Dr. Michael Handler

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Why Interproximal Tooth Care Matters and How to Maintain It at Home

Maintaining good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing your teeth twice a day. While brushing is essential, it primarily cleans the surfaces of your teeth, leaving the spaces between them — the interproximal areas — less attended to. These spaces are particularly vulnerable to plaque buildup, food debris, and ...
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Understanding the Impact of Dry Mouth on Your Oral Cavity

By Dr. Michael Handler Dry mouth, or *xerostomia*, is more than just an uncomfortable feeling. It can have profound effects on your oral health, affecting everything from your teeth to your gums, and even your overall well-being. If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to serious dental issues. In t...
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The Vital Connection Between Nutrition and Oral Health

Our overall health is significantly influenced by what we eat, but many people overlook how nutrition impacts the health of our oral cavity—the mouth, teeth, gums, and related structures. Good nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and a balanced diet can help prevent many o...
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What effect can your pregnancy have on your teeth?

By Dr. Michael Handler During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can affect oral health. These hormonal shifts may lead to various dental issues. One common concern is an increased risk of gingivitis, characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. T...
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The Art of Aesthetic Tooth Bonding: A Smile Makeover

By Dr. Michael Handler Introduction: A bright, confident smile is often considered a universal symbol of health and happiness. For those seeking to enhance the appearance of their teeth, aesthetic tooth bonding emerges as a popular and accessible solution. In this article, we delve into the world of esthetic toot...
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Treating a Chipped Front Tooth: Your Guide to Restoring Your Smile

By Dr. Michael Handler A chipped or fractured front tooth can be an unsettling and distressing experience, affecting both your smile and self-confidence. Whether it occurred due to an accident, sports injury, or simply biting into something hard, knowing the appropriate steps to treat a chipped front tooth is cruc...
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What do Fluoride Treatments do for you?

Fluoride treatments are common in dental offices. Although fluoride has largely been accepted as a dental treatment, there are still some people who are uncertain about what fluoride actually does in the body. Fluoride's primary application is in the support of healthy teeth. 1. Protects Your Enamel One of t...
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What is dental plaque?

What is it and how to remove it from your teeth? A colourless film of bacteria called dental plaque is constantly forming on our teeth. If you don't brush your teeth soon enough or frequently enough after eating or drinking, bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary foods to produce acids that can destroy tooth enamel and...
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Sleep Apnea Appliances

By Dr. Michael Handler Do you wake up tired after a full night’s rest? Do you snore loudly at night? If you experience these problems and feel extreme fatigue the morning after, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a medical disorder in which your breathing r...
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Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

By Dr. Michael Handler Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? A big percentage of Canadians worry before their dental appointment, and many of them avoid regular dental check-ups due to extreme fear. Unlike some phobias that don’t need addressing, routine dental appointments are too vital to your hea...
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When Would I Need a Dental Crown?

By Dr. Michael Handler Since dental crowns are one of the more common restorations that people need on their teeth, most dentists are regularly asked the question, “Do I really need a crown?” It is a completely fair question because even with insurance, crowns may cost you hundreds of dollars at a time. ...
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Is it a good idea to have wisdom teeth removed?

By Dr. Michael Handler Wisdom teeth are the third molars that are known to cause dental problems by growing abnormally or against other teeth below the gums. They appear much later than the other teeth in persons between the ages of 17 and 25 years. They are the last set of teeth to grow and can be found growi...
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What to do When You Have a Toothache?

By Dr. Michael Handler Whether you woke up this morning with a throbbing pain in your tooth or you have experienced a dull ache in a molar for days, it feels terrible. Having a toothache can cause an enormous amount of pain. You would want to find relief as quickly as possible. We get a lot from patients who com...
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What Causes Teeth to get Stained?

By Dr. Michael Handler 5 Things You Need to Know About Discoloured/Stained Teeth Your teeth don’t always look as bright or white as they should. Your teeth may darken, turn from white to different colors especially yellow, or develop white or dark spots in places. Common Causes for Discoloured or Stain...
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Do I Have to Replace My Extracted Tooth?

