If you’ve ever had a cold sore on your lip or mouth, you most likely have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). While the name might sound intimidating at first, this is a widespread virus that affects people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.7 billion people under 50 have it. So it’s an understatement to say that you are not alone! But sometimes, herpes can affect the esophagus, the
Coupled with a sore tongue, a sore throat is uncomfortable and makes daily tasks like eating and speaking difficult. It can be a symptom of various conditions, but determining the underlying cause will depend on the other signs you encounter. Learn more about some of the conditions associated with a sore throat and tongue. Causes of a Sore Tongue and Throat A sore throat is marked by pain, irritation, and
What Is a Tooth Abscess? A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection found in the inner part of the tooth where pus has collected and can cause moderate to severe pain in people who suffer from the condition. Tooth abscesses can occur when a cavity has gone untreated for too long or when a crack or chip in the tooth allows bacteria to find its way into the dental pulp
Do you know that weird feeling coming out of your dentist’s office after having local anesthesia? That lingering numbness influencing your speech and affecting your ability to eat and drink? Though the feeling can last up to several hours, you know it was important and that the anesthetic injection causing the numbness was crucial to prevent dental pain. Because it causes your lower jaw (aka your mandible) to feel sensations,
Have you noticed a difference in the color or texture of the inside of your cheek? While a lesion in your mouth can cause concern, linea alba — a white line on the inside of your cheek — is a benign oral condition that does not cause pain or discomfort. Find out more about linea alba — including its causes and treatments — then talk to your dentist to confirm
It’s a fact: at some point, you might need a dental filling. Depending on your needs, there are different types of fillings. Silver-colored tooth fillings, known as dental amalgam fillings, contain a mixture of metals, including mercury. If you have one of these, you may be concerned about your mercury exposure and wonder if you need a mercury detox. Here are the facts on mercury exposure and dental amalgam fillings.
Having a healthy smile is most likely very important to you, that’s why you’re here. You’ve taken the necessary oral care steps like brushing and flossing daily and attending your dental checkups at six-month intervals. But you may have some questions about whether a mouthguard could further improve your smile. Due to a sleeping or grinding issue, or because you play a sport, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to
Finding a growing lump in your mouth can cause a panic. However, not all tumors mean cancer. Ossifying fibroma is a rare, non-cancerous tumor that occurs in the jawbones. Understand more about what ossifying fibroma is, how it forms, and where you can find treatment. What Is Ossifying Fibroma? Ossifying fibroma, sometimes called cemeto-ossifying fibroma, refers to a rare, benign neoplasm that arises from the jawbone. The term “ossifying” means
Look closely at your front teeth. Between any of them, do you notice gaps that look like tiny black triangles? A dental black triangle occurs when the space between two teeth, also known as an embrasure, is not completely filled by gum tissue. This creates a triangular gap between the teeth and gums. According to a review in the British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, studies have shown that
You may not have heard of the essential part of your teeth known as the enamel until you had a problem associated with it. While some damage to your enamel can’t be repaired on your own, there are steps you can take to support and protect it. We’ll cover what enamel is, how to strengthen teeth, and what behaviors to avoid. How To Strengthen Tooth Enamel The hard outer layer
Most families take their children to a family or general dentist. But some families need extra or specialized care. Pediatric dentists have unique qualifications; they can provide gentler care and education for young children and treat young patients with special needs or disabilities. Learn more about the difference between pediatric dentists and general dentists and the benefits pediatric dentists provide. What does a Pediatric dentist do? Pediatric dentists complete a
Have you ever developed a white painful sore with red borders inside your mouth? These are mouth ulcers. Although these lesions are common, the actual cause often remains unclear. A slight injury to the soft tissues in the mouth, ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures or braces, and even irritation from acidic foods are possible contributors. Luckily, mouth ulcers often heal by themselves within a couple of weeks. Still, there are