Dental Care

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can. “Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities,” says Halpern. The worst thing…

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. “Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth’s enamel,” says David F. Halpern, DMD,…

You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it tooth decay or dental caries. They’re all names for a hole in your tooth. The cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance in your mouth made up mostly of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer, called the enamel. Without a filling, the…

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you are at risk for, or already have, gum disease. However, persistent gum bleeding may be due to serious medical conditions such as leukemia and bleeding and platelet disorders.   Considerations It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain healthy gums. Improper…

Halitosis Halitosis or bad breath or oral malodour is socially unacceptable but self-diagnosis is difficult, as it is not possible to easily detect an odor from ones’ own breath. Those who have halitosis are often unaware of it and often may be informed by friends or relatives. Yet those people who have been told that…