If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dental professional may recommend treatment to limit the risk of associated dental problems. What exactly does impacted mean when it comes to teeth? Why is the standard treatment extraction, and when is it a bad idea? We’re here to help you understand when coronectomy is the preferable option and what you need to know. Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Extraction To understand why dental
The tongue has multiple functions. It helps you taste, chew, and swallow food. Your tongue even assists with speech. But did you know that your tongue can indicate dental issues? Specifically, the coating on your tongue. Read more to learn what different amounts of coating on your tongue could mean for your oral health. Too Much When was the last time you looked at your tongue? The appearance of your
Back-to-school season is a time for fresh starts and new routines—and your child’s oral care can be overlooked amid the flurry of shopping, haircuts, new schedules and the new season. Whether they’re starting the first grade or the eighth grade, by putting together simple oral care kits for your children, you can rest assured knowing they’ll walk into their classroom wearing the most important back-to-school accessory of all: a bright,
Many people emphasize the importance of their dental routine, but few non-experts know what enamel is. It turns out understanding enamel is an important part of your health. We’re here to cover what exactly enamel is, why it matters, and what you can do to care for yours. What Is Tooth Enamel? Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance produced in your body? This material covers each tooth
Teeth clenching and grinding—known as bruxism—can cause headaches, jaw pain, and even broken teeth. You should know what bruxism is, common symptoms and signs, and how your dentist can treat bruxism. If you notice an increase in headaches, tooth sensitivity, or chipped teeth, you may have bruxism. Bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth, which can lead to several concerns. Stress, bite alignment, and some medications are only
An abscess is a localized infection that can occur anywhere in the body and often appears as a swelling with pus. Abscesses occur as part of your immune system’s attempt to fight the infection. Imagine you’re sharing a bowl of popcorn with your child on movie night, and a popcorn hull gets lodged between their tooth and gum tissue. If it isn’t removed, the gum could become infected and form an
A Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Your Toddler’s Teeth You want the best for your kids. We all do, right? Right. No matter what age they are, getting them to follow our lead for their own good can be an uphill battle. But when it comes to brushing your toddler’s teeth, the trick is flipping the whole experience on its head. The question isn’t — “how to brush a toddler’s teeth?”
Good oral care for your little darling begins the day your baby is born. Yes, even before the momentous occasion of a first tooth when there’s just a mouthful of delicate pink gums. From the start of your child’s life, specific oral hygiene, diet, and chemical factors can affect your infant’s future appearance, speech patterns, and health. We’ll let you know what you should consider when taking care of your
Much like the cuff of a sleeve fits snugly against the wrist, the gum tissue in your mouth fits tightly around each tooth. Think of the gingival sulcus as the space between the edge of the sleeve and the wrist, with the sleeve representing your gums and the wrist representing a tooth. Knowing how to keep this space clean and its role in your oral health can help you avoid
According to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, more than 131 million Americans (about 66% of the population) use prescription drugs. And ALL medications come with a list of potential side effects. If you sit through enough commercial breaks, you’ll eventually hear a litany of them over slow-motion footage of happy couples strolling along the beach, having picnics, dancing, and holding hands while frolicking through tall grass. But how many of those
Nobody would blame you if getting your tooth pulled makes you want to have a drink. But don’t go reaching in the fridge or the alcohol cabinet just yet. Alcohol can have adverse effects on your healing time that simply aren’t worth it, no matter how tasty the beverage. We’ll let you know why, and for how long, you’ll want to abstain to ensure you have a successful recovery you
It may not seem like a big deal that your mouth gets a little dry at night. But before you completely dismiss your symptoms and the discomfort that comes along with a dry mouth at night, consider what that lack of saliva could be doing to your oral health and quality of life. What may seem like a bit of annoyance could be doing significant damage to your teeth, so