When you were a kid, did you ever put coins in your mouth? Maybe on a dare? If, as an adult, you have a metallic taste in your mouth – even though your coin-swallowing days are over – what could cause the sensation? We’ll give you the scoop on what the unpleasant, rather bitter taste means and what causes it. We’ll also let you in on how to treat and
While most parents are familiar with cleft palate, few have heard of an associated condition known as bifid uvula. What exactly does this condition look like, and how will I know if my child has it? Is it something I should worry about? We’re here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and walk you through what you should know about bifid uvula. What Is a Bifid Uvula? Bifid uvula
Upper jaw expansion, known medically as maxilla expansion or palatal expansion, is an orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment, tooth overcrowding, breathing trouble, or other issues. Dentists or physicians may recommend this treatment when their patient is still young. Learn more about palatal expansion and what devices and surgical options are currently available. What Is Palate Expansion? According to the California Association of Orthodontists, maxillary or palatal expansion is typically recommended
Dental implants are a groundbreaking modern solution to a problem that’s historically worried humans: tooth loss. What problems are common with dental implants? What can I do about them myself, and what requires a professional? We’re here to address your most pressing questions and concerns around problems with dental implants. Dental Implant Overview Dental implants are a high-tech solution used to replace your missing teeth. Your natural tooth root is
Our ability to taste is often something we don’t think about—until a taste disorder compromises it. One of these disorders is dysgeusia, which happens when your sense of taste becomes distorted, and everything tastes bitter, sour, or metallic. While taste disorders are common, they can be troubling. Luckily, there are ways to treat this condition. Here, we’ll look into symptoms, causes, and what you can do. Dysgeusia Symptoms The main
If you’ve noticed that your child’s jaw seems unaligned, perhaps because it looks like their upper or lower jaw is protruding, they may have something called prognathism. Known as the overdevelopment of the upper jaw’s (maxilla) or lower jaw (mandible), this results in a mismatch where the jaws and teeth do not fit together correctly. At first, it may be frustrating for your child to feel they have a misaligned
Did you know that about 90% of school-aged children have some form of tooth misalignment? This statistic from Boston Children’s Hospital may come as both a surprise and a relief if you’re currently trying to figure out what to do about your child’s underbite. You are not alone! An underbite is a common form of misalignment caused by several factors, some in your control, some not. Let’s go over the
While they carry a certain stigma, root canals are necessary and crucial procedures in maintaining your overall oral health. And with today’s modern technology, root canals have become relatively comfortable treatments that often require one or two trips to the dentist. It is possible, however, that certain root canal problems may arise after the surgery, and it’s good to be aware of them going into it. A root canal gets to the
Your smile deserves to sparkle; and for some, veneers are a great option if you want to restore your smile to its natural beauty. If you’re considering veneers due to chipping, gaps, staining, or an uneven bite, these thin, custom-made coverings are a great solution—and here, you’ll learn about the construction of veneers, how long veneers last and how to care for them. Questions people frequently ask about veneers are:
With unexpected cravings and bouts of nausea, pregnancy can be a tough time for healthy eating. But it’s important to maintain a good, balanced diet to ensure that you and your baby get enough nutrients and stay healthy. The foods you eat impact your baby’s development — and they can also affect your oral health during pregnancy. Though it may seem easier to reach for a handy but unhealthy snack
It might be weird to think about in the moment, but sharing a kiss can actually be beneficial to your mouth. This is because the act of kissing activates certain biological processes you might not be aware of. While there are benefits of kissing on oral health, risks also exist. Learn more about both the positive and negative oral health effects associated with this gesture. What’s Really Exchanged in a Kiss?
You’re probably familiar with hydrogen peroxide and some of its many uses. Maybe you have nostalgic childhood memories of mom pulling out the brown plastic bottle to disinfect scrapes, cuts, or burns. But were you aware that hydrogen peroxide is used to practice good oral hygiene? Because this common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) care products can be dangerous when mixed in do-it-yourself (DIY) remedies, knowing how to safely use it
