Healthy Living
Have no fear: Garlic is good for teeth and gums
Garlic is believed to ward off vampires – at least in folklore. But even Dracula would love garlic’s oral health benefits. Allicin, the same sulfur compound that makes breath smell bad after someone eats garlic, helps kill harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gum disease. Dr. Luz Mendoza, program manager of public health sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, said allicin, released when garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed, inactivates essential metabolic enzymes in bacteria and interferes with its ability to form biofilm that leads to oral diseases. Read More
Cancer and children’s teeth: Advice for parents
When a child enters a cancer battle, families rarely consider how treatments will affect teeth. However, life-saving measures, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, have immediate and future consequences on oral health. Dr. Carolyn A. Kerins, associate professor and graduate program director in the pediatric dentistry department at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, said a dental visit should be scheduled before treatment starts. The dentist needs to ensure the child’s teeth and gums are stable and eliminate any potential sources of infection, including cavities. Read More
College of Dentistry shares ways to avoid bad breath
Proper brushing twice a day and thorough flossing at least once daily are known to help keep the mouth clean and prevent bad breath. In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month in October, Eric Fox, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, offered these additional tips to ward off bad breath: Read More
Some ways to save your teeth on National Coffee Day
Coffee lovers have no fear, celebrating National Coffee Day Sept. 29 doesn’t need to cause permanent damage to your pearly whites. Dental clinicians at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry say indulging in your favorite beverage is OK if you follow these simple tips: Read More
Saving your smile in the golden years
Grandma with dentures - a stereotype popular in movies and television - doesn’t need to be the reality for most seniors. Proper dental care and a bit of knowledge can ensure your smile stays healthy and real for a lifetime. Professor Lisa Mallonee, a dual-registered dental hygienist and dietitian at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, said good dental care extends beyond brushing twice a day and flossing. Read More
Exclusive interview with Tooth Fairy Tammy
By special request and because it's National Tooth Fairy Day, Tooth Fairy Tammy sat down with Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas to answer children's questions about oral health care and reveal some of the behind-the-scenes, never-before-revealed inner workings of the tooth fairy world. Tammy only speaks Fairy, as all fairies do, so Jane C. Cotter, associate professor in Texas A&M's dental hygiene program, was her interpreter. Read More
Head of public health services shares insights about oral health in rural America
Dr. Liang Hong, head of public health sciences at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, recently shared his knowledge and insights about why there are poor oral health outcomes in rural America. Read his white paper. Read More
Education with a smile
Dental students Byung Joo Park and Kevin Ho provided education and information June 14 at Children on the Mend’s health fair at Duncanville High School in Duncanville. COTM, a nonprofit, advocates for youth and young adults who face challenges such as social influences and emotional volatility, often exacerbated by incarceration and high-risk environments, its website stated. Read More
5 hot tips for summer smiles when wearing braces
Whether spending time by the pool or heading off to camp, good dental care should always be a priority for those with braces. Dr. Shivam Mehta, assistant professor of orthodontics at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, offers five tips for healthy summer smiles: Read More
5 surprising foods to eat for a healthy smile
Carrots, celery and apples are known teeth-friendly foods that scrub away plaque, stimulate saliva production and help fight against bad breath and decay. However, eating them every day is dull unless you’re a rabbit. In honor of National Show Your Smile Month in May, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas suggests five surprising foods that keep teeth and gums healthy. Consider it a spring gift for your mouth. Read More