Have you ever noticed that when you’re sick, your mouth feels off? It could be because conditions like sinusitis can have side effects that affect your oral health. Sinusitis is a condition characterized by the sinuses’ inflammation, the group of air-filled spaces located inside the bones around your nose. The sinuses can become inflamed for many reasons, not just an infection. According to Medline Plus, when swelling continues for more
You know that it’s important to see your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings, but when would you need to see an orthodontist? How are the two dental professionals different? It helps to know what services each professional provides so that when you have a problem with your teeth, gums or another part of your mouth or jaws, you can make an appointment with the proper person to
Suppose you’re nearing the end of your orthodontic treatment and are looking forward to a perfectly aligned smile without appliances, congratulations! We know this journey may not be easy, but it’s well worth it. But before you’re done with treatment, your orthodontist may recommend something called power chain braces to finish up the process of closing the gaps between your teeth. You’re probably wondering, what are power chain braces? And
Your body needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth, but too much of it running rampant can cause problems for your oral and overall health. Hyperparathyroidism is the condition that results when the parathyroid glands responsible for regulating calcium in the blood can’t maintain the balance. The Parathyroid Glands The parathyroid glands are a quartet of glands about the size of grains of rice located in your neck, according
If you’ve been diagnosed with a parotid tumor, you may be a little concerned and probably have a lot of questions. We’ll help you understand what a parotid tumor is, symptoms you may experience, what to expect from a professional diagnosis, how it can affect your oral health, and what treatment can look like to get your health back on track. By having a strong basis of knowledge about your
The thrill of competition from sports is invigorating. From the offseason training and early morning practices to individuals coming together to achieve a greater goal. There’s nothing quite like being a part of a team. With that competition comes the occasional sprain, twist, bruise, or cut. And sometimes, you could endure a tongue injury. While they’re not uncommon, it’s an opponent you never expect to face. Check out our tongue
Have you ever experienced small, red, slightly painful bumps near the tip of your tongue that last for a few days, then disappear? You might have been experiencing transient lingual papillitis (TLP), a condition that has no known causes. Transient means it’s temporary, and lingual papillitis refers to painful inflammation of the tongue’s papillae, which are the small bumps on your tongue’s surface. But don’t worry about this mysterious condition—it’s
Cracked teeth can happen due to a variety of circumstances: trauma due to an accident, chewing on hard food, a weak tooth structure. Sometimes, those cracks result in a type of damage called longitudinal fractures. While these fractures don’t always cause symptoms, they can cause pain and grow bacteria, which can lead to irritation and infection. Luckily, dental professionals can treat longitudinal tooth fractures, and the process to recovery will
One billion people across the globe – that’s how many people suffer from migraines, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. And while a migraine isn’t a specific oral disease, migraines appear to be related to tooth pain and certain conditions causing oral or facial pain. Learn what exactly a migraine is and what conditions might be related to the disorder. And find out who you should talk to if you
When you were a kid, did you ever put coins in your mouth? Maybe on a dare? If, as an adult, you have a metallic taste in your mouth – even though your coin-swallowing days are over – what could cause the sensation? We’ll give you the scoop on what the unpleasant, rather bitter taste means and what causes it. We’ll also let you in on how to treat and
While most parents are familiar with cleft palate, few have heard of an associated condition known as bifid uvula. What exactly does this condition look like, and how will I know if my child has it? Is it something I should worry about? We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and walk you through what you should know about bifid uvula. What Is a Bifid Uvula? Bifid uvula
Upper jaw expansion, known medically as maxilla expansion or palatal expansion, is an orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment, tooth overcrowding, breathing trouble, or other issues. Dentists or physicians may recommend this treatment when their patient is still young. Learn more about palatal expansion and what devices and surgical options are currently available. What Is Palate Expansion? According to the California Association of Orthodontists, maxillary or palatal expansion is typically recommended