Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, exists in two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Both types of gum disease arise from a bacterial infection that is usually brought on by poor dental care. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease that causes irritated, bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Like […]
What your child eats affects his or her teeth. Too many carbohydrates, sugar (for example, from cake, cookies, candies, milk, and other sugary foods and beverages), and starches (for example, pretzels and potato chips) can cause tooth decay. How long carbohydrates remain on the teeth is the main culprit that leads to tooth decay. The […]
Don’t wait for a toothache to start taking care of your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups, you can protect yourself from tooth decay. Tooth decay – also called cavities or dental caries – can happen to anyone but it is a particularly common problem for children and young adults. […]
Stinky breath, unsightly mouth sores, and tooth decay: We’ve got a solution for all of your dental-health dilemmas. The best way to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums looking and feeling great? Your daily brushing and flossing routine, combined with a balanced diet and regular dental visits. But following these oral hygiene commandments isn’t always […]
A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you’re sleeping and bacteria are gathering on your teeth. But don’t let the thought of nasty plaque, cavities, tartar, or gingivitis stop you from getting a good night’s rest. There are many ways to maintain your oral health while you sleep. Here […]
Poor dental hygiene is the main reason for tooth decay, tooth pain, and other oral health conditions. If you don’t maintain good oral health habits, including brushing and flossing regularly, plaque can develop and lead to cavities. Left untreated, a cavity can eventually affect the soft center (or pulp) of your tooth, which contains sensitive […]
Ask for screening as part of your general checkup, experts say. Not only do regular dental exams help keep your teeth and gums healthy, they can help detect oral cancer, the Academy of General Dentistry says. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, the group recommends that people get a dental exam from […]
Are you grinding your teeth at night? The condition, called bruxism, can be a painful problem if it goes untreated. You may not even know you’re doing it. But if you wake in the morning with jaw pain, headaches, or chipped enamel on your teeth, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep, a […]
Blueberries, wine and soy sauce stain while cheese, firm fruits and veggies ‘scrub.’ Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help keep your teeth white after you’ve used an at-home whitening kit or had cosmetic bleaching, an expert says. “For many individuals who have had good results with either dentist-directed or over-the-counter whitening techniques, a […]