You got your braces. You wore your braces. And your smile looks great because of your braces. So now what? Well, to keep that smile great (and straight), you should introduce yourself to the Hawley retainer. The Hawley retainer stabilizes your teeth in the same position as the bone surrounding them hardens into place. This is the final step in the teeth straightening process, so patience is essential. What Are
If you or a family member receive a diagnosis of diabetes, you probably have many questions. While this is a common diagnosis, it’s normal to feel an array of emotions when presented with this news – from confusion to even surprise. Did you know that diabetes can take a toll on your teeth and mouth? Let’s dive into what causes diabetes, the different types, and how best to manage your
Taking care of your teeth and mouth is especially important if you have diabetes. The condition results in a greater risk of oral infection and often slows the healing process. Seeing a dental professional is a slightly different experience for people with diabetes. Learning about handling your diabetes and dental treatment is essential to avoiding complications and maintaining your oral health. How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health? Research shows a
Imagine this scenario: One of your teeth was infected or cracked, so your dentist recommended a root canal to ease your discomfort and save the tooth. The procedure went well, but now the discomfort has returned and you’re wondering if you made the right choice. Plus, you’ve been doing some research and have come across articles claiming root canals do more harm than good. Is your best option to remove
A sore throat at night can disturb your sleep and leave you feeling fatigued the following day. Luckily, most sore throats go away within a week without medical treatment. And while the condition lasts, there are plenty of home remedies to try that can reduce your discomfort and help you sleep. Causes of a Sore Throat at Night Viral infections cause the majority of sore throats, according to the Centers for
Overviews — they’re important. Leftovers — they’re delicious. And overachievers — they’re inspiring. But overbites, they’re a little more complicated and pretty common. The question is, will your kid’s overbite need orthodontal attention. Often getting braces for overbites does the trick. Learn how you and your child can overcome an overbite below. What Causes An Overbite An overbite is referred to as a deep bite in the orthodontic world. It
Listen up, folks. Don’t read into the stigma associated with “getting braces.” If you know what to expect going into the journey of straightening your teeth, the whole process won’t seem so difficult. Orthodontists are experts at aligning teeth, and yours will be sure to explain the entire journey from beginning to end. Everyone’s teeth are different and some have to prepare for braces when we reach a certain age.
You probably know that birth control can affect weight and mood, but were you aware that it also affects oral health? Before you start this new medication, learn about the connection between oral health and birth control. What Is the Link Between Birth Control and Oral Health? Because contraceptives are made up of hormones to prevent fertility, taking birth control results in hormonal changes in women. These changes can increase
Has your mouth ever started itching after you take a bite out of a raw apple or banana? If you experience hay fever or nasal allergies, this allergic reaction may be due to oral allergy syndrome (OAS.) Though often considered a mild allergy, OAS occurs when the immune system confuses proteins in some foods with allergy-triggering proteins from pollen. Explore causes of OAS and the simple steps you can take
When you’re in middle or high school, it might seem as if a new classmate comes to school every day with braces on their teeth. As the New York Times reported, almost 4.3 million children age 17 or younger received orthodontic treatment in 2016. If you’re a teen or preteen wondering if you might need braces soon, this Do I Need Braces quiz can help you out. Take the quiz,
While no one ever hopes to get a toothache, it’s an important symptom to pay attention to. It may be a message from somewhere else in your body alerting you that something is wrong. In some cases, pain that feels as if it’s coming from your teeth could be a sign of a different problem. When the pain in another area of your body transfers to your teeth, dental professionals
It’s essential to know the truth about oral health because bad oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and other complications. Oral health can also impact your overall health! There tend to be many misconceptions about oral health, but it’s essential you know the facts. Learn the truth behind common dental myths so you know how to take care of your teeth. Myth #1: ‘Sugar-free sodas are better
