It's time we told you why you should smile more.

Gingivitis tends to creep up quietly, usually after a stretch of rushed brushing or nights where flossing just slips your mind. The first sign is often bleeding when you spit toothpaste into the sink. That moment makes people Google how to cure gingivitis, which is honestly the right instinct. Early gum inflammation happens because plaque irritates the tissue around the teeth. If you respond quickly, it is fully reversible. Most cases improve quickly with proper cleaning, hydration and small tweaks in daily habits. The key is not ignoring those early red or puffy gum signals.

Having metal taste in the mouth first thing in the morning can be an unexpected experience. You wake up, take a swallow, and suddenly have a metallic taste in your mouth, as if you'd been chewing on a handful of change. It's annoying, a little scary, and sometimes for no apparent reason. For some people, it will be nothing but a minor nuisance; others may fall into the late-night goose chaser. Sometimes it's a sign that there is something wrong with your braces; other times, it could mean that there is something wrong with one of your teeth. But here's the good news: Most metallic tastes are temporary, harmless, and can be treated or resolved. So let's take a closer look at the possibilities.

If you’ve ever started orthodontic treatment, you already know there are a lot of tiny pieces involved. Wires, brackets, elastics, retainers, attachments… and then there are molar bands. They’re not as famous as braces themselves, but they play a surprisingly big role in keeping your smile moving in the right direction. Some people don’t really notice them. While others desperately want to know why that metal ring is even there. So let’s break it all down: what molar bands are, why orthodontists use them, and how they work in both braces and retainers. Plus, what you should expect throughout the process.