What exactly is tartar, and do I need a toothpaste to control it?
Tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit that can form around gums, causing them to get puffy and irritated. It doesn't happen out of the blue. When food residue mixes with the bacteria that are normally in...
View ArticleAre cavities contagious?
Yes, cavities are actually an infectious and transmittable disease! Most often, and especially in children, cavities are caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus mutans, says Mark Reynolds, dentist...
View ArticleDoes drinking water before eating help you lose weight?
Yes, my weight loss research at Virginia Tech shows that drinking water before eating can make a difference in how many pounds you drop. In our study, reported in the journal Obesity, we divided...
View ArticleCan you straighten your own teeth by pushing them with your fingers?
No, you can’t, and trying to do so might damage your teeth, advises Vincent G. Kokich, a professor of orthodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and an orthodontist in private...
View ArticleI hate lifting weights. Is strength training really necessary?
You might hate veggies, but you know you still have to eat them. The same goes for strength training. As we age, women lose 5 pounds of muscle every decade, and men lose 7. This loss doesn't just...
View ArticleIs any one type of floss more effective than another?
With so many types of floss out there, it can be confusing to figure out which is best for you. Your personal preference is most important: The best dental floss is the one you'll use (and use...
View ArticleMy gums seem to be receding, and I’m only 35! Is there anything I can do?
“Receding gums” refers to a loss of gum tissue, which leaves you with uneven gum lines, exposed tooth roots and sensitive teeth. According to Dr. Ramin Tabib, a cosmetic dentist in New York City,...
View ArticleAre honey and agave syrup just as bad for my teeth as regular sugar?
As a dentist, I'm sweet on using honey or agave. You know bees make honey, but agave actually comes from a plant that looks like a cactus. The Egyptians used it to reduce inflammation, and they were on...
View ArticleDo energy drinks really give you more energy? And are they healthy?
Consider this: Energy is a sneaky way of saying “kilojoule,” and we all know how well a “kilojoule drink” would sell! Most so-called healthy energy and sports drinks are full of sugar and...
View ArticleI floss before I brush, but my husband flosses afterward. Who’s right?
Surprisingly, it really doesn’t make much of a difference whether you floss before or after brushing. The bottom line is that brushing removes the bacteria on the surface of the teeth, while flossing...
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