Tag Archives: teeth

Why Chewing Gum Is Good For You

Bring enough gum for everybody — because chewing gum can be good for you! Chewing a sugar-free gum after meals can help neutralize acids that turn into plaque on your teeth. This reduces your risk of developing cavities! Cinnamon is a natural germ killer. Cinnamon gum can help bust bad breath. Minty gums can help too, but the sweet scent may just cover up the problem, not neutralize the germs in your mouth. Chewing gum can help you lose weight — studies have shown that people who chew gum between meals tend to snack less. Whether the chewing motion keeps … Continue reading →

All About Your Choppers

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What’s your Tooth IQ? Let’s see if you know the basics. Every tooth has three parts: the crown, the neck, and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth — what you see above the gum line. This is where the enamel is; enamel protects your crown. The neck is the part of the tooth between the crown and the root. The root is the part of the tooth that goes through the gums and down into the jawbone. A child has twenty baby teeth, also known as temporary teeth, primary teeth, or deciduous teeth. Four first … Continue reading →

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Teeth grinding isn’t just an adult problem! As much as a third of all children grind their teeth at certain points in their lives. When do children grind their teeth? Most grinding happens at two points in development: when the baby teeth first emerge and when the permanent (adult) teeth come in. The majority of children will stop grinding their teeth once the baby teeth and adult teeth have come in more fully. Just like adults, children tend to grind their teeth during sleep, rather than when awake. And just like adults, children can experience jaw pain, headaches, wear on … Continue reading →

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Many people grind and/or clench their teeth from time to time. When I’m stressed, I often catch myself clenching my teeth (and my shoulders take up residence somewhere around my ears). Occasional teeth grinding — known as bruxism — does not usually do any lasting damage. However, teeth grinding on a regular basis can lead to damage and other complications. Why do people grind their teeth? Bruxism is most often caused by an abnormal bite, missing teeth, or crooked teeth — and most teeth grinding happens during sleep. Sometimes, stress and/or anxiety can be a cause of teeth grinding, too. … Continue reading →

Scrapbooking Your Dentist Visit

Sometimes we forget the everyday circumstances and events that surround our lives. A dentist visit is one of those very moments, that should be remembered. It’s a yearly part of childhood and for many, even more frequent than that and it should also continue on into adulthood. But why bother to commemorate your dentist visits at all? There is not necessarily a reason for scrapbooking your dentist visit. In fact, there isn’t a reason to scrapbook nearly any event, but since I love scrapbooking everyday occurrences, I think a dentist visit is just as important. I don’t scrapbook my dentist … Continue reading →

All About Tooth Whitening

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A recent survey found that nearly half of consumers would feel better if their teeth were whiter. Check your choppers in the mirror — are you thinking about tooth whitening? Bleaching won’t harm your teeth, as long as there’s no sort of acid in the ingredients. Hydrogen or carbomide peroxide are whitening agents that help maintain the protective enamel on your teeth; acids like citric acid can strip the enamel away and leave your teeth sensitive. Be sure to read the label if you’re using an over the counter product. A home whitening kit can save you the big bucks … Continue reading →

Adult Braces

Like many of you, I had braces as a teenager. It was ugly and painful and it seemed to last forever (both the braces and the teenage years). I have no desire to relive those years and though my teeth have shifted back out of that “perfect” smile, I’d need a darn good reason for getting braces as an adult. So, why are so many adults considering and ultimately getting braces? Braces and the science behind them have come a long way from when I had them as a teenager. Maybe you didn’t get to experience this rite of passage … Continue reading →

Tip of the Day- Replace Your Toothbrush

I admit it. I’ve been using the same toothbrush for a very long time. I think it’s a comfort issue. I like to know that when I stumble through my morning routine that the same shampoo, soap, towel, and toothbrush will greet me. Realistically, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months. Toothbrushes do wear out. When the bristles start to lose their shape or start to look “fuzzy”, it’s time to get a new brush. A new toothbrush cleans your teeth about 30% better than the one you have been using for more than three months. If you … Continue reading →

The Dentist Who Punched Me

It seems unbelievable, but it’s true. When I was a young girl, my mother took me to the dentist to have a cavity filled. I was probably seven or so, and terrified. For some reason, parents were not invited into the examination room, and my mother—rest her soul—was too timid to insist. I remember whining and crying in fear as the dentist tried to do his work. There was no assistant in the room. I’m sure I caused the man a great deal of frustration. All of a sudden, he reared his arm back and punched me in my stomach … Continue reading →

Smile—It’s In Style

It’s being called the “ultimate style accessory.” Celebrities flash theirs to photographers all the time. Some Hollywood stars are even described as having “dazzling” and “mega-watt” ones. I’m talking about a bright, white smile–the perfect accessory to any outfit (and the best part–you never have to worry about whether it is the right fit.) But, what if your pearly whites are more of a dull yellow? Are you doomed to be unfashionable forever? Not if you are willing to invest some time, energy and money into teeth whitening. Before you roll your eyes, consider this: Next to hair care, teeth … Continue reading →