Hygiene & Prevention10 Mar 20263 min
Professional Cleaning: What Actually Happens
A hygiene visit is more than a polish. Here's what a proper professional cleaning includes, and why every 6 months isn't always enough.
Lifestyle & Wellness6 Mar 20263 min
Smoking and Oral Health: The Damage and the Path Back
Smoking causes gum disease, implant failure, and oral cancer. Quitting reverses most of the damage — faster than you'd expect.
Hygiene & Prevention22 Feb 20263 min
Electric vs Manual Toothbrush: Is Electric Really Better?
Yes — but with caveats. Here's what the evidence shows and how to choose the right electric brush for you.
Lifestyle & Wellness18 Feb 20263 min
Alcohol and Your Teeth: What Actually Matters
Wine, beer, and spirits each have different effects. Here's what matters most for oral health.
Hygiene & Prevention4 Feb 20263 min
Flossing: The Right Technique (and Alternatives That Work)
Most people floss, but most do it wrong. Here's the technique that actually removes plaque — plus the alternatives with better evidence.
Lifestyle & Wellness30 Jan 20263 min
Are Sugar-Free Sweets Actually Better for Teeth?
Yes — but only if they're also non-acidic. Here's the honest science on sugar substitutes and tooth decay.
Hygiene & Prevention16 Jan 20263 min
Mouthwash: Do You Actually Need It?
It depends on what you're using it for. Here's when mouthwash helps, when it doesn't, and which ones to avoid.
Lifestyle & Wellness4 Jan 20263 min
Sports Drinks vs Water: What Active People Should Know
Most athletes drink sports drinks. Most don't need them. Here's how the habit impacts teeth — and when sports drinks are genuinely useful.
Hygiene & Prevention26 Dec 20253 min
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): What to Expect
If your gums bleed regularly or pockets are deeper than 4mm, you likely need a deep cleaning. Here's what happens and why.
Lifestyle & Wellness10 Dec 20253 min
Coffee and Tea Stains: Prevention That Actually Works
You don't have to give up your morning coffee. Small habits prevent most staining.
Hygiene & Prevention4 Dec 20253 min
How Often Should You See the Dentist?
Six months was a marketing slogan, not science. Here's the evidence-based frequency for your specific risk level.
Dental Implants28 Nov 20255 min
Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: When You Need It
About half of implant cases in adults over 50 need some bone augmentation. Here's what grafting involves, costs, and healing timelines.
Hygiene & Prevention20 Nov 20253 min
Interdental Brushes vs Floss: Which Actually Works Better?
For most adults, interdental brushes now have stronger evidence than floss. Here's why.
Lifestyle & Wellness16 Nov 20253 min
Keto Diet and Oral Health: What You Need to Know
Keto can improve cavity risk — but creates new challenges. Here's how to navigate.
Hygiene & Prevention4 Nov 20253 min
Oil Pulling: Does It Actually Work?
The short answer: modest benefit, but it's not a replacement for brushing or flossing. Here's what the evidence actually shows.
Dental Implants30 Oct 20255 min
Implant Failure: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention
Under 5% of properly placed implants fail — but here's what causes the ones that do, and how to catch problems early.
Lifestyle & Wellness26 Oct 20253 min
Pregnancy and Dental Care: What's Safe, What's Not
Routine dental care during pregnancy is not only safe but recommended. Here's the full guide.
Hygiene & Prevention16 Oct 20253 min
Tongue Scraping: Small Habit, Big Payoff
Ninety seconds a day on your tongue reduces bad breath more than mouthwash, and improves taste sensitivity. Here's why.
Lifestyle & Wellness10 Oct 20253 min
Menopause and Oral Health: The Changes You Should Know
Hormonal shifts during menopause affect saliva, gums, and bone. Here's what changes and what to do.
Hygiene & Prevention30 Sept 20253 min
Diet and Oral Health: What Matters Most
Sugar and acid exposure frequency matters more than quantity. Here's the diet framework that actually protects teeth.
Seniors & Aging6 Aug 20252 min
Electric Toothbrushes for Seniors: Do They Help?
Yes — better plaque removal with less effort.
Questions Answered1 Aug 20252 min
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Twice daily is the proven standard. Here's the detail.
Hygiene & Prevention30 Jul 20253 min
Best Toothpaste for Most Adults
Fluoride with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Here's the evidence.
Conditions & Systemic28 Jul 20252 min
Diabetes and Gum Disease: The Two-Way Connection
Diabetes worsens gum disease; gum disease worsens blood sugar. Here's the cycle and how to break it.
General & Restorative20 Jul 20252 min
Sensitivity After Dental Cleaning
Mild cold sensitivity for 1–3 days is normal.
