If you haven’t visited your dentist and dental hygienist in a while, it may be time for a dental prophylaxis appointment. This type of appointment is a standard preventive measure in dental medicine, which involves cleaning your teeth and inspecting your mouth for signs of any potential issues. While we’d all love it if our at-home oral care routine would be enough to keep our smiles perfect, seeing your dental
A rash around your mouth can be frustrating to deal with, especially when it doesn’t go away on its own. There are a surprising amount of potential causes of your perioral dermatitis, so it’s a good thing there are professionals at your disposal to help with diagnosis and treatment. We’ve got your back to help you understand what causes this condition, how to avoid worsening it, and who can help.
If you’re undergoing a dental procedure soon, you may be wondering what pain killer will be used to ensure you don’t experience any unnecessary anxiety or pain. In recent decades, various local anesthetics have revolutionized dentists’ ways of turning off pain receptors in a specific area of your mouth. And articaine is the 2nd most popular anesthetic to grace the offices of dental professionals across the US for various reasons.
Taking care of your dental health is not just about your teeth. Mouth sores can appear on your mouth, lips, or tongue, and while they usually quickly go away, they can be painful and cause concern. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Mouth sores are quite common. Read on to find out what different types of mouth sores look like, including canker sores and cold sores, and how to treat
Tongue blisters can occur from hard, crunchy foods or hot beverages, or they can be a clue to something more serious. Learn about the three common types of blisters on the tongue, signs and symptoms, and when you should seek medical treatment. Your tongue is so crucial for your everyday life. Not only do you use it for speech and for eating, but the tongue is often an indicator of
One hundred million Americans don’t see their dentist every year, even though visiting the dentist regularly is essential in maintaining your oral health. With that being said, you have probably received a text, email, or phone call at some point in your life, reminding you that you are due for your 6-month visit with your dentist. You might be wondering, “how often should I really go to the dentist?” The
During regular check-ups, dental and medical professionals take measurements to assess your health, like your height, weight, and blood pressure, which can help indicate information about your health. There’s another measurement, however, that can also provide insight: your saliva pH. Here, we’ll look at why your saliva pH is important and how it affects your oral health. The pH scale measures a substance’s acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges
If you’ve just begun teaching your child great oral care habits, spotting a mouth sore can be concerning. Don’t worry; it’s not a reflection on how well they’re brushing or flossing. Just like adults, toddlers are susceptible to mouth sores too. Mouth ulcers in kids often present in several different ways, according to Seattle Children’s Hospital. While your dentist or your primary care physician should diagnose the sore, it’s helpful to
Perhaps you’ve recently noticed that you’ve developed a habit of biting your lips. Or maybe your child is unconsciously doing it. If you don’t know much about lip biting, you’re probably newly curious about the habit. Your first question might be, why do people bite their lips? For many, lip biting is an occasional nervous habit. However, did you know that others may chronically bite their lips due to an
Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective rather than essential, some treatment cases also provide restorative benefits. Learn about the most common procedures and how they work. 1. Inlays and Onlays This cosmetic dentistry procedure is also known as indirect fillings, which are made by a dental laboratory. They are used
Are you prone to canker sores and don’t know what to do about them? You’re not the only one. We know it’s no fun when canker sores appear out of nowhere. No need to worry, though! Canker sores usually heal on their own. Plus, the key to dealing with them is preventing them. That means figuring out what triggers them in your mouth, so you can stay clear of the
You can find fluoride in most toothpaste products. It’s a natural mineral that hardens tooth enamel to prevent cavities. However, if you want to choose an alternative to fluoride toothpaste for you or your young children, several options are available. But what is in fluoride-free toothpaste? Read on to learn more about the most commonly found ingredients in non-fluoride toothpaste, including natural and plant-based ingredients. What Is Fluoride and What
