It would be easy to get overwhelmed by the huge range of dental care products now available. Even looking just at toothbrushes present a wide range of choices. There are hundreds of manual and powered toothbrushes to choose from. Start by looking for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance – this […]
Understanding what’s covered by your dental insurance is an important part of making sure you get the best oral care possible. Here are some common questions that arise when people want to understand their cover better. – If treatment my dentist recommends is not covered by my insurance, does that mean it’s not necessary? Some […]
The process of having a tooth extracted may seem worrying but you’ll find it much easier if you know what to expect on the day and afterwards. Your dentist will make the process as comfortable as possible for you by numbing the area around the tooth to be extracted. In most cases, a small amount […]
Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old but many older adults find it difficult to eat a balanced diet. They may avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing. These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles. […]
Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup. Calculus has to be […]
Tooth decay or cavities result from destruction of the tooth enamel and can lead to a range of problems from toothache to bad breath. Cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, sugared drinks, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on […]
Having a good relationship with your dentist means they should be able to explain things clearly to you and talk to you in language you understand. The challenge for the dentist is that, as with any type of medical and professional training, they have to learn many unusual and technical terms. This jargon has a […]
Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes. The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling. But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying […]
Your dentist will do everything possible to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Depending on the treatment you are receiving, there are several medications available to help. Some drugs control pain, some help you relax and others put you into a deep sleep during dental treatment. The best approach will depend on […]
The sugar content in the food you eat has a big effect on your teeth and gums. When bacteria (plaque) come into contact with sugar in the mouth, acid is produced, which attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more. This can eventually result in tooth decay. That’s why drinking sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, […]