By Dr. Michael Handler For a variety of reasons you may have had a tooth extracted or are missing a tooth. Some people may not see the importance of replacing the tooth or may not see the value in spending more time and money on an artificial replacement. However, for your dental health and to preserve the funct...
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6 Things to Know About Invisalign Before Getting Started

By Dr. Michael Handler 1. Wearing aligners is a full-time commitment. For Invisalign to do its job, you have to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day as prescribed by your dentist, every day. You should only ever take them out to eat, or to brush and floss.It can be tempting to remove these al...
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What to Expect If You are Going to A Dentist After a Long Time

By Dr. Michael Handler Haven’t been to the dentist in years? Don’t worry, it’s actually not that uncommon. There are a lot of adults who have somehow missed their regular dental visits. There are so many reasons why people skip regular visits to the dentist. Some people experience anxiety or fear going to the...
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How to Fix a Gummy Smile

By Dr. Michael Handler What is a Gummy Smile? A gummy smile (Excessive Gingival Display) occurs when a larger than proportionate amount of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth when smiling. The perception of a gummy smile can be determined visually, but has also been described as occurring when there is more th...
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Oral Thrush - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

By Dr. Michael Handler Most Canadians have had a yeast infection at some point in their lives, but not everyone has had it in their mouths. Oral thrush is a type of candidiasis (yeast) that develops in the mouth tissues, and it’s most common in infants and toddlers. Discover what to look out for and wh...
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How to Recognize Gingivitis and Other Gum Diseases

By Dr. Michael Handler There are so many dental terms and conditions that it can easily be confusing to know the difference. Periodontal or gum diseases are a good example because there are several different categories. Each has pretty distinctive signs and symptoms, however. Here’s how to recognize gi...
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How to Reduce the Dangers of Snoring

By Dr. Michael Handler Snoring is when the air is unable to flow freely through your nose and throat while you’re sleeping, because the airway is blocked in some way. Often, this is caused by having too much tissue in the throat or nasal passage, or by your tongue getting in the way of your b...
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7 Facts About Dental Abscesses - and How to Treat Them

By Dr. Michael Handler A dental abscess is one of the most painful conditions you can develop, not to mention the inconvenience and the risk to your health. As with so many things in life, prevention beats curing an abscess hands down, however, which is why regular dental checkups are so important....
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Differences between earache and toothache

Toothache Symptoms & Causes Earaches are often caused by fluids in the eardrum, inflammation or cold and flu, whereas toothaches may be caused by bacteria, cavities, gum disease or tooth injuries. Ear infection symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is located. You might suffer from an earache an...
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Why Tooth Cavities Develop, and How to Prevent Them

By Dr. Michael Handler A dental cavity is when the hard surface of a tooth develops tiny openings or holes. These are also called dental caries or tooth decay, and they are caused by several factors, including:  The growth of bacteria in your mouth Eating snacks or...
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Top Tips to Reduce Dental Cavity Risks at Halloween

By Dr. Michael Handler It’s almost Halloween, and in spite of Covid-19 still affecting our lives, thousands of Ontarians are planning to enjoy the event in the safety of their own homes and family circles. Since Halloween inevitably includes candy, you have even more reason than usual this year to try and ...
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What You Need to Know About Eating and Drinking with Invisalign Aligners

By Dr. Michael Handler Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic correction system that utilizes transparent aligners rather than traditional metal braces. Developed by Align Technology, it uses highly accurate scans of natural teeth to guide the corrective process with incremental changes. More than six ...
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Cosmetic Dentistry-Everything You Need to Know

By Dr. Michael Handler If you have stained, worn, chipped, misshapen, or misaligned teeth, cosmetic dentistry might suit you. This technique focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. While a cosmetic dentistry procedure is typically elective instead of essential, some treatment cases a...
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How to Handle Different Types of Dental Emergencies

By Dr. Michael Handler Any kind of dental emergency can be a frightening experience, and in most cases it’s important to get the right medical attention as soon as possible. In most instances, however, there are some things you can do to reduce the immediate discomfort and minimize your risk of c...
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We’re Open: Why Dental Care is Safe in a Post-Pandemic World

By Dr. Michael Handler The past few months have been a rollercoaster for patients as dental practices across Canada closed their doors in an effort to help flatten the curve. Since June 8, we’ve opened up again and are seeing patients for all regular services. That doesn’t mean the risks of the pandemic are ...
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Common Wisdom Teeth Problems - and the Solutions

By Dr. Michael Handler Wisdom teeth are the last of your permanent or adult teeth to come into your mouth. Most people get four wisdom teeth at the back of their mouths, which include two teeth on the top row and two on the bottom. They’re essentially the remnants of third molars, which our human ancestors nee...
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6 Disturbing Signs You Grind Your Teeth at Night

By Dr. Michael Handler Have you been told by your partner that you grind your teeth at night? This is often thought to be amusing, but in fact bruxism, as it’s called officially, is no joke. It’s important to find out if you grind your teeth often and what the reason for this could be, and to get medical att...
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Tooth Whitening vs. Tooth Cleaning – Which is Best?

