Cosmetic Implants Dental health Pediatric Veneers Did you know

Did you know

In the middle ages, it was a widely held belief throughout Germany that kissing a donkey would relieve toothaches.

You may be surprised to learn that sometimes, it’s not what you’re eating that can hurt your oral health — it’s how. Sipping soft drinks and eating small bites of sugary items throughout the day can actually lead to more damage overall for your smile because of the constant exposure. If you want to enjoy a sweet treat, we recommend finishing it in one sitting.

Saliva is a big part of great oral health, helping to get rid of food particles and limit the presence of bacteria in your mouth. If you’re not producing enough saliva, try chewing sugar-free gum between meals to generate more!

In the 1700s, the phrase, "teeth of wisdom" was coined to describe 3rd molars. These teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, considered the age of maturity at the time.

100s of millions of bacteria live in the human mouth. Most people know this, but what many aren’t aware of is that bacteria are living organisms that feed and digest nutrients depositing waste just like humans. Only bacterial waste is left in your mouth.

Remember, early detection and treatment of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth can help ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

The average person produces a quart of saliva every day, and more than 10,000 gallons in a lifetime. Enough to fill two swimming pools.

How much dental floss do you need? Break off about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently slide it between teeth.

Get the right mix of calcium and vitamin D. Teeth and bones are made from calcium, so consuming dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk is essential to sustaining oral health, but the body isn’t always great at absorbing bone supporting calcium. That’s where vitamin D comes in. This vitamin absorbed through the sun’s rays helps breakdown calcium. Work with your dentist and physician to determine your ideal combination of calcium and vitamin D.

Follow the 30 minute rule when it comes to brushing teeth. Your smile is weakest immediately following eating as bacteria breakdown nutrients in food creating sticky, acidic plaque. Waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to brush protects teeth. Additionally, the key to effective fluoride treatment is to allow time for teeth to absorb the mineral following brushing. Wait 30 minutes after brushing to eat or drink.

Brush your teeth when you first get out of bed and before you get back in at night. Saliva (which keeps cavity-causing plaque off teeth) dries up at night, so it’s best to have all plaque cleaned off the teeth before sleep. It’s also important to brush first thing in the morning to brush off plaque and bacteria (morning breath!) that may have built up as you slept.