November - 2014

Health Tip: Caring for an Older Person's Teeth

Keeping teeth healthy well into old age is so important for maintaining quality of life. If you have elderly friends or family members, here are some tips to help them maintain a healthy smile! As people age and have trouble caring for themselves, they may also struggle to care for their mouths and teeth. The American Dental Association offers these tips for people who care for seniors: Remind them to brush and floss their teeth daily. If they have trouble brushing or flossin

Effects of Cigarette Smoking on your Teeth

Over 1.2 billion people over the world smoke. Many of these smokers suffer from health problems related to smoking. Smoking affects both the health overall and also the oral cavity. This is because oral cavity is the main recipient of the smoke which is toxic in nature. The short period of time in which the cigarette smoke comes in contact with the mouth is enough to bring about damage. Smoking can affect the teeth adversely. Cigarettes contain harmful substances like deadly

Still Not Flossing? More Reasons Why You Should

We know you hate it, but flossing really does preserve the health and aesthetics of your smile. Here's how to do it right. Every six months, you visit the dentist for a cleaning -- and likely a lecture about the importance of flossing. But if you're like many dental patients, the advice travels in one ear and out the other -- much like, well, dental floss gliding between the spaces of your teeth. "There is no instant gratification with flossing -- that's the problem," says Al

Have you ever reached for a glass of orange juice after you've brushed your teeth? It's not a pleasa

If you have no idea why we’re pondering that question today, go brush your teeth real quick and grab a drink (orange juice, iced tea, beer—anything except water). Awful, isn’t it? You can thank sodium laureth sulfate, also known as sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for ruining your drink, depending on which toothpaste you use. Both of these chemicals are surfactants – wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid – that are added t

16 Unexpected Ways to Add Years to Your Life

The average American’s life expectancy is 78.7 years. Whether you reach that age—or better yet, exceed it—largely depends on your genes, but there are also many keys to longevity that are totally within your control. Some you probably already know about, like following a nutritious diet, exercising often, staying away from cigarettes, and maintaining a healthy weight. Other habits are a little less obvious. Read on for some surprising habits and lifestyle choices that could a