Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food and plaque, which can stain your teeth if not brushed away. Most orthodontists recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Some orthodontists will also prescribe or recommend a...
What are cavities? Dental cavities are holes in teeth caused by tooth decay. Cavities are also referred to as caries. What are microcavities? Teeth are in an environment of constant acid attack that strips the teeth of important minerals and breaks the teeth down. While this attack is constantly occurring, minerals are also be constantly...
Burning mouth syndrome facts* *Burning mouth syndrome facts medical author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) describes a painful sensation of the tongue, lips, or palate. It also may involve a general sensation of discomfort of the whole mouth. The cause of burning mouth syndrome is not known; BMS is not itself...
What are dental braces? Dental braces are devices that are placed directly on teeth in order to move them. For most of us, braces are the most common method for achieving optimally aligned teeth. Aside from straightening teeth, braces are used to improve the relationship of how our teeth come together between the upper and...
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns one on each tooth on either side of the gap — these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth — and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can...
What are tongue bumps? We all have several hundre d bumps on our tongues called papillae, also known as the taste buds. Inflamed bumps on the back of your tongue — the circumvallate papillae — usually aren’t a cause for concern and will heal on their own. We all have several hundred bumps on our...
Dental injuries include trauma to the face or teeth, wear and tear, and broken and chipped teeth. Common causes of dental injuries include trauma to the face or teeth, which can be caused by auto accidents, falls, and injury from a variety of sports, such as football, hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. Patients suffering...
What are gingivitis and periodontitis? Gingivitis is an inflammation that is limited to the gum line. Periodontitis always begins with inflammation of the gums. Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus,...
While tooth decay can be prevented, once it starts it can only be stopped from progressing further. It can’t be reversed Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and acids damage the tooth’s enamel and can lead to cavities, pain, infection, and even tooth loss. While tooth decay can be prevented, once it starts it can only...
When should I start cleaning my baby’s mouth? Maintain your baby's oral hygiene before their first teeth erupt. Maintaining infant oral hygiene is very important because it maintains oral health, clears milk and food residues and avoids buildup of bacteria. It helps the baby have healthy gums and teeth. Baby teeth (also called milk teeth)...