Word Quiz on Oral Hygiene

Word Quiz on Oral Hygiene

Yes, you brush your teeth every day. But how much do you really know about this important habit? Test your knowledge with our quiz on dental vocabulary. Choose the correct meaning for: Oral Hygiene Clean language The practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean A shade of lipstick A type of dental surgery Biofilm A movie about a person’s life, such as “Ray Charles” A new kind of cling wrap An accumulation of bacteria that forms a whitish, sticky film A tooth whitener Dental plaque A type of instrument used to clean teeth Bacteria that accumulate on teeth and … Continue reading

Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast’s Teeth!

Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory Was Not So Sweet to Cast's Teeth!

The classic movie Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder, still brings back sweet memories of childhood to people everywhere. Recently, the news broke that a remake of the beloved 1971 film is in now development in Hollywood. But at a reunion of the original cast members a few years ago, child star Denise Nickerson revealed that her role as gum-chewing Violet Beauregard caused a problem: she ended up with 13 cavities as a result of having to chew gum constantly during the filming! It should come as no surprise that indulging in sugary treats can lead to … Continue reading

This Young Woman’s Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us

This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us

With college, a full-time job and an upcoming wedding to plan, Brooke Vitense had the hectic life of an average young woman in her twenties. But a chance discovery one morning would completely upend her normal life. That morning Brook noticed white spots on the underside of her tongue while brushing her teeth. Not long after, she pointed out the spots to her dentist during her regular dental checkup. He recommended having the spots biopsied, just to be safe. She needed a wisdom tooth removed, so she scheduled the biopsy with her oral surgeon to coincide with the tooth extraction. … Continue reading

The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body

The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body

“No man is an island….” So wrote the poet John Donne four centuries ago. And while he meant the unity of humanity, the metaphor could equally apply to the interdependence of the various parts of the human body, including the mouth. According to recent scientific research, your mouth isn’t an “island” either. Much of this research has focused on periodontal (gum) disease, an infection most often caused by bacterial plaque that triggers inflammation in the gum tissues. Although an important part of the body’s defenses, if the inflammation becomes chronic it can damage the gums and weaken their attachment to … Continue reading

That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm

That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm

When you visit us for your regular checkup we’re examining more than your teeth and gums. We’re also checking to see if you’re having problems with soft tissues in and around your mouth. Besides canker sores, rashes or other types of abnormalities, our exam may uncover strange looking lesions known as lichen planus on the inside of the mouth. These purple-tinted bumps or rash-like discolorations are named for their similarity in appearance to lichen fungi found on trees or rocks. Although these mouth sores may look odd, they’re fairly rare and usually do not cause concern. Most people don’t even … Continue reading

Take Charge of Stress Management to Reduce Teeth Grinding Habits

Take Charge of Stress Management to Reduce Teeth Grinding Habits

It’s hard to avoid stress in the 21st Century. We’re all bombarded with stressors, from work to family — even our smart phones! The problem really isn’t the stressors themselves but how we respond to them and try to relieve stress. This can often have a negative effect on our health. One example: bruxism, also known as teeth grinding or clenching. These habits involve the rhythmic or spasmodic clenching, biting or grinding of the teeth, often involuntarily, beyond normal chewing function. It often occurs while we sleep — jaw soreness the next morning is a telltale sign. While there are … Continue reading

Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces

Stop White Spots Before They Appear While Wearing Braces

Braces can be a long, involved process, but gaining a more attractive smile and better oral health is worth it. Sometimes, though, braces can produce unintended short-term consequences. Brace brackets and wires do the work of moving teeth to better positions. They can, however, hinder the wearer’s hygiene efforts to remove plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles, from tooth surfaces. Plaque buildup increases the risk of dental disease and other ill effects. One such effect while you’re wearing braces is the formation of tiny spots that look pale and chalky on otherwise smooth and polished enamel. These … Continue reading

Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices

You probably know practicing healthy dietary and lifestyle habits can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. But good habits could also lower your risk for a more dangerous type of disease — oral cancer. There are several risk factors for oral cancer, including those you can’t do much about like your genetic makeup or unknown elements in the environment. But there are factors you can influence with your actions. You’re probably familiar with the links between tobacco use (both smoked and smokeless) and oral cancer. But excessive alcohol use could also increase your risk, as can risky sexual … Continue reading

Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque

Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque

You’ve been brushing your teeth since you were big enough to look over the bathroom sink: now you brush and floss every day. You do it because you know it’s important — but do you know why? It’s because your teeth and gums have enemies: oral bacteria in particular, the major cause for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. The vehicle for these infections is a thin-film of food particles on tooth surfaces called plaque. Daily brushing removes plaque from broad tooth surfaces, while flossing removes it from between teeth. If you don’t brush or floss every day — or … Continue reading

Noah Galloway’s Dentally Dangerous Dancing

Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing

For anyone else, having a tooth accidentally knocked out while practicing a dance routine would be a very big deal. But not for Dancing With The Stars contestant Noah Galloway. Galloway, an Iraq War veteran and a double amputee, took a kick to the face from his partner during a recent practice session, which knocked out a front tooth. As his horrified partner looked on, Galloway picked the missing tooth up from the floor, rinsed out his mouth, and quickly assessed his injury. “No big deal,” he told a cameraman capturing the scene. Of course, not everyone would have the … Continue reading