Activated charcoal has emerged as a major trend in the skincare world — and is quickly doing likewise in the toothpaste market, based on its reputation for whitening teeth and neutralizing bacteria. Once a boutique product with limited availability, charcoal toothpaste has gone mainstream, being produced by major brands and sold on the oral care…
By now, it’s common knowledge that smoking — as well as any type of tobacco use — has a devastating effect on health. According to a 2020 Surgeon General’s report, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that smoking causes cancer,…
Root canal treatment is probably the dental procedure that people dread the most. In fact, it’s the standard reference for an unpleasant experience, as in, “I’d rather have a root canal than (fill in the blank).” If you’ve never had a root canal, the procedure’s bad reputation could make you so anxious that you don’t…
The quest to restore missing teeth is almost as old as history itself. Archeological excavations have unearthed dentures dating back to 700 BCE, when the Etruscans created crude initial forms of dentures using ivory as a base, into which animal and human teeth were fastened. In fact, despite the persistent myth that George Washington had…
If you are among the more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes, you already know the risk for medical complications in such areas as your heart, kidneys, eyes and skin. But did you also know that diabetes can affect your oral health? According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes and oral health complications are…
Parents have a great deal of responsibility in teaching their children the values and behaviors they’ll need to become responsible adults themselves. Although it may not immediately come to mind, instilling good oral hygiene habits in your child is a process that’s essential to establishing good oral health for a lifetime! Knowing the right time…
The holiday season is here! Actually, it seems the season becomes longer every year, with Christmas décor decking the halls of stores starting in September. From October through December, candy, treats, holiday meals and party foods (and adult beverages) are in abundant supply, all tempting us to not only overindulge, but to neglect our oral…
It’s not uncommon to avoid situations that cause you feelings of stress and anxiety. When faced with two options, we choose the one that seems safer or easier. However, a fear of the dentist can have a lasting negative effect on your oral health and overall health if you don’t schedule appointments for regular check-ups…
It’s safe to say that tooth decay is the most common oral health issue in the United States. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 92% of adults ages 20 to 64 have had dental caries (tooth decay) in their permanent teeth. But while tooth decay is widespread, it shouldn’t be…
The health benefits of a good night’s sleep are becoming increasingly well known. The more that scientific research reveals about the importance of deep, restorative sleep, the more we do to try to achieve it — from investing in high-quality mattresses and supportive pillows to practicing “sleep hygiene,” which includes saying good-night to the smartphone…
