If you’ve recently felt pain in your gums after flossing or noticed a reddish tint in the sink after brushing, you may be experiencing the initial stages of gum disease. It usually begins as a mild case of inflamed gums known as gingivitis. But if left untreated, this condition can lead to periodontal disease, a more severe condition that can cause tooth loss. Gum disease results from bacteria that builds up
Many people will experience a toothache at some point during their lives. When severe dental pain strikes, you may feel desperate for relief. Is it possible to remove a tooth nerve and get rid of the pain? While severe dental pain can’t be resolved at home, your dentist or endodontist can help. Where Are the Nerves in Teeth? The hard, white, visible portion of your teeth is known as enamel.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding? Bleeding gums are most commonly a sign of an underlying oral health problem. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the most significant cause of bleeding gums is a build-up of plaque. This sticky substance is full of bacteria, which produces acid that irritates the gums and can cause them to bleed. This is known as gingivitis, or early gum disease. If left untreated, it
You may have heard of plaque and how bad it is for your dental health, but what exactly is it? What conditions are caused by plaque? And what dental plaque symptoms should you be looking out for? We’re here to cover everything you need to know about plaque build-up and empower you to prevent it from progressing into other dental problems. What is Dental Plaque? Plaque is a sticky material that
Diet sodas, 100% citrus fruit juices, and other no-sugar-added drinks can be surprisingly bad for your teeth. It’s true that consuming beverages that are lower in sugar decreases your risk for tooth decay, but drinking diet or sugar-free beverages doesn’t remove the risk entirely. Most people know that drinking sugary drinks can cause tooth decay, but you also have to watch for a drink’s acidity. The lower the pH of a food
It can be frustrating to deal with your symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even those that aren’t gastrointestinal problems. Why does Crohn’s disease increase your risk of mouth ulcers? Are they the same as canker sores? We’re here to offer an explanation and provide concrete steps you can take to reduce your symptoms and discomfort. Why Crohn’s Disease Causes Ulcers The systems in your body are more interdependent than
Aggravated tooth pain can come in many different shapes and sizes – a dull ache, prolonged throbbing sensation, and even a sharp pain that overwhelms you in an instant. But those familiar with tooth nerve pain know the sensation all too well. Although tooth nerve pain isn’t fun, it’s something almost everyone has experienced. Whether it’s from a cavity or a cracked tooth, aggravating the tooth’s nerve is a common path
If your gums are growing over your teeth or swelling up to form bumps, you may have a condition known as gingival hyperplasia. It can be a challenge to figure out the root cause of this problem and what to do about it on your own. Luckily, we’re here to help you understand gingival hyperplasia, what causes it, and what your best course of action is. What is Gingival Hyperplasia?
If you had a filling or crown before the early 2000s, your dental professional might have used a metal or gold material. Today, dental researchers can now fabricate fillings, crowns, and veneers from another type of material: a single block of ceramic material called lithium disilicate. Because of its versatility, strength, and translucency, lithium disilicate is one of the most widely-used glass-ceramic materials used in fillings and crowns. What Is
Eating a healthy diet is an essential part of practicing good oral hygiene. By ensuring you get all the necessary vitamins and nutrients your body requires and limiting any foods and beverages that can damage your teeth, your body can better protect your oral health. But is Vitamin K2 one of those vitamins that can benefit your teeth and gums? And if so, is taking a supplement beneficial? We’ll give
Should you be given antibiotics before a root canal? The answer to this question can be complex and requires insight from a dental specialist. Here is some information on why your dentist may recommend antibiotics before your root canal treatment. What Is a Root Canal Treatment? If you have severe tooth pain, it’s possible that bacteria have invaded the inside chamber of your tooth, known as the dental pulp. If
Did you know that your mouth is home to over six billion bacteria? This is according to a review published in Frontiers in Microbiology, which goes on to explain that hundreds of species of oral bacteria usually coexist in a balanced environment, but when conditions change, some types can take over, causing tooth decay or gum disease. The species most closely linked to gum (periodontal) disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis, or