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 to Remove Nicotine Stains from Your Teeth
Although many things can lead to tooth discoloration, nicotine is one factor that often causes teeth to change hue over time. The positive news is there are professional, store-bought, and at-home approaches that may help restore a brighter, whiter smile. (img by Brij Dental Clinic) Does nicotine increase the likelihood of staining? Yes. Smoking or using chewing tobacco makes the tooth enamel more prone to stains. Once you begin using…
What You Need to Know About Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures offer greater stability and flexibility compared with traditional dentures because they attach to dental implants or posts embedded in the jawbone. (Dental implants or posts are secured into the gums with a portion protruding that snaps onto matching parts on the denture.) If you’ve lost an entire set of teeth due to disease or trauma, snap-in dentures might be an option to replace them. (img by Kiefer Family…
What Are the Effects of Thumb Sucking on the Teeth and Mouth?
Not every instance of thumb sucking leads to harm to the teeth or oral structures. For instance, merely resting a thumb in the mouth without much motion usually does not create problems. Conversely, active, frequent thumb sucking with significant movement can affect primary (baby) teeth, although these changes often correct themselves once permanent teeth erupt. Persistent, forceful thumb sucking can occasionally shift the alignment of a child’s permanent teeth and…
What Should I Do About a Molar Broken Off at the Gum Line
A fractured tooth is always unpleasant. Still, broken teeth are among the most frequent dental emergencies. Breaks can vary from tiny chips to complete splits. Not only can a broken tooth cause discomfort, but it alsooftenneeds prompt dental care. See your dentist immediately if a molar breaks off at or below the gum line. If you can’t reach your dentist, an emergency department can provide temporary care. Continue reading to…
Debunking the Myth of Tooth Worms and Other Cavity Causes
Humans have suffered from dental cavities for millennia. Long before modern dentistry, many cultures attributed tooth decay to tiny worms living inside teeth. This explanation was widely accepted across various civilizations. The notion endured for thousands of years, but developments in dental science have shown that tooth worms do not actually exist. Tooth decay results from dental plaque — a sticky film made up of saliva, bacteria, acids, and food…
How Regularly Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Professional dental cleanings are performed to help prevent cavities and periodontal disease. These cleanings are carried out by dentists or dental hygienists in a clinical setting and are typically paired with a full dental examination. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist “regularly” for cleanings. For many people, that means approximately every six months. If you face a greater risk of gum disease, you might need to schedule visits…
Hyperdontia: Do I Need to Have My Extra Teeth Removed?
Hyperdontia refers to a condition in which an excessive number of teeth develop in the mouth. These additional teeth typically appear directly behind or near the usual primary or permanent teeth. (img by SehatHub) What is hyperdontia? Hyperdontia is a dental condition marked by the presence of extra teeth, often called supernumerary teeth. They can arise anywhere along the curved regions where teeth anchor into the jaw, known as the…
What You Need to Know About Gray Teeth
Some individuals are born with naturally gray teeth. Others notice their teeth gradually taking on a gray hue. This can occur at any age and for several reasons. Sometimes all of the teeth slowly acquire a grayish tint. In other cases, only a single tooth changes color. Below we’ll review the reasons teeth can turn gray and outline possible remedies. (img by Spring Orchid Dental Clinic) What makes teeth turn…
What Does Tooth Decay Look Like?
A cavity is a small opening in your tooth that develops because of decay over time. Indications can include white or dark patches on the tooth, or a sensation of a pit when you run your tongue over it. Hearing a dentist tell you that you have a cavity is never welcome news. Often you may not realize a cavity is present until symptoms become hard to ignore. Sadly, once…
Considering a Bridge Piercing? Here’s What to Know
Considering getting a bridge piercing? You probably have a handful of questions first. Below, we cover 11 frequently asked questions about this striking nose piercing. So, what is a bridge piercing exactly? A bridge piercing — sometimes called an Erl piercing — runs horizontally across the nose bridge. It’s classified as a surface piercing because the bridge area generally lacks enough flesh for a dermal anchor. Jewelry is placed through…
