Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.  Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity.  In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child's dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43%

If your throat is sore and your tonsils feel swollen, it can be hard to know if you have strep throat or if it's something else. The good news is that your doctor can help your figure out if you're experiencing strep throat. Read on to find out what causes strep throat, its symptoms, and the connection between strep throat and tonsils. What Is Strep Throat? Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes your throat feel sore and scratchy. It accounts for just a small percentage of sore throats. According to the Mayo Clinic , the specific bacteria that causes strep throat is group A Streptococcus (group A strep). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that the same bacteria can cause scarlet fever and rheumatic fever, especially if untreated. So how can you get strep throat? Group A strep bacteria are highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets if someone with the infection coughs or sneezes near you or through sharing food or drinks with som

Adding fluoride to public water supplies is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay and has played a major role in in improving the public’s dental health for more than 70 years. "Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout one’s life, resulting in fewer—and less severe̵—cavities," says former Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy. Read on to learn more about what the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proclaimed as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. What Is Community Water Fluoridation?     Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level for the prevention of tooth decay. Think of it this way: Water that has been fortified with fluoride is similar to fortifying milk with Vitamin D, table salt with iodine, and bread and cereals with folic acid.  The number of communities who make the choice to fl

You don't need another reason to feed your child nutritious snacks. Though, you might be interested in knowing those wholesome foods that fuel your child's growing body also impact the health and development of their teeth. Understand how your child's foods affect oral health and find out which teeth-healthy snacks to keep stocked in your pantry or fridge. A Teeth-Healthy Snack Plan for Kids The eating habits your kids learn today will impact them for the rest of their lives. Teach them the "what," "when," and "how" of teeth-healthy snacking to set them up for years of nutritious choices. What Are Teeth-Healthy Snacks? With more options than ever before, it can be challenging to determine which kid-friendly snacks are the healthiest choices. When it comes to your child's teeth, foods high in vitamins and minerals, and low in sugar make the best snacks. Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque and causes it to release an acid that attacks the ena

If you suspect you have gum disease and are experiencing some of its symptoms such as sore gums , it may help to compare your gums to the pictures of healthy gums and gum disease below, from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis . If your gums look like they’re in the early stages of gum disease, bring it to the attention of your dentist and hygienist at your next visit. Gingivitis The most common way to identify gingivitis is to look for gum inflammation and bleeding.     Early Periodontitis Pictures During the early stages of periodontitis, symptoms include noticeably receding gum and pockets between gums and teeth.     Advanced Periodontitis As periodontitis progresses, tissue and bone that support teeth are lost, causing loose teeth.   Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the t

It's essential to know the truth about oral health because bad oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and other complications. Oral health can also impact your overall health! There tend to be many misconceptions about oral health, but it's essential you know the facts. Learn the truth behind common dental myths so you know how to take care of your teeth. Myth #1: 'Sugar-free sodas are better for my teeth' Just because soda is sugar-free, it doesn't mean it's harmless to your teeth. Sugar surely contributes to tooth decay and cavities, but sugar isn't the only thing. Even sugar-free sodas contain acids and carbohydrates combined with bacteria and saliva to result in plaque, also known as biofilm, buildup. If your teeth are not cleaned regularly, that plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis. Myth #2: 'Dental health doesn't affect my overall health.' Oral health is a good indicator of overall health, and poor oral hygiene c