As Thanksgiving approaches and your family reflects on what they’re grateful for, it’s unlikely that saliva is on that list. Yet, this often-overlooked fluid plays an important role in protecting your oral health. It’s time to take a moment and give this crafty concoction the recognition it deserves!

If you’re curious about why saliva is the real hero of the hour, continue reading. You’ll learn more than you ever thought there was to know about your spit.

Teeth see no small amount of use over the course of the years, and they can be exposed to many things that aren’t great for their appearance. Foods, drinks, medicines, smoking, and age can cause teeth to lose their pearliness, and the wear and tear can begin to show after a while. Fortunately, cosmetic dental procedures can allow many patients to achieve a whiter, more youthful smile. Here are some of the differences between teeth whitening treatments and porcelain veneers to help you get an idea if either of them might be right for you.

Gingivitis is the precursor to more serious gum disease. It is caused by the same bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities and is carried in plaque. Poor oral hygiene is the most direct cause, but could it actually be contagious? Well, there are two schools of thought on this.

Continue reading to learn more about gingivitis and see if you think it’s contagious or not. Here are the facts.

Do you bite your nails? Many people do as a result of boredom, anxiousness, and other causes. Beyond the surface of what might appear to be a harmless habit, it may have some unsavory impacts on your oral health. So, let’s delve into the world of nail-biting and uncover its profound effects on both your teeth and your overall oral health.

Dentures are a fantastic way to give someone back their smile after extensive tooth loss. However, it’s important to remember that you still need to take care of your mouth even if you don’t have any real teeth left. Unfortunately, smoking is a common habit that can cause lasting damage to a person’s oral health, and continuing to smoke while wearing dentures can hurt your gums and ruin the fit of your prosthetic appliance. Here’s more information about why you should quit smoking after receiving dentures.