Most people are familiar with hydrogen peroxide and might even have that familiar brown bottle in their medicine cabinet. In addition to its disinfectant properties, it is also a main ingredient in teeth whitening products. People may be less aware of carbamide peroxide, but it, too, can whiten teeth. Whether going to the dentist for...
No one likes the idea of getting a root canal or a tooth extraction. Unfortunately, the dentist might recommend one of these procedures at some point. It is important to note that while they both address the problem of a severely decayed or damaged tooth, they are not interchangeable. A root canal can save a...
Dental implants have become increasingly popular because of their durability in comparison to alternatives such as a bridge or dentures. Plus they look and feel like real teeth! But implants require surgery, and surgeries usually involve pain. How much do dental implants hurt, and for how long? And when should patients consult their surgeon about...
The National Institute of Health’s Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says that oral cancer makes up about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States, with roughly 53,000 new cases annually. In fact, research has shown that an average of one person dies every hour of every day from oral cancer. ...
Many people add mouthwash to their dental hygiene routine. It can freshen breath and help boost the cleaning job that brushing and flossing accomplish. But what about people with braces? Some may wonder if there are special types of mouthwash for braces, or if it is even a good idea to use it at all....
Dental fillings are the most common and safest treatments for tooth decay. When getting a filling, some minor pain and tooth sensitivity is normal. The pain usually goes away after a few hours, though, but sensitivity to hot and cold liquids might last up to a week. But what if there is severe pain after...
Dentists commonly recommend extraction of wisdom teeth, but is it really required if there is no pain? How do individuals know if wisdom teeth are coming in, and when to see a dentist? Pulling a tooth can be expensive and painful, but it is often necessary to avoid complications down the road. A New York...
A primary reason that millions of people choose Invisalign to straighten their teeth is right there in the name—they are hoping for a nearly Invis-ible product. Obviously, no product is completely invisible, but Invisalign is far less noticeable than metal braces or even clear braces. Invisalign aligners, called trays, are made of transparent plastic that...
Dental x-rays, also called radiographs, are a key diagnostic tool for dentists. Many people think x-rays are dangerous; but x-rays are among the safest and most reliable imaging technologies today. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained in the safe use of x-rays in a dental office setting. For example, patient safety is maintained through: Using...
Whether due to accidents or tooth decay, millions of Americans are missing teeth. People often replace missing teeth for cosmetic reasons, but there are other good reasons to replace them, too. Missing teeth can lead to further oral health problems in the future. Dental implants provide a more permanent replacement for those missing teeth, and...