Dental
Conditions
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
We don't always think about tooth decay being a problem for babies and toddlers. But it's a common issue, and it's serious. Many babies are given bottles with sweet liquids throughout the day and night. This can weaken teeth and allow cavities to form. We call this "baby bottle tooth decay."
Bad Breath (Chronic Halitosis)
Bad breath that doesn't go away is a problem for many people. It can be embarrassing and frustrating. You may not understand why it happens, or how to control it. But there are ways to deal with bad breath successfully.
Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed, don't ignore it. Bleeding gums can be a sign of major problems with your teeth and gums. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue.
Canker Sore
This is a painful ulcer you get in your mouth. It can form inside your lip, on or under your tongue, on your gum, on your cheek or on the roof of your mouth.
Coping with Dental Anxiety
For many people, the thought of going to the dentist causes worry and stress. Maybe you've had a painful experience in the past. Maybe you're scared of what it will take to fix a cavity or other problem. But it's not good to avoid the dentist. Delaying or skipping visits lets small problems turn into big ones. So use these tips to control your fear.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS)
A very small crack in your tooth can be painful. It can be above or below the gum line. The crack can be so small you don't see it. Sometimes your dentist has trouble seeing it, even with X-rays. This can be frustrating. We call this problem "cracked tooth syndrome."
Heart Disease and Oral Health
Many people who have heart disease also have problems with their teeth and gums. Researchers are trying to find out if there is a direct link between the health of your heart and the health of your mouth.
HPV and Oral Health
Good oral hygiene involves more than just keeping plaque away. You need to be aware of other dangers, too. One of the biggest is HPV. That's human papillomavirus. There are more than a hundred HPV viruses. Many affect the mouth and throat and genitals.
Jaw Pain
If your jaw is often sore or painful and you don't know why, you need to see your dentist. There are many reasons for this type of pain, and your dentist can help find what's wrong and correct it.
Mouth Sores
We all know how annoying mouth sores can be. Your lips and gums are sensitive, and the sores make it hard for you to eat and talk. They can also be slow to heal. Let's learn about common types of mouth sores and what they mean for you.
Sensitive teeth
If you sometimes feel sharp pain in your teeth, you may have sensitive teeth. It's a problem for many people. You may have pain when you brush or floss. Your pain may be triggered by things like soda, hot drinks, citrus and acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity can keep you from having the foods and drinks you enjoy.
Teeth Grinding/Jaw Clenching (Bruxism)
This is an unconscious grinding or clenching of your teeth. We call it "bruxism." For many people, it happens during sleep. For others, it happens when they're awake. It can damage your teeth and cause other problems.
Thumb Sucking
This is a common habit for many babies and young children. Most often, thumb sucking isn't a problem. But if it continues for a long time, it can change the shape of the mouth as a child grows.
Tooth Abscess
This is an infection near the root of a tooth. It's a pocket of pus that can be next to a root, or below the tip of the root. An abscess is painful. If it's not treated, it can lead to serious complications. It can even be life-threatening.
Procedures
Dental Bridge (Fixed Partial Denture)
If you've lost a tooth, or even a few teeth next to each other, a dental bridge can fill in the gap. A bridge is a device that is permanently implanted in your mouth. It replaces the teeth you've lost. And it keeps your other teeth from moving out of position.
Dental Crown
This is a cap that is permanently placed over your tooth. It's designed to cover and protect it. A crown can strengthen a tooth that's weak or damaged. It restores a decayed tooth's appearance. It can be used to attach a bridge, or to cover a dental implant or a tooth that has been treated with a root canal.
Dental Fillings
A filling is a simple repair for a cavity in a tooth. It fills the hole. It keeps bacteria from entering your tooth and causing more decay. Let's look at a few types of dental fillings.
Dental Implant
This is a type of artificial tooth. It's held in place by a metal post that's surgically embedded in your jawbone. A dental implant can look and perform just like a real tooth.
Dental Impression
If your dentist needs to adjust your teeth, create a dental implant or fit you for dentures, you may need to have a dental impression made. That's a mold of your teeth and gums. Your dentist may take an impression of just a few of your teeth, or all of them.
Dental X-rays
This is a way of getting images of the inside of your teeth and jaws. It relies on X-rays, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation. X-ray imaging lets your dentist see problems that aren't easy to see during a regular exam.
Dentures
Losing your teeth makes it hard to eat and talk. Your face may sag, which makes you look older than you are. Dentures can help. They replace your natural teeth. You'll be able to chew foods again. And, they give you back your smile.
Fluoride
This chemical compound, also called "sodium fluoride," helps strengthen your bones and teeth. It's found in your teeth's hard outer layer (called the "enamel"). Throughout your life, your body uses fluoride to repair your teeth's enamel. Fluoride helps prevent cavities.
Teeth Whitening (At Home)
If you aren't happy with with the color of your teeth, you may want to try teeth whitening. We also call it "bleaching." You can have your teeth whitened by a dentist. You can also do it at home. Professional whitening is the safest method, and will often give you the best results. But home kits can give good results, too.
Teeth Whitening (In Office)
If you aren't happy with with the color of your teeth, you may want to have your dentist whiten them. Teeth whitening (we also call it "bleaching") is safe and effective. It can give you a much more brilliant smile.