Questions Answered18 Jul 20252 min
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Two minutes, evenly across all four quadrants. Here's the evidence.
Hygiene & Prevention16 Jul 20253 min
Oral-B vs Sonicare: Which Is Better?
Both remove plaque equally well. Choose based on personal preference.
Seniors & Aging11 Jul 20252 min
Dental Care at 60+: What Changes
Gum recession, medication dry mouth, and maintenance shift priorities.
Materials & Brands6 Jul 20252 min
Ultrasonic Scaling vs Hand Instruments
Both are used. Ultrasonic is faster; hand is more delicate. Here's when each.
General & Restorative6 Jul 20252 min
What Causes Plaque?
Bacteria + saliva + food particles. Forms within hours of eating.
Questions Answered4 Jul 20252 min
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
Almost always gum inflammation from plaque. Bleeding should decrease with daily flossing.
Hygiene & Prevention2 Jul 20253 min
Waterpik vs Dental Floss: What Dentists Recommend
Both reduce gum bleeding. Waterpik wins for specific situations. Here's the comparison.
Seniors & Aging2 Jul 20252 min
Senior Dental Cleaning Frequency
Every 3–4 months is often optimal for seniors. Here's why.
Lifestyle & Wellness24 Jun 20253 min
Vaping and Oral Health
Vaping affects gums and healing. Not a safe alternative to smoking for dental health.
General & Restorative12 Jun 20252 min
Why Does My Tooth Feel Loose?
Trauma, gum disease, or bone loss. Needs evaluation.
Questions Answered6 Jun 20252 min
Is Chewing Gum Good for Teeth?
Sugar-free xylitol gum is genuinely good. Sugar-containing gum is bad. Here's the difference.
Hygiene & Prevention4 Jun 20253 min
Tongue Scrapers: Metal vs Plastic
Metal lasts years; plastic is cheaper but replaceable. Here's how to choose.
Questions Answered24 May 20252 min
Why Does My Jaw Click?
Usually TMJ disc displacement. Sometimes harmless; sometimes needs treatment.
Hygiene & Prevention21 May 20253 min
Bass Brushing Technique: The Right Way
45° angle to gumline, small circular motions. Here's the evidence-based technique.
Dental Implants20 May 20253 min
Signs Your Implant Is Infected
Early detection saves implants. Here are the warning signs and what to do immediately.
Seniors & Aging16 May 20252 min
Bone Loss After Losing Teeth
Jaw bone shrinks when teeth are missing. Implants prevent this.
Questions Answered10 May 20252 min
What's an Occlusal Splint?
A custom bite guard for TMJ and grinding. Here's how it helps.
Hygiene & Prevention7 May 20253 min
Do You Floss Before or After Brushing?
Floss first. Here's why order matters.
Conditions & Systemic5 May 20252 min
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Teeth
RA affects gum health and joint complications. Here's the dental approach.
Seniors & Aging2 May 20252 min
Osteoporosis and Dental Care
Bone loss affects jaw too. Here's the connection and care plan.
Questions Answered28 Apr 20252 min
What's an Oral Probiotic and Does It Work?
Specific bacteria strains that may support oral health. Limited evidence.
General & Restorative3 Apr 20252 min
Why Are My Gums Swelling?
Inflammation from plaque, infection, or systemic cause.
Seniors & Aging2 Apr 20252 min
Gumline Notches in Older Adults
Common combination of factors causing wedge-shaped notches.
Questions Answered29 Mar 20252 min
Can Grinding Actually Crack Teeth?
Yes — heavy grinding fractures teeth over time. Here's the mechanism.
Questions Answered28 Mar 20252 min
What's a Deep Cleaning and Do I Need One?
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease. Here's when it's needed.
Dental Implants11 Mar 20253 min
How to Clean Around Dental Implants
Implants need specific cleaning tools. Here's the full daily protocol.
Questions Answered3 Mar 20252 min
Is It Really Bad to Skip Hygiene Visits?
Yes — tartar accumulates and gum disease can develop.
Questions Answered1 Mar 20252 min
Can Periodontitis Be Cured?
No — stabilised, not cured. Here's the distinction.
Seniors & Aging19 Feb 20252 min
Periodontitis in Seniors: Long-term Control
Non-curable but manageable. Frequent professional care.
General & Restorative6 Feb 20252 min
What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?
Cleans teeth, does periodontal care, education. Licensed professional.
Questions Answered3 Feb 20252 min
Why Do I Grind My Teeth?
Stress, sleep disorders, bite issues. Often unconscious at night.
