Dr Sally Cram

05/26/2026

Brush your tongue

You brush your teeth twice a day. You floss (most of the time 😅). But are you brushing your tongue?

Your tongue is covered in tiny grooves that trap bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, and that buildup is one of the biggest causes of bad breath. No amount of mouthwash will fix it if you're not cleaning the source.

The fix is simple: a few gentle strokes with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper every time you brush.

Here’s why you should add it to your oral hygiene routine.

05/21/2026

Your mouth and your brain are more connected than you might think. 🧠

A large new study out of Finland found that serious infections, including tooth decay, were linked to a significantly higher risk of developing dementia within six years. Researchers believe that staying on top of infections, including oral infections, may actually help reduce that risk.

This is exactly why we talk so much about gum health. It's never just about your teeth.

BENGALURU: Recent studies have shown that infections, even those resulting from something as common as tooth decay, may have a strong concurrence with early onset of dementia. Experts in city, being sceptical, warn of the possible ramifications of the findings. The results of a quantitative research...

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day

You take care of everyone else all year long. Today, we hope someone is taking care of you.

From our dental family to yours, wishing you a beautiful day filled with all the things that make you smile.

05/04/2026

May is Older Americans Month.

We want to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: how your oral health needs change as you get older.

Gums recede. Enamel wears down. Medications cause dry mouth. These aren't just cosmetic issues, they're health issues.

The good news? Staying ahead of them is easier than you think. Regular dental visits aren't just about keeping your teeth clean. They're about keeping you healthy.

Because a strong smile at 65 looks different than one at 35- and that's okay.

04/30/2026

You declutter your closet. You deep clean your car. You finally tackle that junk drawer. 🌱

So why not give your mouth the same fresh start?

Spring is the perfect time to get back on track with your oral health- whether that means booking that appointment you've been putting off, upgrading your toothbrush, or finally making flossing a habit.

04/24/2026

You've probably seen it on TikTok- people taping their mouths shut at night and swearing by the results. But what does the science actually say? 🤔

We're sharing this article because your health decisions deserve more than a 30-second video.

Mouth taping is trending on social media, but does science support the claims? This article examines the evidence and explains what dental hygienists need to know to guide patients...

04/15/2026

🎗️April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and there's no better time to talk about something most patients don't realize happens at every visit.

During your routine exam, your dentist isn't just checking your teeth. They're also screening for early signs of oral cancer- things like unusual sores, patches, or lumps that you might not even notice yourself.

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. That's why skipping your regular checkup is never worth the risk.

Know the signs:
🔴 Sores that don't heal within two weeks
🔴 Red or white patches in your mouth
🔴 Lumps or thickening in your cheek
🔴 Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw

04/09/2026

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it's easy to brush it off (pun intended). But bleeding gums are actually one of the earliest signs of gum disease- and gum disease doesn't go away on its own.

The good news? Caught early, it's very treatable.

If you've noticed bleeding, sensitivity, or swelling in your gums, it's worth a conversation with your dentist. Your gums are trying to tell you something- listen to them.

04/05/2026

03/27/2026

Some viruses and bacteria can linger on your toothbrush for several days after you've been sick. The good news? For most people, using the same brush after recovery won't cause reinfection, your antibodies have you covered.
But there are exceptions:

✔️ If you share a toothbrush holder with others while sick, everyone in the house should replace theirs to avoid spreading illness.

✔️ If you're immunocompromised or had a cold sore, swap it out to be safe.

And while toothbrush sanitizers are still being studied, rinsing with cold running water after each use, storing your brush upright, and leaving it uncovered can all help reduce bacterial buildup.

Bottom line: replace every 3–4 months, sooner if bristles are frayed or after a serious illness.

https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/when-should-patients-replace-their-toothbrushes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQQnXhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJES2tZRzZjMW53SGRmcEJjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHs3afxOs7Ei9Pn6iQ_SWTPC46eDEl62VWoJV7H8Jzq2zgOuo2lfKXIjlMXlW_aem_Uo2cDAbicyIn-q0lKTShag

Experts detailed best practices for replacing or sanitizing a toothbrush after sickness.