The species has been known for over 80 years, although its influence on our oral health has been explored for only about a decade.

Multiply similar costs across the country and you have a pretty solid economic argument for expanding publicly funded dental care in Canada.

The mouth is the entry point to a healthy body — to eat, drink and breathe — and to life's pleasures of socializing and communicating with others.

Hardly a week goes by without this thorny issue being disputed between federal and provincial governments - even now that the budget has been tabled. The simple solution is that health costs should be shared, 50-50. But this solution is far from simple and very misleading.

Teenagers deal with all sorts of pressures and self esteems issues, and their appearance are high on that list; so, what do you do when they say their smile isn't as bright and white as they want it to be? As parents, we strive to help our kids feel better about themselves; but before you buy those whitening strips or make that teeth whitening appointment, you should sink your teeth into the facts, first.

It may just be a sweet coincidence that October is both Dental Hygiene Month and Halloween but with Halloween just around the corner, your little ghosts and goblins are eager to hit the candy jackpot. But what else can be spookier than creepy crawlies and witches? Rotting teeth from too much sugar and dental plaque.