Thanks to advances in modern dental care, the number of adults who need dentures is dwindling. For those who do, modern dentures are more comfortable and discreet than ever before. Today, dentures can even improve your smile. But what did our ancestors use to replace missing teeth? Read on to learn about the history and mythology of wooden teeth and how you can prevent the need for dentures in your
Root canal treatment — referred to as “endodontic therapy” in dentistry — is one of the safest and most successful dental procedures performed today. According to an article in the European Journal of Dentistry (EJD), this treatment is very predictable, with success rates ranging from 86% to 98%. Even so, many people are frightened by the thought of root canal dangers. Here’s what you need to know about the safety
If you are missing some or all of your teeth, you may be searching for the right tooth replacement option for your circumstances. There are 36 million Americans missing all of their teeth, as the American College of Prosthodontists reports, and 120 million missing at least one of their teeth. Dentures are a common replacement option, but everyone has different needs, and this option isn’t always the best solution. Luckily,
If you’ve been to the dentist and found out that you have cavities, you may be feeling nervous about the treatment. Will the dentist use a drill? Cavities are one of the most common dental health issues, but they can be treated and avoided. Traditionally your dental professional would use a drill during this procedure. Luckily, there are alternative methods that you can speak to them about. There is no
If you’re in pain each time you chew your food, we’re here to help you find relief. Pain when chewing is a symptom of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding facial muscles. TMD has a range of causes for which many treatments are available. One treatment might involve chiropractic. With physical manipulation of your jaw joint and muscles, a chiropractor might be
Tea tree oil is a popular component of various at-home dental remedies, said to help control plaque, freshen breath, ease tooth pain, and treat periodontal disease. And natural, DIY remedies are attractive to people for many reasons, not least because tooth pain can strike at times the dentist’s office isn’t open. There’s a big “but” coming: the oil can be toxic if ingested, so it must be used in products
Your diet affects so many areas of your health — including your teeth! — and some foods offer more oral benefits than others. Consuming calcium-rich foods is an easy way to make your food work harder for your teeth. Dairy products like milk and cheese might seem like the obvious answer, but the variety of delicious calcium options might surprise you. Protect your smile and fuel your body with foods
Brushing your teeth isn’t the only thing keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Flossing is crucial for cleaning between your teeth, removing food and plaque, and preventing diseases in your teeth and gums. Thankfully, you can try various flossing products, not just the strand of waxed string that has been around forever. Water flossers use a steady stream of fresh water to clean between your teeth. Learn the pros and
If your dentist recommends a dental crown, you’re probably wondering about how much of a dent it might make in your wallet. The good news is that there is a range of crowns to choose from. Consulting with your dentist can help you find one that matches both your dental needs and your budget. Find out what the different kinds of dental crowns for your teeth are and how much
For someone with a temporomandibular joint disorder, eating can be a real pain, literally. Because of the discomfort eating can cause, it’s especially important that those suffering from TMJ pain are extra mindful that they’re getting the nutrition they need. At the worst of times, nourishing smoothies and pureed soups will get you through. The best foods for TMJ are those that don’t require a lot of chewing. Here are
Your smile is one of the first things you’ll notice in your wedding photos. Once your big day is on the calendar, follow this simple timeline to prepare, so your teeth can look as fabulous as they feel. It’s one of the best days of your life, after all! Your Wedding Oral Care Checklist Whatever your dream wedding smile looks like, it’s best to create a game plan with a
Learning that you have tooth decay can be upsetting, but you’re not the only one getting this news at the dentist’s office. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 92% of adults between 20 and 64 years old have had cavities in their adult teeth. Fortunately, cavities can be easily repaired with fillings. There are many types of dental fillings, and both metal and metal-free fillings are available. The best