Most people—especially here in the Pacific Northwest—enjoy starting the morning off with a nice cup of coffee or tea. But many of us haven’t given much thought to how this morning ritual affects our teeth. The fact that coffee and tea can cause staining is fairly well-known, but do tea and coffee […]
Dental hygiene is important for overall wellness, but are your breathing habits affecting your oral health? If you’re breathing through your mouth, this might be the case, according to Dianne Sefo, clinical associate professor and chair of the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting department at NYU. “Mouth breathing can impact […]
Teeth play a significant role in our digestive system. They are the first to come into contact with food and grind it up for you. But teeth can also have sensitivities to cold and hot foods. For example, you might bite into an ice cream only to feel a searing […]
Beverages that have a low pH — meaning they are more acidic — have the potential to wear away tooth enamel over time, particularly when consumed often and in large quantities. Regular water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. Coffee measures about 5, lemon juice about 2 and stomach […]
Once a natural tooth is gone, it’s final. But saving broken-down teeth is possible if you use proper buildups followed by proven restorative procedures. Dr. Gordon Christensen outlines what to consider. Is the patient serious about keeping their teeth? I don’t suggest trying to convince a doubting patient to keep […]
If you have dark stains, plaque buildup, or breath that won’t remain fresh, you may be tempted to brush your teeth more than twice a day. Perhaps you’re considering giving them a clean after every meal, or more! However, this is not always going to solve your problems, and you […]
Have you ever looked at the brilliant smiles of celebrities and wondered how they achieve those picture-perfect teeth? It’s no secret that a bright, aligned smile can significantly impact your overall appearance and confidence. While genetics play a role in the quality of our teeth, the good news is that […]
Even a small amount of exercise, no matter how intense, can have numerous health benefits. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke; improve brain function; and enhance overall physical health. However, you may not realize that exercise can also have a negative impact on oral […]
Brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly — we all know the pillars of good dental hygiene. But knowing them and maintaining them are two different things. Nearly 50% of people above 30 have signs of gum disease and 26% of adults have untreated cavities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and […]
Conventional wisdom tells us that if you eat something that’s harsh on your teeth, you should brush them immediately to avoid further damage. Yet experts say that in some cases the opposite is true: When you eat foods that compromise your tooth enamel, you should hold off on brushing. Derek Chung, DMD, […]