Have you ever had a root canal procedure, with the hope that the pain would be gone for good, only to find that the same tooth bothers you months or years later? Sometimes, even though the nerve is removed from a tooth, it doesn’t heal as anticipated. The discomfort that you feel long after your root canal has healed might be a signal that the tooth needs endodontic retreatment. If
Every mouth and bite is unique, and getting a straight and healthy smile may require the expertise of an orthodontist, who helps individuals achieve properly aligned teeth and jaws. This specialist is a qualified dentist who has completed advanced training in corrective appliances (such as braces) and tooth and jaw alignment, states the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). Here’s how to become an orthodontist, including what education and certifications are
If you’ve ever had a dental x-ray show a tooth, roots and all, in a large rectangular shape instead of the usual crown with one or two prongs, you might have taurodontism. This unusual dental phenomenon most often affects permanent teeth, especially molars. It isn’t easy to pinpoint taurodontism’s cause. But it does show up in certain populations. Find out how to spot taurodont teeth and learn how this rare
Waking up with a dry mouth isn’t a pleasant feeling—and it can also have adverse effects on your oral health. Mouth taping is a modern “sleep hack” that has gained recent popularity for claims that it can curb mouth breathing and give you a better night’s sleep. What Is Mouth Taping? Mouth breathing is a primary cause of snoring, which can cause disruptions in your sleep and keep you from
Getting sick is no fun. The common cold and even the flu are considered respiratory infections – bugs that attack the respiratory tract. A virus often causes respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are connected to your oral health because your mouth can transmit those diseases in the form of coughing or sneezing. Also, oral hygiene is strongly linked to overall health. Learn what causes respiratory infections, learn more about the connection
After you or your child gets your braces off, the grand reveal is one of life’s super sweet moments. The perfectly straight teeth. The dazzling smile. Life is brilliant! However, once the primary orthodontia ends, know that you’ll need to replace your braces with another piece of dental hardware – a retainer. By wearing a retainer, you’ll help keep your teeth straight and your smile dazzling. But how long must
Accidentally broke your retainer? It happens. But unlike breaking a nail or a coffee mug, breaking a retainer is a much bigger deal. After all, you don’t want to undo all the beautiful work your braces did on your teeth. Learn what you can do if your fixed or removable retainer’s been damaged – from noting the damage to removing the retainer to devising a temporary fix. Recognizing Damage to
It seems like it’s taken forever, but you’ve finally gotten your braces off. While the journey may seem like it’s come to an end, it’s critical that all of the movement your teeth have undergone is maintained to make the most of your orthodontic transformation. The next phase is to wear a retainer on your teeth, to help them settle into position and keep them straight for years to come.
Braces can be an adjustment for many children and teens—and rubber bands can especially take some getting used to. That being said, rubber bands, which are sometimes called elastics, are an essential part of straightening teeth and can help provide individual tooth movement and jaw alignment. Here, we’ll look at their uses, benefits, and how to care for them. What are Rubber Bands for Braces and Why Are They Used?
You have a kid who is about to be a player in the world of team sports. If it’s a contact sport, mouthguards are something you’ll need to know about before he or she heads into the game. What Are Mouthguards? Mouthguards are worn over the top row of teeth during sports to help prevent an oral injury. They protect against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to the
Snoring can be annoying, but did you know it can affect your oral health and wellbeing? Many things can cause snoring, and it can be a symptom of more significant health issues. Learn more about what causes snoring and how it connects to your oral health. Causes of Snoring While you’re sleeping, the tissues in the roof of the mouth, tongue, and throat relax. Sometimes the soft tissues relax so
With dental implants becoming increasingly popular, it’s important to know what options are available in case you ever need one. Titanium implants have been the traditional type used because titanium is able to fuse well with the human jawbone, as the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) explains. But with advances in technology, new materials have come into play, such as zirconia. Here’s a look at both zirconia and titanium implants
