Eating a healthy diet is an essential part of practicing good oral hygiene. By ensuring you get all the necessary vitamins and nutrients your body requires and limiting any foods and beverages that can damage your teeth, your body can better protect your oral health. But is Vitamin K2 one of those vitamins that can benefit your teeth and gums? And if so, is taking a supplement beneficial? We’ll give
Should you be given antibiotics before a root canal? The answer to this question can be complex and requires insight from a dental specialist. Here is some information on why your dentist may recommend antibiotics before your root canal treatment. What Is a Root Canal Treatment? If you have severe tooth pain, it’s possible that bacteria have invaded the inside chamber of your tooth, known as the dental pulp. If
Did you know that your mouth is home to over six billion bacteria? This is according to a review published in Frontiers in Microbiology, which goes on to explain that hundreds of species of oral bacteria usually coexist in a balanced environment, but when conditions change, some types can take over, causing tooth decay or gum disease. The species most closely linked to gum (periodontal) disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis, or
Garlic is a well-known superfood, credited with boosting our health — from stronger immune systems to improved heart health. It’s also known for its distinctive smell. In culinary contexts, the odor is often embraced. But garlic is touted as a traditional remedy for tooth pain. And when we think about using garlic for home remedies, it can lead to wrinkled noses. After all, who wants to smell like garlic? And
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the United States and worldwide. Despite the number of people struggling with this problem, it can be easily prevented with the right oral hygiene habits and care. However, it can cause severe problems if left untreated. But don’t panic! We’re here to tell you exactly what gum disease, how you can avoid it, and what to do if
If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are sensitive, it may be time to get to the bottom of this painful condition. So, what causes sensitive teeth? It could be due to any number of underlying dental problems, but a diagnosis and treatment plan starts with your dentist. What Is Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity refers to the discomfort you may experience when your teeth
When plaque (or biofilm) builds up, it can cause an infection in our gums called gum disease, or periodontal disease. While it’s never a good thing to find out that we have gum disease, it’s a common diagnosis to receive. Luckily, there are effective therapies for gum disease, regardless of the stage at which it’s caught. It’s important to speak with your dental professional about your treatment options so you can be confident
Mint’s crisp taste and cooling sensation could leave your teeth feeling refreshed and sparkling clean, but could its strong nature make your tooth sensitivity worse? If you’re worried about mint and its effect on your sensitive teeth, you might be thinking about switching to a mint-free toothpaste. But, even with its bold flavor profile, you’ll be surprised that mint is not the irritant you’d expect it to be. Why Use
You’re probably familiar with the word “herpes,” but may not know how this general term plays a role in your oral health. And while finding out you have a herpes infection may at first be alarming, it’s a manageable condition that many people live with. Did you know that, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, 47.8% of the U.S. population (between the ages of 14 and 49) have
Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can cause many complications in the mouth, including damage to the structures that support the teeth. One of these vulnerable structures is the furcation. If you’ve never heard of this term, don’t worry! We’re here to explain exactly what furcation is, how periodontitis can affect it, and what you can do to prevent problems. What Is Furcation? Below the gum line, the roots of
Routine visits with your dental hygienist help keep your gums and teeth healthy. During cleaning appointments, one of the things your hygienist might do is remove tartar buildup from your teeth. As you read on, we’ll look into what tartar is, what role dental hygienists play, and what tools dental professionals use to handle tartar. We’ll also answer the question: can you dissolve tartar? What is Tartar? Tartar (aka dental
If you have a tooth that’s damaged, your dentist might recommend covering the tooth with a dental crown. Depending on your oral situation, different types of crowns are available to restore your tooth to its natural shape, appearance, and function. What’s a Dental Crown? Also known as a cap, a dental crown is most often a tooth-colored prosthetic designed to cover a damaged tooth in a fixed position. Once inserted,
