San Diego Smiles in El Cajon CA 92020 is pleased to offer the following dental services: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, orthodontics and sedation dentistry.
Who isn't on the quest to acquire the perfect set of teeth? It was Hippocrates and Aristotle who wrote about repairing decaying teeth and fractured jaws centuries ago, and today, cosmetic bonding and cosmetic dentistry are all the rage. Many of us looking for the perfect smile will waste no time in thronging their dentist's office with such requests. Having a great set of pearly whites can boost your self-confidence like few other things can. However, keeping your teeth in great shape will require you to put in a little time and effort on an everyday basis. The daily brushing-and-flossing routine is a must for maintaining dental hygiene. Additionally, making sure that you stick to the following oral-hygiene tips and tricks will help you protect and care for your teeth better. 1. Keep Stains Away Can't keep away from your cup of black coffee, but want to avoid those ghastly stains on your teeth? The good news is that you can lighten and remove most teeth stains. With technological advancements, several teeth-whitening procedures have been developed that can treat tooth discoloration effectively. While most are performed at the dentist's, taking a few precautionary measures yourself can help you avoid these stains all together. Sip your dark-colored soda, red wine, and coffee with a straw in small quantities, instead of drinking them from a glass/mug as doing so can ensure that your teeth never stain. 2. Keep Your Teeth Naturally Clean and Strong Woke up late and rushing to work? Seems like flossing isn't going to be possible today? No worries! Munch on fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and lettuce for breakfast. Fiber prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth, thus making them appear cleaner. Fibrous foods also serve as exfoliating agents and prevent stain molecules from attaching themselves to teeth. Also, because these crunchy foods require a lot of chewing, they keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. To read the entire article written by Lawrence Calagna, please visit WebDental.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
We want you to look your best as looking good means you feel content with your appearance. Don't wait another month to change your smile to an attractive one. We have a variety of both preventive and cosmetic treatments that are affordable and require less time than you think. Come in, and let us tell you about the various options of bonding, whitening, crowns, and other treatments that will remake your smile into a gorgeous one. San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay. “Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings. “This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.” Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment. “Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com
Don't be among the adults who would love to have straight, even teeth, but do not want to move forward with obtaining a new smile because of the time involved. New solutions are always being discovered and today, we can offer these patients a new smile in just six months!
Six Month Smiles™ is a revolutionary idea and approach that only changes the teeth that are visible when you smile. It is a gentle, yet accelerated method that corrects all the problems like regular orthodontics – crowding, gaps, and overlapping – but in the short time of six months!
Another concern of adults wanting a new smile is the appearance of braces in their professional and social life. You will be pleased to know the brackets are clear and the wires white or clear, so they are not very noticeable. They are comfortable to wear as the changes are made with minimal force. With only six months of wearing time, you can expect a nice, clean look when the brackets are removed.
Just like water and food are basic necessities that you need on a continual basis, so is sleep. Restful sleep lets your body regenerate for the energy it needs for the coming day.
All the stress you experience throughout the day has an effect on your heart. It needs to decompress from all the tension and strain placed upon it during waking hours. Deep sleep lets your heart slow down to release all the pressure. This restful state lets your whole body and brain revitalize to start a new day with vitality. Having sufficient rest helps to curb other health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and memory loss.
Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation. In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.” Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer. Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly. To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start. Toothbrush Tips Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method. Sports and Dental Injuries Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it. To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
Whether you have a scared or active child, Dr. Christensen and Dr. Krause and their team will make your children feel relaxed to actually enjoy their visits to our office. We administer the most advanced treatments in children's dentistry, and we provide them with thoughtfulness and gentle care.
We teach children how to take care of their teeth at home with proper brushing and flossing techniques. We enjoy their first visit between the ages of two and three, and look forward to seeing them change and grow each year.
It is our goal to ensure all generations of children grow up without fear of dental visits. Parents have been impressed that their kids enjoy coming to our office, and we are successful in helping them with a child who is very active or fearful. San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make. Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health. To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com
Our doctors take pride in being able to provide painless shots to make their patients' dental treatments more comfortable. But some people become anxious just at the thought of an injection. For those who still have fear of dental visits, we have an easy solution that will let you feel comfortable while the work is being performed.
By taking one pill just an hour before your work begins, you will feel very relaxed and be sedated enough to be unaware of the treatment, but aware enough to be able to respond to any questions. This solution works well for those with worries and also those that need more work accomplished in a single visit.
Sedation with Nitrous Oxide
This medication, also referred to as laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask. It induces and maintains a state of relaxation as the patient breathes. Together with a local anesthetic that is given, pain is eliminated. San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
We recommend placing dental implants to take care of the problems of missing teeth. Perhaps you are wondering what kind of problems occur from missing teeth. You may wonder if there is nothing there, how can there be a problem?
You need a full set of teeth for chewing to obtain the most nutrients from the food you eat. When chewing becomes difficult due to fewer teeth, often less nutritious, softer, high-calorie foods are consumed on a daily basis. These types of food often add unwanted pounds to your weight.
Eventually, without the support of all your teeth, your face will take on a hollowed out appearance in your cheeks. This adds years to your facial appearance. Speech can be altered, as certain words are not pronounced clearly when there are gaps in your dental arches.
Dental implants look very natural as they come up through the gumline. It's like you grew permanent teeth again! They give you full functionality for chewing and speaking, and they look like your own teeth – not even a dentist can tell they are not your own. No matter if your missing teeth are in the front or back of your mouth, we can place dental implants in as many areas as need replacement.
We handle the entire process from implant to crown placement, so you will not be inconvenienced to go to another office. Call us today, and we will give you a no-obligation consultation. San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes? Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane. Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?" More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss. American Academy of Periodontology She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!" To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong. Multitasking while you brush Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep. Overcleaning your toothbrush Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose. Using social media as your dentist The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked. It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well. And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be. To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com
Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice. The above article is from: WebMD.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. "Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com
Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue. The above article is from: WebMD.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com
Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse. The above article is from: WebMD.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home. The above article is from: WebMD.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar. The above article is from: WebMD.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:
Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser. A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth. If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space. Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel. The above article is from: OralB.com San Diego Smiles Kurt Christensen, DDS - Steven Krause, DDS, MAGD 337 West Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: (619) 442-8841 Website: www.SDSmileStudio.com
Who isn't on the quest to acquire the perfect set of teeth?
We want you to look your best as looking good means you feel content with your appearance. Don't wait another month to change your smile to an attractive one. We have a variety of both preventive and cosmetic treatments that are affordable and require less time than you think. Come in, and let us tell you about the various options of bonding, whitening, crowns, and other treatments that will remake your smile into a gorgeous one.
Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.
Don't be among the adults who would love to have straight, even teeth, but do not want to move forward with obtaining a new smile because of the time involved. New solutions are always being discovered and today, we can offer these patients a new smile in just six months!
Just like water and food are basic necessities that you need on a continual basis, so is sleep. Restful sleep lets your body regenerate for the energy it needs for the coming day.
Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.
Whether you have a scared or active child, Dr. Christensen and Dr. Krause and their team will make your children feel relaxed to actually enjoy their visits to our office. We administer the most advanced treatments in children's dentistry, and we provide them with thoughtfulness and gentle care.
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.
Our doctors take pride in being able to provide painless shots to make their patients' dental treatments more comfortable. But some people become anxious just at the thought of an injection. For those who still have fear of dental visits, we have an easy solution that will let you feel comfortable while the work is being performed.
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.
It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.
Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. 
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser.