Do you worry that your child or adolescent will suffer a dental injury, such as a chipped or broken tooth, while playing sports? Although dentists use bonding and veneers to repair broken teeth, in many cases, the damage is permanent.

However, fitting your young athlete with a mouth guard helps protect his or her teeth and mouth from injury. In fact, studies show that athletes who don’t wear a mouth guard are 60 times more likely than those who do to suffer a dental injury.

You know the importance of regularly scheduled dental cleanings. As an adult, you may even have a fairly established routine for the day of your appointments. You may feel tempted to go into the office, have the cleaning performed, and go home without thinking about the event any further.

However, your routine dental cleanings are an important part of keeping your smile healthy. The next time you have a cleaning scheduled, use the measures outlined below to ensure that you benefit as much as possible from your visit.

Many wise people have medical first-aid kits in their homes, offices, and vehicles. These thoughtful, practical folks pride themselves on being ready for medical emergencies wherever they go. While first-aid kits offer a limited selection of items that are helpful during dental emergencies, the contents of most kits fall short when it comes to handling the most common critical dental issues.

There are a number of smart reasons to have a dental emergency kit. Most importantly, dental emergencies happen to people of all ages. Whether you live alone or have a large family, it’s a sensible plan to assemble a few items in case you have a tooth-related crisis. With a dental emergency kit, you’ll be prepared to manage the situation until you’re able to see the dentist.

Visiting the oral hygiene section of the grocery store can be confusing. You’re faced with dozens of choices for toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. Which type is the most effective? And which type is the best choice for you?

Here are a few guidelines to help you make your decision.

Do you want healthier, whiter, and brighter teeth in 2017? Consider making New Year’s resolutions about your dental health.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Brush More Thoroughly

You’re probably already in the habit of brushing every day. But you could be getting a lot more out of your daily brushing routine than you’re getting now.