Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (76)
- cosmetic dentistry (23)
- oral health (25)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (2)
- dental implant (1)
- dental implants (14)
- bridgework (2)
- dental injury (6)
- crown (2)
- fluoride (3)
- mouthguards (5)
- tooth decay (4)
- pediatric dentistry (9)
- oral hygiene (18)
- common symptoms (2)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- bad breath (2)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- oral sedation (2)
- oral cancer (1)
- braces (10)
- orthodontics (7)
- root canal (3)
- teeth whitening (5)
- dentures (1)
- gum disease (10)
- diabetes (1)
- smile makeover (7)
- wedding day smile (1)
- accessory root canals (1)
- root planing (1)
- orthodontic treatment (6)
- bonding (2)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- thumb sucking (3)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- dental injuries (2)
- bridge (1)
- dental anxiety (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medications (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- periodontal disease (2)
- clear aligners (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- fillings (1)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- composite resins (1)
- crowns (2)
- smile design (2)
- partial denture (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- veneers (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- extractions (1)
- gum recession (1)
- retainers (1)
- bruxism (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- toothache (1)
- root canal treatment (2)
- bone loss (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- nutrition (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- sugar (1)
- retainer (1)
- baby teeth (1)
Categories:
Growing up with a dentist stepdad, Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars heard a lot over the years about the importance of good oral hygiene — in particular, the benefits of using dental floss.
“My dad would say, ‘make sure you floss,’ but I never really listened to him. I was very, very stubborn,” Cheryl told Dear Doctor magazine recently in an exclusive interview. Cheryl admits this stubbornness took its toll, in the form of tooth decay. “I definitely had my share of cavities,” Cheryl recalled.
Cavities can form when food particles, particularly sugar and carbohydrates, are not effectively cleaned from the spaces between teeth. These particles are then broken down by bacteria naturally present in the mouth, resulting in the production of acids that attack the tooth enamel.
When she reached her twenties, Cheryl decided she really needed to step up her oral hygiene and cultivate an asset so important to a professional dancer: a beautiful smile. And once she did, cavities became a distant memory.
“I think when you do floss frequently, it helps to reduce the chances of getting cavities,” Cheryl said. “It took me a while to figure it out.” Now Cheryl flosses after every meal. “I carry floss with me wherever I go. I have no shame busting out my floss in the middle of a restaurant!” She declared.
Dental decay is actually a worldwide epidemic, especially among kids. Untreated, it can lead to pain, tooth loss, and, because it is an infectious disease, it may even have more serious systemic (whole body) health consequences. The good thing is that it is entirely preventable through good oral hygiene at home and regular professional cleanings here at the office.
If it has been a while since you or your children have seen us for a cleaning and check-up, or you just want to learn more about preventing tooth decay, please contact us to schedule an appointment for a consultation. If you would like to read Dear Doctor's entire interview with Cheryl Burke, please see “Cheryl Burke.” Dear Doctor also has more on “Tooth Decay: The World's Oldest & Most Widespread Disease.”