It is a rite of passage familiar to teens and their parents: the referral to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal. Whether it comes up at a routine checkup or after a complaint about jaw pain, the question is usually the same: Is now the right time to take them out? Though it is...
It’s perfectly normal for young kids to have crowded teeth. It happens because the jawbone and baby teeth grow at different rates, so there isn’t enough space for baby teeth to erupt all at once. But as they get older and lose baby teeth, the jaw grows too, which should leave plenty of room for...
It’s understandable why some patients feel alarmed at the thought of “artificial intelligence” being used in the dental office. The idea of robot dentists and hygienists seems a bit scary! But the truth is that AI in dentistry isn’t replacing humans; it’s simply implementing technology that allows dentists to better diagnose and treat patients. In...
Pregnancy comes with a lot of new concerns, like seeing blood in the sink when brushing. While this isn’t uncommon for expectant mothers, it’s worth seeing a dentist to ensure nothing major is happening. Bleeding gums during pregnancy could lead to danger for your baby if an infection is present. Understanding Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy...
You’re enjoying a crunchy snack—maybe a handful of almonds or a piece of hard candy—when suddenly, something feels off. A sharp pain shoots through your mouth, or perhaps you hear an unsettling crack. You run your tongue over your teeth, and there it is: a chip, a rough edge, or even a missing piece—evidence of...
Even though a toothache doesn’t always mean you have a cavity, it helps to know other cavity symptoms, what else might be causing the pain, and when to see a dentist. What Does Tooth Pain Mean? When people get a toothache, they often wonder, “Do I have a cavity?” While a toothache may mean you...
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2 in 5 children have cavities in their baby teeth by the time they reach kindergarten—and more than 1 in 2 experience cavities by age 8. Tooth decay at an early age can affect children’s speech and chewing, and can also lead to problems with permanent...
Winter brings icy air and frosted windows, but for many, it also brings an unexpected discomfort—sharp pain in their teeth when they step outside. Similar to the sensitivity that happens when eating ice cream or drinking an iced coffee, breathing in the crisp winter air sometimes hurts. The enamel on teeth can contract slightly in...
An exposed tooth root can lead to persistent discomfort and sensitivity. If left untreated, it can lead to serious infections. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse—acting quickly can save time, money, and discomfort later. Understanding Exposed Tooth Roots Before exploring why tooth roots may be exposed, it’s helpful to understand what a “tooth...
Believe it or not, you lose—and regrow—a little bit of bone every day of your life. Age, trauma, and disease can interrupt or slow down the rebuilding process, resulting in diminished bone density. This can make bones weak, fragile, and unstable. Bone loss in the jaw is particularly troublesome. Strong jawbones, also called the maxilla...