Hundreds of different bacterial species can live in the human mouth. While you likely don’t have each and every species inhabiting the area around your teeth and tongue, you probably have one to two hundred at a time.

While bacteria are the big bad that can cause cavities and plenty of dental dilemmas, they are also an essential part of the oral environment. Your mouth supports the growth of so many species of outside invaders for a reason.

Before you try to wash away each and every species that’s made its way around your teeth, take a look at what you need to know about the good and bad of oral bacteria.

Pregnant women quickly discover that a plethora of health and wellness considerations must be weighed during this exciting time of life. According to the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, your dental health is the responsibility of you, your prenatal doctor, and your dentist. Follow these tips to maintain optimal oral health during your pregnancy.

Don’t Skip Dental Check-Ups During Your Pregnancy

You can still see your dentist while you’re pregnant. Don’t postpone regular cleanings or check-ups. However, tell your dentist about your pregnancy and disclose your due date. Also inform your dentist about any vitamins or medications you may be taking to support your health during the pregnancy. That empowers your dentist to provide the best customized care.

If you are living with gingivitis, then you might wonder why your dentist seems so concerned over your inflamed gum tissue. Although it might seem unlikely, gum disease can have far-reaching impacts on the human body and could put you at a higher risk for fatal illnesses.

This guide lists three serious health conditions linked to periodontal disease, and why you listen to your dentist if he or she seems concerned about your gums. 

From swelling and inflammation to a receding gum line and the actual loss of teeth, gum disease can wreak havoc on your smile. The disease can be painful at times, affecting your appearance and ability to eat and chew properly, but it also worsens and becomes life-threatening if the infection enters the bloodstream.

Gum disease treatment is possible depending on the severity of your specific case. However, prevention is your best weapon against this serious dental condition. Learn how to prevent gum disease using these simple, yet imperative, solutions and the help of your dentist.

Do you feel uncomfortable with your smile as it is right now?  If so, you may have considered orthodontic options to change the look of your smile.  In fact, braces are an excellent way to achieve the look you want and correct a misaligned bite.  The problem is that you may want to avoid the traditional metal braces.  Fortunately, you have other options.

Why Not Traditional Metal Braces?

Metal braces come with their own set of challenges.  The brackets and wires are made of a deep silver colored metal.  This makes the braces quite noticeable.  If you are an adult, you might not want your braces to be so prominent.

Since adults typically want braces that are hard to see or invisible, you may consider looking at other options, like ceramic braces.