Diabetics already have a lot to keep track of: blood sugar levels, nutrition, eyesight and weight loss or gain, just for starters. Unfortunately, people suffering from diabetes are also at higher risk for gum disease and are more likely to require gum disease treatment to combat it. Whether they’re type 1 or type 2, diabetics […]
Mouth Healthy Recipe: Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie
Here’s a way to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth without doing too much damage to your teeth or your waistline. With a dose of pumpkin and some low-fat dairy, it’s a definite nutritional improvement over most traditional pies. Ingredients 2 1/2 cups broken gingersnap cookies 2 T vegetable oil 1/3 cup plus 2 T light […]
How to Combat the Scariest Halloween Sweets
Halloween is undoubtedly one of the scariest times of year for teeth. Thanks to trick-or-treating and spooky parties, many children (and adults) indulge in candy more often than usual in October. Sticky sweets are some of the worst cavity-causing culprits because saliva and ordinary drinking don’t easily wash away their residue. Hard candies and other […]
Mouth Healthy Recipe: Squashed Guts
With so many sweets haunting tabletops and trick-or-treat bags at Halloween, it’s nice to serve up something that’s spooky and healthy. These squashed guts will not only be a hit with your little monsters, it’s a better choice for their fangs as well. Ingredients 1 spaghetti squash 1 can of tomato sauce Directions Halve a […]
Fighting the Plaque Monster
It attacks your teeth. It can be hard to get rid of. It’s invisible. It may sound like the star of the latest monster movie, but plaque is actually a completely normal problem that affects everyone. Plaque is a naturally occurring film of sticky bacteria that covers the surface of your teeth. When sugars or […]
Things That Go Bump in the Night: How the Dentist Can Help Snorers
Not all nighttime noises are made by bogeymen or monsters under the bed. Sometimes the source of the noise keeping you awake is within arm’s reach–and your dentist could help you put a stop to it. If you or your spouse snores–30 to 45 percent of the population does–it’s possible that a good night’s sleep […]
The Science of Smiling
Believe it or not, a smile does a lot more than tell someone about your mood. Simply lifting the corners of your mouth can make strangers happier, improve your own mood and may even extend your lifespan if you do it often enough. After studying the effects of smiling, scientists have come to some not-so-surprising […]
Mouth Healthy Recipe: Healthy Meatloaf
Meatloaf is often a family favorite, but it’s not exactly the healthiest choice when it’s made with fatty meats and other high-calorie ingredients. This made-over recipe not only decreases the fat and calories, it manages to sneak in some added protein as well. Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 small onion, […]
Lighten Up: Find the Best Teeth Whitener for You
Even if you’re religious about brushing and flossing the recommended amount, your teeth can still take on a hue that’s better suited for bananas. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, red wine, soda and even eating healthy foods like berries can leave your teeth looking less than their best. Luckily, there are many whiteners available that will […]
The Gum Your Dentist Wants You to Chew
Want healthier teeth? Chew gum made with xylitol, a sweetener made from the bark of birch trees. Studies show that xylitol doesn’t contribute to tooth decay formation like normal sugars – and it may also prevent the usual decay-forming oral bacteria from doing damage. Here’s how it works When you eat something that contains sugar or starch, […]