The American Dental Association (ADA) is the largest association of dental professionals in the United States. Since its establishment in 1859, the nonprofit organization has grown to comprise a membership of more than 162,000 dentists and has become the leading source of oral health-related information for both dentists and the general public. Read more

Steph Curry and Lebron James use them, but does that mean you and your child need them as well? Many people who participate in athletics wear mouthguards to prevent oral injuries, and not just those who play at the highest levels of competition. It’s estimated that 10 to 20 percent of all sports injuries affect the face, mouth or jaw, making it prudent for those who play contact sports to protect their teeth and gums. However, not all mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Read more

In our scientifically advanced age, technology is altering the landscapes of many professional fields. The dental field is no exception, with innovation yielding improved methods and products for treating age-old problems. To learn more, we’ve asked six Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to expound on some of these innovations in dental technology.

  Read more

You’re likely aware of the importance of dental health, but you probably didn’t start out that way. After all, knowledge of proper oral hygiene isn’t innate; rather, it’s something that’s instilled in us over time, beginning from a young age. So, in order to set the stage for long-term dental health, parents of young children need to be proactive about teaching healthy habits early. Here’s a brief overview of how to care for your child’s dental health throughout the seminal phases of childhood:

Infancy
Dental care begins at birth. Even before teeth begin to come in, dentists recommend cleaning an infant’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze pad following each feeding. Read more

Whether they proactively address dental problems in adolescence or correct them later in life, braces are one of the most effective methods for improving the appearance and functionality of your teeth. If you’re considering braces for your child or yourself, make sure you know the different styles available and the pros and cons of each.

Metal braces
Stainless steel braces are the most basic style, but they’re also the most functional and economical. If you find the prospect of conspicuous metal brackets off-putting, keep in mind that modern brackets are smaller and less prominent than the ones you may have worn in your childhood. Also, for children, the choice of colored bands offers a fun opportunity for self-expression. Read more

For most people, dental health is merely a matter of brushing and flossing. However, depending on your situation, it can get a lot more complicated. Whether you’re a parent, wear braces, have an insurmountable fear of the dentist, or simply want to optimize your oral hygiene routine, you can benefit from the following dental tips.

1. Floss before you brush.
To maximize the effectiveness of brushing, make it the final step of your oral hygiene routine. Always floss before you brush—it’ll remove food particles from the spaces between your teeth and allow for better brushing coverage. If you use mouthwash, do so in between flossing and brushing. Ideally, there should be a small amount of toothpaste in your saliva when you go to bed, Read more

From early childhood, the merits of a daily oral hygiene routine are so thoroughly ingrained in our minds that, for most of us, they’ve practically become second nature. However, while brushing and flossing remain the major pillars of this practice, few people are aware that there are many additional ways to supplement these standard steps. Read on to learn about eight oral hygiene hacks for a healthier mouth.

1. Rinse with water immediately following a meal. When food particles remain in the mouth, oral bacteria acts upon them to produce acids, which is the root cause of problems like cavities and gum disease. Rinsing with water directly after eating will help remove food residue and prevent bacterial growth. Read more