Trigger Point Injections for TMJ Disorders

If your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) causes you pain, you probably want to explore all available options to find relief. Because this hinge connects your upper and lower jaw, you need it for everyday tasks like talking and eating. Fortunately, your dentist or primary care physician can provide a variety of treatments and exercises to support healthy jaw function. If your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) stems from myofascial pain syndrome — a chronic

The Link Between Anxiety and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a problem that affects many people and has a long list of sources. It might surprise you to know that anxiety and stress can cause dry mouth, and so can the related medications. We’ve got you covered with helpful information on dry mouth, from symptoms and causes to treatment and prevention. Dry Mouth Overview A lack of saliva is the cause of dry mouth, which is also

Circumvallate Papillae: Tastebuds, Function, and Complications

It might impress you to know that your mouth has over 6,000 taste buds, according to the American Psychological Association. What are circumvallate papillae, and what do they have to do with your taste buds? Where can you find yours? After reading this article, you’ll have answers to everything you wanted to know about your circumvallate papillae (and probably more!). Circumvallate Papillae: What You Should Know Your tongue is a vital

What Parents Should Know About Mouthwash For Children

If you’ve walked down the oral care aisle at the store, odds are you’ve seen brightly-colored mouthwashes created specifically for children. But, as a parent, you might be wondering: is it safe to let my child use mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing? What’s the right age to start? Here, we’ll look at when it’s safe for children to use mouthwashes, the risks and benefits, and how to use

Fillings in Baby Teeth: Are They Really Necessary?

As a parent, it’s common to have a million (or more!) questions about your child’s health. Do baby teeth need fillings? What happens to untreated cavities in baby teeth? These are excellent questions to ask, we’ve laid out the answers to these and more so you understand how to treat and prevent cavities for children. Facts About Childhood Cavities Primary teeth (also called baby teeth) start coming into your child’s mouth

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back After Extraction?

If you’ve had your wisdom teeth pulled, do you wonder, “Can my wisdom teeth grow back?” The simple answer: No. The more complicated answer: No, but you might already have an extra set of wisdom teeth lying in wait. How is that possible? It seems a small percentage of the population have extra – or supernumerary — teeth hiding in their mouths. Researchers attribute this condition primarily to genetic disorders. We’ll

Diagnosing An Odontogenic Cyst And Getting Treatment

When teeth are developing, sometimes benign lesions develop in the jaw’s cells and tissues called odontogenic cysts. While these growths are typically non-cancerous and treatable, it’s worth being aware of the background, symptoms, and what you can do if you think you might have one. What Causes an Odontogenic Cyst? Odontogenic cysts appear in the areas of the jaw involved in tooth formation. Different types of cysts fall into three

Glycerin in Dental Care

If you’ve ever investigated the ingredients in your toothpaste, you might have seen glycerin on the list. Also known as glycerol, this natural ingredient is not only found in toothpaste; it’s also a sweetener in foods and found in other cosmetic products as well. Here, we’ll take a deeper dive into glycerin and oral care, as well as the many uses for this versatile ingredient. What is Glycerin? Glycerin is

Tonsils And Adenoids: What’s The Difference?

How often do you think about tonsils and adenoids? Not very much, I’ll bet! For many people, the first time they learn anything about these organs is when they or their children experience issues with them. When they’re functioning normally, tonsils and adenoids are hardly ever a topic of conversation. But from both an oral care and immune health perspective, the tonsils and adenoids play a crucial role in keeping

What Causes A Tingling Tongue?

Nearly everyone has experienced that uncomfortable feeling of “pins and needles” at some point. Perhaps you were kneeling on the floor for longer than you’d planned, and when you stood up, you realize your legs were asleep! Or perhaps you’ve woken up with a numb hand after spending the night asleep with your arm in an awkward position. This tingling feeling, known as paresthesia, often occurs in the hands and

What Is Centric Relation in Dentistry?

If you ever hear your dentist talking about centric relation, you might wonder what that term means. Centric relation (CR) has been a controversial and highly debated concept in dentistry for almost a century. Read on to find out what it means, how it’s determined, and why it can be important for your oral health. What Is Centric Relation? Multiple definitions of centric relation have evolved. That’s why members of

When To Take Your Child To The Dentist For The First Time

As a new parent, your baby isn’t the only one experiencing the world for the first time. You’re experiencing a lot of new things, too! Like going to regular dental visits… for someone else. Even if you feel comfortable and confident about your own oral health, a lot of questions may start to arise surrounding dental visits for your little one. If you’re unsure of when to take your child to