There are a lot of “sevens” in September. There’s the name; which is derived from the Latin “Septem,” literally meaning seven; then there’s the fact that other than the vowel “e,” the word September has seven different letters in it (neat!); and the curious fact that September was actually the seventh month of the year at one point. Wait, what? Yes, you see, when the Romans originally created the calendar used in the West today, “day one” was set to the first day of spring, which is in March. Since there was no January or February till some time later, September was initially the seventh month, not the ninth, as it is today. Pretty cool, huh? So, with all those “sevens” already there, we figured one more won’t hurt. Here’s a checklist of seven new dental health ideas to carry you through this fall season. Read more
When Swollen Gums Are Not Caused by Gingivitis
We all know gingivitis can lead to red, swollen gums. And, with all that bacteria setting up residence in your mouth, it makes sense. What you may not know, though, is that gingivitis isn’t the only cause of swollen, red gum tissue. Malnutrition, dry mouth, pregnancy, and even dental appliances can all manifest as gum tissue that feels less than comfortable. So, let’s take a look at these triggers and understand why the end result is often a smile we’d rather ice down then show to the world. Read more
The Link Between Missing Teeth and Ovarian Cancer
Communicating developments in emerging science can be a tricky business. The early dialogue is often riddled with synonyms of the word “possibly,” which, understandably, makes it difficult for the reader to form an opinion and act upon the research. Yet, despite these inherent inadequacies, when nascent research suggests a clinical outcome that could affect you personally, you owe it to yourself to stay on top of the news surrounding the issue. Such is the case if you’re among those with congenitally missing teeth – a condition known as hypodontia. Read more
Everyday Things We Do that Can Stain and Chip Our Teeth
If you’re visiting the dentist regularly and staying on top of your oral care routine, it’s pretty easy to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and white. Habit and misfortune, however, can derail even the best-laid plan, leaving you with either chipped or stained teeth instead of the set you’d like to parade around the neighborhood. And, while every tooth-related calamity isn’t preventable, many can be avoided by simply thinking smart, watching our surroundings, and avoiding habits that can literally take a “bite” out of our beautiful smiles. Let us share some wisdom! Read more