If you’ve ever suffered from irritating mouth sores or dealt with a crying baby’s teething pain, you know how welcome even temporary relief would be. Benzocaine is an over-the-counter local anesthetic that can temporarily numb an uncomfortable area, but the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both warn that its use can have serious health implications. Here’s what you should know about this anesthetic before
They say when you “have a frog in your throat,” you have trouble speaking. Well, if a ranula, Latin for “little frog,” goes untreated, it can be the source of that problem. A ranula is a cyst that forms under your tongue and a common salivary gland disorder, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). If the below information sounds like something you’re dealing with, it would be smart to
Having a problem with your taste? You’re not alone. Over 200,000 people a year visit a medical professional for taste or smell issues, according to the National Institute of Health. Why do you have a bad, funny, strange, or bitter taste in your mouth? We’re here to outline the possible causes and what you can do about them. Why Do I Have Bad Taste in My Mouth? Food and other particles are
Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which a person experiences chronic, unpredictable seizures. If you have a friend or someone in your family who has seizures, they may control their symptoms with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). What you may not realize, though, is that this condition and these medications sometimes come with oral effects. But managing epilepsy and oral health is possible once you understand the risks and how to address
Awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine use and the treatment options available for those who may be addicted to the drug can help individuals make informed choices that lead to a healthier mouth and body. What Is Meth Mouth? Meth mouth is a term used to describe the damaging effects of methamphetamine use on the mouth. The chemicals in meth can result in serious health problems, including severe gum disease
The human mouth contains around 500 to 1,000 different types of bacteria! So it’s no surprise that no matter how thoroughly you clean your teeth and mouth, some bacteria always remain. Usually, this is no problem at all. But if you’re undergoing a dental treatment that may expose your teeth’ interior, the bacteria could invade the open area. No worries, though! Your dentist has a handy tool that helps prevent
Look in a mirror, open your mouth and say “ah.” See that flap of tissue that hangs in the back of your mouth? That’s known as your uvula. Usually, you’re unaware of its presence, but if the uvula swells, it can feel like something is stuck in your throat. A swollen uvula may get better by itself, but if the condition becomes serious, you could need immediate professional care. Here’s
You may brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly to keep your smile bright and healthy, but do you know what habits actually damage your teeth? You probably already know that snacking on sugary foods between meals is a bad habit, but some other habits that damage teeth are not so obvious. Is there something you’re doing every day that’s putting your oral health at risk? Here are some harmful
The discovery of a purple tongue — or any unnatural tongue color — can be quite alarming. But in most cases, a purplish tongue has a simple, nonthreatening explanation. If you notice your tongue has turned a purplish color or if you appear to have a bruised tongue, here’s what it might mean and how you should approach a conversation with your dental or medical professional. Harmless Causes of Purple
You may already be familiar with canker sores, the non-contagious but sometimes unpleasant red and white ulcers that appear inside your mouth. Some people get them more than others, and they can range from a mild sore that lasts a couple of days to a more painful lesion that lasts a few weeks. Whatever your familiarity is with canker sores, you may not be aware that they can also develop
Are you finding it challenging to clean your teeth with braces? Even though braces can be fantastic for correcting your bite, they may make it difficult to properly remove plaque and food matter. Luckily, there are specialized toothbrushes and other tools designed for those with braces at your disposal. We’re here to help advise you on how to tackle your dental routine with braces. Be Extra Diligent About Oral Hygiene
Suddenly discovering a scab on your lip can be distressing. Besides causing you discomfort or pain, it might make you feel uncomfortable because it’s so visible. So what causes a scab on your lip, and what should you do if it just won’t heal? Find out more about lip scabs so you can go back to smiling painlessly in no time! What Causes a Scab on the Lip? Scabs can
