Maintaining oral hygiene has multiple advantages. While daily teeth cleaning at home is the basis of good oral health, dentists recommend a professional preventive treatment at least twice a year. You may be nervous about visiting a dental hygienist because you aren’t sure what happens during a visit. Knowing the names and functions of some standard dental tools you’ll see during an average cleaning appointment can help you be ready.
If you’ve had tooth pain, you know it can make your wallet hurt too. Emergency dental care is expensive, which is why it’s recommended you keep regular oral check-ups at least twice per year to head off any potential problems. If, however, your sore tooth requires a root canal to fix, don’t suffer sticker shock. Understand how much root canals cost and why that cost may vary based on a
Getting hurt as an athlete is no longer a rite of passage. As we’ve become aware that sports injuries lead to serious long-term health issues, the command to “buck up” and get back into the game is – we hope – a relic of the past. As it is for physical and mental health, maintaining oral health as an athlete is essential. While modern dentistry can now repair most
If you have receding gums, you probably have questions about how they will change the appearance of your smile, if there’s a way to grow back the gum (or gingiva) that you’ve lost, and the potential reasons for their recession. Unfortunately, there’s no way for gums to grow back, but there are some ways to improve your smile after gum recession. The most minimally invasive option is a gum (or
Identifying the early signs of mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is essential for increasing successful treatment chances. Make checking for these oral cancer symptoms part of your regular oral health care routine, and be prepared to act quickly if the need arises. A healthy oral care routine includes looking out for unusual bumps and persistent pains in and around the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Though the probability
Did you know your immune system helps your body fight illnesses? Sometimes, however, the immune system attacks the healthy cells and tissues in your body, which can lead to autoimmune diseases. In fact, some of these autoimmune diseases can impact your oral health. Knowing some of the autoimmune diseases that cause oral health issues can help you take better care of your oral hygiene, and lead to a lifetime of
If you have a damaged tooth that’s in need of a root canal or crown, you may hear your dental professional mention the “Ferrule Effect” when talking about these procedures. Knowing what it is before you see your dentist may help with your confusion! Here is everything you need to know. The ferrule effect is important in that it is the area around the tooth that protects that tooth from
Do teeth move as you age? Is it normal for teeth to shift over time, or does that mean there’s something wrong? Not to worry, it’s totally normal to have these types of questions. We’ve got the answers, so stick around, and we’ll walk you through why teeth shifting happens, when to worry about it, and what you can do about it. Teeth Shifting: Why and How While it can
No matter what age you are when you get braces, learning how to clean them can pose a new challenge. Orthodontic care is a serious investment in you and your family’s time and money, so it’s no wonder you want to get it right! Whether you have a hard-to-reach area in your mouth, are unfamiliar with the parts of your braces that need cleaning, or find it difficult or unpleasant
Swollen gums are a fairly common occurrence and most often a sign of something that’s easily treatable. But what does it mean if your gums are swelling around a single tooth? And what can you do to treat it? Here are some of the most common causes of swelling around a single tooth, along with treatment advice to keep you smiling. 1. Food Debris If you have swelling around just
Gums are soft tissues in your mouth. They are delicate and suffer cuts easily. They also bleed easily so don’t be alarmed when even the tiniest abrasion causes you to bleed. It may also seem like you’re bleeding a lot, but more than likely it’s the blood and saliva combined. It’s not as much as you think. Here’s how to avoid and treat gum injuries. Gum Cut Causes Toothbrush bristles.
For most people, the holiday season comes filled with chances to spend time with loved ones, nosh on great food, and yes, make a toast with some of the season’s best bubbly. But there’s something you should know. Whether you prefer champagne, wine, mixed drinks, or beer, be aware that alcohol and teeth aren’t natural allies. So, it’s important to know how alcohol can affect your teeth and why you
