There are a lot of factors that cause discoloration of our teeth. Take coffee, colas, and cigarettes, for instance. Their ingredients contain chemicals that stain the teeth. In fact, even fluoride, an active ingredient in toothpaste, can cause mottling and produce a white or brown stain on the teeth. To eliminate these unwanted teeth stains, most patients undergo a procedure... read more »

When a dentist wants to see the size or position of a patient’s teeth, he or she uses a dental x-ray. This device helps monitor the oral orifice. A dentist can detect teeth or gum injuries and prepare orthodontic treatment for a patient without the need of a thorough visual exam on the inside of the mouth. Indeed, the dental... read more »

In a statement released on May 30, 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that children born to indigenous populations have more tooth decay and cavities compared to other children. The pediatrician group further recommended that doctors and dentists should pay more attention to these kids’ oral health. A survey conducted in the US, Alaska and Canada revealed that 68 percent of... read more »

Each day offers an opportunity for your child to learn new things. Last week's lesson was about twisting, licking and dunking a cookie on a glass of milk. The other day was about making “bunny ear loops” to tie shoelaces. With so many things that you can teach your child, perhaps you could also demonstrate how to take care of... read more »

Much like noise-canceling or noise-reduction headphones in airliners, a new dental technology can block out the shrill sound from the dentist's instruments, which has been the prime cause of patient phobia and anxiety. The device, containing a microphone and a chip, shuts out sound from the dental drill through soundwaves that produce interference. The prototype device, invented by clinicians from... read more »

Green tea has become an increasingly popular beverage being touted in numerous studies as having therapeutic benefits for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, genital warts and obesity. Green tea’s antioxidant properties are believed to produce anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. In a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology, the researchers discovered that green tea also promotes healthy teeth and gums.... read more »

Periodontal disease (gum infection) can spread through the bloodstream and infect the uterus (womb). This could cause low birth weight, premature delivery and infection of the unborn child. A case report published in the Green Journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reported fetal death due to infection of oral bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, found in gum disease. The... read more »

You will never look at toothbrushing again as a routine hygiene to take lightly or you can do without. A recent study found that people who brush their teeth less frequently have a 70% increased risk of heart disease compared with those who brushed their teeth twice a day. When people don't brush their teeth regularly, they are prone to... read more »

An impacted wisdom tooth can trap food particles and debris. Bacteria feed on these food particles, which may cause infection of the surrounding tissue. This is called pericoronitis. Pericoronitis may include any of the following symptoms: pain, swollen gum tissue in the area of the affected tooth, difficulty in biting or opening of the mouth, swelling of the cervical (neck)... read more »

Cleaning in between tooth spaces is widely accepted as an important part of oral healthiness. Flossing removes plaques and food debris in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. However, studies that show the benefits of flossing are sparse. Together with tooth and tongue brushing, dental flossing significantly reduces the number of microbes that cause tooth decay and gum diseases. A two-week... read more »