If you’ve ever reached for a stick of sugar-free gum and checked the ingredients, then you’ve probably heard of xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate that looks and tastes just like regular sugar. The difference? Xylitol is actually good for your teeth! Xylitol is made from either corncobs or trees. Using corncobs to produce […]

Food scientists have known for a while now that there are certain molecules in chocolate that give it antibacterial properties. These special molecules, called polyphenols, are also naturally occurring in tealeaves and red wine. These polyphenols, which protect plant cells from bacteria and other damage, can also be helpful in protecting our cells from bacteria. […]

Thinking about cutting back on sugar? You may be considering replacing your sugar intake with artificial sweeteners to cut the number of calories you take in. However, there are certain things to watch out for: “Sugarless” isn’t always so – A product may claim to be ‘sugarless’ or ‘no sugar added’ but that doesn’t mean […]

Not all chewing gum are created equally. Although people have been chewing gum for centuries, there’s a critical difference between gum that can help your teeth and gum that can ruin your teeth: sugar! Sugarless gum has been shown to have oral health benefits and can even help to prevent tooth decay! In fact, chewing […]

When you think of dental hygiene, a toothbrush and toothpaste immediately comes to mind. A cult has been built around toothpaste-a thousand different varieties, brands, flavors, and functions exist. Each new commercial touts a different dentist’s recommendation, and consumers are left baffled in the drugstore aisle wondering if whitening specialties really work. Unfortunately, all of […]

Many people think that orthodontics is as simple as just applying pressure on teeth until they move to their desired location. However, what they fail to consider is the importance of using the right tools to move the teeth as well as taking the proper care and consideration of the root structures and the impact […]

We all seem to know a thing or two about plaque, but the overall population knows a lot less about tartar. Tartar is a hard, yellow substance that forms on your teeth when plaque is not properly removed and is left to harden. Once plaque turns to tartar, it’s bad news for teeth. While plaque […]

Dentists, for good reason, care a lot about plaque. Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to reducing plaque and keeping your teeth and gums free from bacteria. However, plaque can harbor plenty of information about an individual, as it is one of the most DNA rich areas of the human body. Sticky plaque catches all […]

When one loses a tooth, it is easy to see the aesthetic issues that can pose for an individual. A missing tooth can cause various psychological and social consequences depending on how a person handles such an event. There are a number of unseen effects of tooth loss that can have a direct impact on […]

Many dentists recommend using mouthwash in combination with brushing and flossing for keeping fresh breath, preventing cavities, and fighting gingivitis. However, not all mouth rinses are created equal! There are plenty of factors to consider when buying mouthwash. Between the hundreds of brands, formulas, and even colors to choose from, which option is the best […]