Some things in life we can control. And some things we can’t. How about traffic? Nope. The weather? Uh-uh. Or toddlers? No chance. But when it comes to controlling infections — yes, we can. And that starts by getting rid of and preventing the spread of bacteria. Bacteria can lead to inflammation and then eventually, infection. And that’s just no good. Sure, toothbrushing helps your mouth, but there are various
Mouth ulcers are not uncommon and can result from many benign causes. However, in some instances, they may be a sign of a serious underlying disease or issue. This article will review several causes of mouth sores and other causes of oral discomfort. We use our mouths constantly, so getting ulcers or lesions in your mouth can be the worst! Mouth ulcers are not uncommon and can result from many
If your throat is sore and your tonsils feel swollen, it can be hard to know if you have strep throat or if it’s something else. The good news is that your doctor can help your figure out if you’re experiencing strep throat. Read on to find out what causes strep throat, its symptoms, and the connection between strep throat and tonsils. What Is Strep Throat? Strep throat is
If you feel something sharp with your tongue or finger and you’ve recently had an oral procedure, it may be a bone spur in your gums. While the presence of a bone spur can be upsetting, does it require that you schedule a visit with your dental professional? We’re here to walk you through what a bone spur is, what causes it, and when it requires treatment. A Sharp Situation
If you’ve had cold sores, then you know how easily some foods can aggravate them. For those unfamiliar, we’ll start with a brief overview of what cold sores are. Then we’ll list some of the foods to avoid if you have one, as well as some foods you might want to eat to improve your condition. What Is a Cold Sore? A cold sore is a painful blister, also called a
Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily oral care, and selecting the right toothbrush is the first step in optimizing that routine. But the best toothbrush for the job depends on a variety of things that are unique to you. People struggle when surrounded by so many choices for this reason, especially when your dental professional isn’t next to you to help you choose wisely. When determining
First, we recommend taking a moment to breathe and relax. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, dark spots rarely indicate a serious condition like cancer and are usually benign. Spots in the mouth are often not fully black but may appear that way as they can be hard to see. We’re here to help walk you through the causes of dark spots in your mouth and what they mean. Causes
Adding a little fizz to your day with seltzer water is a great way to stay hydrated, but what effect does it have on your teeth? Some people use bubbly water as a sugar-free and calorie-free alternative to unhealthy carbonated beverages like soda. If you’re a fan of seltzer drinks, these tips may help you understand how you can still enjoy them while keeping your mouth healthy. What Are the
Deep cleaning your teeth might sound like something a dental professional recommends if you’ve not been brushing your teeth well enough or if you’ve missed more than a few dental visits. But in fact, deep cleaning is a dental procedure that treats gum and periodontal disease. According to a study by the Journal of the American Dental Association, deep cleaning is especially beneficial to people with chronic periodontitis. Learn when
This condition gives your tongue a distinct look that can cause concern when you first experience it. Does geographic tongue lead to health problems? Is it something you need to treat or see a professional about? We’ve rounded up the answers to the most common questions on the condition and organized them for your convenience. Geographic Tongue: Causes and Symptoms Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis, causes the
Practicing good oral hygiene is important if you want to have a winning smile. But it’s also essential for you to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and infections that can lead to more serious health issues like Ludwig’s angina. Ludwig’s angina is a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection that usually affects your molars, spreads to the floor of your mouth and your neck, and can close off
Dental anxiety can create a huge obstacle to taking care of your teeth. Almost 22 percent of people skip their dental appointments because they fear the dentist, according to the American Dental Association. Thankfully, modern dentistry provides several solutions for finding peace of mind in the dental chair. IV sedation dentistry is just one of those options for easing your dental anxiety. Find out if IV sedation is right for you. What Is IV