Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69 percent of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth. When you lose a tooth, it’s essential to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain your facial shape and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants. Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. They’re usually made from materials like porcelain or plastic to match your natural tooth color. They can cover one or several missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots …
5 Benefits of Going to a Family Dentist
Board meetings. Conference calls. Dropping off and picking the kids up from daycare or school. Sporting events. Grocery shopping. Music lessons. We get it – as a family, you have a lot going on. And there’s nothing worse when booking things like dental appointments than thinking about having to schedule them with different providers only because one treats kids and one doesn’t. Did you know that general dentists typically only serve a specific age bracket? Family dentists, however, are able to provide services to individuals of all ages, making it easier for families to get quality care in one location without having to drive all over town. Read on to learn five benefits of going to a family dentist. 1. It makes dental care …
3 Reasons to Schedule a Dental Checkup
Your dental checkup is not only good for your health, it’s also good for your wallet. Preventive services, like checkups, are 100 percent covered by most dental plans. Yet, many people leave money on the table by not going to their dentist often. Here are three great reasons to keep regular checkups. You get the most value from your benefits. Among adults who’ve purchased an individual dental plan or have coverage through their employer, more than 36 percent won’t have a single claim over the course of a year, including almost 45 percent of those ages 19 to 34. Those unused benefits usually don’t roll over from year to year. When you schedule regular checkups, you take advantage of this valuable benefit. They often say, use or lose …
How to Use an Interdental Brush
Step-by-step instructions Make it a daily routine to brush between your teeth with an interdental brush. It will keep your mouth healthy and prevent gum inflammation and cavities. Interdental brushes can also be used for cleaning of implants and orthodontic appliances. Make interdental brushes part of your daily routine Did you know that a toothbrush can only reach 60% of the tooth surfaces? Dental plaque builds up between your teeth where a toothbrush does not reach. It is a good idea to use an interdental brush as part of your daily cleaning routine to prevent gum inflammation, cavities and bad breath. An interdental brush is a small brush specially designed to clean between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush does not …
A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Kids How to Brush Their Teeth
Your child doesn't have to be among the 42 percent of kids aged two through 11 years old with tooth decay, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In fact, by learning where to begin when teaching kids to brush their teeth and building good dental hygiene habits, you can help your kids be among the 80 percent of kids who don't have untreated decayed teeth. Why It's Important for Kids to Get Started Early Caring for Their Teeth Starting good oral care when your child is at an early age is essential for the long-term health of their teeth. As a parent, you can teach your child how to brush and floss just by taking some key steps. Why Brushing Baby Teeth Is Important A healthy smile early on leads to a …
What are the Different Types of Teeth?
Over the course of your life, you will develop two different sets of teeth. As a baby, your primary teeth, often referred to as baby teeth, will come in. Over time, they will be replaced by your permanent teeth. You will develop 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth which will develop in stages. There are five different types of teeth that will erupt over your lifetime, each with a different shape and a different function. Each tooth has an opposite on the other side of the mouth that will erupt at around the same time. Incisors The incisors are the eight teeth that are most visible in the front of the mouth. There are eight incisors in total, four on the top and four on the bottom. These are often called your front teeth. The …
Natural Teeth Whiteners: Fact vs. Myth
When it comes to teeth whitening, you may see many different methods featured online and in magazines—from oil pulling to charcoal, and even turmeric. It's no surprise that DIY whitening is top of mind, either. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. Healthy smiles come in many shades, though it's tempting to think ingredients in our own kitchens could hold the key to a brighter smile. Still, just because a method is natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy. In fact, DIY whitening can do more harm than good to your teeth. Here’s how: Fruits Myth: The approach maintains you can make your teeth whiter and brighter using household …
5 Things to Know About Teeth Whitening
Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening. Thinking about teeth whitening? Get the facts first. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process. Why Did My Teeth Change Color? Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons: Food and Drink Coffee, tea and red …
10 Toothbrush Facts You Didn’t Know
We know and love our toothbrushes as the tools that kick plaque to the curb, help keep cavities at bay (with the help of fluoride toothpaste, of course) and freshen our breath. But what else can we learn about them? Read on for some toothbrush facts. When selecting your toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard for toothbrush quality. It’s how you’ll know an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, evaluated your toothbrush to make sure bristles won’t fall out with normal use, the handle will stay strong and the toothbrush will help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease. The toothbrush is 5,000 years old. In various forms, that is. Ancient …
End Bad Breath with a Tongue Scraper
You brush and floss everyday, but is there another way to get your mouth even cleaner? It could be possible with tongue scraping. You’ve probably seen tongue scraping taking over the pages of all your favorite influencers. Is it safe? Is it just a fad? Can it really be helpful? We’re here to dive into your questions and tell you just how this could become your favorite part of your dental routine. Why? Because it can help with a number of things including: preventing bad breath, improving taste, increasing health, and more. What is Tongue Scraping? Tongue scraping is a way to remove debris from the tongue. Over time, bacteria and more can make their home on your tongue. When this adds up, it can cause bad breath and other oral health …