Let’s take inventory. A crisp, dry-cleaned shirt. Good. An energy-efficient washer and dryer. Great. A dry January. Good luck. But what about a dry socket? Is that good? Mmm, not-so-much. A dry socket is what happens when a tooth extraction goes awry. But if you heed your dentist’s advice and note the tips below, there should be no reason you can’t prevent a dry socket from occurring to you. What Causes a Dry Socket?
If you’ve ever had a sore on or near your mouth, you’ve likely thought to yourself: Is this a canker sore or a cold sore, and what’s the difference? Here are three significant differences of a canker sore vs. cold sore to help you determine your next steps for treatment. 1. Appearance The first way to differentiate a canker sore vs. cold sore is by appearance. As the Mayo Clinic explains, canker sores —
Tongue bumps can appear for all kinds of reasons. Accidentally biting your tongue can result in bumps, or they could be due to something more serious. If you’re concerned about a bump on your tongue that isn’t going away, book an appointment with your dentist or GP. Natural Bumps on the Tongue Papillae are the small, natural bumps that cover the surface of the tongue. The four types of papillae
You might be diligent as far as your oral hygiene goes, but even the most frequent flosser forgets every now and again. You may not even think about the quality of your dental hygiene until it comes time for your scheduled dental visit. So, whether you’re a habitual brusher or you’ve been known to skip a session, put your best smile forward and learn how to get your teeth clean
There are quite a few pastes out there — many types, in fact. You got your school paste, your curry and tomato paste, your cut and paste, and of course, your toothpaste. Let’s focus on that last one, shall we? There are many different types of toothpaste to serve different purposes. Some whiten, some desensitize, some prevent, and pretty much all of them freshen and protect. But which is right
A healthy smile involves more than just strong, shiny teeth. Your gums also play an important role in your oral health, and some forms of gum disease can be pretty sneaky. Apical periodontitis, also known as periapical periodontitis, does not always have symptoms but should not be ignored. Find out more about periapical periodontitis and its causes, symptoms, and treatments. What Is Apical Periodontitis? Apical periodontitis refers to the inflammation
SLS. It’s not a distress call at sea. Nor is it an abbreviation your kids use while texting their friends. Nope. It’s sodium lauryl sulfate and it’s in many things you use every single day. From cleaners to cosmetics to toothpaste — it’s a very common ingredient used to create foam for deeper cleaning. Have you ever wondered why you have to spit more with a particular toothpaste over another?
It’s normal to occasionally wince when eating ice cream or a hot soup, but the less-fleeting pain of sensitive teeth is hard to ignore. Discomfort due to an extreme temperature is a common complaint of almost 40 million people, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and often affects more than one tooth. However, if you are suffering from just one sensitive tooth, it may be a sign of a
When it’s cold outside, exposed skin isn’t the only part of your body that can be affected by a drier climate; colder temperatures can also affect your oral health. While snuggling up this season, remember to take special care of your teeth. This will help prevent common oral issues, like tooth sensitivity and dry mouth that often worsen during the cold, dry weather. Try these dental care tips for a
Many of us love our caffeine fix first thing in the morning. Whether it’s black coffee, a vanilla latte, or your standard iced skinny hazelnut macchiato, extra shot, light ice, and no whip. But — you may have to push pause on your order for a few days after getting your tooth pulled. While it’s a very common and simple dental procedure, you’ll need to properly care for yourself and
Coconut oil has become a household staple in recent years for its numerous benefits: as a “healthy fat” for cooking, as a personal care product, and for its oral health potential. Coconut toothpaste and other coconut-based oral care products are on the market, and there’s been renewed interest in the ancient practice of oil pulling, often using coconut oil. But should you jump on the bandwagon? Read on—we’ve got the
Looking in the mirror and seeing a black spot inside the cheek can be alarming, but is it something serious? The good news is that a dark spot inside your cheek is probably harmless. Consider these possible causes and see your dentist for a definitive diagnosis. Amalgam Tattoos If the spot inside your cheek is dark blue, gray or black, it could be a leakage from a dental filling. Amalgam
