Smile Knowledge:
The Daily Dentistry Blog

Searching for a dentist in a convenient location? Get your search started with the izzo® Find a Dentist tool. We understand all the twists and turns life can take, but despite new jobs, new commutes and other changes, your dental care shouldn't take a back seat. That's why we developed the izzo 4-in-1 Oral Care System designed to help control plaque and bacteria, remove tartar deposits from between your teeth and polish the enamel to reduce the appearance of surface stains. The result is a whiter, brighter and healthier smile. However, no at-home system can replace professional dental care. It's...

Life isn't always consistent, day to day and week after week. You might have decided to move in recent months - selecting a new city based on real estate fluctuations or to access a better commute. Or, maybe you've started a new job in an entirely different location that reroutes your commute completely. In these and other common scenarios, you might be on the search for a new team of medical professionals, including doctors and a dentist. Unsure about how to start your search? Begin exploring dentists near you with the following helpful tips. Use the izzo® Find a Dentist...

Dental care should never be an afterthought. How you take care of your teeth on a day-to-day basis, including brushing and flossing, is essential to the health of your mouth. However, these habits can only go so far on their own. For optimal dental health, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. With routine visits, your dentist also establishes a record of your dental health history - including everything from cavities to concerning symptoms that may need to be investigated further. Whether you're new to an area and need a dental provider, or you're on...

Your mouth contains roughly 700 different types of bacteria. Most of these microorganisms are harmless. Others, however, increase your risks for developing cavities and gum disease. Your mouth isn't a static environment; conditions and lifestyle factors - from being kissed to what you eat to your brushing and flossing habits - affect the microbiome. Learn more about the bacterial composition of your mouth and factors that can increase the number of concerning strains within it. About Your Oral Microbiome Your body has multiple microbiomes, where various types of bacteria congregate. The composition of your mouth's microbiome begins to build right...

You count on your toothbrush to help control plaque, tartar and related acid-generating bacteria. However, your toothbrush also has the potential to increase cavity and gum disease risks and spread illnesses like the flu. For children, immune-compromised adults and those prone to dry mouth, these risks can be particularly serious. To help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of your toothbrush, follow these helpful tips. Storage Many of us simply leave the toothbrush on the edge of the bathroom sink, or maybe in a medicine cabinet. For families, you may decide to keep all toothbrushes in a single cup for convenience....

The American Dental Association® recommends replacing your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months - or whenever you see flatted, frayed bristles. This schedule isn't random. Instead, it's based on the wear your toothbrush head experiences, the bacteria it picks up and its effectiveness in controlling plaque, tartar and related conditions like cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, about three-quarters of Americans forget to do this - or regularly push past that three-month timeframe - and their dental care suffers as a result. Read the compelling reasons why you should replace your toothbrush head about every three months....

Roughly half of adult's experience gum disease, whether in its early stages in the form of gingivitis or in more advanced stages as periodontal disease. Stemming from the plaque present in your mouth, gum disease gradually spreads - potentially to the point where your teeth become loose or you experience jawbone loss. Given its prevalence, is gum disease contagious? The answer is that while the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) doesn't classify gingivitis and periodontitis as contagious conditions, the bacteria contributing to gum disease can spread to other individuals through various forms of contact and invite tooth decay in the...

By this point, you're familiar with the basic rule for taking care of your teeth: Brush at least twice per day, for at least two minutes per session, and floss at least once a day. It's generally recommended that you brush in the morning, again in the evening and after each meal, if possible. However, frequency isn't the only thing that matters; technique matters too. How you brush can help remove plaque and preserve your teeth - or it can end up irritating your gums or spreading bacteria around your mouth. As you look to upgrade your dental health, consider...

The last time you looked at your teeth, you noticed they had an off-white or yellow hue. You think about your lifestyle habits - like your morning coffee and occasional glass of red wine - and you know you need to make some changes to help prevent the staining from getting worse. At the same time, you're also looking to lessen the discoloration that has developed to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Keep reading to better understand common causes of tooth discoloration and ways you can combat staining. How Teeth Develop Stains Your teeth didn't become discolored overnight. Instead, stains...

The American Dental Association recommends a visit with your dentist every six months. You might think this is excessive - after all, you take care of your teeth. Unfortunately, at-home care isn't always enough; plaque can accumulate, creating biofilms that affect your teeth and gums. If left unchecked, this progression can result in cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, all stemming from inflammation and decay. Dental checkups every six months assess the health of your mouth and help steer you toward treatments that can prevent those issues from progressing further. What to Expect During a Dental Exam During a routine dental exam,...

Roughly three-quarters of Americans experience gum disease as least once during their lifetimes. This condition - characterized by inflamed, red and often bleeding gums - is usually preventable. Most cases stem from poor dental hygiene; it is generally recommended that you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to help prevent gum disease. However, the development of gum disease can also signal an underlying health condition, like diabetes or heart disease. If left unchecked, gingivitis, a reversible condition, progresses to periodontitis, which requires more intensive treatments. Learn more about how gum disease develops and...

Being a red wine drinker doesn’t mean you have to live with stained teeth. On the other hand, it means you have to be proactive about your dental health. As you’ve likely seen, your teeth start to appear a light purple shade after you’ve had a few glasses. Over the years, this staining becomes more prominent, turning the enamel to a blue, brown or gray hue. This process is due to red wine’s composition, which contains a mix of tannin, acids and naturally occurring dyes. When you drink, these substances get into your saliva, which then coats your teeth with...