A healthy mouth is essential to so much of our overall bodily health. It plays a key role in numerous important functions, including breathing, speaking, and digesting food. And just like with other body parts and organs, things can go wrong inside the mouth. One such condition is stomatitis: a general term for an inflamed and sore mouth that can include both cold sores and canker sores. According to the
As your dentist talks to you about a future dental procedure, you may hear the term dental block or an oral nerve block. Don’t panic. Dental blocks help numb pain sensations from your nerves as your dental professional works on your teeth. Still, you may feel more confident on the day of the procedure if you understand more. Read on to learn five important things about dental blocks. 1. What
If you’re on the lookout for an alternative to over-the-counter antimicrobial mouth rinses, you may be considering baking soda mouth rinse. Perhaps you’re thinking about making the change because it was recommended due to a health condition, or maybe you’re just intrigued by the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. No matter the reason, you probably have a few questions about the safety and efficacy of baking soda mouth rinse you’d like answered
You’re likely in the know about common secondary ailments that can impact your dental health. But are you familiar with Eagle syndrome? Many people are not. This syndrome expresses itself as throat and facial pain and is typically associated with the removal of tonsils or trauma to the throat area. If this sounds like something you could be dealing with, contact your dentist right away. In the meantime, here’s what
Mouth lesions are very common. They can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacterial infections, dentures that don’t fit correctly, sharp tooth edges, or a loose orthodontic wire. Read on to learn about the common conditions that can cause mouth lesions along with their symptoms and treatment options. 4 Types of Mouth Lesions Canker Sores Canker sores can emerge in multiple areas of the mouth, including the tongue, inside the cheeks,
You’re likely familiar with contagious illnesses that children transmit like the flu or a cold—but there’s another common viral infection to be aware of: herpangina. In fact, you may not be familiar with this term, but you most likely know someone who’s suffered from it. Here, we’ll discuss what this viral infection is, the symptoms, and treatment. What Is Herpangina? According to the Stanford Children’s Hospital, herpangina is a viral
It’s important to understand how saliva and your salivary structures work to maintain good oral habits and health. If you’ve ever been confused about words like “sublingual papilla” or “Wharton’s duct,” you are not alone. Here’s what you need to know about your sublingual papilla, salivary structures, and salivary stones. What Is Your Sublingual Papilla? Your sublingual papilla is a small protruding piece of tissue at the base of the
DDS vs. DMD DDS and DMD are the acronyms of the degrees dentists earn after finishing dental school. DDS means Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD can mean either Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. While the names are different, the American Dental Association (ADA) explains that they represent the same education. Some universities may grant dental graduates with a DDS, and others grant a DMD, but both
Although they may look similar, orthodontic retainers and night guards for teeth grinding serve different dental functions. But, how do you know which device is right for you? Why would you wear a retainer instead of a night guard, or vice versa? Answers to these questions will help you identify the difference between a retainer and a night guard. Retainers Help Keep Teeth Aligned Although they may look similar, orthodontic
Cold sores, frequently referred to as fever blisters, are a common condition. So common that 50 – 80% of American adults get them, according to Johns Hopkins. What those Americans also have in common is the inability to rid the body of the virus that causes cold sores. Once contracted, it remains in the body for life. That said, can you get these blisters on your lips from the sun? Let’s consider some
According to the American Dental Association, there are currently twelve dental specialties recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (try saying that ten times fast). The specialty that focuses on diseases in and around your mouth is called oral pathology. If you’re curious about this discipline, we’ll let you know what oral pathologists do and tell you about four of the many diseases these
It’s no secret that CBD products are growing in popularity. You can find a CBD version of almost any everyday item you can think of—from water, lotions, and bath bombs to toothpaste, toothpicks, and mouthwash. Researchers are continually studying CBD for its health benefits, but how can it be applied to dental health? What is CBD? Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a natural chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant.