Could Erythritol Actually Help Prevent Gum Disease?
While our number one post last year was the one on how we’re doing dentistry safely through the pandemic, some older posts were viewed even more often. That includes our 2015 overview of erythritol, which was just then starting to get some real attention for its...
The Pride Dental Blog’s Year in Review, 2020 Edition
Although it’s customary to reflect on the passing year as the new one begins, more than a few folks would probably prefer to just leave 2020 in the dust. Certainly, it was a tough year on many levels, and many of its challenges will persist into the new year. Yet...
Now Isn’t the Time to Skip Your Regular Dental Visits
Although there has yet to be a single documented case of a patient getting COVID from visiting the dentist, some people remain hesitant about keeping up with their regular dental visits, especially as the news remains filled with stories of surging cases. Truth be...
Could COVID Really Make Your Teeth Fall Out?
While most people who become infected with the novel coronavirus will recover, researchers have found that some - anywhere from 10 to 33%, depending on the study - will experience long-term symptoms. And according to a recent article in the New York Times, there...
A Look Back at… : A Laser Facial Makeover from Your Dentist? Yes!
Originally posted July 23, 2020; edited The COVID-19 crisis has led to plenty of anxiety across the board - including, it seems, increased anxiety about facial appearance. That’s not so surprising once you consider how so many more of our interactions with...
That Sweet Potato Casserole Doesn’t Have to Be a Sugar Bomb
Like everything else since the pandemic began, Thanksgiving will look a little different this year. But for many, the traditional feast will still take place, in one form or another. And while the typical spread includes plenty of foods that aren’t exactly great...
Don’t Overlook the Mouth in Whole Body Health
Earlier this year, a CDC report noted that 94% of COVID deaths involved people with pre-existing conditions. Other research showed that, in particular, cardiovascular disease may double a patient’s risk of dying from COVID-19. They also discovered that other...
Mouth/Body Connections: Gum Disease & Cancer
One brutal reality about gum disease is that the damage doesn’t necessarily stay limited to your mouth. Emerging research, for instance, has suggested that it may raise your risk of certain cancers. One study, published this past summer in the journal Gut, found...
“Fluoride Is Presumed to Be a Cognitive Developmental Hazard to Humans,” Says NTP Report
Earlier this month, the US National Toxicology Program’s report on fluoride dropped - a review of hundreds of studies, including 60 in vitro studies, 339 animal studies, and 159 human studies. Its conclusion? The human body of evidence provides a consistent and...
Should You Be Chewing Sugarless Gum?
A question posed by a recent headline in Evidence-Based Dentistry seems to beg only one answer: “Well, duh!” If you’re going to chew gum at all, of course sugarless is the way to go. Sugars make the mouth more acidic as harmful bacteria feed on the sweet stuff. But...
Oral Pathogens May Fuel Oral Cancer, New Study Says
Oral cancer screening is a crucial part of your oral exam. After all, when caught early, it’s readily treatable, with a 5-year survival rate of 84%. But less than a third of oral cancers are diagnosed at this stage. This is why the overall survival rate is much...
Need to Stop Snoring? Laser Treatment from Your Dentist May Help
There have been some pretty strange contraptions invented to help folks stop snoring - shock collars (really and truly), tongue-holding devices, open-mouth alarms. Of course, there are plenty of less peculiar appliances and devices, as well, offering various...
“Silver” Mercury Amalgam Fillings Aren’t Alright for Everyone, New FDA Guidelines Say
The US took an important step forward this past week when the FDA issued new guidance on mercury amalgam, recommending that it not be used in a number of high-risk populations: Pregnant and nursing women. Women who are planning on pregnancy. Children, especially...
A Common Chemical May Raise Risk of Decay, Says New Study
When it comes to tooth decay, poor nutrition and hygiene typically get most of the blame. But there are other risk factors, too, such as chronic dry mouth, bruxing (habitual grinding) - and, according to new research in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry,...
Why Metal-Free, Ceramic Dental Implants Instead of Titanium?
When it comes to replacing teeth, implants are a wonderful option for many folks. Since organizations like the American Academy of Implant Dentistry want everyone to know this, they’ve proclaimed September to be Dental Implant Awareness Month and are going all out...
What Nail Biting Can Do to Your Teeth & Gums
If you’re a nail-biter, you probably don’t think of something like this happening: Can’t see what that tiny arrow is pointing to? Here’s what doctors removed from the patient’s gums: While the procedure was a success and there were no ill effects afterwards, cases...
More Progress in the Fight for Mercury-Free Dentistry
This week marks the 10th annual Mercury-Free Dentistry Week, a joint campaign by Dr. Mercola and Consumers for Dental Choice to raise awareness about the need to completely phase out dental amalgam around the world and the promise of a mercury-free future. And...
The Power of a Smile
A new study in Experimental Psychology shows that even if you’re not feeling happy, moving your facial muscles to form a smile may trick your mind into being more positive. Participants were asked to evaluate a range of facial expressions and videos of people...
Making the Move to Healthier Eating for Kids
Good news: According to a new study in JAMA, the overall diet of American kids has gotten better over the past couple decades. Not-so-good news: More than half the kids in the US still eat poorly - too many processed foods, too much salt, not enough veg and fruit. ...
Summer Is Time for Sun Safety – & Sunscreen Safety
Time in the sun - a/k/a getting vitamin D - is essential for your mouth/body health, but it’s also important to protect your skin from overexposure. Unfortunately, a lot of sunscreens contain some potentially problematic ingredients. In fact, a new study in JAMA...