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 […]
Chewing gum in various forms has been around since ancient times. The U.S. chewing gum market is divided by product type into sugared chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums. Only sugar-free chewing gums are considered for ADA Seal of Acceptance. Although using chewing gum may have appeal as a means […]
Vaping, or use of electronic-cigarettes, is still pretty new, and the long-term health effects are relatively unknown. However, 2019 and 2020 reports of serious health problems developing after vaping, some requiring hospital stays for seizures and serious (even deadly) lung damage, have been headline news. What Is Vaping? Vaping looks […]