By Dr. Michael Handler It’s very easy to get confused between getting your teeth whitened and getting them cleaned. Even though most people realize there’s a difference, when it comes to booking your appointment it’s something we always have to confirm to make sure you’re booked for the right procedure. ...
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8 Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces

By Dr. Michael Handler Everyone wants an attractive smile, but few adults are prepared to go through orthodontic treatment that involves headgear and metal braces. Fortunately, there’s another  solution called Invisalign, which requires you to wear clear retainers to straighten out minor tooth misalign...
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How to Close a Space Between My Front Teeth

By Dr. Michael Handler Lauren Hutton might have become a celebrity on the strength of her gap-toothed smile, but for most people, having a space between the front teeth is not something to celebrate. The condition is actually called diastema, and it affects both adults and children. Gaps can develo...
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Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums?

By Dr. Michael Handler Bleeding gums are usually one of the first signs of gum disease. If you experience this as a once-off situation, you might be able to write it off to brushing and flossing too hard. If it occurs again, it’s best to get checked out at your earliest opportunity, because it can be a symptom...
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What Causes Root Sensitivity and How to Treat It

By Dr. Michael Handler Are you experiencing painful twinges when you brush your teeth, or getting toothache every time you eat hot or cold foods? You might have some exposed tooth roots, which can cause oral sensitivity and even trigger serious dental problems. That’s because the roots of your teeth contain nerv...
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Cracked a Tooth? Here’s What’s Happened to You!

By Dr. Michael Handler Cracking a tooth can happen for a number of reasons, but whatever the cause, it can result in the development of  various dental problems.  Causes of a Cracked Tooth An accident or injury to your mouth is the most  common cause of a cracked or fractured tooth, in spi...
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Getting Rid of Bad Breath – The Healthy Way!

By Dr. Michael Handler Bad breath or halitosis can be an embarrassing problem to have and between 25% and 30% of the world population suffers from it, but it’s seldom the patient’s fault and is not always related to oral hygiene. In many people, it originates from seemingly unrelated causes, such as bacteri...
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Relief for a Toothache Until You Can Get to the Dentist

By Dr. Michael Handler Toothache is any pain in or around one or more of your teeth. It can range from a mild annoyance to agonizing discomfort, depending on the cause and the damage done to the tooth. Your obvious solution is to see a dentist as soon as possible, but that isn’t always realistic when you ...
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4 Reasons to Have Regular Professional Teeth Cleaning

By Dr. Michael Handler If you have reasonably good daily oral hygiene habits and a healthy mouth, your dentist or dental hygienist will probably recommend professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Most dental insurance policies cover two cleanings ...
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How Tongue and Lip Piercings Affect Dental Health

By Dr. Michael Handler Both teens and adults these days have embraced body piercing as a form of self-expression, but no matter how “cool” oral piercings might look, they can be dangerous to your health. Tongues contain an enormous amount of bacteria, which have free access to your bloodstream once you...
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Sleep Apnea - Causes and Treatments

By Dr. Michael Handler Sleeping disorders are a common problem among Canadians. Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder affecting more than 18 million people in north America, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Anyone can be affected by this condition, which causes you to moment...
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Diabetes and its Effects on Oral Health

By Dr. Michael Handler The number of Canadians living with diabetes is expected to increase from 9.3% in 2015 to 12.1% in 2025, according to statistics from Diabetes Canada. Most of us know being diabetic can affect other aspects of our health, but what many people are unaware of is the impact diabetes has on o...
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Conscious and Unconscious Sedation – Which is Right for You?

By Dr. Michael Handler Most people have some anxiety about visiting the dentist’s office. You never know what your dentist will find, and whether it will require treatment. If you’ve been postponing a dental appointment because you are terrified of undergoing procedures, talk to us about our sedation ...
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Should I Have Tooth Bonding Done on My Front Teeth?

By Dr. Michael Handler Few patients in this day and age are prepared to walk around with a chipped tooth or a large gap between their front teeth. It’s not necessary, either, since there are now so many ways to improve your smile. Direct resin bonding is one option used extensively on front teeth to resolve...
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Dental Trauma – What Can Happen and How to Treat It

By Dr. Michael Handler Accidents happen to everyone, but some types can have longer lasting effects than others. Dental trauma is damage caused by an injury to your teeth, gums, alveolar bone, and the surrounding soft tissues including the lips, tongue and inner cheeks. When you’re involved in a motor vehic...
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Oral Cancer – Where and Why It Develops

By Dr. Michael Handler The idea of cancer is frightening under any circumstances, but our mouths are so central to every facet of our lives that the idea of oral cancer carries additional weight. With the focus the modern world has on “The Big C” it’s no surprise people wonder about every oral lesi...
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What is Antibiotic Prophylaxis and When Would You Need It?