General & Restorative19 Jan 20253 min
Gum Graft Procedure: What to Expect
Gum grafts restore receded gums. Here's the procedure and recovery.
Questions Answered18 Jan 20252 min
How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
Every 3 months or when bristles splay. Here's why.
Questions Answered6 Jan 20252 min
Plaque vs Tartar: The Difference
Plaque is soft, brushable. Tartar is hardened, requires professional removal.
Questions Answered4 Jan 20252 min
Can Mouthwash Replace Brushing?
No. Mouthwash complements; doesn't replace brushing.
Questions Answered3 Jan 20252 min
Should I Rinse With Water After Brushing?
No — spit, don't rinse. Keeps fluoride on your teeth longer.
Seniors & Aging25 Dec 20242 min
Gum Recession in Seniors: Treatment
Multiple options from conservative to surgical.
Questions Answered20 Dec 20242 min
Is an Electric Toothbrush Really Better?
Yes — 20–30% more plaque removal in studies. Worth switching.
Questions Answered7 Dec 20242 min
Why Do Gums Recede?
Aggressive brushing is the top cause. Gum disease second.
Questions Answered6 Dec 20242 min
What Is Tartar and Can You Remove It at Home?
Tartar is hardened plaque. Cannot remove at home. Dentist only.
Seniors & Aging27 Nov 20242 min
Stress Grinding in Seniors
More common during illness, loss, life changes. Nightguards help.
Questions Answered8 Nov 20242 min
Can I Use Mouthwash Every Day?
Fluoride mouthwash yes. Antibacterial (chlorhexidine) only short-term. Here's why.
Seniors & Aging30 Oct 20242 min
Smoking Cessation Benefits for Seniors
Even in later life, quitting improves oral health.
General & Restorative27 Oct 20243 min
Bruxism Jaw Pain: What to Do
Morning jaw pain often signals nighttime grinding. Here's the protocol.
General & Restorative17 Oct 20242 min
What Happens During Dental Cleaning?
Exam, scaling, polish, fluoride. About 45–60 minutes.
Seniors & Aging2 Oct 20242 min
How Often Seniors Should Visit the Dentist
Every 3–4 months for most.
Questions Answered30 Sept 20242 min
Can You Floss Too Much?
Not usually — but aggressive flossing can damage gums.
Questions Answered16 Sept 20242 min
What Is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint problems causing jaw pain, clicking, headaches.
Seniors & Aging21 Aug 20242 min
Best Home Care Tools for Seniors
Electric brush, water flosser, interdental brushes.
Questions Answered19 Aug 20242 min
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Deep cleaning for gum disease. Removes tartar below gumline.
Dental Implants13 Aug 20243 min
Early Warning Signs of Implant Problems
Catch problems early. Here's what to watch for between visits.
Lifestyle & Wellness30 Jul 20242 min
Stress and Dental Health
Grinding, clenching, skipped hygiene. Manage stress.
Lifestyle & Wellness2 Jul 20242 min
Mindfulness and Dental Hygiene
Mindful brushing improves technique and outcomes.
Orthodontics27 Jun 20243 min
Gum Recession from Orthodontics
Aggressive tooth movement in narrow bone can cause gum recession. Here's prevention.
General & Restorative27 Jun 20242 min
Dental Cementum Explained
Layer covering the root. Attachment point for periodontal ligament.
Questions Answered10 Jun 20242 min
What Is Dental Prophylaxis?
Professional cleaning for healthy gums. Not deep cleaning.
Hygiene & Prevention30 May 20242 min
Plaque Disclosing Tablets
Colour-show plaque to help you brush better.
Questions Answered13 May 20242 min
What Is Dental Attrition?
Tooth-on-tooth wear from grinding. Flattens the biting surface.
Hygiene & Prevention2 May 20242 min
Dental Calculus (Tartar)
Mineralised plaque that hardens on teeth.
Questions Answered29 Apr 20242 min
What Is Dental Abrasion?
Wear from aggressive brushing. Shows as notches near gumline.
Hygiene & Prevention18 Apr 20242 min
What Is Dental Biofilm?
Bacterial community on teeth. Becomes plaque.
Questions Answered1 Apr 20242 min
What Is Dental Abfraction?
Notches from bite stress at tooth neck. Different from abrasion.
Questions Answered18 Mar 20242 min
Can My Bite Cause Headaches?
Yes — uneven bite strains muscles, triggering temporal headaches.
Dental Implants12 Mar 20243 min
How Often to Clean Implants Professionally
Implants need more frequent hygiene than natural teeth. Here's the schedule.
Questions Answered19 Feb 20242 min
What Is a Dental Splint?
Device connecting teeth for stability or treatment. Multiple types.