How much does the tooth fairy pay these days? We surveyed more than 1,700 parents across the United States to determine the average amount the tooth fairy leaves per lost tooth in each state. Here’s what we discovered. State Average Payout Alabama 3.08 Alaska 3.83 Arizona 2.97 Arkansas 3.72 California 3.61 Colorado 3.47 Connecticut 3.23 … Read more

If you’re overdue for dental care, I want to speak to you directly. Maybe your last cleaning was years—or even decades—ago. Maybe you’ve been ignoring tooth pain or haven’t flossed in ages. If that describes you, please know this: you are not lazy and you are not a failure. And to the dentists and hygienists … Read more

Fasting, paleo, and low-carb diets are effective health strategies for many people. A frequent side effect of weight loss on these diets is bad breath, commonly called “keto breath,” which occurs during ketosis. You likely don’t want to abandon your diet, so here are practical, science-informed ways to manage breath odor while staying on track. … Read more

  Buying directly online has become a popular way to shop, and electric toothbrushes are no exception. Direct-to-consumer brands like Goby, Boka, and Quip eliminate retail markups and have shaken up the market by offering subscription services, competitive pricing, and modern designs. Which one should you choose? Each has strengths depending on your age, oral … Read more

Hello, aspiring dentists! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether dental school is worth the time, effort, and expense. “What does it take to get in?” “How stressful is it?” (Spoiler: very.) “And do I really want to be a broke student again?” Let’s clear up some of the uncertainty. This guest post is … Read more

Welcome to this week’s edition of Mondays with Mark. Here’s what’s new this week. 1. Episode 04: How to Stop Grinding at Night 🎙 Nighttime teeth grinding, or sleep bruxism, affects many people. Traditionally dentists protect teeth with night guards or TMJ splints, but emerging research points to a link between sleep-disordered breathing and grinding. That means … Read more

Ever felt that sharp zing from hot coffee, ice cream, or even just breathing in cold air? Tooth sensitivity isn’t random — it’s your teeth signaling that something needs attention. Your enamel may be wearing away. Your gums could be receding. You might be grinding your teeth at night without realizing it. Many reach for … Read more

Want to monitor your sleep at home? The best sleep apps and wearable or non-wearable sleep technology can give you a clear picture of sleep quality and how it changes over time. As an additional aid, white noise apps can help you fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and become less sensitive to sudden disturbances. … Read more

There is no completely risk-free way to whiten teeth, but many people choose to do it to improve their smile. Teeth whitening is a personal decision and something you should raise with your dentist if you want it. Like any cosmetic procedure, it carries benefits and risks, so informed choices matter. Over time, teeth tend … Read more

Q Dr. B, how important is it to clean your tongue? I’ve seen tongue scrapers at the drugstore but am wondering if they really help. A Brushing and flossing are essential for oral health, but cleaning your tongue is an often overlooked step that makes a meaningful difference. Using a tongue scraper is a simple, … Read more