Isn’t it funny how some of our most regularly used personal items are the things we think about the least? Take your toothbrush, for example. You probably know the basics that work well for you: a comfortable handle, soft bristles, and a head that holds just the right amount of toothpaste. Maybe you’ve even found a toothbrush in your favorite color! But have you ever thought about how the toothbrush
What is Dentin Hypersensitivity? Dentin hypersensitivity describes short, sharp, intense bursts of pain and discomfort that originate from the teeth in response to certain stimuli. It occurs when the top protective layers of the tooth, and cementum, wear away and expose dentin. Dentin helps support the structure of the tooth. It’s also responsible for all the sensations you feel in your teeth. This is to prevent you from biting down
If your teeth suddenly feel sensitive and you’re experiencing pain or discomfort while eating something hot or cold, you might not associate that with exposed tooth roots. But tooth sensitivity can be an early sign of a tooth root being exposed. Find out how to recognize and treat this condition, so your teeth feel healthy and pain-free again! What Are Tooth Roots? The tooth roots are the part of the tooth inside
Many have heard of the crown of your tooth, but how does a clinical type differ from the anatomic and artificial kind? Stick around, and we’ll walk you through the answers to your most pressing questions, like “what is a clinical crown?” and “what procedures might I need for my crown?” Clinical Crowns vs. Other Types Simply put, your clinical crown is the portion of your tooth visible above the
Did you know that acidic foods can be harmful to your dental health? You can take positive steps to help limit the damage caused by acid with alkaline options. What exactly does alkaline mean, and why are these foods an attractive option for your dental health? We’ve got the answers to your top questions and some easy-to-follow recommendations. What Are High-Alkaline Foods? Alkaline can be thought of as the opposite
Most people have heard of an x-ray, but what exactly is a cephalometric x-ray? How is it different from other types of imaging? We’re here to guide you through this useful technology and spell out when and why it’s so helpful. What Is a Cephalometric X-Ray? X-Rays are a technology used in medicine and dentistry that involves directing radiation (x-rays) at an area of the body to create an image
If you’re getting dentures, it may be an exciting but also nervous time. You’ll have a new set of beautiful teeth, newfound confidence, and a big reason to smile. They will take some getting used to. You know they’ll look good, but you may be wondering…Can you eat with dentures? What can you eat with dentures? We have answers to those questions and more. What are Dentures, and Why are
If your dental professional has recommended that you see a periodontist for gum surgery, you’re probably wondering what exactly that means and what to expect from your procedure. We’ll break down what a periodontist is, what conditions require gum surgery, and what you can expect when you go into your appointment so you can walk away smiling. What Is a Periodontist? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are currently
Hundreds of bacteria species call your mouth home. These microorganisms play a crucial role in initiating the digestion of your food, maintaining your immune system, and preventing diseases. However, some types of bacteria — such as oral streptococci — also contribute to plaque development and can sometimes lead to oral diseases. So let’s find out more about these potentially harmful strains of bacteria. What Is Streptococci? You can find bacteria
Cold sores. Fever blisters. Mouth ulcers. Whatever you call such infections that pop up in your mouth or on your lips, they’re usually caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), aka herpetic stomatitis. You might also see HSV-1 referred to as herpes stomatitis or oral herpes. What Is Herpetic Stomatitis? A human herpes simplex DNA virus associated with the oral cavity, HSV-1 is a different strain of the virus
As you dine at your favorite restaurant surrounded by some of your best friends, you’re probably not thinking about how vital your jaw is to this special pastime. But from chewing (mastication), biting, and clenching to speaking and singing, your lateral pterygoid muscle, also called the external pterygoid muscle, plays a pivotal role in your jaw’s essential functions. Learning about this muscle may be especially helpful if you are ever
When finding out you have an oral issue like receding gums, you may feel shocked! After all, you regularly brush your teeth and haven’t noticed any severe pain in your day-to-day life. Still, it’s a common ailment that can occur for a wide range of reasons, many of which are out of your control. Because gum tissue can’t regrow itself, the only remedy is gum graft surgery. Yet, you may