Maybe you’ve always wanted a beautiful white smile. Or your teeth have yellowed over time. Or you’re not happy with the staining that results from drinking coffee, tea or cola. Whatever your reason for wanting whiter teeth, you’re not alone. Just like we all have different hair and skin color, people also have different tooth [...]

There’s no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color. Nor is there an exact answer to how white your teeth can become-every person’s situation is unique. One commonly used reference tool, however, is a shade guide. One of the more common shade guides divides tooth color into four basic [...]

Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth): Incisors— the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food. Canines— sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food. Premolars— [...]

To supplement your at-home brushing and flossing, your dentist or hygienist may suggest one or more of the following: • Interdental cleaners — These cleaners work better than floss for people who have large spaces between their teeth. Some look like tiny brushes. Others look like three-sided, wide toothpicks. These cleaners also work well in people [...]

Flossing Many people never learned to floss as children. But flossing is critical to healthy gums and it’s never too late to start. A common rule of thumb says that any new habit becomes second nature after only three weeks. If you have questions, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to give you a lesson. [...]

Taking Care of Your Teeth Thanks to better at-home care and in-office dental treatments, more people are keeping their teeth throughout their lives. Some diseases and conditions can make dental disease and tooth loss more likely. But most of us have a good deal of control over whether we keep our teeth into old age. [...]

It takes more than just brushing. OK, so you know about brushing and flossing. But there are other steps you should take if you want to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Some people assume they will lose their teeth as they age. That doesn’t have to happen. David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H., suggests these [...]

While plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says that other factors are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development. These can include: o Tobacco use — one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. People who smoke [...]

A number of products are available to control infection and reduce inflammation. What it Is Why it’s Used How it’s Used Colgate Total – triclosan and fluoride toothpaste Over-the-counter toothpaste containing the antibacterial triclosan The antibacterial ingredient reduces plaque and resulting gingivitis. The fluoride protects against cavities. Used like a regular toothpaste Peridex or generic [...]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers have uncovered potential links between periodontal disease and other serious health conditions. In people with healthy immune systems, the influx of oral bacteria into the bloodstream is usually harmless. But under certain circumstances, the CDC says, the microorganisms that live in the human mouth [...]