What are canker sores? Canker sores are small painful ulcers in the mucous membranes that form the inner lining of the mouth. The cause of canker sores is unclear; no viral or bacterial cause has been proven. Researchers think that they occur or are triggered to occur in individuals when a certain set of circumstances...
What are canker sores? Canker sores are small open ulcers that usually appear on the inside of your mouth. Causes include stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, foods and more. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small open ulcers that show up in your mouth, typically inside the lip or cheek. They’re white or yellow in color...
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home? Saltwater gargle may heal swelling, clean infections, as well as loosen food particles in your teeth. Toothache generally manifests as a sharp or shooting pain, which may be so severe that it doesn’t allow an individual to eat, sleep, or rest comfortably. Below are...
Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess in your throat is a collection (or pocket) of pus in the space (peritonsillar space) that lies between each tonsil and wall of the throat. Medically, it is known as peritonsillar abscess or quinsy. Peritonsillar abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. The...
What are dental fillings? Dental fillings last for various lengths of time depending on the material. Dental fillings are hard filling substances (such as gold, silver, ceramic) used to repair decayed or damaged teeth. They fill holes caused by tooth damage. Usually, dental fillings cannot completely repair the entire damage to teeth, but they are necessary to replace the tooth...
What is dry mouth? Readers Comments 66 Share Your Story Dry mouth most commonly occurs as a side effect of medications that cause decreased saliva production. More than 400 types of medications can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that results from a decreased volume of saliva in the mouth. Dry mouth is...
What is a mandibular nerve block? A mandibular nerve block numbs parts of the mouth and face in preparation for surgery. A mandibular nerve block is a procedure to numb the lower jaw (mandible) and a part of the mouth and tongue. An anesthetic solution is injected adjacent to the mandibular nerve to block the...
What are some taste disorders? Taste disorders may change the taste of food or a lead to a loss of taste all together. The most common taste disorders involve Phantom taste perception: A lingering, unpleasant taste in the mouth without the presence of any substance. Hypogeusia: Reduced ability to taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty and...
What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth. The anatomy of a tooth can be divided into two basic parts — the root and the crown. In a person with healthy gums and bone, the root of the tooth is covered by the gums and...
Chewing tobacco facts Chewing tobacco contains nicotine and many known cancer-causing substances. Smokeless, snuff, or chewing tobacco contains nicotine as well as many known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). More nicotine is absorbed by chewing tobacco than by smoking a cigarette. Chewing tobacco use is a risk factor for the development of oral cancers and precancers. Other...