What is a Mouth Debridement?

Plaque (or biofilm) is a soft, sticky substance containing bacteria that coats your teeth. When plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens, it becomes tartar, also known as calculus, which can cause a number of oral health problems. Both plaque and tartar are typically addressed during regular dental hygiene appointments, leaving your teeth feeling completely clean. Unfortunately, if you’ve missed several examinations, those deposits can become so severe and stubborn that your

What Is Trench Mouth?

Trench mouth is an advanced form of gum disease that comes on quickly and can be very painful. Luckily, your chances of developing this serious condition are low, but it’s important to know the signs, understand the causes, and keep your risk to a minimum. Read on to learn more about trench mouth. What Is Trench Mouth? Trench mouth is another name for a condition called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). It’s

Jaw Pain: Causes And Treatments

When you experience jaw or facial pain, it is normal to suspect immediately that your teeth are the cause. Even though this may be true in many cases, there are also several medical conditions that can be contributing factors; this possibility makes diagnosis and treatment much more difficult. It is important that you consult both a dental specialist and your physician. Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms Many patients who

How to Cure Gingivitis

If your gums are swollen, inflamed, or tender when you brush, you may have gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque that’s built up around your gum line. This news may make you feel like you’ve failed in the oral hygiene department, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty common. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe condition, so it’s important you take the necessary steps

Beyond the Brush: A Deep Dive Into Dental Hygiene’s Unsung Hero

As a dental professional, I see it all the time. Patients come in for their regular cleanings, they tell me they brush twice a day, but they still have oral care issues. Oftentimes, the culprit is right in their hand: the toothbrush. Walking down the oral care aisle can be overwhelming, but your toothbrush is more than just a handle with bristles. Choosing the right one is one of the

How 3 Trendy Diets Affect Your Teeth

Nutrition might seem like a pretty straightforward topic, but it can quickly veer from “put food in mouth to live” to a deeply confusing place. With acronyms. And statistics. And conflicting ideologies. And just when you think you have your healthy eating journey covered, a new trendy diet comes along and knocks you off your stride. In the spirit of finding a nutritional balance that works for you, we’re outlining

Managing Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth or are having some side effects after the treatment, you might be considering your options. It turns out tooth sensitivity is sometimes related to whitening treatment. Why does that happen, and will that happen to you? We’re here to help you understand why it occurs and what you can do about it. Whitening Options When it comes to brightening the appearance of your

3 Possible Causes of Tooth Pain After Brushing

Have you noticed discomfort or pain after brushing your teeth? Noticing warning signs of oral health issues and quickly acting on them is a great way to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Read the top three causes of tooth pain and what to do about them. Tooth Sensitivity Cleaning your teeth is essential for keeping your smile healthy. If your teeth hurt after brushing or eating hot

$17M grant to study TMDs and better treatments

Researchers from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine have received a $17 million grant to study temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and advance more effective pain management therapies. Furthermore, the research team plans to use brain imaging to better characterize patients with TMDs and track them using wearable technology and a mobile app, according to a news release from the university dated January 7. “Through this study, we aim to

Do you know which patients are at greater risk of dental pain?

Patients from lower-income backgrounds or whose mothers have less formal education may be at a greater risk of experiencing dental pain, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. Understanding these disparities may help providers and policymakers focus on high-risk groups and introduce early oral health interventions to reduce long-term dental health inequities, the authors wrote. “This study identified distinct dental pain trajectories in the life course

Case study: Helping a gunshot victim regain his smile

After surviving a gunshot wound to the face, patient John Doe spent years seeking reconstructive care but was repeatedly turned away due to extensive maxillofacial trauma and bone loss. Nearly seven years later, he came to Dr. Safa Tahmasebi, MS, lead prosthodontist at the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center in Jackson, FL, and a faculty instructor with the Pikos Institute. Recognizing the case’s complexity, Tahmasebi began with a high-resolution cone-beam computed

ADHD may affect orthodontic treatment

Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at greater risk of orthodontic treatment problems and reduced behavioral cooperation, according to a systematic review published on January 17 in BMC Oral Health. This study highlights the importance of early identification, collaboration, and customized behavioral strategies to achieve successful orthodontic outcomes in those with ADHD, the authors wrote. “Individuals with ADHD may be at increased risk of lower orthodontic treatment adherence, more