Braces are a totally normal and practically expected part of puberty (and many adults get braces, too). To better understand why braces and other orthodontic devices are needed, it helps to talk a bit about…
Why Do People Need Braces?
Going to the Dentist…
Your dentist will examine the general condition of your gums, which should be firm and pink, not soft, swollen, or inflamed. He or she (or an assistant) will use the probe to check the depth of the sulcus, the slight depression where each tooth…
The Nutrition Connection
ating sugar, as you probably already know, is a major cause of tooth decay. But it’s not just how much sugar you eat — when and how you eat it can be just as important to keeping teeth healthy…
Tooth-Whitening Products
Some toothpastes claim to whiten teeth. There’s nothing wrong with using whitening toothpastes as long as they also contain fluoride and ingredients that fight plaque and tartar. But these toothpastes alone don’t contain much in…
Facts on Flossing
The type of floss you choose depends on how much space you have between your teeth. Dentists usually recommend unwaxed floss because it’s thinner and easier to slide through small spaces. However, studies have shown that there is no…
Tips on Proper Brushing
Dentists say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly…
Giving Plaque the Brush-Off
To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also…
