Switching up our daily habits can be challenging. Especially if we’ve been doing something a certain way for years. For instance, there’s advice that you shouldn’t rinse your teeth with water after brushing. And now another new dental hygiene tip that’s circulating across TikTok says you should floss your teeth before you brush […]
If you’re someone who has managed to avoid instances of tooth pain throughout your life, consider yourself lucky. Over two-fifths of American adults have reported experiencing some form of mouth pain, including cavities and gum disease. Despite being preventable, cavities affect over 90% of American adults, according to the Centers […]
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a condition that can cause you to clench or gnash your teeth, either when you’re awake or asleep. If your teeth grinding is severe enough, it can cause tooth damage, headaches, and disorders of the jaw. In these cases, your doctor or dentist may recommend […]
Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, but like most aspects of health, the full story is more complicated. As directors of the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, we know firsthand that inequalities exist when it comes to oral health, including in children. Some people […]
Not all oral hygiene products are created equal You could spend a small fortune on home dental care if you believed the ads, but research from the American Dental Association (ADA) shows, for the average patient, following your dentist’s and hygienist’s advice is all you need: Brush your teeth twice a […]
Many products claim to lighten and whiten your teeth From toothpastes to gels, strips, mouth trays and rinses, there is a dizzying array of products that claim to lighten, brighten and whiten your teeth. And with so many options lining drugstore shelves, it can be daunting to figure out the […]
Flossing your teeth is one thing you can do to protect your oral health It’s one of those tasks people are supposed to do but often don’t. But why is it important? Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line where a toothbrush […]
Mouthrinse may be a helpful addition to the daily oral hygiene routine for some people. Like interdental cleaners, mouthrinse offers the benefit of reaching areas not easily accessed by a toothbrush. The question of whether to rinse before or after brushing may depend on personal preference; however, to maximize benefit […]
Many common diseases are not inherited as a single genetics defect but instead result from gene-environment interactions. No gene to date has been identified that has as large an impact on periodontal disease as do environmental influences, such as smoking or diabetes. Genetic Control of Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease, like […]
Dental floss (or dental tape) and other interdental cleaners (e.g., small brushes, special wooden or plastic picks, sticks or water flossers) removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it has a chance to harden into plaque. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean […]