What Causes Sensitive Teeth and 4 Tips for Dealing With It

Ask a Dentist, Tooth Decay - causes, dealing, sensitive, teeth, tips, what - 24 October 2016

Have Sensitive Teeth? Here’s What You Need to Know: Sensitive teeth typically react badly to hot or cold food and beverages. They can send severe pain signals that flows throughout your body. In some cases, your teeth become sensitive to cold substances only. In other cases, your teeth become sensitive to heat, but not to cold. In other cases, you feel teeth sensitivity to hot and cold. What Causes Sensitive Teeth If you have sensitive teeth you could blame one of multiple causes. Among the common causes of sensitive teeth are the following items. Lack of sufficient tooth enamel, lost […]

Study Shows Possible Connection Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips, Holistic Dentistry - between, connection, disease, possible, shows, study - 20 October 2016

There’s a New Reason to Protect Yourself Against Plaque Gum diseases caused by the damaging effects of tartar and plaque have long been a concern for many people. Periodontal disease, if allowed to progress, can result in bone loss and loosening of the teeth. It becomes more and more painful to treat as it worsens; skin grafts or even tooth removal can be necessary if gum disease is not addressed early on. But scientists have also identified other consequences of poor gum health that extend beyond the mouth. A link has been identified between gum disease and heart disease, for […]

What You Need to Know About Geriatric Dental Care

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips, Holistic Dentistry - about, dental, geriatric, know, need, what - 19 October 2016

What You Need to Know About Geriatric Dental Care On the surface, when it comes to geriatric dental care the news is good: aging Americans are keeping their teeth longer into their lives, and maintaining more of them, too. It’s definitely a victory for the dental health field that tooth removal and reliance on dentures is becoming less and less common. But the state of elderly dental care still has problems, and these are actually becoming more pronounced now that more elderly people are keeping their natural teeth. Dentistry professionals are speaking out about the specific concerns relating to the […]

Oral Piercings and Dental Hygiene

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips, Holistic Dentistry - dental, hygiene, oral, piercings - 12 October 2016

Though fads and styles come and go, oral piercings remain a popular alternative style choice. Lip piercings, tongue piercings and cheek piercings are the most common, but it’s safe to say that any spot that can be pierced has been by someone — including under the tongue, inside the lips, and even the uvula! When deciding whether or not to get a piercing, most people consider the appearance, pain level, maintenance and price. However, dentists are speaking out and urging oral piercing enthusiasts to also take their dental health into consideration. When thinking about oral piercings, dental hygiene might not […]

Smoking and Bacteria: How Cigarettes Can Give Germs Super Strength

Ask a Dentist, Oral Cancer, Tooth Decay - bacteria:, cigarettes, germs, give, smoking, super - 3 October 2016

The list of reasons to avoid smoking just keeps getting longer and longer, and a 2016 study conducted by the University of Louisville has just added one more. Smoking has long been known to have an adverse effect on oral health, but scientists are still uncovering the many ways tobacco impacts our bodies. The latest finding connects tobacco use with the formation of biofilms. A “biofilm” is when a group of microorganisms collect on a surface and then begin to stick together, forming a coating that can cover biological or non-living surfaces alike. When biofilms form in our mouths, they’re […]

Are Sports Drinks and Energy Bars Bad for Kids?

Ask a Dentist, Dental Hygiene for Kids, Healthy Living Tips, Holistic Dentistry - bars, drinks, energy, kids, sports - 14 September 2016

Sports Drinks and Oral Health for Kids Every kid wants to be like their favorite athlete. Youngsters want to dress like their role models, act like them, and buy the same products. This has led to a rise in popularity of things like sports drinks and energy bars — designed to rehydrate athletes’ bodies after a tough match or workout, or provide energy and nutrients to last for hours of grueling exercise — being consumed casually. This is bad news, dentists warn, health drinks are not always healthy for kids, and the clear losers here are children’s teeth. Why are […]

New Study Apparently Shows Flossing Does Not Work – True or False

Ask a Dentist, Dental Hygiene for Kids, Tooth Decay - apparently, does, flossing, shows, study, work - 31 August 2016

Does Flossing Really Work? The Associated Press (AP) published (August 2016) the results of their investigation of flossing benefits when combined with regular tooth brushing. The AP reviewed 25 research studies, compiled over the past 10 years, that focused on the advantages of flossing and brushing compared to brushing alone. Their conclusion: Flossing has little or no effect on removing plaque or encouraging healthy gums. Their report highlights a 2015 study that states “inconsistent/weak evidence” of the value of flossing and brushing. The AP also noted that both the 2010 and 2015 editions of Dietary Guidelines for Americans (published every […]

Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Options: A Bright Smile On A Budget

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips, Teeth Whitening Tips - affordable, bright, cosmetic, dentistry, options, smile - 17 August 2016

3 Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Options and Alternatives to Veneers Having beautiful teeth is more than just a confidence booster; research conducted by health care giant Bupa shows that our smiles play a key role in “the initial visual impression we each create” during job interviews, meetings, and at corporate presentations. Those with an attractive smile are read as being more confident, competent, and leadership-oriented—in short, they are more likely to be hired and promoted than their dentally-challenged peers. Alas, if you haven’t already climbed the corporate ladder, you know that finding affordable cosmetic dentistry options can feel like an insurmountable […]

Is Vaping Bad for Your Teeth: E-Cigarettes and Dental Health

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips, Oral Cancer, Teeth Whitening Tips - dental, e-cigarettes, health, teeth, vaping, your - 11 August 2016

Is Harmful to Your Teeth and Overall Oral Health? As the use of e-cigarettes, or “vaping,” grows in popularity, many are hailing it as the healthier alternative to smoking. Plenty of former smokers have kicked the tobacco habit by switching to vaping. People are buying expensive vapes and liquid in an endless range of flavors to get in on the hot new trend — even some who never smoked cigarettes. With the trend here to stay, former smokers and vapers everywhere are wondering, “Is vaping bad for your teeth?” or at least as less bad for your teeth than smoking. So far, […]

Sleep Troubles: How Your Dentist Can Help With Sleep Disorders

Ask a Dentist, Healthy Living Tips - dentist, help, sleep, troubles:, with, your - 20 July 2016

Did You Know Your Dentist Can Help With Sleep Disorders? Need one more reason why visiting the dentist regularly is a good idea? Here you go: according to new research, your tongue and tonsils can provide important information about your sleep habits. This means that your dentist could be the first to catch a previously unnoticed, yet potentially dangerous, condition like sleep apnea. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the upper part of your airways becomes blocked. Breathing will stop and start throughout the night, depriving you of good sleep. In less severe cases, this leads […]