Follow Us

    Tips

    Monday November 28, 2011 - Put your money where your mouth is: Instead of skipping dental appointments, ask your dentist for a cash discount if you don’t have dental insurance.

    Monday October 17, 2011 - Distracted toothbrushing is a bad habit to develop. Aim for 30 seconds of focused brushing on each quadrant of your mouth.

    Tuesday September 13, 2011 - Use a water pick to remove bacteria from the toughest area to reach: between your back teeth. Your gums will enjoy the massage, and your breath and oral health will improve.

    Tuesday August 30, 2011 - Make that a venti: New research suggests drinking coffee may reduce cavities as well as head and neck cancers.

    Tuesday August 23, 2011 - The No. 1 effect of medicines is decreased saliva. Chew gum, sip water and avoid caffeine to prevent oral health problems due to dry mouth.

    Friday August 19, 2011 - Be prepared for all occasions! Make a tooth survival kit with lip balm, sugar-free mints or gum, floss, a travel toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste.

    Thursday August 18, 2011 - Raisins, without added sugar, are a mouth-friendly snack. Their natural compounds may prevent the growth of oral bacteria.

    Wednesday August 17, 2011 - Get your teeth checked before trying any whitening product: Chemicals that come into contact with open cavities or diseased gums can be painful.

    Tuesday August 16, 2011 - Research alert: Brushing your teeth twice a day can lower your risk of heart disease!

    Monday August 15, 2011 - Over-stressed? Subtle signs that you need to relax include teeth grinding, jaw pain, mouth sores or decreased attention to oral hygiene.

    Friday August 12, 2011 - Got bad breath? More than 25 million Americans suffer from sinus problems, and smelly breath is often a symptom. Talk to your dentist or doctor.

    Thursday August 11, 2011 - Protect your lips from sun-induced oral cancer. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater.

    Wednesday August 10, 2011 - Brewed tea is tops: Loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, it can also help you avoid tooth erosion, a study suggests.

    Tuesday August 09, 2011 - Eighty percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have gum disease by age 3. When did your pet have its teeth cleaned last? Talk to your vet.

    Monday August 08, 2011 - Dental anxiety is common, so 40 percent of U.S. dentists are equipped to give pre-treatment sedatives. Ask your dentist about your options.

    Tuesday July 19, 2011 - Look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval: The 300+ dental products carrying it have been tested for safety and effectiveness.

    Monday June 20, 2011 - Do you snore? Sleep apnea affects over 18 million Americans and can be life-threatening. Find out about options like oral appliance therapy.

    Thursday March 31, 2011 - Teeth grinding often happens in sleep, so many aren’t aware. But a dull, constant headache is a tell-tale sign. A mouth guard can help!

    Wednesday March 30, 2011 - When did you last replace your toothbrush? If the bristles look worn or splayed, it’s time to get a new one.

    Tuesday March 29, 2011 - Don't brush your teeth for 30 minutes after having soda, or you could damage tooth enamel weakened by soda's citric acid.

    Monday March 28, 2011 - More than 400 commonly used prescription drugs can cause mouth dryness. Chewing gum can help increase saliva flow.

    Sunday March 27, 2011 - To avoid getting re-infected, throw away your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu or any viral or bacterial infection.

    Saturday March 26, 2011 - Nearly 65 million Americans suffer from bad breath at some point in their lives. Brushing your tongue along with your teeth twice a day can help.

    Thursday March 24, 2011 - Brushing your teeth in a circular motion is the best way to prevent bleeding gums and build up tissue that protects your teeth.

    Wednesday March 23, 2011 - Is your water fluoridated? Water should have 1 ppm (part per million) of fluoride to prevent cavities. Call your water company to check.

    Sunday March 20, 2011 - People who chew sugar-free gum after lunch consume 60 fewer calories during their afternoon snack, one study showed.

    Friday March 18, 2011 - It’s not just the red! White wine makes teeth more susceptible to staining. One easy solution: Swish water in your mouth after drinking.

    Thursday March 17, 2011 - Use a straw (placed toward the back of your mouth) when you drink dark or acidic beverages to help protect your teeth from staining and decay.

    Wednesday March 16, 2011 - Capping the head of your toothbrush promotes the growth of bacteria. Instead, rinse it after brushing and place it upright in a holder.

    Friday March 11, 2011 - Who you gonna call? Be sure to know in advance how to contact your dentist or his or her colleague in an emergency. You should not be referred to a hospital emergency room.

    Thursday March 10, 2011 - Immune system changes and higher hormone levels in pregnancy can lead to gum disease. Regular flossing and brushing helps.

    Wednesday March 09, 2011 - Smiling sends feedback to our brains, producing positive emotions. Even faking a grin leads to feeling happier, so try it!

    Tuesday March 08, 2011 - Don’t brush where you flush: A toilet flush ejects bacteria that may settle on your toothbrush, studies show. Keep the lid down!

    Monday March 07, 2011 - A kiss on the lips can transmit 500 kinds of germs! Babies, children and those with weak immune system are most at risk, so go for the cheek.

    Friday March 04, 2011 - Smiling sends feedback to your brain to produce positive emotions. Even faking a grin leads to feeling happier, so try it!

    Thursday March 03, 2011 - Don’t mistake your teeth for tools. Avoid using them as pliers, scissors, and especially, ice crushers.

    Wednesday March 02, 2011 - Rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water after having wine, coffee or pigmented foods like blueberries will help prevent teeth stains.

    Tuesday March 01, 2011 - Don’t delay dessert: Eating cookies or ice cream with your dinner will do less damage to your teeth than having them as a separate snack.

    Monday February 28, 2011 - Love citrus fruits and fruit juices? Eat a piece of cheese or drink a glass of milk afterward to neutralize the acids in tart foods and drinks so they don’t attack your teeth.

    Friday February 25, 2011 - Tell your dentist if you have a new medical condition or are taking different medications. Your systemic health and your oral health are linked!

    Thursday February 24, 2011 - Over 30 and still have your wisdom teeth? Don’t worry -- most problems caused by wisdom teeth occur in teens and young adults.

    Wednesday February 23, 2011 - Be conservative: Dentists recommend a pea-size amount of toothpaste on your brush.

    Tuesday February 22, 2011 - Pain is passé: If your mouth hurts during or after dental treatment, tell your dentist immediately.

    Tuesday February 22, 2011 - Pigmented foods like blueberries, blackberries and beets are top teeth strainers -- so brush or rinse your mouth after eating them.

    Monday February 21, 2011 - Flustered by how much floss to use? Dentists say you need 18 inches so you have a clean section for each tooth.

    From Our Sponsor