Dead Toothbrushes
A really dead toothbrush—one badly worn and frayed, not necessarily just old—is like having no toothbrush at all. In fact, you're probably doing more harm than good if your brush [...]
November 2019
The War on Germs: Are We Winning? Should we be?
Homicide: bad word. It means killing another human being. Germicide? For many, good word. It promises to kill what are hated and feared most in this super-sanitary era: germs. Germ [...]
Fluoride, it’s for Life
If your goal is healthy teeth for life, then you need fluoride. It ensures newly formed teeth are strong; prevents plaque, cavities, and gum disease; and protects roots that get [...]
Watch Your Mouth
Self Examinations can Spot Signs of Trouble Through the day, you check the mirror—your hair, your collar, your hem. Ever open your mouth to see what's inside? You should, and [...]
October 2019
Dealing with a Dental Phobia
The bad thing about dental phobia is that it prevents people from seeking the care they need—when they need it. The good thing about it is that today, we can [...]
OUCH! Pizza Burns
Do you enjoy eating fresh, hot pizza? If so, you may have experienced a common mouth injury—"pizza burn." Dentists use this term for a minor burn of the gums and [...]
Stroke Prevention: Routine Dental Hygiene Appointments
You may wonder what a tooth cleaning has to do with a stroke—that sudden, devastating paralysis in which blood supply to the brain is blocked. Simply put, it's the result [...]
Fever Blisters, Cold Sores, Canker Sores
Some are caused by a virus, some hurt, and all are unpleasant socially. What exactly is that nasty thing on my mouth? And how do I get rid of it [...]
September 2019
Let the Sunshine in!
Are you one of the millions of Americans who spends most of their working and free time indoors? If so, you may be missing out on the important benefits of [...]
Tongue Brushing
An Old Habit Seems New Here's an idea that may be new to you. Did you ever think of brushing your tongue? Actually, tongue-brushing is an ancient practice. Our ancestors [...]
