Dental sealants are usually used to prevent cavities. But sometimes they can be used to seal up minor cavities as well. Whether sealants are right for your kid depends on many things. For example, one child’s back teeth might be smooth. Another’s could be full of nooks and crannies. Also, a small cavity might be...
Dental plates and dental implants are two very different solutions to the same problem: Missing teeth. Understanding the differences, together with a dentist’s evaluation and guidance, will help determine which is right for you. A dental “plate” is a term referring to any removable dental prosthetic. This covers any type of false teeth: full dentures,...
When you need to find a dentist, you need to find a dentist…but not having dental or medical insurance can make that a daunting task. In a study collecting data from 2014 through 2017, the CDC reported that only about half of adults aged 18 to 64 had dental insurance. And while most dentists will...
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...