Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.   Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food

Your tooth has been bothering you for weeks. Now the pain has become unbearable. Maybe your jaw has been sore lately. Or you lost a tooth recently. Is a trip to the dentist enough? What if you need to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon? How do you know? Talk to Your Dentist First If you have problems with your teeth, gums, or jaws, go see your dentist, even if

When you’re searching for a dentist, the American Dental Association (ADA) offers these suggestions: Ask family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers for their recommendations. Ask your family doctor or local pharmacist. If you’re moving, ask your current dentist to make a recommendation. Contact your local or state dental society. The ADA provides a list of local and state dental societies on its web site, www.ada.org. Your local and state dental societies

Dentures can be an important solution to tooth loss. Today’s dentures, also called false teeth, are not like the ones your grandmother wore. They are more comfortable and natural looking than they were in the past. Still, if you don’t take proper care of your dentures, problems can occur. WebMD takes a look at common denture problems and how they can be treated or prevented. Common Denture Problems If you

What Are Oral Piercings? An oral (mouth) piercing is a small hole in your tongue, lip, cheek, or uvula (the tiny tissue at the back of your throat) so you can wear jewelry. Types of Oral Piercings You can get a piercing on the inside of your mouth (intraoral) or the type that you can see outside of your mouth (perioral). Some types of oral piercings are: Tongue piercing: A type of

What Is Pericoronitis? Pericoronitis is an inflammation or swelling of your gum tissue. More common in your lower teeth, it usually happens around your wisdom teeth — the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early 20s. Pericoronitis is an inflammation of your gum tissue (gingiva) surrounding a partially erupted tooth. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images) Pericoronitis vs. gingivitis Gingivitis is a milder

What Is Dental Plaque? Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth. It makes teeth “feel fuzzy” to the tongue and is most noticeable when you haven’t brushed your teeth recently. Although dental plaque itself is colorless, it can make your teeth discolored because food particles can stick to the plaque on your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on teeth. It’s made

With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum disease. How Should I Care for My Teeth and Gums? There are four basic steps to caring for teeth and gums: Brushing Flossing Rinsing Eating right Visiting the dentist Tips for Brushing Your Teeth and Gums Brush teeth and gums

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth’s enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth’s enamel layer when acids — formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth — attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer

What Is a Cavity? A cavity is what you get from tooth decay — damage to a tooth. Decay can affect the outer coating of a tooth (called enamel) and the inner layer (called dentin). Cavity Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of a cavity will depend on how large it is and where it is in your mouth. You may not have any symptoms at first. They’ll get worse as

What Is Tooth Discoloration? Any change to the color of your tooth is discoloration, also called a stain. There are lots of reasons your tooth can change color. And if your tooth is discolored, it doesn’t look as bright or white as it did before. The darker stain can range from yellow to brown or even black. The color can be in one spot, your entire tooth, or many teeth.

Tooth enamel erosion is when the protective enamel on your teeth wears away, causing it to become thinner and weaker than it should be. This makes your teeth more likely to get stained and feel sensitive to hot or cold. The erosion and thinning of your tooth enamel also make you more likely to have cavities. Many things can lead to tooth enamel erosion, and some people are more prone