Cold sores and canker sores, although they may look similar and cause comparable discomfort, are actually completely different conditions. Each has different origins and therefore particular ways they can be treated or prevented. One of the best ways to determine if a lesion is a canker or a cold sore is to see where it… Read more »
If you have white spots on your teeth and ever wondered why they are there or what can be done about them, you are not alone. These white spots, called demineralization, can cause some to be self-conscious about their smile. Luckily, advancements in technology have made this condition much easier to treat noninvasively and without… Read more »
Pregnancy is an exciting time for any mother, but it often comes with questions about what is safe and important for oral health and dental care. During pregnancy, as hormone levels change, there can be an effect on the oral cavity. One of the more common occurrences is “pregnancy gingivitis” where the gums can become… Read more »
A beautiful smile and straight teeth are something for which many people aspire. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like them to be, orthodontics are a great option to improve your smile. Traditionally, metal braces were the only option to straighten teeth. We now have multiple options available, though each has pros… Read more »
Accidents happen. And if the teeth are involved, especially the front teeth, it can be very scary. However, hope is not lost, even if the trauma is as severe as having a tooth completely come out, as most teeth can be saved and repaired as long as a few important steps are followed. There are… Read more »
The words ‘wisdom teeth’ make most people cringe as they evoke visions of discomfort and pain. It’s important to know a few things about wisdom teeth that can help you or someone you know avoid the horror stories you often hear. It’s believed that wisdom teeth were much more important in prehistoric humans but with… Read more »
A trip to the dentist is supposed to help us keep our teeth healthy and take care of dental problems, but what if after a visit that includes something as simple as a filling, we start to experience sensitivity or pain? What are the possible reasons for this, and what can be done to solve… Read more »
Hallitosis, or bad breath, is something with which many people struggle. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to worry about constantly. There are multiple causes to bad breath but most cases stem back to odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Multiple actions can be taken to reduce the number of these bacteria and lead to fresher… Read more »
Traditionally, when someone lost all of their teeth, removable dentures were the only option to restore a smile. With dentures come some compromises; they can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable, making chewing difficult. Today, technology has advanced and better options are available ranging from better fitting and more esthetic dentures to implant-supported porcelain bridges that look… Read more »
“Oil pulling” is an ancient Ayurvedic practice from India that has recently become popular in the US as a means of improving health of the oral cavity, especially gum health. The practice involves using an oil, usually coconut, and swishing it around the mouth and between the teeth for about 20 minutes. Advocates of the… Read more »
For many people, going to the dentist is one of their greatest fears. This fear can lead to anxiety so pronounced that they may go years without a dental check-up. This, of course, creates the possibility of larger problems developing, which can lead to more involved and expensive dental work in the future. Often, people… Read more »
Many people deal with grinding their teeth on a nightly basis. Some may not even be aware they are doing it, but experience the effects, unsure of what the cause may be. Evidence of grinding can manifest itself in a number of ways including sore teeth, sensitive gums, worn teeth and fatigued facial muscles. It… Read more »
Canker sores appear in the mouth, on the tongue, lips, cheeks and gums and can develop into ulcers, or a white swelling which can be the size of a pinhead or as large as a quarter. They cause a burning, tingling sensation that can be irritating and painful especially when eating or drinking certain types… Read more »
Even though the number of people keeping their teeth longer has increased significantly over the last few decades, it is still common for many people to be missing some or all of their teeth. This can lead to bone loss, esthetic problems, and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, great advances have been made in dentistry to improve… Read more »
Many people experience sensitive teeth every time they eat or drink something hot or cold. When they feel sensitivity, most fear it may be the result of a problem, like a cavity or a cracked tooth, but often times it can be natural and more innocuous. It helps to know how tooth sensitivity occurs. The… Read more »
What color are healthy teeth? It’s a question I get often, and there’s not an exact answer. Healthy teeth can come in a wide range of colors from very white to quite dark. Many factors can play into this: genetics, age, antibiotic usage, and fluoride concentration in water. What we consider white has changed considerably… Read more »
Bisphosphonates are a class of medication commonly used to treat osteoporosis or other conditions where bone may be weakened, including some forms of cancer. Many people are familiar with the brand names in this class; the most common medications are Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, Aredia, Zometa, Reclast and Bonefos. Some of these medications are taken orally… Read more »
Today we see many different types of alternative sugar sweeteners. Most of these sweeteners have been around a long time, yet still have unclear effects on the body. One of them, Xylitol, stands above the rest in its benefits. Unlike many sweeteners, Xylitol is a natural product, extracted from birch trees. It has many beneficial… Read more »
James Bond, Star Trek, Star Wars. We’ve grown up seeing lasers as technology of the future or science fiction, but they are real and their use is changing many areas of our lives as we know it. One of these areas is the health field, specifically dentistry, where their use has led to great advancements… Read more »
“TMJ” is a term many people have heard but few know what it really means. The TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular joint, the connection between the jawbone and the skull. As many people who experience problems associated to it know, it can be very fickle. The official term for any dysfunction of the TMJ is… Read more »
