Welcome to the Brightest Smiles Dental blog — a curated collection of educational articles focused on oral health, preventive dentistry, cosmetic treatments, and modern dental research.
Our content is written and reviewed under the guidance of Dr. Leslie Smith, the lead author of this website and a licensed dental professional committed to providing clear, practical, and evidence-informed information for readers worldwide.
You can learn more about Dr. Smith’s background and published articles on her author page.
Cultural oral care practices such as oil pulling, miswak, charcoal toothpaste, and tongue scraping are used worldwide for hygiene and tradition. Some may support oral health when used properly, but they do not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular dental care. Understanding the benefits and limits of each approach…
Cantilever and Maryland bridges are two ways to replace a missing tooth using support from nearby teeth. A cantilever bridge is supported by one crowned tooth, while a Maryland bridge is bonded to the back of one or two adjacent teeth with “wings.” The best choice depends on bite forces,…