It can be challenging to weigh the most attractive option for staying pain-free during the treatment of your wisdom teeth. What’s the difference between local and general anesthesia? What are the types of sedation? Will I be able to drive home after my procedure? We’ve put together a helpful guide to answer these questions and more. Wisdom Teeth Removal Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth in the back
Clenching and grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can create enough wear and tear to damage your teeth over time. It’s a common problem, and most people with bruxism don’t even know they have it. This is particularly true for those who do most of their grinding at night. The good news is that treatment is available to reduce grinding and its unpleasant side effects. One option is to
Every year, more and more people seek movie-star smiles. Research shows that the worldwide market value of teeth whiteners has grown annually – with an expected 34% jump in market value from 2014 to 2024. You can assess the best whitening product based on your need here If you have discolored or yellow teeth, you might be ready to join your fellow global citizens in whitening your teeth. If so, read on to
If you’re concerned about a weakness or paralysis you’ve recently noticed in your tongue, or if you’re just curious about the nerves that make up this unique muscular organ, you may come across the term “hypoglossal nerve.” Our bodies contain twelve cranial nerves, and one of these nerves, the hypoglossal nerve, is intimately related to the oral cavity. Also known as the twelfth cranial nerve, it controls the muscles of the
Have you ever felt swelling in your teeth and gums? Swollen teeth can be painful and potentially serious, as it’s often the result of a bacterial infection. Here, we’ll look into what causes tooth swelling, what to do if you’re experiencing it, and how to relieve your discomfort. It’s worth noting that you should reach out to your dental professional immediately if you’re experiencing any signs of tooth swelling. If
We all want strong, healthy teeth, and having a good oral hygiene routine is key to getting them. Adopting a good routine involves paying equal attention to every part of your mouth. Do you ever forget to brush the back surfaces of your teeth? Find out why it’s important to brush those surfaces so that your bright smile will never waver. What Is the Distal Tooth Surface? The American Dental
After years of not getting a good night’s sleep because of sleep apnea, you’re excited about your new Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. You’re finally feeling more rested and are achieving that goal of waking up early for a morning jog. So the last thing you want to discover is that you now have dry mouth. You’re noticing a dry, cotton feeling in your mouth each morning. But don’t worry
When your child’s first tooth appears, it’s a cause for celebration. But your kid’s first cavity? Not so much. But please don’t stress too much because your child isn’t alone. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), kids ages 2-11, on average, have 1.6 decayed baby teeth – with older kids ages 12-19 having, on average, 0.45 permanent teeth with tooth decay. Now’s the time to learn about everything that
Anyone who’s experienced chapped lips knows how uncomfortable they can be. Your lips feel tender and might crack or peel easily, and without the right care, it can turn into chronic dry lips that never really seem to go away. Knowing what’s causing your persistently chapped lips is the first step to understanding what you can do to treat and soothe them. What Causes Dry Lips? Most people experience dry
There are many ways that your teeth malformations can affect you or your child. What is tooth dilaceration? What causes curved tooth roots? We’ve got the answers to your top questions, so you know what’s going on with you or your child’s tooth. Tooth Dilaceration: What You Need to Know If the crown (top) or root of a tooth has an irregular bend, this is known as a tooth dilaceration.
Imagine opening a wicker basket filled with crunchy mixed nuts, sharp cheeses, and tangy citrus fruits. No, it’s not just a delightfully healthy picnic spread. It’s actually everyday foods that may make your teeth whiter. Here’s some food for thought — you know the food you eat can affect the color of your teeth, but did you know it can make them whiter? It’s true. You could go down the
If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably had a cavity or two in your lifetime. Among adults between the ages of 20 and 44, 31.6% had untreated cavities between 2013 and 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though they are preventable, cavities are still very common. You can get cavities on any part of your tooth and on any one of your teeth — even