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Dec. 20, 2021
General oral health
Calcium is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and bones. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer shell — and helps maintain the bone that supports your teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium in your saliva can even help repair damage to teeth caused by acids. However, a lack of calcium can increase your risk for gum disease.
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Nov. 24, 2020
Recipes
Salmon is packed with nutrients that are great for your smile. It’s high in phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D to protect and strengthen your tooth enamel. Salmon has even been linked to lowering risks for gum disease and cancer.
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Oct. 24, 2020
Recipes
This tasty, quick-to-prepare comfort food is as easy as it is cheesy. The calcium and phosphates in the cheese help put minerals back in your teeth and rebuild enamel. And the fiber-rich broccoli is full of vitamin C to strengthen your gums.
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Jun. 1, 2019
General oral health
With so much produce in season right now, it’s a good time to consider the effects of fruit on your smile. Not only are fruits better for you than sweets, they can also reduce your cravings for sugary snacks. Most fruits are mouth-friendly, especially crisp ones like apples that help clean plaque from your teeth and freshen breath.1 However, some fruits may have surprising effects on your smile.
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Feb. 11, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
When parents put their little ones to sleep, sometimes they leave them with a bottle. While that might be soothing as they drift off to dreamland, leaving a bottle in the crib can be problematic for tiny teeth. In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month this February, take a moment to brush up on the basics of baby bottle tooth decay.
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Dec. 8, 2018
General oral health
Holidays are a great time to spend with family, and laughing with relatives is one of the best parts of the season. Whether you're barely giggling or totally cracking up, laughter can have positive effects on your oral and overall health. Read on to learn what a good laugh can do for you. Reduce your... More »
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Feb. 26, 2018
General oral health
Whether you're hosting your book club or throwing a game-day bash, you can help your guests take care of their smiles as well as their taste buds. Rosé?1 No way. Champagne, prosecco and rosé may be having their moment in the spotlight, but these trendy tipples can be hard on tooth enamel because of their... More »
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May 27, 2015
General oral health
When you reach for a snack, you may grab an apple, a cup of yogurt or cheese and crackers – not a stick of chalk. But for people with pica, an eating disorder that causes cravings for nonfood substances, those unorthodox eats are all too real. Pica can be caused by depression, stress, anxiety and... More »
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Jul. 18, 2013
General oral health
Just when you thought you'd seen every type of tattoo out there, a new version is on the horizon. This one, however, could help prevent pain instead of causing it. Researchers at Princeton University are working on a technology that “tattoos” – no needles involved – a graphene sensor onto tooth enamel. The sensor is... More »
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Jul. 2, 2013
General oral health
Summer is in full swing bringing warmer weather, more free time and frequently, summertime snacking. If you want to keep your family's teeth healthy, keep track of what and how often you eat. Bacteria in the mouth changes sugars from food your family eats into acids. These acids attack teeth enamel and can lead to... More »
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Apr. 9, 2013
General oral health
Have you had your dose of fluoride in your water today? According to the 2013 Delta Dental of Illinois Children's Oral Health Survey, 64% of caregivers say bottled water is better than or equally as good as tap water for children's oral health. This opinion is at odds with evidence-based dentistry and more than six...
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Mar. 26, 2013
General oral health
Ever experience a painful burning sensation radiating from inside the chest? Well, that's good old heartburn. And persistent symptoms, more than twice weekly, may be a sign of acid reflux (officially Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease, or GERD). However, not everyone with GERD suffers from heartburn. In fact, you may have GERD and not even know it.... More »
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Mar. 21, 2013
General oral health
It's Spring Break – a time for families to pack up their suitcases and spend a nice long week together. Everyone wants to avoid the dull and dreary routine of everyday life when they're on vacation. But that doesn't mean you can slack off regular brushing and flossing. Good dental habits ward off plaque, a...
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Mar. 14, 2013
General oral health
St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and you might soon be tempted to imbibe in a pint of green beer. Before you take your first swig, keep in mind the trouble you might cause in your mouth. Tooth decay is a big problem related to alcohol consumption because of the sugars and acids...