Who doesn’t want a whiter, brighter smile? After all, so many of your favorite daily treats (coffee, tea, red wine, even things like berries) can leave teeth with that unwanted, yellowish tint. And while you could pick up some at-home whitening devices or see your dentist for a professional bleaching, whitening toothpastes offer an easier, more cost-effective way…
Like cavities and gum disease, many dental problems develop gradually after months (or years!) of dental-health neglect. But sometimes, pain or sensitivity in your teeth can come on suddenly, and you may need immediate dental care, either at the emergency room or from your dentist. It’s not always easy to know whether a tooth, gum,…
What do you do when you’re suffering from a toothache? For most people, the first and most logical step is to call your dentist. After all, tooth pain is usually caused by a dental problem—such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, an infection in the tooth or gums, an impacted wisdom tooth or a failing…
Recently, a mother and her young daughter were introduced by a friend of mine at a neighborhood barbecue. Following the usual greetings, the mother reported her daughter just lost her front tooth. Then she asked, “Can you tell how old she is?” After a brief glance at her open mouth, I stepped back and answered,…
1. Brushing too hard Using a firm-bristled toothbrush and too much pressure can permanently wear away protective enamel (triggering tooth sensitivity and cavities) and cause receding gums. Instead, use a soft brush and gentle, circular scrubbing motions for two minutes at least twice a day. When buying a toothbrush, consider that compact heads move most…
Dear Doctor, My dentist diagnosed me with gum disease and said that my smoking is a factor. Would it be healthier for me to switch to e-cigarettes? Dear Sylvie, Many people have turned to vaping because they believe that it’s healthier than smoking. On the surface, e-cigarettes seem to have advantages over regular cigarettes: They…
Can you name the most common disease in the world today? It isn’t cancer, heart disease or influenza. Throughout every continent, across every demographic and age bracket, the most prevalent disease is tooth decay. While it’s not generally life-threatening, tooth decay can lead to lost time on the job or at school, impose a financial…
By definition, a holistic dentist is concerned with a person’s complete (“whole”) health rather than strictly focusing on teeth. Every modern dentist should offer a “holistic” approach to patient care—especially given all we know today about the connection between oral health and overall health. The issue with “holistic” dentistry is that the term has taken…