Cold sores. Fever blisters. Mouth ulcers. Whatever you call such infections that pop up in your mouth or on your lips, they’re usually caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), aka herpetic stomatitis. You might also see HSV-1 referred to as herpes stomatitis or oral herpes. What Is Herpetic Stomatitis? A human herpes simplex DNA virus associated with the oral cavity, HSV-1 is a different strain of the virus
As you dine at your favorite restaurant surrounded by some of your best friends, you’re probably not thinking about how vital your jaw is to this special pastime. But from chewing (mastication), biting, and clenching to speaking and singing, your lateral pterygoid muscle, also called the external pterygoid muscle, plays a pivotal role in your jaw’s essential functions. Learning about this muscle may be especially helpful if you are ever
When finding out you have an oral issue like receding gums, you may feel shocked! After all, you regularly brush your teeth and haven’t noticed any severe pain in your day-to-day life. Still, it’s a common ailment that can occur for a wide range of reasons, many of which are out of your control. Because gum tissue can’t regrow itself, the only remedy is gum graft surgery. Yet, you may
The word “veillonella” has a lovely ring to it. Although it may evoke images of a sweet-smelling flower or beautiful rose bush, this isn’t a flower you grow in your garden. But it is part of your normal bodily flora and naturally occurs in your mouth. Oral flora is responsible for the periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay that affects many people. What is Veillonella? This common germ is a
It’s fairly common to encounter bleeding gums when you first begin flossing between teeth, and as long as the bleeding stops quickly, it’s not usually considered a problem. It is a good idea to have your dentist or hygienist check your mouth for gum or periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, which are common and treatable. This article will provide information on causes and possible remedies and treatments. Have you
Do you think you might have tartar? Don’t worry! The good thing is that you can be proactive in taking care of it. But first, what is tartar? Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it can harden and become tartar. As you read on, we’ll go into more detail about what tartar is, how to
We often think of oral health as separate from the rest of the body; after all, we have an entirely separate profession dedicated to treating it! But your oral health and systemic (whole body) health are more intertwined than many people realize; what happens in the mouth can have a direct effect on the rest of the body (and vice versa). Take cardiovascular diseases, for example, which account for the
If you’re experiencing itchy gums, you might be wondering what’s causing that tickly, tingly, uncomfortable feeling. Itchy gums are typically a result of poor oral hygiene, but there are a few other things that might be responsible. Read on to learn more about what itchy gums mean and what you can do about them. What Do Itchy Gums Mean? Itchy gums are generally a sign that something is irritating your gum tissue.
Quick – what’s your favorite room-temperature food or beverage? It would be no surprise if it took you a moment to come up with an answer. Most things you eat and drink are best enjoyed either hot or cold, so it can be rather limiting if you have tooth sensitivity. But temperature sensitivity is more than just an inconvenience at meal-time. It can also signal that you have a condition that needs
Eating healthy, wholesome foods is crucial for your health. Choosing foods and beverages that provide sustainable energy (no crashes!) and nutrients fuels a healthy body, including improving oral health. You can improve your physical and oral health by knowing what kinds of healthy foods to eat, what foods to avoid, and learning healthy eating habits. What is a nutritious diet? A nutritious diet includes a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats,
If you experience pain or a popping sound when opening your mouth or chewing, you may have a TMJ disorder. What exactly is a TMJ disorder? How do you treat it? We’re here to walk you through what these disorders are exactly, what diagnosis entails, and what the pros recommend for treatment. TMJ Disorder Overview To understand TMJ disorders, it’s best to break down some of the associated terms that
It would be hard to make it through adulthood without at least one dental filling. It’s normal to get cavities over time from a number of causes, such sugary foods and drinks, lack of fluoride, or poor dental hygiene. Fillings help replace tooth structure lost to decay. However, most fillings don’t last forever and will have to be replaced eventually. How Long Do Dental Fillings Last? There are multiple types
