganism we can't actually see. That's sort of like referring to every non-human living thing as [...] The post The War on Germs: Are We Winning? Should we be? appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

If your goal is healthy teeth for life, then you need fluoride. It ensures newly formed teeth are strong; prevents plaque, cavities, and gum disease; and protects roots that get exposed as gums recede over time. This essential mineral is present in what we eat and drink, but a healthy diet doesn't supply enough for [...] The post Fluoride, it’s for Life appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more

Self Examinations can Spot Signs of Trouble Through the day, you check the mirror—your hair, your collar, your hem. Ever open your mouth to see what's inside? You should, and not just when you feel pain or find blood on your toothbrush. You should routinely examine your oral orifice for any changes. Watch for red [...] The post Watch Your Mouth appeared first on Keith RR Gaught, DDS ..read more