Tongue facts Your tongue can say a lot about your health. The tongue is made up of a mobile group of muscles that is attached to the floor of the mouth. The surface of the tongue is covered with small bumps called papillae. The majority of our taste buds are in these papillae. The tongue...
What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth refer to any of the four third molars that grow in after puberty. Wisdom tooth is another name for any one of four third molars found in the permanent dentition (adult teeth). These teeth are the last or most posterior teeth in the dental arch. Although most people have...
Facts you should know about toothaches Readers Comments 26 Share Your Story Toothache home remedies can provide relief for pain, but they are temporary fixes. A toothache is pain that occurs in or around a tooth. The pain originates from within a tooth or the surrounding gum and bone structures. One usually feels toothache pain...
What is pilocarpine? What are the uses for pilocarpine? Pilocarpine is a cholinergic drug, that is, a drug that mimics the effects of the chemical, acetylcholine which is produced by nerve cells. Acetylcholine serves as a messenger between nerve cells and between nerve cells and the organs they control. For example, acetylcholine is responsible for...
What is chlorhexidine gluconate? What are the uses for chlorhexidine gluconate? Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic and antimicrobial oral rinse. It provides protection against a wide range of bacteria. It kills bacteria by binding to bacteria cell walls. The FDA approved chlorhexidine in August 1986. What brand names are available for chlorhexidine gluconate? Peridex, Periogard,...
What is lidocaine viscous? What is Lidocaine used for? Lidocaine viscous solution is a local anesthetic that is applied topically to treat painful mucous membranes or throat pain associated with oral diseases and for procedures involving the mouth or throat. Lidocaine provides pain relief by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions involved in the initiation...
What is gingivitis (gum disease or periodontal disease)? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Gingivitis (gum disease or periodontal disease) is inflammation of the gingiva (structures in the mouth including the gums, mucous membranes, and fibrous tissue that covers the tooth-containing edge of the jaw). Gingivitis is commonly termed gum disease and medically termed periodontal...
Oral health and bone disease facts* *Oral health and bone disease facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by loss of bone density; affected bones are more likely to fracture. Tooth loss can occur when the bone of the jaw becomes less dense. Osteoporosis in the jaw bone has been...
X-rays help your dentist visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral examination. In addition, X-rays help your dentist find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even save your life. What Types of Problems Can...
There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral (meaning the X-ray film is inside the mouth) and extraoral (meaning the X-ray film is outside the mouth). Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray taken. These X-rays provide a lot of detail and allow your dentist to find cavities, check the health...