Now that your child’s braces are finally off, they probably think that their orthodontic treatment is over. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely true. Straightening their teeth is only half the battle. The other half is keeping them that way. That’s where dental retainers can be quite useful. Many people wear retainers for many years after getting their braces off to keep their teeth straight and their smile bright, but getting your child to
We’ve all been there, and we all know how much it can hurt. Maybe it’s been in the middle of a fall, or perhaps it was a response to stress, but biting your cheek can be painful. While an accidental cheek bite is nothing to worry about, some people may be biting their inner cheek more often than they realize. It could be the sign of a more serious problem.
Your general dentist helps keep your mouth healthy with regular exams, restorations, and simple cosmetic procedures. They stay busy placing crowns, fitting dentures, and assessing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. So when an oral health issue arises that requires more complicated procedures, they might refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Find out more about oral and maxillofacial surgeons and the procedures they perform. What Is
When it comes to common types of cancer, tongue cancer isn’t one that typically comes to mind. It’s important to be aware of tongue cancer, as it can affect our oral health and ability to eat and speak. While it can cause a frightening head-spin to think about a tongue cancer diagnosis, remember to stay calm, learn the facts about tongue cancer, how to detect it, and understand treatment options.
Braces can feel like a huge commitment, but their many benefits make them worth it! And what’s more, there are ways to make the process more enjoyable. While you might not have the smile you want yet, you can customize the colored rubber bands surrounding the brackets on your braces, commonly known as ligatures, so you feel confident about your smile. Alternatively, if your orthodontist recommends an alternative type of
There’s a lot for your kids to get excited about during the holidays; the fun decorations, a break from school, spending time with family, the music, the magical stories, and of course – unwrapping presents! The best thing of all might be all the fun, delicious holiday treats they get to eat. But if your child has braces, indulging in some traditional snacks could damage the brackets and wires on
According to Delta Dental, however, there is now evidence of two specific links between oral health and heart disease. First, recent studies show that if you have gum disease in a moderate or advanced stage, you’re at higher risk for heart disease than someone with healthy gums. And second, your oral health can provide doctors with warning signs for a range of diseases and conditions, including those in the heart.
If you noticed a lump along your jawline this morning, many conditions could be the culprit. Is the lump small or large, soft or firm, mobile or fixed, painless or tender? Any treatment will depend on the cause, so keep reading to learn more about lumps on the jawline. What Causes a Lump on the Jawline? A bump, mass, or swollen area along the jawline might cause a fright. However,
If your dentist has found a dead nerve in your tooth, don’t panic: Your tooth can be saved. But if you find yourself in this situation, it’s beneficial to understand just how and why you ended up with a dying or dead nerve and what your treatment options are so you can keep your smile pain-free and shining. Dental Anatomy 101 To understand what a dead nerve in a tooth
Have you ever had a root canal procedure, with the hope that the pain would be gone for good, only to find that the same tooth bothers you months or years later? Sometimes, even though the nerve is removed from a tooth, it doesn’t heal as anticipated. The discomfort that you feel long after your root canal has healed might be a signal that the tooth needs endodontic retreatment. If
Every mouth and bite is unique, and getting a straight and healthy smile may require the expertise of an orthodontist, who helps individuals achieve properly aligned teeth and jaws. This specialist is a qualified dentist who has completed advanced training in corrective appliances (such as braces) and tooth and jaw alignment, states the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). Here’s how to become an orthodontist, including what education and certifications are
If you’ve ever had a dental x-ray show a tooth, roots and all, in a large rectangular shape instead of the usual crown with one or two prongs, you might have taurodontism. This unusual dental phenomenon most often affects permanent teeth, especially molars. It isn’t easy to pinpoint taurodontism’s cause. But it does show up in certain populations. Find out how to spot taurodont teeth and learn how this rare