Oral Health News, Features & Updates

December 19, 2023 — Sometimes, a hospital stay results in developing a new health problem. About 1 in 100 people develop pneumonia while in the hospital, but a new study reports that a daily tooth-brushing regimen during hospital stays significantly reduced the likelihood of developing the potentially life-threatening infection.

December 5, 2023 — Scientists are developing a new dental treatment – tissue regeneration -- that could replace the root canal, according to a statement from the ADA Forsyth Institute.

November 29, 2023 — Dentists are urging primary care doctors to pay closer attention to signs of illness that may show up in the mouth. From overlooked gum disease to suspicious lesions, oral health can provide a critical window into broader medical concerns.

November 3, 2023 — Wearing a heavy lead apron is no longer necessary during routine dental X-rays, a professional dental radiology group has concluded.

June 21, 2023 — Infections caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, which usually cause mild illnesses like strep throat and scarlet fever, can be more severe, and reports of invasive infections are on the rise.

May 24, 2023 — There's a type of pain in the mouth and face that includes over 30 types of temporomandibular disorders, called TMDs, and they're hard to diagnose, leaving some patients on a long quest to find relief.

Smile Train is addressing cleft palate around the world and trying to ensure no one’s circumstances limit their health outcomes.

Many would consider being born with a cleft lip and palate a setback that could have negative implications throughout one’s whole life, but Dave Liu disagrees.

When deciding how often you need to visit the dentist, you should consider your unique mouth, hygiene, habits, and overall well-being. Learn how to find the best schedule for your dental checkups.

In LED tooth whitening, LED lights are used along with a bleaching agent to whiten teeth. Learn more about the treatment and about the pros and cons.

The fear of cavities has been with us since we were kids. Still, we sometimes get confused about the facts and myths that surround these "holey" terrors.

We all have our excuses for not flossing our teeth. Here are some ways to get past them and save your teeth.

We’ve been brushing our teeth since we could hold a toothbrush. Still, there are some common mistakes that we all make once in a while.

Find out how bleeding gums can be linked to other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes.

Have you heard that you don’t need to floss your teeth? You might not want to quit that habit just yet.

Even before babies have teeth, their mouths need care to protect against damage and decay later in life. Here's some expert advice.

Your oral health can give clues about sleep apnea.

Ways to keep your mouth healthy as you age.

If you're having a bout with bad breath, you can fight it off right from the comfort of your own home. Here's how.

You use your teeth to talk, chew, and smile. But here are some other "teeth facts" you probably didn’t know about your pearly whites.

Want to keep your teeth white? Check this list of foods and beverages that stain teeth.

If your smile has lost its luster but you can’t afford a professional treatment, you can do it yourself at home. Here’s how to find the method that’s right for you.

These in-office techniques and treatments can ease your anxiety.

How far would you travel to see the dentist? More and more Americans are going abroad for dental work.

Doctors, sleep specialists, and dentists are increasingly working together to ease sleep apnea and snoring symptoms.

Are electric toothbrushes really worth the extra money? What we found out may surprise you.

We explore the ancient oral health technique called oil pulling to see if it's all it's effective as the rumors say. Learn more at WebMD.

A top dentist offers tips on having a productive dental visit -- and tells us how he keeps his own pearly whites in tip-top condition.

A dentist to the stars reveals the secrets she shares with her clients.

Do hot and cold temps make your teeth ache? Here's how to banish the pain of sensitive teeth.

A top dentist opens up about what he wishes his patients would do.

Sugar, wine, and, yes, opening bottles with your teeth can hurt your smile.

A top dentist shares his professional tips -- and personal habits -- for keeping teeth in tip-top shape.

Sink your teeth into the truth about whiteners. Find out the best bets for a dazzling smile.

Hate smiling for photos – or smiling at all? Your dentist can help.

WebMD explains how enamel shaping works. It's a quick technique done in your dentist's office that can smooth out a small chip or a rough spot on your tooth.

Get tips on how to keep your teeth healthy and have the best possible smile.

These are the materials that are used to fill cavities in teeth, plus how to choose the kind that's right for you.

The pros and cons of whitening your teeth with at-home kits or in the dentist's office.

A user’s guide to gum contouring, a dental procedure that removes gum tissue to show more of the teeth.

The "What to Expect" star tells us how she copes with being a movie star. Plus three things that bring her joy.

The best time to take your child to the dentist may be earlier than you think, our expert says.

Even adults can change the shape of their teeth, our dental expert says, and it doesn't necessarily involve orthodontia.

Your dentist can help with more than cavities. Use this checklist to get the most out of your dental appointment.

Try these nine simple ways to get rid of bad breath.

Find out what causes bad breath, and how to prevent the embarrassment of halitosis.

Find out why the health of your mouth just may help protect you from diseases of the body.

Gum disease is linked to a host of other ills, including diabetes and heart attack, but most people can prevent gingivitis with daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups.

Taking your children for oral checkups helps ensure a healthy mouth and healthy attitude toward dentists.