You’re a devoted dental patient who attends all your regularly scheduled checkups, commits to a vigorous oral care routine, and replaces your toothbrush when it begins to fray. Still, you may not be aware of how much your oral health relates to your overall health and how the understanding of this connection has developed. While we believe that taking care of your mouth is essential for the upkeep of your
Your body is a complex system with various components working together to keep it performing at its optimum best. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) helps maintain calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It has an important role in bone and teeth mineralization. But what happens if the parathyroid gland isn’t working properly? Various conditions point to problems with the PTH, like hypercalcemia. Learn more about hypercalcemia, its effects on your oral health, and
Healthy teeth and gums play a crucial role in the overall health of your body. Obviously, they help us break down food so our bodies can absorb essential vitamins and nutrients. But did you know oral health also plays an important part in the health of your lungs? Not only can oral problems exacerbate lung disease symptoms, but treatment for lung disease can also harm your teeth and gums. Learn
If a pimple-like bump appears inside your mouth, please resist popping it. Most likely, it’s a dental fistula, an infection by-product that’s usually a clue to an underlying health issue. We’ll help you solve the mystery of a fistula by giving you the scoop on why a fistula forms, what it might indicate, and how to treat it. What Is a Fistula and How Does it Form? Be in the
Occasionally experiencing swallowing difficulty due to a “lump in your throat” is normal. But if difficulty swallowing is an ongoing issue, it may be a sign of dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. Dysphagia is more common in the elderly due to weak throat muscles. Luckily, there are several dysphagia treatment options available depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Dysphagia Causes According to the National Institute on Deafness and
Some people experiencing tooth sensitivity might not be able to handle hot or cold temperatures, while some people might be sensitive to pressure. Biting down on something and feeling pain can be a jarring sensation. Find out what’s causing this sensation and how to treat it so that you can feel comfortable again! Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Put Pressure on It? The most common reason you might
Oral cancer is one of most curable of all types of cancer, but it also is one of the deadliest when it is not detected early. One of the leading causes of mouth cancers is smokeless tobacco, also known as chew, snuff or dip. If you’re concerned about the risk of cancer from dip, read on to learn about smokeless tobacco’s potential consequences. Dipping Into the Facts The Centers for
Oral health is more important than you may know. When oral health is poor, naturally-occurring bacteria from your mouth can spread to your lungs, causing further issues. That’s why taking care of your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth is critical. Learn more about oral bacteria, how it can affect your lungs, and how you can stay healthy. How are Oral Health and Overall Health Connected? There is
Do you know what to do with a knocked-out tooth? Whether the cause is sports, an accident, or assault, it is important to know what to do and when to do it. Injuring a tooth is never fun, but the good news is that most teeth can be reinserted into the tooth socket if you keep the ligament alive. Though the best choice is to get to your dentist as
Pregnancy changes your mouth. When you’re pregnant, changes in your hormone levels can increase your chance of developing gum disease and other dental concerns. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to stay in regular contact with and to schedule regular cleanings and exams with your dentist when pregnant. Routine dental work is one thing. But, can you safely undergo a tooth extraction during pregnancy? The answer, as far
Even those who keep up with a healthy oral hygiene routine can have an unexpected toothache with no known cause. Spontaneous severe pain can make it challenging to get through the day, making it hard to remain focused and relaxed. If your pain is severe enough, it can qualify as a dental emergency. And while the term “emergency” sounds frightening, there is a wide variation in toothache emergency relief that
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you may want to consider getting clear aligners instead of traditional braces. There are many benefits to these transparent plastic corrective devices, but they can also be more expensive than the metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands that are the most common alternative. So is the added cost that comes with modernization in tooth alignment worth it? We’ll compare your options to help
