If you have any kind of swelling in your gum, it almost certainly indicates a serious infection that should be treated urgently. Dental abscesses result from a bacterial infection in the teeth or gums. For example, it may come from an untreated cavity. Cavities result when some of the bacteria in our mouths mix with […]
Although thousands of Americans die every year from oral cancer, there is a high chance it can be cured if it is caught early enough. Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer and only half of those diagnosed survive more than five years. But nowadays, dentists have the skills and tools […]
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may create problems that lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Your teeth are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. After you eat food that contains sugars or starches, the bacteria react with these sugars to release acids that attack tooth […]
Sensitive teeth is a common problem that causes many people to feel discomfort with hot or cold foods and drinks. It can also make it uncomfortable to brush or floss the teeth and therefore can lead to further oral problems. However, sensitive teeth can be treated. If you suffer from this, your dentist may suggest […]
People who have not followed adequate dental care for some years may have already lost most of their teeth and feel a little hopeless. Sometimes they ask a dentist to remove the remaining teeth as they are often broken and have deep cavities. It’s true that, sometimes, removal of the remaining teeth and replacing them […]
If you sometimes find the taste of something hot or cold painful on your teeth, you may suffer from sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth is a common problem which may be caused by cavities and fractured teeth. But it can also be caused by worn tooth enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed tooth root. Tooth […]
Oral cancer is not as well known as other types of cancer but it can represent a life-threatening risk if not identified early. – It strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year – More than 7,500 people (5,200 men and 2,307 women) die of these cancers each year – More than 25% of Americans who […]
While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits. Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”. In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but […]
For many patients, the dental cleaning appointment may seem little more than a more complicated version of brushing your teeth. However, this appoinment plays a crucial role in patient education and prevention of dental disease. The appointment is called a dental prophylaxis, or prophy and it’s one of the most important steps in your dental […]
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 […]