Your gums are swollen and red. Or maybe you’ve noticed a growth on your gum that wasn’t there before. Then your mind begins to wander and wonder…Could it be cancer? Is it gingivitis? More than likely it’s you taking a trip to the worst-case scenario. That said, here’s what you should know about both. Signs of Gingivitis Gingivitis is caused by plaque build-up. It irritates the gum tissue. These are
If you’ve recently gotten braces as an adult, you might have found that having swollen or inflamed gums is a painful side effect. While having swollen or inflamed gums with braces can be entirely normal, how do you know if your gums will go back to normal after removing your braces? Find out when having swollen gums with braces is a cause for concern and how to treat them. What
There’s nothing like a bright, sparkling smile—but sometimes, brown spots on our teeth appear that can be a cause for concern. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to fix them. From tartar buildup to medical conditions, we’ll look at the reasons behind the discoloration and what you and your dental professional can do to get your smile back to a glistening and bright shade. Common Causes of Brown Spots On
Healthy gum tissue isn’t always pink. Just like skin color, gum color varies between different people. A study published by the Future Dental Journal explains that healthy gums range from light to dark brown or even black. Dark patches on gums may also be the result of a variety of factors like medication side effects or tobacco use. Black gums aren’t necessarily a sign of an oral health issue, but seek
Braces are a fact of life, and while occasionally uncomfortable, will ultimately help you get the smile you deserve. But sometimes, you may experience a scratchy, uncomfortable feeling due to wires pressing against your gums. That’s where dental wax comes in, a special wax you can have on hand that will provide relief and prevents pain. Here’s a look at what orthodontic wax is, how to put it on, and
If you suddenly find that your enamel is crumbling, you might wonder, why do my teeth feel chalky? Chalky teeth mostly occur in kids, and if you’re experiencing a chalky feeling in your mouth, most likely, it’s a temporary sensation. Chalky teeth in kids, however, can be quite serious. Find out what to do if your child develops chalky teeth so that they get the right treatment as soon as
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely someone who takes their oral health seriously, which is great! So, what is a gum stimulator, and why aren’t they more popular? Why is gum stimulation important anyway? We’re here to outline what we know about this simple tool and how to use one. What Is a Gum Stimulator? If you’re not familiar with gum stimulators, they may look unusual to you with
Everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile, but undergoing teeth whitening procedures may not be the best idea for an expectant mother. Although the associated risks to a developing fetus may be extremely small, why take that risk at all? Here’s where the facts stand on teeth whitening when pregnant. Can You Whiten Teeth While Pregnant? According to the American Pregnancy Association, cosmetic treatments that are not immediately necessary, such as
If you have an abnormally smooth, dark pink, or red flat area on your tongue, you may have a condition called median rhomboid glossitis (MRG). The name may sound serious, but unless you have any additional fungal infections along with this condition, you probably won’t require treatment. We’ll break down the potential causes of your MRG and the occasions when you should seek diagnosis and treatment so you can ensure
Many people want straighter teeth. In the United States and Canada alone, more than 4 million people are currently in an orthodontist’s care, reports the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, you may have heard about teeth aligners you can buy at a store or online. Before you purchase teeth aligners over the counter, here’s what you should know. How Over-the-Counter Teeth Aligners Work Teeth aligners
Think back to your teen years. How many of your friends had braces? Perhaps you did too. Many adults who didn’t have braces as a teen, or whose teeth have become misaligned, are opting to fix their smile later in life. But what if you don’t want metal brackets in your mouth? Clear aligners are an alternative option that will turn a crooked smile straight. Metal or Clear Braces? There
You’ve just received the good news from your orthodontist that your braces are ready to come off. Congratulations! After putting in the time, effort, and investment to perfect your smile, there’s no doubt you’re excited to show it off. But perhaps you’ve also learned you’ll need to wear a retainer once your braces come off as a final step to permanently aligning your smile. There’s still plenty of cause for
