Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? It's essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. At night, you probably know that you should brush right before you go to bed. However, you may be wondering whether you should brush your teeth right when you wake up in the morning or after you eat breakfast. The answer is: You should brush your teeth first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up. The reason is that saliva production [...]
Replace Your Old Toothbrush We've all seen an old disgusting worn-out toothbrush before. And truth be told, we've probably all been guilty of letting an old toothbrush hang around far too long. Understandably, you may be questioning whether or not to get a new one, and sometimes it's hard to determine where exactly to draw the line. However, if you are even asking yourself the question, it probably means that it's far past time. Another good tip is to buy multiple toothbrushes at once. [...]
Does Sensitivity Toothpaste Work? If you were to take the commercial's word for it, you'd think sensitivity toothpaste was a magic cure-all! In reality, over-the-counter toothpaste may provide some relief from mild sensitivity, but addressing the underlying cause is the only way to truly solve the problem. Usually, teeth have a layer of super-hard enamel covering the entire visible portion of the tooth (known as the crown). Sensitivity occurs when the inner layer (called dentin) is exposed. This dentin is much more porous and [...]
After Wisdom Teeth Extraction... After you've had your wisdom teeth removed, it's crucial to maintain proper at-home care during the recovery period. Always follow your dentist's specific instructions, and remember the general guidelines below. Post Wisdom Teeth Instructions Pain, Sensitivity, Swelling It's normal to experience mild to moderate pain following extraction. If discomfort occurs, use the prescribed pain medication as directed. You can use an ice pack to reduce swelling, which should also bring some measure of pain relief. If you experience unusual or [...]
Why Get Rid of Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of the mouth. They appear in late adolescence, at about ages 17 to 25, depending on the individual. The problem is that most people simply don't have enough room to accommodate these extra teeth. When wisdom teeth are "impacted," it means they are causing problems for neighboring teeth, possibly disrupting their alignment. They are also notorious for emerging in irregular positions, partially emerging, or failing to [...]
Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? Or is my old toothbrush doing the job? For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric [...]
While some studies might find benefits in moderate drinking (such as antioxidants in red wine), you can surely obtain these supposed positives through other, more healthy options. In fact, alcohol consumption has mostly adverse effects on our well-being. Most people know this but still drink due to the cultural and social aspects. Of course, moderation is key. Taking it too far and drinking in excess can pose dangers to both your overall health and your teeth as well. Alcohol & Overall Health In the [...]
Dental Problems From Popcorn Popcorn is a great tasty snack. There's nothing like warm buttery popcorn to accompany a movie or while binge-watching your favorite TV show. However, popcorn can cause a real danger to teeth in several ways. Uncooked kernels can be extremely tough. Accidentally biting down on one can cause cracks, chips, or tooth fracture. Partially cooked kernels may appear to be a nice soft piece, only to be hard and unyielding. To avoid possible injury, pour out the bag to sort [...]
What Is Dry Socket? What to know after an extraction. You probably know that missing a tooth can cause problems. Of course, it leaves behind a gap in your smile, affecting your appearance. But it can also impact your ability to eat properly and cause other oral health problems. Yes, a missing tooth is never ideal. However, sometimes a tooth extraction becomes necessary when too much damage or decay is present. In these instances, be aware that dry socket may occur in the days [...]
Some Bad Habits Are Hard To Break Often, people think of their teeth as indestructible, engaging in high-risk activities, or using them for things they just aren't well-suited to do. Avoid these bad habits to keep teeth strong and healthy. Using Teeth as Tools Conventional wisdom says there's no substitute for the correct tool. Well, teeth are not tools, nor should they be used as such! Using your teeth to open packaging is a big no-no. People will often justify the behavior by saying, [...]
