COVID has changed dentistry in many ways, from the PPEs worn by dentists to the tools that they use. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions: Q: Is it safe to go back to the dentist? A: At the start of the pandemic, many dental offices shut down completely. Others remained open, but … Read more
As a strategy to prevent or reduce cavities, fluoride gets top marks for effectiveness and ease of use. That said, myths surrounding fluoride continue to circulate. These facts from North America’s leading dental health authorities should help put your mind at ease. What is fluoride and how does it help the teeth? Fluoride is a … Read more
Do you avoid eating ice cream on hot summer days? Does hot coffee or tea make you wince? If so, you likely have sensitive teeth. Fortunately, the problem has an easy fix: sensitivity toothpaste. Read on for details. What is a sensitive tooth, anyway? When you have sensitive teeth, activities such as brushing or eating … Read more
If you’ve ever spent an afternoon digging through the Toronto library archives, you’ll find many interesting stories from a bygone era, including the unlikely story of how a Toronto dentist and public health advocate once held political office. Back in the 1940s, Dr. Frederick L. Conboy was the mayor of Toronto for four years, but … Read more
It looks like sugar, it tastes like sugar, but it’s definitely not sugar. A sugar substitute found in nature and in the body, xylitol has 40 percent fewer calories than sugar (and contains no fructose). But the best news about xylitol is that it can help you get fewer cavities. How is this possible? Unlike … Read more
In the summer of 2016, a dental health story briefly dominated the headlines. What was the scoop? According to the Associated Press, the longstanding recommendation of the American Dental Association that patients floss regularly was not based on “strong evidence.” That is to say, some scientists had done research, and then other scientists had deemed … Read more
Juice, whether it’s cold-pressed or warm and steaming, is hot right now. Sometimes it seems like a juice bar has sprung up on every corner and a juicer adorns every kitchen countertop. As far as trends go, this seems to be a relatively healthy one. But is juice good for your teeth? What are the … Read more
Everyone wants to be smoochable on Valentine’s Day, but bad breath can make your sweetie recoil. Breath mints might mask the problem, but don’t address the underlying bacteria that cause bad breath. What would a dentist advise you to do? Brush and floss. Food particles on your teeth and gums are magnets for the bacteria … Read more
How often should you get dental X-rays? The short answer: if you’re a healthy adult with no symptoms or history of dental problems, every 24 to 36 months. The long answer: it depends. So what does that mean for you? The frequency of x-rays depends on many factors, including: How much dental work you’ve had … Read more
Have you ever felt ridiculous attempting to make small talk while someone sticks their hand into your mouth? Have you ever noticed that the chairside conversation in dental offices always seems to turn to travel? This great video, from the BBC Talking Animals series, shows just that. In the video, one monkey reclines on a … Read more