Healthy Living
It’s all in the rinse
Mouthwash, also called mouthrinse, can be a good boost to a daily oral healthcare routine. While it never replaces daily brushing and flossing, rinsing does reach areas difficult for a toothbrush. But do you really need mouthwash? Maybe not, said Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. “Those with excellent oral health don’t necessarily need a mouthwash if plaque is well controlled and they have no other oral health issues,” he said. “But some rinses can help re-mineralize enamel and protect against cavities.” If you are unsure, ask your dentist. Read More
Spiced, yet not so nice: Put down that pumpkin latte
Temperatures in Dallas-Fort Worth and other places are in the 90s, but many Texans are cozying up to their annual cold-weather treat – lattes with pumpkin spices. Hold up before you take that next sip, said Briana “Breezy” Bonney, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. Your favorite seasonal drink damages your teeth and gums. “Lattes with pumpkin spices are like candy, and they are loaded with sugar – about 25 to 30 grams of sugar in an eight-ounce cup with syrup and whipped cream,” Bonney said. “Most lattes served in restaurants and coffee shops are served in amounts much more than eight ounces.” Some seasonal concoctions contain a whopping 82 grams of sugar, she said. Read More
Cheers: Best and worst beverages for teeth
The beverages we choose quietly shape the health of our smiles. Some drinks strengthen and protect teeth, while others slowly wear away enamel – the outer white part that keeps teeth strong, bright and resistant to cavities. Many popular beverages contain high acidity, said Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. When acidity lowers the pH in the mouth, enamel begins to dissolve. “Research shows that enamel starts to weaken below pH 5.5, and many commercial drinks fall between pH 2 and pH 4 – a range where erosion accelerates rapidly,” Safar said. Read More
Remember to visit the dentist before school starts
School bells will ring again across Texas soon. As families make their to-do lists for supplies and new clothes, scheduling dental appointments for the entire family should be a priority too. Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, said a healthy smile is essential for a successful school year. Read More
Partnering to save a smile
Like many 9-year-olds, Xavier Quintero Altuve’s summer vacation involves playing with friends, watching television and maybe hanging out at a pool. Great opportunities for grins. But Xavier has more reasons to smile. His healthy mouth is a gift from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas and partner Metrocrest Hospital Authority in Carrollton. Read More
5 things your dentist knows about you
Mouths tell dentists a lot about people’s oral hygiene habits. Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, shared five things they reveal to dentists. Read More
Not all that glitters is good about teeth grillz
North West, the 12-year-old daughter of mega-celebrity Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West, reportedly received a shark-teeth-inspired pair encrusted with what look to be tiny diamonds as a present and later modeled a black set on Instagram. But exercise caution before embracing the fashion trend grillz. Read More
Goodbye, 2025. Welcome, healthy smiles in 2026
As we say goodbye to 2025, here's a roundup of some advice from Texas A&M College of Dentistry's dental professionals to take you into the new year with good oral health habits. Read More
Dangers of vapes and e-cigs to oral health
Vaping is illegal in Dallas’ public and enclosed places, effective Dec. 11, thanks to a city ordinance that expands the city’s no-smoking zones to include the use of all electronic smoking devices. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned where smoking is already prohibited, such as in all indoor and enclosed spaces and within 15 feet of building entrances and on park property. Read More
Tips for a teeth-friendly holiday season
Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas offers tips to help you survive the holiday season with your healthy smile intact, even if you eat a little treat here and there. Read More