Have you ever gone to the dentist’s office for a cleaning appointment and noticed that the dental hygienist or dentist was taking measurements of your gums? Are you curious what all the poking and prodding was all about? This is called periodontal charting, or perio charting, a way for your hygienist to check on the health of your gums. Read on to learn more about perio charting and why it’s
You’ve just gone to the dentist for your check up and the dentist tells you, you need a filling! You are not alone. Most people will need at least one filling in their lifetime. What exactly does that mean? A filling is a treatment for tooth damaged by decay that restores back to its normal function and shape while preventing further decay. It’s also the one of the most common procedures
Brushing and flossing are the foundations of a good oral hygiene routine ‚ but mouthwash can also be a useful addition, thanks to the many oral health benefits it has to offer. If you’ve recently started using mouthwash, you may be wondering how you should incorporate it in your routine. Is it better to use mouthwash before or after brushing? And what else can you do to boost your oral
Are your gums sore and bleeding? This situation isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be unsettling. You may feel like you have something seriously wrong inside your mouth. While sore, bleeding gums certainly shouldn’t be ignored, there’s no need to panic. Here’s what you need to know about the situation. Causes of Sore, Bleeding Gums Sore gums that are also bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, an infection of the
Your saliva plays an essential role in keeping your teeth healthy. As the American Dental Association (ADA) explains, this often overlooked substance helps to keep the outer layer of your teeth strong by coating them with important minerals, such as calcium, fluoride and phosphate. An important component of healthy saliva is a balanced pH level, which can be affected by your food choices. Here’s how to rebalance the pH of your mouth,
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 37 million Americans live with diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with one in four unaware they have it. Another 96 million Americans are prediabetic, with blood sugar that is higher than normal, but not high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes. Due to the prevalence of this condition and its effects – including diabetes teeth and gum problems – understanding diabetes is
One in four U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have untreated tooth decay, making it one of the most prevalent health issues in the country. But you don’t have to become a statistic. Taking care of your teeth and gums can be easy — and even fun — with the right tools and techniques. Make these five tips for optimal oral health part of your daily routine.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly 47.2 percent of Americans over 30 have some form of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). A gingivectomy may be performed to heal the effects of periodontal disease or to correct a gum condition involving the structures around the teeth. It is one of a few procedures that can help reverse periodontal issues. Read on to learn more about the gingivectomy procedure, how
If you have recently been told by your dentist that you have periodontitis, you’re not alone. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease, or periodontal disease, a condition that affects almost half of Americans over the age of 30, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tooth loss is often an unfortunate outcome of periodontitis when left untreated. But today, with so many successful
A luting agent is a cement that your dentist uses to help secure a dental restoration — such as a crown, inlay, onlay or fixed bridge — to your teeth. According to a review in the American Journal of Materials Science and Engineering (AJMSE), dental cements have been used for many years and possess unique chemical properties that help them achieve their purpose, which is to make sure that your
Practicing great oral care not only involves brushing twice a day and flossing daily—it also means visiting your oral care provider for a professional cleaning every six months. While these visits usually are painless and quick, they can sometimes leave your teeth feeling sensitive, especially if you received a deep cleaning. Luckily, over time these sensations will fade and do not indicate anything serious. Here’s a look at why you
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, did you know that nearly 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have lost all their teeth? Fortunately, anyone experiencing tooth loss can get one of many types of dentures, including immediate dentures. Find out more about what immediate dentures are, how much they cost, and the benefits of using them. What Are Immediate Dentures and When Are They Used?