By Dr. Michael Handler If your dentist recommends any sort of oral surgery, you might hear the term “antibiotic prophylaxis” being used. This refers to the administration of antibiotics before the procedure, and it’s aimed at preventing infection developing from the contamination caused by the...
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Causes and Treatment of Oral Canker Sores

By Dr. Michael Handler Those small, painful sores on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks and lips are more than just an inconvenience. They are canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, which are one of the most common types of oral lesions and affect around 20% of Canadians. Women are more likely to get the...
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Why Periodontal Disease Causes Bone Loss, and What to Do About It

By Dr. Michael Handler Bone loss can happen for a number of reasons, including misalignment of the jaw, tumours and accidental trauma to the face, but periodontal disease is one of the most common causes. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition ranging from mild gum inflammation to a serious disorder,...
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The Low-Down on Crowns and the Options Available

By Dr. Michael Handler Back in the Hollywood heydays, film stars routinely had their teeth “capped” or crowned to improve their smile and appearance. This procedure was less available to ordinary mortals, but over the years dental science has found ways to make it affordable and accessible for everyo...
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Root Recession - Causes, Consequences and Treatment

By Dr. Michael Handler Root recession happens when your gum tissue begins to pull away from the base of your teeth to the point that it can expose the tooth roots to your oral environment. It’s a common dental problem that develops slowly, which means patients don’t typically notice it at first. When ...
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Root Canal Therapy - Treatment in Adult Teeth

By Dr. Michael Handler Preserving your natural teeth offers multiple advantages for overall health, so it's a primary goal of modern dentistry. When the pulp tissue deep inside a tooth gets inflamed or infected, your dentist might recommend root canal therapy. This is usually the solution if you've had an injur...
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Devices to Benefit Your Home Dental Care Regime

By Dr. Michael Handler Taking care of your oral hygiene between dentist visits is easier if you have the right tools to use. Most of the time this means a good toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth rinse and dental floss. In the event that you want something a little more specialized to supplement your home dental care...
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Vitamins and Supplements – Why It’s Important to Tell Your Dentist What You Take

By Dr. Michael Handler Getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals is important for both your bones and your oral health. Many people use supplements to ensure they don’t experience a deficiency of essential nutrients, and some products are especially important for their effect on teeth and gums. Just be...
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First Dental Appointment: When Should You Start, What to Expect

By Dr. Michael Handler Teaching your children to take care of their oral health is critical to ensure they grow up with confidence and vitality. Ideally, you should start them off with their first dental assessment within six months of their first teeth erupting, according to the Canadian Dental Association. At th...
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What Can I Do About My Dry Mouth?

By Dr. Michael Handler One of the most common complaints among dental patients is that they’re suffering from a dry mouth. Not only is this uncomfortable, it can be harmful to your oral health as well as your general physical health. But is it truly a dental issue, or is it rooted in a different problem? Sym...
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4 Common Senior Dental Care Challenges

By Dr. Michael Handler Canadian seniors are exceptionally fortunate to have comprehensive free healthcare for most medical conditions, but sadly the provincial programs don’t usually cover any form of senior dental care. The percentage of the population older than 65 is expected to go up to 18% by 2021, accordin...
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Which Mouth Rinse Should You Use, and Why?

By Dr. Michael Handler Dental hygiene can be a confusing topic, with literally hundreds of products available all vying for your attention. Mouth rinse (also called oral rinse or mouthwash) is a liquid solution used either before or after brushing and flossing to reduce the amount and growth of oral bacteria. The ...
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Dental Implants: Treatment Options and Importance of Tooth Replacement

By Dr. Michael Handler Losing a permanent tooth can be traumatic, but not replacing it can cause real problems. Tooth loss is a fact of life for many people, either as they get older or as a result of injury, but luckily a number of really good treatment options exist. In the past, choices were limited to removabl...
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The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

By Dr. Michael Handler Everyone talks about the importance of having regular dental checkups, but for many people this gives rise to several questions. These include: What does “regular” mean – i.e. how often should you have a checkup, does this differ from person to person and if so, why? What does the ...
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How Poor Eating and Sleeping Habits Affect Your Oral Health

By Dr. Michael Handler It’s easy to understand why consuming lots of sugary food and drinks can affect your teeth, but there’s more to it than that. Your eating and sleeping habits have a direct impact on your oral health, and in exchange this can affect your overall physical wellbeing. Here are some of the ...
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Beating the Blues – How Stress Can Affect Oral Health

By Dr. Michael Handler When you’re stressed out, your dentist can tell! No, there’s no magic or mind-reading involved—simply clear evidence of how stress affects your oral health. While stress can cause minor dental issues such as dry mouth, canker sores and burning mouth syndrome, it can also cause more s...
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The Effects of Sports and Fitness on Your Dental Health

By Dr. Michael Handler Working out, keeping fit and playing sports are all important to help you maintain good health. That’s what we have been taught throughout our lives, and it’s so much a part of our belief system that we spend thousands of dollars on gym memberships, sports participation and equipment, ...
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