Learn more about dentistry by reading the following articles:

• Teeth Whitening
• Take-home Teeth Whitening
• Teeth Whitening Questions and Answers
• Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease
• Stages of Gum (Periodontal) Disease
• Signs and Symptoms of Gum (Periodontal) Disease
• Treating Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Based on research, men are more likely than women to develop gum disease. This reality is because men are more apt to smoke, drink, clench or grind their teeth, and eat a poor diet and less apt to brush and floss. However, the good news is that this situation can be addressed when you work with your dentist on a plan of action. While you will need to eat healthier and cut down or quit smoking and drinking if you do, your dentist can provide hands-on instructions for proper brushing and flossing in addition to creating custom-fit mouthpieces that protect your teeth while sleeping and when playing sports. And by trashing your old toothbrush in favor of a new one every 3-4 months, you will be well on your way to having many more Father's Day celebrations with a healthier and more attractive smile.

This month as we honor our mothers, Dear Doctor magazine and your dentist want to take the opportunity to raise awareness about the oral health concerns that can face women throughout their life. Women may be more susceptible to oral health problems from dental (bacterial) plaque build-up due to the unique hormonal influences and cycles. They begin during puberty, with the use of hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy, throughout menopause and beyond.

Hormones affect the blood vessels throughout the body and even the gum tissues, making them more susceptible to periodontal (gum) disease. Hormones also affect many areas of metabolism including bone (as in bone thinning known as osteoporosis). And it is during these hormonal fluctuations that women are more prone to developing periodontal disease and other oral health problems.

According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans spend more than $1.5 billion on Easter candy each year, second only to the $1.77 billion spent on Halloween. This means that on average each American will eat the equivalent of 25 pounds of candy, plus an additional 2 pounds of gum each year. Dear Doctor magazine encourages moderation to parents and caregivers. We strongly encourage you to become an educated consumer and monitor the amount of candy your children consume, and if they do eat candy to confine it to mealtimes, also ensure a healthy diet, brushing with fluoride containing toothpaste, chewing xylitol gum, which reduces the risk of cavities. Another idea is to modify the treats you (or the Easter Bunny) include in Easter baskets as there are many great things to give children that do not contribute to tooth decay or to childhood obesity. Some great ideas include giving some arts and crafts supplies, music CDs, books, and electronic gadgets.

Once the warm weather of spring arrives, many people get motivated and start their annual spring-cleaning ritual. This activity usually is focused on cleaning out closets; however, this year, why don't you try something new and use this same approach to your oral healthcare. Toss your old toothbrush in favor of a new one and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough exam and cleaning that includes an oral cancer screening. You can also use this appointment as an opportunity to discuss any cosmetic concerns or questions you have regarding your smile. One common trend cosmetic dentists report in the spring is the peaked interest in tooth whitening. A professional bleaching has numerous advantages over all at-home, Over-The-Counter (OTC) methods.