If your gums are swollen, inflamed, or tender when you brush, you may have gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque that’s built up around your gum line. This news may make you feel like you’ve failed in the oral hygiene department, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty common. Left untreated, it can develop into a more severe condition, so it’s important you take the necessary steps
As a dental professional, I see it all the time. Patients come in for their regular cleanings, they tell me they brush twice a day, but they still have oral care issues. Oftentimes, the culprit is right in their hand: the toothbrush. Walking down the oral care aisle can be overwhelming, but your toothbrush is more than just a handle with bristles. Choosing the right one is one of the
Nutrition might seem like a pretty straightforward topic, but it can quickly veer from “put food in mouth to live” to a deeply confusing place. With acronyms. And statistics. And conflicting ideologies. And just when you think you have your healthy eating journey covered, a new trendy diet comes along and knocks you off your stride. In the spirit of finding a nutritional balance that works for you, we’re outlining
If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth or are having some side effects after the treatment, you might be considering your options. It turns out tooth sensitivity is sometimes related to whitening treatment. Why does that happen, and will that happen to you? We’re here to help you understand why it occurs and what you can do about it. Whitening Options When it comes to brightening the appearance of your
Have you noticed discomfort or pain after brushing your teeth? Noticing warning signs of oral health issues and quickly acting on them is a great way to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Read the top three causes of tooth pain and what to do about them. Tooth Sensitivity Cleaning your teeth is essential for keeping your smile healthy. If your teeth hurt after brushing or eating hot
Researchers from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine have received a $17 million grant to study temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and advance more effective pain management therapies. Furthermore, the research team plans to use brain imaging to better characterize patients with TMDs and track them using wearable technology and a mobile app, according to a news release from the university dated January 7. “Through this study, we aim to
Patients from lower-income backgrounds or whose mothers have less formal education may be at a greater risk of experiencing dental pain, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Dentistry. Understanding these disparities may help providers and policymakers focus on high-risk groups and introduce early oral health interventions to reduce long-term dental health inequities, the authors wrote. “This study identified distinct dental pain trajectories in the life course
After surviving a gunshot wound to the face, patient John Doe spent years seeking reconstructive care but was repeatedly turned away due to extensive maxillofacial trauma and bone loss. Nearly seven years later, he came to Dr. Safa Tahmasebi, MS, lead prosthodontist at the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center in Jackson, FL, and a faculty instructor with the Pikos Institute. Recognizing the case’s complexity, Tahmasebi began with a high-resolution cone-beam computed
Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at greater risk of orthodontic treatment problems and reduced behavioral cooperation, according to a systematic review published on January 17 in BMC Oral Health. This study highlights the importance of early identification, collaboration, and customized behavioral strategies to achieve successful orthodontic outcomes in those with ADHD, the authors wrote. “Individuals with ADHD may be at increased risk of lower orthodontic treatment adherence, more
Scaling and root planing (SRP) may be an effective treatment for improving tooth stability and lowering the risk of tooth loss in patients with gum disease, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology. Furthermore, factors, including smoking, diabetes, and severe periodontal disease, may reduce treatment success. Identifying these factors may help clinicians set realistic expectations and determine when more intensive treatment is needed, the authors wrote.
Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls sometimes happen. Tooth luxation occurs when a tooth is dislodged when trauma disrupts the ligaments and tissues holding the tooth in place. If you feel tooth pain after an injury to the mouth or face, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Depending on the type of tooth dislocation or damage, you may need immediate treatment like tooth repair or root canal. Or, you
If you’re considering getting dental implants or have decided that this is a great way to improve your smile, you may have a list of questions. Does your dental insurance cover implants? How do you get dental insurance for implants? What is the best dental insurance for implants? The answer to these questions is unlikely to be straightforward, as different insurance packages and providers offer varied coverage. Read this article