Dr Sally Cram

10/15/2026

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a perfect reminder to show your routine some love. The basics still win: brush twice a day, floss once, rinse if you'd like, and see your hygienist regularly. It sounds simple because it is. Consistency beats any fancy gadget every time.

10/09/2026

Are you grinding your teeth without even knowing it?

Nearly 1 in 4 people have bruxism. Most don't realize it until the damage is already done. Worn-down teeth, morning headaches, jaw pain, and disrupted sleep are all signs your body may be releasing stress in your sleep. And dentists say they're seeing it more and more, especially in younger patients.

This is a really eye-opening read on what's behind the rise in teeth grinding, how to spot the signs, and what you can actually do about it.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgwe8dk6z6o?fbclid=IwY2xjawUnv19leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMXhybFhVSGYwTERCTDRuMzlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeiL7SixGdhQwY42_PEqDDzOPxU-RkV-1oCI_9E_gb8j3lxtFz70-5Hmoj8Ic_aem_MIyxI8aEq6vgrYNUliO3bg

Millions of us do it, though few of us realise we do - but getting the right treatment can be life-changing.

10/02/2026

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while it may not seem like an obvious dental topic, there's an important connection worth knowing about.

Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck area, can have significant effects on oral health that many patients aren't warned about in advance. Some of the most common side effects include:

🔹 Dry mouth: Many chemo drugs reduce saliva production, which dramatically increases cavity risk
🔹 Mouth sores: Painful ulcers that can make eating and drinking difficult
🔹 Increased infection risk: A compromised immune system makes the mouth more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections
🔹 Jaw stiffness: Particularly common for patients receiving radiation near the head or neck

If you or someone you love is facing a cancer diagnosis, a dental visit before treatment begins can make a real difference. Getting ahead of any existing issues reduces complications during treatment and supports a smoother recovery.

Your dental team is part of your overall healthcare team. Don't hesitate to let us know what you're going through. 🎀

09/28/2026

❤️ Did you know your mouth could be sending signals about your heart health?

Research has found a meaningful link between gum disease and heart disease and it's more straightforward than you might expect. The same bacteria that cause inflammation in your gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in blood vessels, which is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

People with gum disease have been shown to be at higher risk for heart attacks and stroke, not because one directly causes the other, but because chronic inflammation is a common thread.

The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental cleanings are key.

This September, as we head into fall, it's a good reminder that oral health isn't separate from the rest of your body. It's all connected.

09/23/2026

Still using the same toothbrush you had a few months ago? You might want to read this.

Most people treat their toothbrush like a household tool, using it until it breaks. But a worn-out brush sitting in a warm, damp bathroom is quietly becoming less effective every week. Dentists break down exactly how often you should really be swapping yours out and why.

Dentists say replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, but the bristles matter more than the calendar. Here's the two-second test, plus electric vs. manual.

09/14/2026

If you've been struggling to conceive, your mouth might be part of the conversation.

A new study found that chronic gum inflammation may affect egg quality, ovarian function, and fertility outcomes in women. And it's not just women- gum disease has also been linked to reduced s***m quality and lower IVF success rates in men.

Some lifestyle habits could play a surprisingly big role in helping or hurting fertility, including one that’s right in front of your face — or more inside your face.

09/04/2026

September is the perfect reset month.

The kids are back in school, routines are back in place, and it's a great time to take stock of your family's dental habits too. Summer has a way of throwing things off: later bedtimes, more sugary snacks and drinks, less structure around brushing and flossing.

The good news? It doesn't take much to get back on track. Two minutes of brushing twice a day and one minute of flossing before bed is really all it takes to make a meaningful difference in long-term oral health.

08/28/2026

Dental emergencies don't wait for convenient timing, and knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a real difference.

Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, a lost crown, or a cut inside the mouth, this is a great quick read on how to stay calm and protect your smile until you can get to the dentist.
https://www.dailycourier.com/online_features/health_and_wellness/dental-emergency-tips-what-to-do-until-you-can-see-a-dentist/article_be225021-8bb0-53a0-8cd2-fa00aed11785.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawTYcUpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3SExOU1FVakVkNUhjSFdZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtgOYcNwz71_RYM09dC9N0cedvGSdbsK3xr5C0evFhltmBZdlgeQ3eS58RuY_aem_8Ui0TBys2XLhl2qGhYUjIA

Key TakeawaysActing quickly during a dental emergency can improve the chances of saving a damaged tooth and preventing further complications.Knowing a few simple first-aid steps before you reach a dentist

08/20/2026

Sipping lemonade, iced coffee, and sports drinks all summer? These are some of the biggest culprits for enamel erosion and staining. Drinking through a straw and rinsing with water afterward can make a real difference for your smile.

08/12/2026

New research published in Nature Communications found that studying gum disease is giving scientists fresh insights into how inflammatory diseases, including cancer, progress in the body. Fascinating stuff, and another reminder of why keeping your mouth healthy matters well beyond your smile.

Researchers in the US have identified previously unrecognised changes in blood vessels that may help explain tissue destruction in oral disease The study by a team at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the VCU School of Dentistry and the University of Pennsylvania—and published Nature Communi...