Oral Health

Oral Health offers guidance on brushing, flossing, and preventing dental issues to help maintain healthy teeth and gums for a brighter smile.


  • How Long Do Braces Take?

    How Long Do Braces Take?

    (Tom Werner / Getty Images) Treating crooked or misaligned teeth commonly requires wearing braces or clear aligners for an extended span of time. The duration you’ll need braces or aligners depends on the specifics of your treatment, but your habits and adherence to guidance also influence how long therapy lasts. Following your orthodontist’s directions and […]

  • All About Removable Braces

    All About Removable Braces

    There are several kinds of orthodontic devices available today to straighten and realign teeth. One choice is removable braces, which consist of tailored clear plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Removable braces differ from conventional fixed braces that rely on brackets and wires. Many people find them attractive because they can be taken […]

  • The 7 Different Types of Tooth Restoration

    The 7 Different Types of Tooth Restoration

    If your teeth are crooked, worn, discolored, damaged, or unhealthy, your dentist might suggest tooth or dental restoration. There are several restoration options you can consider. Tooth restoration can recover the natural function of your teeth and help prevent further decay. These treatments can also improve the appearance of your teeth and may be sought […]

  • 10 Ways to Remineralize Your Teeth and Stop Demineralization

    10 Ways to Remineralize Your Teeth and Stop Demineralization

    Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cutting back on sugary foods, and ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamins are a few ways to slow down mineral loss from tooth enamel. (img by NOBS) Minerals like calcium and phosphate form the bulk of tooth enamel, as well as dentin and bone. They play a key role in […]

  • Deep Bite: More Than a Cosmetic Issue

    Deep Bite: More Than a Cosmetic Issue

    A deep bite is a frequently seen dental issue involving the alignment of your upper and lower front teeth. If your top front teeth extend too far down over your lower front teeth when you close your jaw, that’s considered a malocclusion. It’s normal for a few millimeters of the lower front teeth to be […]

  • Itchy Gums

    Itchy Gums

    Overview Itchy gums can indicate a range of underlying issues. These may include periodontal problems, allergic reactions, hormonal fluctuations, and other causes. Identifying the root cause of your gum itch will help you choose the appropriate treatment and relieve the irritation. Oral health involves more than just caring for your teeth. Your gums — the […]

  • What Causes Small Teeth?

    What Causes Small Teeth?

    What is microdontia? Just like nearly everything about the human body, teeth can come in a range of sizes. You might have larger-than-average teeth, a condition known as macrodontia, or you could have teeth that are smaller than the average. The medical term for abnormally small teeth — or teeth that look unusually diminutive — […]

  • 8 Tips to Remove Food Stuck in Wisdom Tooth Hole

    8 Tips to Remove Food Stuck in Wisdom Tooth Hole

    After wisdom tooth extraction, bits of food can become lodged in the resulting socket. You can remove them in several safe ways, such as gentle brushing or rinsing with salt water. Alternatively, you can leave the socket alone and allow the debris to come loose on its own. Wisdom teeth are the final set of […]

  • How Much Do Braces Cost?

    How Much Do Braces Cost?

    As a general estimate, braces typically cost anywhere from $3,000 up to over $10,000. Most dental insurance plans won’t cover orthodontic care for adults, though they may provide some coverage for kids. Braces are devices used to correct bites and align teeth. They’re most commonly applied to adolescents while the jaw is still developing. Still, […]

  • Who Needs Braces?

    Who Needs Braces?

    Braces are frequently used to correct teeth that aren’t properly aligned. If you or your child requires braces, the treatment can be costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient. Still, orthodontic braces have a strong track record, providing oral health advantages that go beyond just improving your smile. Braces are most often recommended during childhood or early adolescence, […]