How to Protect Your Teeth from Plaque, Tartar & Cavities

Taking care of your teeth isn’t complicated. With the right knowledge and habits, you can keep your smile clean, healthy, and free from decay. Learn about the three biggest threats to your pearly whites—plaque, tartar, and cavities—and how to stop them in their tracks.

Toothbrushes have come a long way from the days of simple bristles on a stick. Smart toothbrushes are transforming routine brushing into a more effective, interactive part of your day. They’re sleek, high-tech, and packed with features that take the guesswork out of maintaining your smile.

When you think of probiotics, yogurt and gut health probably come to mind. But did you know these friendly bacteria are also good for oral health? It’s true—probiotics play a part in maintaining a healthy mouth. Explore how these microorganisms keep your smile bright and freshen your breath.

Have you ever taken a sip of ice-cold water and felt an unexpected jolt in your teeth? You’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that makes eating, drinking, and even breathing cold air uncomfortable. Most people describe it as a sharp, temporary pain in one or more teeth when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods and drinks, and even pressure from brushing and flossing. Learning what causes tooth sensitivity is the first step toward managing it effectively.

It’s normal for your mouth to feel dry occasionally, such as when you’re dehydrated or nervous, but it shouldn’t feel dry all this time. Chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, is more than a minor annoyance. It could signal a deeper underlying problem requiring your attention. Plus, it makes you more vulnerable to dental problems.

As an athlete, you know the importance of physical health, and you also know how crucial it is to wear protective gear. Are you doing as much as you could be doing to protect the health of your mouth? There are several different ways that physical pursuits can compromise oral health, but with a few proactive measures, you can protect your teeth and your mouth.

Dental crowns do a great job of protecting damaged teeth, allowing you to chew normally, and keeping your smile looking great. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever. The tricky part is a failing crown isn’t always obvious until it becomes a problem you can’t ignore. Watch out for these eight signs of trouble so it doesn’t catch you off-guard.

When you eat and drink, what you consume affects the health of your mouth. Interestingly, this is a bidirectional relationship: the health of your mouth also has an impact on the nutrients you consume. Sugary or acidic foods can be harmful to your teeth, while a nutrient-dense diet is beneficial and can actually help prevent gum disease. By making the right choices, you can improve the health of your mouth, which will, in turn, allow you to continue to eat nutritious food.

Everyone knows smoking is a bad habit, but do you understand the toll it takes on your oral health? Whether you prefer cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, the effects can leave your teeth and gums in terrible shape. The good news is you can bounce back if you quit now and work with your dentist to restore your smile.

The Effects of Tobacco on Oral Health

Here are the top reasons your dentist wants you to quit smoking: