Most college students are well aware of the Freshman 15, a term that describes the weight gain many young adults experience during their first (and subsequent) years at university. What they may not know is the college experience can also have a negative effect on their oral health. Here's more information about this and what you can do to protect your teeth and gums so you graduate with a beautiful smile.

Thousands of people in the United States undergo cosmetic dental procedures every year. Teeth whitening, veneers and fillings are all popular types of cosmetic dentistry, but these procedures are seldom cheap. People who want cosmetic treatment will often have to find ways to fund the cost of treatment privately, so it's unsurprising that the promise of cheap overseas treatment is increasingly popular. Find out how dental tourism works, and learn why this type of treatment could cost more money than it saves.

Milk is one of the best and most convenient sources of calcium for your toddler, however, for some parents, getting your toddler to make the switch from breast milk or formula to cow's milk is easier said than done.  In order to make this transition, it is essential to: Understand why calcium is integral to your toddler's growth and development Try different strategies to help your toddler to drink milk if he or she is struggling Discover alternative sources to milk if your child is allergic or refuses to drink milk By finding what works for you and your child, you can ensure that your child is receiving the proper amount of calcium to keep his or her bones and teeth strong.

Anyone who has had a toothache agrees that tooth pain is one of the worst kinds of pain in the entire world. While you can go to the emergency room day or night for serious pain throughout the rest of your body, there isn't always much you can do for a toothache after hours or without a good chunk of money in your bank account. Many natural remedies can temporarily reduce tooth pain.

Dentists recommend that you clean your teeth for at least 120 seconds twice a day. Good brushing techniques protect your teeth and gums, but it's also important to choose and use the right products. Toothbrush sanitizers are increasingly popular with consumers, but many people are unsure if they need to invest in these gadgets. Find out if you will benefit from a toothbrush sanitizer, and learn more about steps you can take to keep your toothbrush germfree.

A dental implant is an alternative to bridges or removable dentures in which artificial teeth are anchored to the jawbone by way of surgery. This process is a more effective and considered more aesthetically pleasing than the alternatives. However, Like all oral surgical procedures, there is a definite risk involved with receiving a dental implant. After getting dental implants, complications may arise, and there are a number of reasons why a dental implant might fail.

Forgetting to brush and floss your teeth every day does not affect just your smile, but can also cause health problems in the rest of your body. Every year experts are learning just how damaging poor oral health can be on your health. Here are four health problems that you may experience if you don't keep your teeth and gums healthy. Coronary Artery Disease If you have gum disease, you aretwice as likely to have coronary artery disease.

Have you ever been in the middle of brushing and flossing and wondered if everyone around the world follows the same dental-care habits as those of Americans? While English-speaking countries tend to have similar habits, not every culture approaches oral care the same way Americans do. Learning from other cultures is a great idea, because you can learn a lot from their alternative approaches to oral care and use this knowledge to improve your oral hygiene habits.

Whether you've just had a root canal or, you're tooth has shattered because of a large, weakened filling, dental crowns are necessary to protect the tooth and prevent it from needing to be pulled. Most dental crown treatments, however, require a few visits and a long waiting period while the crown is crafted in the lab. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry, however, have made it possible for dentists to craft a dental crown faster, so you can get back your beautiful smile in a snap.

If your child is scheduled for a dental procedure, it's important to talk to the dentist about the pros and cons of using sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the immediate treatment area, while sedation helps manage anxiety for the duration of the procedure. Using sedation is appropriate if a child has a high level of anxiety or cannot comply with the dentist's instructions for some reason. Here are several things you should consider when determining if your child should undergo sedation before having dental work.