Mouthwash. Who has time for it with all the brushing and flossing we're supposed to be doing these days? Mouthwash won't cure bad breath caused by bacteria, but it will definitely freshen your mouth if you're looking for a little pick-me-up.
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Temporomandibular Disorder, or Why Does My Jaw Hurt So Much?
You're probably used to hearing it referred to as TMJ because of the joint it affects, namely the temporomandibular joint. But in dental and medical circles, the proper reference is TMD, for temporomandibular disorder. The temporomandibular joint is a hinge on both sides of your face that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your…
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Cavities: Where Do They Come From?
When you stop and think about it, it's surprising how much goes on in our mouths without our knowledge. Why Do I Have Cavities? A few posts back we talked about plaque, that sticky film that's on your teeth all the time, ready at a moment's notice to cause a variety of oral issues. Plaque commonly hangs around the gum line,…
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Ten Halloween Candy Alternatives
A week or two before Halloween used to be a pretty obvious drill: head to Costco or your traditional grocery store, buy a few massive bags of "fun-size" chocolate bars or mini Skittles, and fill the bowl by the door. Wait for dusk when the Harry Potters, the Darth Vaders, and the cute baby in a pumpkin…
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Ouch!!! Sensitive Teeth and Why They React
Some of us know that feeling. We bite into a big hunk of Cherry Garcia or take a swig of coffee and our teeth feel like they've been hit with an electric cattle prod. It can even happen on cold days when we take in a breath of frigid air. Ouch! That hurts. Ask Your Dentist About Your Sensitive…
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Toothpaste: What’s the Story?
Toothpaste in one form or another has been around for thousands of years. Evidence exists that Egyptians used a paste made from ox hooves, pumice, and burnt eggshells as far back as 5000 BC. Hard to imagine that those ingredients freshened breath or reduced plaque, isn't it? Old-Style Toothpastes and Powders The Greeks and Romans…
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