Oral Health
Oral Health offers guidance on brushing, flossing, and preventing dental issues to help maintain healthy teeth and gums for a brighter smile.
What Is a Cemented Crown?
(Credit image: dardespot/Getty Images) A cemented crown is a cap placed over a tooth that has been worn, fractured, or otherwise compromised. The process for fitting a cemented crown is generally brief and straightforward, and complications are uncommon. An alternative to a cemented crown is a screw-retained crown, which is fastened to an implant with a small screw instead of being bonded onto a natural tooth. If your dentist recommends…
7 Causes of Black Spots on Gums
Dark spots on the gums are most often harmless. They can result from minor bruising, benign moles, or melanotic macules. Still, in some cases they might signal a more serious issue like oral cancer. Healthy gums are typically pink, but occasionally you may notice black or very dark brown patches. Many of the potential causes aren’t dangerous, yet some could be concerning. If you observe any dark marks on your…
Why Are My Gums Sore?
Overview Gum tissue is naturally delicate and sensitive, which means a variety of factors can lead to sore gums. You may experience pain between teeth, on the surface of some teeth, or across the entire gum line. Sometimes the discomfort is confined to the rear of the mouth. Sore gums can be swollen or bleed, but they don’t always show visible signs. No matter the underlying cause, you might notice…
How to Identify and Treat a Cut on the Gums
A gum laceration will often mend on its own with simple home care like saltwater rinses and cold packs, though some situations may need professional medical care. Mouth traumas are frequent, particularly in children and people prone to falls or those who play contact sports. While gum cuts are not as common as other oral injuries, they do occur. Knowing how to quickly manage a cut on the gums at…
12 Causes of a Bump on the Roof of Your Mouth
A lump, bump, or other lesion on the hard palate might be a cold sore, a canker sore, or a form of cyst. A sore that bleeds or fails to resolve could signal a more serious issue, such as oral cancer. Bumps and lumps in the mouth are fairly common. You may have felt them before on your tongue, lips, or the back of your throat. Many things can produce…
What’s Causing This Bump on My Gums?
A raised area on the gum can signal a cyst, a canker sore, or an underlying infection. Gum bumps are usually not dangerous, but you should contact a dentist or physician if the lesion is very painful, doesn’t get better, or if you have concerns. (img by Cosmedica Dental) Many people notice gum discomfort or irritation at some point. Often, accumulation of plaque and bacteria is responsible for gum soreness…
What’s Causing My Mouth to Itch? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, from Allergies to Yeast Infection
An irritated or itchy mouth is a frequent — and sometimes worrying — symptom that many people notice. Causes range from viral or fungal infections to allergies from foods, pollen, latex, medicines, and other substances. When allergies are responsible, this symptom is often called oral allergy syndrome. Although some triggers of an itchy mouth are minor, others can pose serious risks. Read on to learn more. (img by Charleston Allergy…
How Long Do Fillings Last?
Dental fillings can be crafted from a variety of materials, and the specific type you receive often influences how long it will remain functional — typically somewhere between 5 and 15 years. Fillings generally aren’t permanent, so routine dental exams are useful for determining when a restoration might require replacement. Whether you’re getting a new filling or replacing an old one, it’s important to weigh material choices and alternatives, and…
Cavity Filling Timeline and Recovery
Generally, receiving a dental filling takes less than an hour. You may notice some sensitivity afterward. A filling is one of the most frequently performed dental treatments. It’s essentially a restoration to repair damage caused by tooth decay. Most of the time it’s a relatively painless appointment that lasts around an hour. Cavities are very widespread. The World Health Organization reports that untreated dental caries are the most prevalent oral…
How Long Can You Expect Veneers to Last?
(stockfour / Getty Images) Dental veneers are thin coverings placed over the front surfaces of teeth to create a more uniform, healthy-looking smile. They hide flaws and can significantly enhance the look of your teeth. One key consideration when weighing whether to get veneers is their expected lifespan. This article explains how long veneers usually last and what factors influence their durability. What to know about different types of veneers…
