Dentists suggest that patients have their teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist twice a year to remove plaque that can cause cavities. Deep cleaning also removes plaque, but is a more extensive procedure. It is only recommended only for people experiencing symptoms of gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Gum disease is an infection of...
Wisdom teeth begin to affect teenagers as early as 16, although many adults don’t experience complications until their early twenties. In many cases, it becomes necessary to remove wisdom teeth. For those who are having the procedure done, it is understandable to have some anxiety and concerns before surgery. Overall, serious risks of wisdom tooth...
When harmful bacteria cause an infection in a tooth or in the gums, there is a chance that an abscess will form. Pus gathers at the source of the infection, appearing as a lump or boil. This inflammation will often make the area swollen and painful. Getting a diagnosis of an asbcess, or suspecting you...
Most people think that toothaches and cavities go together. While they often do, some cavities hurt very little or not at all—at first. Likewise, a tooth can experience pain without a cavity. Any cavity, whether it hurts a little, a lot, or not at all, should be taken seriously and fixed as soon as possible....
Kids start to lose their baby teeth around the age of 5. The last ones fall out by about age 12. Parents sometimes worry if they see their kids’ permanent teeth coming in crooked. And while some teeth might need straightening, it is important to remember that children in this age range are still growing....
If you are sending out Holiday Greetings this year, you’re in good company: In the U.S. alone, Americans send out roughly 1.6 billion greeting cards for Christmas, according to the Greeting Card Association. More and more of those cards are being personalized, often with family photos. If there is a chance you’ll have your photo...
Emergencies, by definition, are unexpected events. Dental emergencies are no different. Even people who take good care of their oral health can suffer accidents, trauma, or the sudden worsening of a dental problem. Some issues call for immediate emergency dental care and should not wait until the next checkup. What types of things can wait...
Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to prevent cavities for kids. But are they just for kids? After all, tooth decay can still happen at any age. Why shouldn’t adults get dental sealants, too? Instead of asking “can adults get sealants?” (the short answer: They can), a more relevant question is whether the...
Most people assume that they have no choice but to get a crown after a root canal. But patients who are concerned about the time, discomfort, and cost of a crown might wonder if they can skip this part of a tooth restoration. While placing a crown is the typical final stage in almost all...
People love the fact that Invisalign aligners are removable. It allows patients to eat whatever they want or just take a short break for things like a photo or job interview. It also allows wearers to keep the alignment trays—and their teeth—sparkling clean. Some might think that because Invisalign trays are disposable (they are swapped...