Most people know of calcium as a mineral that helps to build strong teeth and bones. So, it can be confusing when a dentist says they need to remove the calcium deposits or calcium buildup from teeth. If calcium is good for teeth, why remove it? Calcium Deposits, Calcium Buildup, and Dental Calculus: What Are...
“I’d rather have a root canal!” We’ve all heard the jokes. When something unpleasant or painful comes up, you might hear it compared to this much-dreaded dental procedure. Over the years, root canals have gotten a bad reputation for being painful. But the truth is, today’s root canals are mucheasier than most people think. Root...
Let’s face it: flossing isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of fun. If you’ve ever skipped a night (or a few) because you were tired or just didn’t feel like it, you are not alone. Plenty of people struggle to floss regularly. For some, it is easy to forget. For others, flossing teeth hurts, especially if their...
Dentists have recommended fluoride for reducing oral decay for more than seven decades. But in recent years, there has been controversy over the safety and necessity of fluoride. Some say it can actually cause health problems, and that those risks outweigh the dental benefits. We will go over what fluoride does for teeth and why...
Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking uncomfortable and can act as a constant reminder that something is going on with these teeth. While some people might make a dentist appointment right away, many people opt for a quick fix: sensitive toothpaste. Whether or not sensitive toothpaste will work generally depends on the cause and...
Thumb sucking is a common habit in babies and toddlers. It’s a natural way for children to feel comforted, especially when they are tired, scared, or trying to fall asleep. While thumb sucking may not be a cause for concern in young children, the habit can become a problem as your child grows older. Dentists...
Have you caught a glimpse of your smile in the mirror or a photo and noticed that one of your teeth looks darker than the rest? It might be gray, brown, yellow, or even bluish. It’s a common issue that can cause concern, and there are several reasons it can happen. Fortunately, there are solutions...
It is a rite of passage familiar to teens and their parents: the referral to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal. Whether it comes up at a routine checkup or after a complaint about jaw pain, the question is usually the same: Is now the right time to take them out? Though it is...
Have you ever looked at a tongue scraper in the drug store and thought, “What in the world is that thing for?” Or maybe you’ve seen someone tout the benefits of tongue scraping on social media and thought, “How does that work?” These little tools might seem odd. However, when combined with proper brushing and...
In recent years, interest in the human microbiome has exploded—especially regarding gut health. But did you know mouths also host a complex community of bacteria that is vital to overall well-being? Known as the oral microbiome, this ecosystem of “good” and “bad” bacteria influences the health of teeth and gums, the immune system, and even...