Herpetic Lesions: Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 67 percent of the world’s population younger than 50 years old has herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is generally spread through oral-to-oral contact and is commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. These blister-like herpetic lesions can be spread from the mouth to other parts of the body. Since approximately 3.7 billion people carry this virus, it is very important to understand

What Are Lie Bumps?

If you have small, tender, red, yellow, or white bumps on the surface of your tongue, you may have a condition people call lie bumps (or transient lingual papillitis if you want to sound like you really know your stuff). These bumps may seem like they appear out of nowhere and can be worrisome if you don’t know what they are. So how concerned should you be about this condition?

Abfraction Lesion: Causes And Treatment

If you’ve started to notice dents in your teeth where the tooth and the gums come together, you could have abfraction lesions forming. There is no need to worry, though. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and help you find the right treatment plan. Before you go to the dentist, here is what you should know about abfraction lesions. What Are Abfraction Lesions? Abfraction lesions are losses of tooth structure.

What Is Mask Mouth?

What Is Mask Mouth? Masks help prevent the spread of infectious diseases — like the Covid-19 virus — protecting both you and those you come in contact with. The simple barrier helps stop respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when a person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. However, wearing a mask for an extended period can create unwanted side effects,

Does Mouthwash Expire?

If a carton of milk in your refrigerator is a bit past its expiration date, what do you do? Most likely, you’ll sniff the milk to judge its freshness and decide whether to drink it or toss it. Food expiration dates refer to the last date the item is guaranteed to be at its peak — not when you should throw it out. So, what about cosmetic and drug products

Lingual Tonsils And Your Immune System

We’re pretty sure your lingual tonsils are one of those organs you don’t think about often. If they’ve always functioned normally, you’ve probably never even noticed them! But if swallowing becomes painful, or you have difficulty breathing while sleeping, you may become all too familiar with these lumps of tissue at the back of your tongue. Let’s go over what role they play in your immune system, what problems they

Tongue Piercing Aftercare: Healing and Risks

So, you’ve taken the leap and decided to get your tongue pierced! Or maybe you’re on the cusp and are doing your research before committing. Either way, thanks for being here! Informing yourself is a wonderful thing, and since tongue piercings do carry some risk, it’s important to know the right steps to take to care for your new piercing and help keep your smile and teeth healthy. The American

What Are Cold Sores and Fever Blisters?

Fever blisters, commonly known as cold sores, present as tiny, fluid-filled blisters on lips, under the nose, or around the chin. There is no difference between cold sores and fever blisters, simply different terms for the same virus. Learn more about the symptoms, what causes cold sore recurrence, and how to manage and prevent transmission. What is a cold sore? Fever blisters, commonly known as cold sores, present as tiny, fluid-filled

Anemia Tongue: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments

As small as it is, the tongue is one of the strongest muscles in your body, particularly when chewing and swallowing food. And although five-year-olds use it to express their disapproval, it’s prone to certain ailments of its own. For example, if you have anemia, tongue function and appearance can feel the effects almost as much as your energy level. What Is Anemia Tongue? Also referred to as glossitis, this

When Should Kids Go to The Dentist

Seeing your little one grow is a beautiful experience, and we know that you want to do your best to ensure that your child stays healthy and strong. Taking care of their oral health begins even before they get their first baby tooth. Early oral hygiene habits like cleaning their gums and tongue can reduce tooth decay (cavities). But how often should your child go to the dentist? Learn about

What You Should Know About Benzocaine

If you’ve ever suffered from irritating mouth sores or dealt with a crying baby’s teething pain, you know how welcome even temporary relief would be. Benzocaine is an over-the-counter local anesthetic that can temporarily numb an uncomfortable area, but the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both warn that its use can have serious health implications. Here’s what you should know about this anesthetic before

What’s A Ranula? A “Frog” In Your Mouth

They say when you “have a frog in your throat,” you have trouble speaking. Well, if a ranula, Latin for “little frog,” goes untreated, it can be the source of that problem. A ranula is a cyst that forms under your tongue and a common salivary gland disorder, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). If the below information sounds like something you’re dealing with, it would be smart to