You may have outgrown those formative years, rife with pimples and gawky school photos, but unfortunately, the rare pimple can still strike at the most inopportune time. But is that red bump you see really a pimple — or is it a cold sore? When it’s near or right on your mouth, it can be mistaken for either. Learn how to tell the difference between a pimple vs. cold sore,
What started as a tender, tingling sensation at the edge of your mouth is now a full-blown cold sore, and you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are painful, fluid-filled blisters that occur on lips, under the nose, or around the chin. According to the American Dental Association, the initial infection can also cause painful lesions inside the mouth
You might be familiar with the oral numbness that occurs due to local anesthesia during dental procedures. A spontaneously numb mouth — without anesthesia — is a less common occurrence. If your mouth has become numb for no apparent reason, you may be concerned. Here are some potential causes and how you can seek treatment. Abnormal Sensation vs. Lost Sensation Oral paresthesia refers to an abnormal sensation in the mouth.
If you believe you’re at risk of medical identity theft or are already a victim, first take a deep breath. There are resources to help you recover and report the crime. We’re here to cover how to avoid this type of fraud and what to do if you’ve been targeted. What Is Medical Identity Theft? Having your medical identity targeted can cause a frustrating number of problems in your life.
It can be worrisome to notice a new dark spot on your tongue, especially when you maintain excellent oral health. While spots, patches, and discoloration of the tongue can be harmless and temporary, they can occasionally indicate something more serious—but it all depends on your medical history, how long you’ve had the spot, and the color. Natural Appearance of Your Tongue Though it might be the first time you noticed
Toothbrushes were invented hundreds of years ago, using natural materials like twigs and animal hair for the bristles. Thankfully, we have way better choices now. Today, there are several different toothbrush options, including toothbrushes with soft bristles and hard bristles. Learn about soft-bristled toothbrushes, why experts prefer them to hard-bristled toothbrushes, and distinguish between the soft bristle types. What are the different toothbrush bristle types? There are typically three kinds of soft-bristle
Regularly brushing and cleaning between teeth provides a solid foundation for your oral health. You can help keep your smile happy by combining proper brushing techniques with the right toothpaste. If you struggle with plaque and tartar build-up, a tartar control toothpaste might be the boost your oral care routine needs. Keep reading to learn more about tartar control toothpaste and its benefits. What Is Tartar? Put simply; tartar is
Is that bump on your tongue driving you crazy? Distracting you from today’s tasks? Even making it difficult to eat? That tongue bump can appear for many reasons, ranging from canker sores to even oral cancer. However, don’t freak out just yet. Enlarged papillae are a pretty common — and mostly harmless — cause of irritating tongue bumps. What Are Those Bumps on Your Tongue? Your tongue’s surface houses four
Thanks to digital dentistry advancements, visits with your dental professional are becoming faster, safer, more comfortable, and more reliable than ever before. But what exactly is digital dentistry, and how is it having such an impact on the level of care you receive? If you’re curious about digital dentistry, we’ll break down how computers may be helping to improve your smile. What Is Digital Dentistry? Digital dentistry encompasses any digital
At your last dental checkup, did you notice your dentist or dental hygienist typing rapidly on the computer or writing in a dental chart as you discussed your oral health? It’s important to understand what’s included in your dental records and how to access them. Here’s what to know. What Does a Dental Record Include? Dental records, also known as patient charts, are made up of the recorded information regarding
Has your tongue ever been swollen or inflamed, and you’re not sure why? You might have been experiencing glossitis, which is the inflammation of the tongue. While it may seem startling, glossitis is usually a benign and harmless condition. Here, we’ll look into the symptoms, causes, and other treatments for this common problem. Symptoms of Glossitis Glossitis can appear out of nowhere, even if a person has not experienced it
A rotten tooth can cause a lot of pain, and if your rotten teeth are visible, you might even feel embarrassed. Fortunately, plenty of options exist for fixing rotten teeth. If you are experiencing tooth decay, make an appointment to see your dentist immediately for an examination and treatment. While you wait for your appointment, learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention for rotten teeth. What Causes Rotten