The Smile Daily

There’s something magnetic about a beautiful smile. When most people picture an ideal smile, they imagine straight teeth. A symmetrical, well-aligned smile has many benefits, including more confidence in how you look. Still, there are other important benefits of straight teeth. Better alignment offers functional advantages, too. In many cases, a straighter smile reduces pain and makes it easier to speak and eat. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why you should consider teeth straightening, options to achieve a straighter smile, and what you should know about the process. 

Everyone’s talking about mouth taping. This popular nighttime routine is the subject of thousands of social media videos claiming benefits like better sleep and more energy. Even celebrities like Emma Roberts and Jimmy Fallon have spoken publicly about the trend. So, what is mouth tape, and does it really improve your health? As with many health fads, it’s important to weigh both the benefits and potential risks. We’ll take a closer look at the science behind mouth taping, how to try it safely, and a few alternative options.

Cold and flu season always has a way of sneaking up on us, right? Shorter days and colder temperatures mean more time inside—where germs tend to spread. ‍Of course, no one likes to be sick. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to support your immune system for less sickness and faster recovery. A healthy mouth is key to keeping the sniffles away. ‍Try these helpful ways to stop the spread of germs and keep your whole family feeling healthy this winter. 

If you have a vague sense of dread when you hear the term “root canal,” you’re not alone. Let’s face it, getting a root canal is not quite as enjoyable as a normal hygiene appointment. But the process is not as scary as it sounds. More often than not, root canals reduce, rather than cause, pain. So what exactly is a root canal and why might your dentist recommend one? We’ll answer that and other questions we receive about this common dental treatment. 

Third molars, or so-called wisdom teeth, often get a bad rap. That’s probably because people talk about them mostly in the context of people getting them removed. For many patients, wisdom tooth extraction is the only surgical dental procedure they have ever experienced. ‍But wisdom teeth themselves aren’t necessarily bad. In fact for some patients, they’re just like other teeth. So what’s the big deal with wisdom teeth anyway? And, why do so many people have them extracted? Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions we hear about this infamous set of teeth. 

If you’re the parent of a thumb-sucker, you might be worried about how your little one’s habit will impact his or her teeth. Perhaps you’ve heard that thumb-sucking can harm your child’s oral health and development down the road. While there are some risks to watch out for, there’s no need to panic right away. Let’s take a look at why thumb-sucking is so common, when to intervene, and how to promote teeth-healthy habits with your kids. 

When you were a kid, someone no doubt taught you how to brush your teeth. All the mechanics of how to hold your toothbrush, how much toothpaste to use, and how to rinse your mouth felt new and challenging then. ‍Over time, brushing your teeth became second nature. Like anything, from driving to signing your name, the newness wore off eventually and you barely had to think about it. Of course, it’s great that you developed a habit. But chances are, your technique could use a little refresher after all these years. ‍If it’s time to brush up on your routine, check out these three dentist-approved tips for better brushing.

Seltzer water, fizzy water, sparkling water—whichever name you prefer, this satisfyingly bubbly drink is all the rage. Combine the hydration of water with the zing of soda and you have yourself one delightful little drink. But is it actually good for you? And more specifically, does it harm your teeth? It turns out, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.