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Are you a nail biter who is tired of the habit? You may think it’s just you, but it’s not; some estimates indicate that between 20 and 30 percent of adults in the US bite their nails.

Nail biting is commonly associated with anxiety or tension, but that’s not always the case. Frustration, boredom, intense concentration and even hunger are also motivating factors. While you may want to stop biting your nails because it hurts and looks unattractive, many studies indicate a relationship between nail biting and an increase in dental and general health issues.

What’s Under Your Nails

You may wash your hands frequently throughout the day, but under your fingernails is ...

If you have been living with missing teeth, you may not even realize the many ways it takes a toll on your quality of life. You may have adapted by hiding your smile or shifting food in your mouth to find a comfortable position to chew. Worse yet, you may skip nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables because you simply lack the function to chew them.

Could Dental Implants Help You?

Have you ever considered dental implants and how the procedure might improve your outlook on life? Researchers at Al Jouf University College of Dentistry in Saudi Arabia set out to determine how patients perceived their quality of life before implant placement ...

For decades, most adults have looked at orthodontic treatment as something that’s either done in childhood or not at all. So, if your smile misalignment wasn’t corrected in childhood, it’s understandable you feel the opportunity to do anything about it has passed you by.

The truth is that with modern orthodontic treatments, you can finally enjoy the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always envied in others. Dental technology has advanced to the point where we can not only offer effective adult treatments like Invisalign, but the results can be achieved in less time than you probably think possible.

Brief History of Invisalign

Way back in 1997, a student at Stanford University who was finishing ...

If you spend any time on Pinterest, you may have come across videos of the various ways people try to get a straighter smile without orthodontic treatment and wondered if it's something you should consider for your crooked smile.

It’s true that the price tag of orthodontics can seem like an obstacle if you’re thinking about improving your smile. But the cost isn’t related to the materials used, but instead to the expertise of a skilled orthodontist who can plan successful, long-term treatment.

Reasons Not to Try DIY Braces

You may wonder why it's a bad idea because some DIY'ers appear to have success in moving their teeth. But closing a gap in one ...

Keeping your smile healthy and attractive starts with prevention. If you brush, floss, and visit the dentist for your semi-annual dental cleanings, you may never have to worry about developing gum disease.

But your life is busy, and it’s all too easy to let dentistry fall to the bottom of your to-do list. A few missed appointments and an at-home hygiene routine that gets a little too relaxed can quickly undo all your efforts, and you may find yourself facing gum disease.

Gum Disease 101

Gum disease develops in two stages:

Gingivitis

This is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease. Bacteria-filled plaque and tartar that isn’t removed with correct brushing or professional cleanings ...

The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly visits to your dentist for exams and professional cleanings. This interval allows your dentist to periodically check your teeth and gums to stay ahead of decay and periodontal disease.

It doesn’t seem like a huge time commitment – we’re talking a couple of hours every year. But if you fear dental visits, those couple hours a year are a couple of hours too many. You know you should take better care of your teeth, so you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands, which is not a good idea.

DIY Dental Hygiene Kits

Recently, a popular coupon site promoted a ‘dental hygiene kit’ to ...

You know that you should eat nutritious foods that support your general health and avoid foods that compromise your oral health, like candy. But every once in a while, your sweet tooth rears its ugly head, and you find yourself reaching for that candy bar.

Chewy Treats to Avoid

There is no reason why you can’t treat yourself to a sweet occasionally as long as you remember to brush afterward. But some chewy candies will loosen or damage a dental crown or bridge and send you heading to the dentist for an emergency visit.

These are the treats you want to avoid like the plague, and you probably already have a good idea ...