Category: Dental Hygiene

Dental X-rays are an essential part of ensuring good oral health. Many think that X-rays are harmful because they use radiation to capture the image, and misinformation shared on the internet adds to the concerns. However, what patients may not know is that the level of radiation they are exposed to in an X-ray is actually quite low. In fact, just being out in the sun or flying in an airplane exposes you to higher levels of radiation than an X-ray.

According to the American Dental Association, the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during an X-ray is minuscule in comparison to the amount of radiation patients are exposed to on a daily basis. In fact, in one year, you will naturally be exposed to 640 times the level of radiation that routine X-rays produce.

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Dental caries, or tooth decay, is one of the most common diseases in the U.S. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents, and 90% of adults also have some degree of tooth decay. Tooth decay is both preventable and treatable, and there are new products, including Xylitol, that can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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Brushing your teeth twice per day is important to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. But did you know that it’s possible to brush your teeth too hard? Too much pressure when you’re brushing can lead to damage of your gums, which cannot be reversed without surgery. Read on to learn the signs you’re brushing too hard, how to prevent it, and what to do if you notice you’ve been brushing your teeth too hard.

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If you’ve been following the news lately, then you’ve probably seen the recent stories alleging flossing is found to not provide medical benefits.

These articles say that daily flossing showed little to no impact on reducing disease-causing plaque on teeth. In this article, The Associated Press stated:

“The AP looked at the most rigorous research conducted over the past decade, focusing on 25 studies that generally compared the use of a toothbrush with the combination of toothbrushes and floss. The findings? The evidence for flossing is ‘weak, very unreliable,’ of ‘very low’ quality, and carries ‘a moderate to large potential for bias.'”

The article goes on to discuss how flossing does not provide a benefit to oral health, and that Americans have been misinformed that the time spent flossing helps them in the long run.

Continue reading “Don’t Believe the Hype News : Flossing IS Beneficial”

For years, there’s been an ongoing debate on whether or not fluoride is safe and beneficial for humans, especially children. In reality, fluoride is an inexpensive way to reduce cavities and tooth decay (“dental caries”), a disease that affects people of all ages.

Everyone is susceptible to tooth decay, regardless of age, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoride is considered one of the 10 greatest public health achievements in the 20th century, and provides an important benefit to keeping teeth healthy.

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The Oral-Systemic Connection – Your Oral Health and Heart Health

The mouth is the gateway to the body. Not only is your smile often the first thing people notice about you, but it also impacts you in ways that you cannot see. Your oral health impacts your systemic (overall) health, which is why your dentist requests that you complete a medical history at your appointment; it’s important that your dentist knows your medical and family history because your oral health conditions may impact other systems in the body.

Maintaining good oral health is important at every stage of life. However, it’s important to realize that there are health issues to be mindful of at certain stages. Aging impacts overall oral health, so during Older Americans Month in May, people all around the country are helping spread the word about how seniors can take care of their teeth so that it positively impacts their overall health too! Read on to learn issues that mature adults should be aware of relating to oral health.

Over the years, oral piercings have become a popular fad among both men and women. While they may seem like a fashionable addition to your overall appearance, oral piercings come with a lot of risk and potential for long-term health issues. Read on to learn about the dental issues associated with oral piercings.