A healthy lifestyle means taking care of your teeth — after all, excess plaque has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, and too much icky bacteria in your mouth can lead to gum disease and cavities. But if you're an après-lunch brusher, take note: you should wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after a meal, according to a report in The New York Times. The directive is Read more

While the trend of attaining 100 percent perfect teeth has perhaps waned a bit in the US, in Japan, some are choosing a more fanglike look. Dubbed "yaeba" in Japanese (or the American equivalent snaggleteeth), the style has young women heading to the dentist for crooked smiles, courtesy of plastic pieces affixed to the teeth. But why? "The gapped tooth is sort of preorthodontic or early Read more

Temporary decals for teeth have been around for a few years now, but leave it to the always avant-garde Japanese fashion industry to make them chic. A recent spread in Ginza magazine shows off cute tooth decals and suggests that fashionistas are matching their nail art with their tooth art, and even their nail shape to their tooth shape. Fashion-forward young women are also matching their Read more

"Bleaching [your teeth] is probably one of the most significant changes that you can make," says Beverly Hills-based general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Arthur Glosman. "But whenever you're going to do any type of teeth whitening, it's always best to get some kind of consultation with your dentist first." However, what are the advantages of having your dentist do it as compared to doing it yourself? Read more

Researchers have discovered that more than just viruses and germs can be transmitted through the mouth — cavities can be added to this list, yes . . . cavities. According to Dr. Margaret Mitchell, the cavity-causing bacteria is commonly transferred between caregivers and children because a mother will taste her child's food to see if it's too hot, therefore directly exposing her child to the Read more

In case you've already forgotten, February is National Pet Dental Health month. So somewhere between the romantic getaways and Oscar bashes you're planning this month, be sure to find time to give your pet's chompers some love! I've given you teeth-cleaning tips in the past, but if you're looking for another primer on doggie tooth brushing, you're in luck: Heidi Ganahl, founder of Camp Bow Wow, Read more

I don't like going to the dentist for many reasons. Aside from the prodding and scraping, I shutter when my dentist asks, "Have you been grinding your teeth?" While I'd love to shake my head and look at her like she's lost her mind, we both know that yours truly has taken to grinding my teeth on occasion. While getting a bite guard is the most often prescribed treatment for bruxism (that's the Read more

If you've ever seen one of those baby beauty pageant shows, then you've probably noticed the "flippers" some little competitors wear to cover their missing baby teeth. Apparently, though, the denture-like faux smiles aren't just for small beauty queens — now even regular old adults can wear one. The Snap-On Smile system (around $1,200) is basically just a denture you fit over your teeth that Read more