Charcoal toothpaste is marketed for whitening but in reality, it offers little protection for teeth. Charcoal toothpaste actually works against teeth by absorbing protective agents meant to keep teeth healthy and strong.

An exam is the best way to spot trouble before it starts. The longer problems go undetected or untreated, the harder they are to treat when you do start to notice them. Semi-annual dental exams for adults and kids are the best way to maintain optimal oral health — so even if you don’t notice anyt...

Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is due to inflammation of the gums. Gums can become inflamed and begin to bleed due to excessive plaque buildup, the onset of gingivitis, gum disease or other causes. It’s not normal. You’ll want to contact your dentist for an exa...

Brushing harder is counterproductive. The harder you brush, the more trauma the tooth enamel and gum tissue endure. It can eventually lead to other problems such as gum recession . Brush gently for two minutes, twice daily with a sof...

Chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. Some chewing gums can promote cleaner teeth and better breath , and some dentists even recommend the sugar-free varieties to chew on instead of candy. Howeve...

The bacteria present in gum disease can spread to other parts of your body, and there are more and more studies that have connected gum disease to whole-body health concerns. Gum disease may be linked to heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

While sugar does contribute to the formation of cavities, it’s not the sugar itself that causes the problem. Rather, it’s the bacteria that eats the sugar. Sticky food, like starches, attracts bacteria to thrive on and around teeth. These bacteria produce an acid compound that pr...

Flossing is an integral part of maintaining good oral health. One in five Americans never flosses , and only 40% of those who do floss daily. Flossing removes up to 80% of plaque. Plaque deposits promote tooth decay, but you can ...

Poor oral health early on can lead to lifelong complications. Kids should start brushing twicer per day as soon as they have teeth. Tooth decay in children can lead to health concerns long after their baby...