If you notice discomfort or swelling on the side of your face, it can be many things. It may be a parotid gland infection. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms to get the care you need and learn about preventing parotid gland swelling in the future. What are the Parotid Glands? Parotid glands are the largest of your salivary glands. They are located in your mouth in the
For many young adults, “getting your wisdom teeth in” is a rite of passage that comes and goes without event. For others, the eruption of wisdom teeth can become a problem if they cause crowding in your mouth, erupt in the wrong position, or become impacted. A wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon to remove one or more of your wisdom teeth
You might be surprised to learn that you have 42 muscles in your face alone, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The platysma muscle, which spans from your collarbone to your lower face, isn’t one that typically receives much attention. But this muscle plays an important role in how you use your mouth and create facial expressions. Here’s how it works in daily functions. Anatomy of the Platysma Muscle You can find this
You expect your baby to be born with all of the tooth buds they need to develop full sets of primary and permanent teeth, even if they aren’t visibly present in your child’s mouth. But sometimes, during a baby’s development, certain genetic patterns or events can change the formation of the teeth under the gums. When a child is born missing one or more of their tooth buds, this is
Perhaps you’ve recently chipped your tooth and noticed that it’s scratching the inside of your mouth. Or you’ve lived your whole adult life with uneven teeth that you’d now like to get fixed. Regardless of the reason for your jagged teeth, you should feel assured in discussing them with your dental professional! It’s a common problem – sometimes from a natural cause or an accident or injury. Whether your tooth
Did you know that cavities can form anywhere on a tooth? Cavity-causing bacteria can attack all areas of a tooth, including the top, the sides and the root, if it’s exposed. A smooth surface cavity may appear on the side or the circumference of a tooth. The good news is, a dental professional can treat this type of cavity and prevent it from growing larger and weakening the tooth structure.
You probably know the feeling: You’re about ready to speak, eat, or swallow when your mouth suddenly feels parched. Your words or your food get caught in your throat. What you’re experiencing is called xerostomia – commonly called dry mouth. Brought on by a decreased amount of saliva your salivary glands produce, dry mouth is typically a temporary condition. But xerostomia can be a chronic condition for some people. And
Just like family trees, nerves branch out to create related nerves. Among the twelve cranial nerves originating in your brain, the trigeminal nerve is the parent of three nerve branches. And the mandibular is the largest of the three. We’ll give you the 101 on the mandibular nerve: Its essential function to your well-being, treatable problems that can befall the nerve, and dental procedures that can affect your mandibular nerve.
Have you heard of the term dentin tubules? Well, now you have. Dentin tubules are a vital part of your teeth. As you may know, the teeth are made up of tissue layers, and each one serves a unique function. The dentin tubules are located in the dentin, one of the layers below the enamel surface. The role of dentin tubules is to help you feel sensations in your teeth.
Your teeth are made of several tissue layers, all different in their form and function. There are four types of dental tissue. The innermost tissue is the pulp, which is soft and made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Surrounding the pulp are three layers of harder tissues: the dentin, cementum, and enamel. Tooth enamel is the material on the outside of your teeth, right on top of
Wearing a night guard while you sleep provides a solution to harmful teeth grinding, but which type of night guard is right for you? Over-the-counter and online products may be cheaper than a night guard fitted by your dentist, and the least expensive option is always tempting when your budget is tight. However, a custom night guard offers significant benefits that are worth considering before you make a decision. Do
When you have straight teeth, you’re more likely to feel better about your smile, and your teeth will harbor fewer bacteria because they’re easier for you to clean, too. But if you need braces to achieve alignment, metal brackets and wires can create a temporary oral hygiene challenge. If you’re wondering how best to care for teeth with a mouth full of metal, read on. We’ll give you some helpful