Antiseptic Vs. Antibacterial Mouthwash: What’s The Difference?

Take a stroll down the oral care aisle at your local supermarket or drugstore and you might find your head spinning over the wide variety of mouthwashes and other oral care products available. Each one is labeled slightly differently, promising different benefits such as “cavity-fighting,” “antibacterial,” “antiseptic,” “breath-freshening” and so on. But when it comes to choosing a product, is there really a difference between antiseptic vs. antibacterial mouthwash? And how can

Popping A Cold Sore: A Good Or A Bad Idea?

If you have a cold sore outbreak, it’s oh so tempting to pop the annoying blisters. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1), cold sores – aka fever blisters – can erupt after your first HSV-1 exposure or remain dormant after your first outbreak unless triggered. One such trigger is mental or emotional stress, even if the stress is due to happy occasions, like an upcoming wedding or first day

Ulcerative Colitis Mouth Sores

Are you one of the three million adults diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the United States? A correct diagnosis will help you find the best treatment and relief from your symptoms. If you have ulcerative colitis — a form of IBD — you might notice mouth sores on your cheeks and gums. Find out more about ulcerative colitis and how it impacts your oral health. What Is IBD? Inflammatory bowel

What Is Orbital Cellulitis And What Does It Have To Do With Dental Health?

Believe it or not, infections that start in your mouth or sinuses can spread to other parts of your body. One example of this type of complication is orbital cellulitis, a dangerous infection that, if not treated promptly, can lead to blindness or other serious long-term consequences. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and how to prevent it. Orbital vs. Preseptal Cellulitis Cellulitis is a type of

Dental Ankylosis: A Rare Concern For Baby Teeth

Having a confident, straight smile can help boost our self-esteem. But sometimes, rare dental anomalies can get in the way, like dental ankylosis, which is a condition that can cause a baby tooth to fuse to the nearby bone instead of loosening up like it’s supposed to. If left untreated, it can lead to further problems down the road—but luckily, treatment options are available. Learn how to recognize this condition

How Acidic Drinks Affect Your Teeth

Many people are aware of the damage sugary drinks can do to your teeth. Did you know that acidic drinks also pose a risk? We’re here to help you get informed on why acidic beverages are harmful to your teeth, what the biggest offenders are, and how to avoid potential damage. Why Are Acidic Drinks Bad for My Teeth? Acidic drinks are loved by many but can be tough on

6 Answers to Your Questions about How Dental Insurance Works

Dental work is not exactly the most exciting thing to spend Hawaiian-vacation-caliber money on. When it comes to pricetag anxiety, expensive dental work is right up there with roof repair, plumbing work and taxes: All things we know are necessary, but hope we don’t end up with an unexpected bill for today. Alas, that day comes for all of us. And that’s when you want to know the ins and

Scarlet Fever on the Tongue: Symptoms, Risks, and Complications

If you hear your 4-year-old complaining, “My tongue hurts,” you’ll naturally be worried and wonder what’s causing the pain. You’re probably familiar with the disease scarlet fever, but did you know that one of its symptoms is a rash on the tongue? Find out what’s causing this rash and how to help your little one go back to feeling their best again. How Does Scarlet Fever Affect the Tongue? Scarlet

Macroglossia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

If your tongue is larger than what is considered normal, the medical term for your condition is “macroglossia.” Here’s what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare disorder to keep you smiling. What Are the Causes of Macroglossia? Macroglossia can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developed later in life). Congenital causes may include various syndromes, like: Down syndrome A condition in

What Is an Odontoplasty?

Do you ever look at your teeth and wish you could fix something about them? Feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth can affect the quality of your social interactions and self-esteem. But, there are many dental procedures available that can improve your smile. Braces, teeth whitening, and bonding are just some of the readily available methods. But have you heard of odontoplasty? In this article, we’ll be discussing

What Happens at a Dental Prophylaxis Appointment?

If you haven’t visited your dentist and dental hygienist in a while, it may be time for a dental prophylaxis appointment. This type of appointment is a standard preventive measure in dental medicine, which involves cleaning your teeth and inspecting your mouth for signs of any potential issues. While we’d all love it if our at-home oral care routine would be enough to keep our smiles perfect, seeing your dental

Rash Around the Mouth? Perioral Dermatitis and What It Means for You

A rash around your mouth can be frustrating to deal with, especially when it doesn’t go away on its own. There are a surprising amount of potential causes of your perioral dermatitis, so it’s a good thing there are professionals at your disposal to help with diagnosis and treatment. We’ve got your back to help you understand what causes this condition, how to avoid worsening it, and who can help.