Entries by Tom

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

If you’re committed to good oral hygiene—brushing twice a day and flossing daily—you may wonder how often you need to change your toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the answer is every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Why replace your toothbrush? Over time, worn toothbrush bristles lose […]

Nicotine and Your Mouth: What You Need to Know

The dangers of smoking are well established—from higher cancer risk to gum disease. But the newer alternatives to cigarettes, like vaping and nicotine pouches, can also take a toll on your teeth and gums. No matter the form, nicotine can disrupt your mouth’s natural defenses and increase your risk for dental problems. How nicotine affects […]

From Bottle to Decay: How Your Child’s Diet Shapes Their Oral Health

As children grow and transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to eating solid foods, their diet becomes a powerful influence on their oral health. What they eat and drink doesn’t just fuel their bodies—it also fuels the bacteria living in their mouths. That’s why nutrition and dental care go hand in hand, especially for growing kids […]

Is Your Child’s Mouth the Key to Their Overall Health?

Did you know your child’s mouth—just like yours—is home to a thriving community of bacteria, both helpful and harmful? This collection is called the oral microbiome, and keeping it balanced is essential not only for healthy teeth but for whole-body wellness. Understanding the Oral Microbiome When harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial ones—often due to a […]

Functional Dentistry: A Whole-Body Approach to Oral Health

When you think about your health, how often do you think about your mouth? At Sayva Dental, we believe oral health isn’t separate from the rest of your body—it’s deeply connected. That’s the foundation of functional dentistry, a modern, holistic approach that looks beyond just teeth and gums to understand how your overall wellness affects […]

Can You “Catch” Cavities?

Most people think cavities are simply the result of too much sugar or poor brushing. But there’s something most patients don’t realize: Cavities are caused by bacteria—and those bacteria can be contagious. Cavities themselves cant be passed from person to person, but the bacteria that cause them can be transmitted, especially among family members. Understanding […]

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Mouth? Yay or No to this Natural Mouthwash?

As someone who tries to use all natural products, I often veer towards recommending products that are already in most peoples medicine cabinets. During COVID, I, along with many dental offices, remember requiring that all patients rinse their mouth with hydrogen peroxide before being seen at each appointment. This is because of something that we […]

5 Things about Laughing Gas You Need to Know

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a safe and commonly used sedative in dentistry. It helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures without putting them to sleep. Administered through a mask, it induces feelings of euphoria and lightness, making the dental experience more pleasant for patients of all ages. Laughing Gas […]

Oil Pulling: TikTok Myth or Dentist’s Dream?

Oil pulling has gained traction in recent years as a natural remedy for oral health, mostly because of the recent slew of TikTok enthusiasts touting its effectiveness. Their testimonies can claim it cures it all, from whitening teeth to detoxifying the body. But what does modern dentistry have to say about this age-old practice? History […]

10 Foods & Drinks with Surprising Oral Health Benefits

If you think that maintaining good oral health means giving up all your favorite foods and drinks, think again! There are actually several foods and drinks that can have surprising oral health benefits. My favorite foods & drinks with oral health benefits Cheese Did you know that eating cheese can actually help protect your teeth […]