Nearly half of adults age 30 and over have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Problems with gums may include seeing blood when brushing or flossing teeth. Puffy or dark red gums may also signal the beginnings of gum disease in adults. Gum disease starts with a buildup of...
Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing ones. Getting implants involves surgery that is moderately invasive, and not all dentists can perform it. It is important for patients considering implant surgery to understand what kinds of dentists do implants. General dentists, oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists may all have the necessary qualifications. ...
It is natural for parents to want what is best for their kids, and that includes their dental health. To prevent cavities, some parents invest in dental sealants for their children. How young is too young to get sealants? Can a dentist put sealants on baby teeth? While sealants are typically applied to permanent teeth,...
Dental crowns are a safe and effective method of fixing teeth with certain problems. In some cases, they might be necessary to save the tooth. Like many dental restorative dental procedures, however, crowns can cost a lot. If the dentist recommends one, how can patients find affordable dental crowns? What Is a Crown and Why...
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. This means that it is an elective procedure, rather than something that is necessary for the person’s health. Unfortunately most insurance, even dental insurance, does not cover cosmetic dentistry. A lack of insurance coverage does not have to rule out whiter teeth. There are things that you can do...
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....