Of all the possible sores found in the mouth and on the lips, some of the most common ones are caused by herpes, a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Read on to learn about how prevalent herpes inside the mouth is among Americans, how it’s contracted, and treatments that can relieve the symptoms. How Common Is Herpes in the Mouth? According to the World Health Organization, about 67 percent of the
If you have been prescribed chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, chances are your dentist has told you that you have a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. It might seem a little scary, but this prescription mouthwash could be a simple solution to getting your smile back on track to health and confidence. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse contains a chemical called chlorhexidine, which destroys harmful mouth bacteria, treats gingivitis, and promotes
Your enamel is not invincible. Acid exposure can weaken and erode the surface of your teeth, causing issues if not addressed. But with the help of your dental professional and a basic understanding of dental erosion, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy. What Is Dental Erosion? Your enamel plays a vital role in tooth health, protecting the sensitive inner layers from daily use, decay, potentially painful temperatures, and
As all parents know, there’s nothing predictable about caring for a newborn. If your baby has a white tongue, you might be wondering if something is wrong. It may be thrush, the common yeast infection that presents as a white film on your baby’s tongue, or it could simply be milk residue from a recent feeding. Learn about the potential causes of a white tongue so you can more confidently
Are you wondering about how to take the best care of your tongue? Well, just by asking, you’re on the right track. Cleaning your tongue is an important part of your oral care. And using a toothbrush to brush your tongue isn’t the only option for taking care of your tongue. A tongue brush or tongue scraper may provide a more thorough clean than most toothbrushes when it comes to
Toothpaste shopping used to be as simple as finding a fluoride formula in a flavor everyone in the family liked. But today, with so many toothpastes formulated to target different dental issues, the variety of options makes it a daunting decision. If you are looking to reduce oral bacteria or want your teeth to look a little whiter and brighter, you may want to ask your dentist about trying an
With many not looking forward to dental visits, it can be difficult to form a strong relationship with your dental professional. We’re here to tell you that having healthy communication with an oral care provider is an integral part of your health. Read on to find out exactly what it means to have an effective association with a healthcare provider and how to establish one. The Importance of Effective Doctor-Patient
Tooth pain can be uniquely challenging to deal with. Toothaches are a common problem that can often be avoided through proper dental care and diet. Why do all of your teeth hurt suddenly? Do you need to see a dentist? We’re here to help you understand what tooth pain is, what causes it, and what you can do to treat or prevent it. What Are Toothaches? Toothaches refer to pain
If you or someone you know has oral herpes, you might be aware the condition causes irritating cold sores on or around the lips. That’s bad enough, but the herpes virus also can trigger breakouts on your face and inside your mouth. One place herpes can pop up is on or under your tongue. How does herpes on the tongue happen? Better yet, how can you prevent herpes from infecting your
Apical abscesses are one of the most common dental abscesses and can develop into serious dental issues. If you experience symptoms, it’s essential to visit a dental professional promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Arriving at your appointment armed with a basic knowledge of what the abscess is can also help. What Is an Apical Abscess? A dental abscess is your body’s inflammatory reaction to an infection in the tooth’s nerve.
Oral health isn’t only about your teeth. Lips are often forgotten about, which can be bad news, especially during sunny season. The skin of your lips is thinner and contains less melanin, which means it can’t protect itself from harmful sun damage, so it needs extra care. You might find yourself asking some of these common questions about keeping your lips safe in the sun: 1. Can I use sunscreen
According to the American Sleep Association, up to 70 million adults in the United States have some sort of sleep disorder. And out of those 70 million, about 25 million have sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods while you sleep. If you’re one of the many people who have sleep apnea and you’re considering using a mandibular advancement device to help treat your
