Find information on oral health topics affecting you, including articles on how to choose a dentist, periodontal disease, how to be a wise dental consumer and more.

Antibiotic guidelines Information for dental patients. The American Heart Association states most people do not need preventive antibiotics. Only patients with a high risk of negative outcomes from infective endocarditis should receive this type of short-term preventive antibiotic prior to dental treatments. Oral piercing: Not as safe as you think Piercing may seem daring, cool and totally safe, because some celebrities use it to flaunt their particular style or attitude. But piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) is not as safe as some would have you believe. Bisphenol A and dental sealants Recent state and national news reports have indicated the potential danger Bisphenol A (BPA) can have on human development and reproduction. Evidence from laboratory testing shows BPA may affect reproduction and development in animals by mimicking the effects of estrogen, although no ill effects from Bisphenol A have been observed in humans. Teeth whitening Teeth whitening is a booming, billion-dollar industry and whitening kiosks are popping up in malls across the country. But would you trust someone who’s not a licensed dentist to perform this procedure in your mouth? Root canals A root canal is a relatively simple procedure that can save a tooth with a diseased nerve. Without root canal therapy, you could lose that tooth. Root canals typically cause little or no discomfort and can be done in one to three visits to the dentist. Wisdom teeth: Why have them removed? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to form and erupt in the mouth. Get answers to commonly questions about wisdom teeth, including when and why you should have them removed. Changing your toothbrush The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush at least every three to four months. Health histories Never underestimate the importance of a health history. Because oral health is closely linked to overall health, dentists are better able to serve those patients who fully disclose their health histories. What is periodontal disease? Tooth decay and periodontal disease are two of the main conditions that affect our dental health. Most people have a good knowledge of tooth decay. While public awareness of the periodontal disease, gingivitis, is increasing, general knowledge of the most serious periodontal disease, periodontitis, is limited. Using an electronic toothbrush For many of us, brushing our teeth tends to be a tedious process. Consider trying an electronic toothbrush, not only because they are easier and more "fun" than a standard toothbrush, but also because they are very effective at improving dental health. Direct reimbursement: The dental benefit plan for smart companies Read what it is, how it works, the advantages and plan options. Bad breath: Even your best friend won't tell you! Millions of people suffer from it, but nobody talks about it. In an age when almost any problem is openly discussed on TV talk shows and in the daily papers, there’s still one subject few people talk about. Indeed, as a TV commercial put it, "Even your best friend won’t tell you!" How dentistry differs from medicine Read a checklist about the differences between dentistry and medicine. How to choose a dentist Finding the right dentist may be just as important as choosing a new neighborhood to live in or finding a new school. To find the right dentist for you, the WDA suggests getting recommendations from people you know, such as friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, or even your previous dentist. Choosing a dental benefit plan Read about how to select a good dental benefit plan, types of services included, direct reimbursement and more. Brushing & flossing basics Learn how to brush and floss your teeth properly. The dangers of spit tobacco Chew, dip, pinch or snuff - no matter what you call it, smokeless tobacco is bad news. The whole look of using smokeless tobacco is bad - from the bulge in the cheek to those brown stained teeth.