Each year throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the American Dental Association brings together dental health professionals, caregivers, parents, and teachers to give children the best start on oral health. This year’s NCDHM theme is “Water: Nature’s Drink.” Let’s explore how and why water is so important for good dental health! What Water Does for Your Smile Strengthens Your Teeth - Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest things you can d

As the saying goes, “you are what you eat” - and there’s no better place to see this than in your mouth! Many of the foods and drinks that we consume actively encourage the growth of bacteria-laden plaque in our mouths, which is a main factor in the development of cavities (aka tooth decay). And if you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque eventually hardens into tartar, which contributes to gum disease and can only be removed with special tools by a dentist or hygienist. L

Did you know that 1 in 2 American adults have some stage of gum disease? Besides causing permanent tissue, bone and tooth loss if left untreated, gum disease is also linked to numerous other health issues throughout the body including heart and lung diseases, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and pregnancy complications. The good news is that gum disease is nearly entirely preventable with good oral hygiene and care, and usually can even be reversed with appropriate care and treat