While you have many options for straightening your teeth, traditional metal braces remain the most common method. They use stainless steel brackets and arch wires to realign your smile. Of course, this introduces obstructions that get in the way of your regular oral hygiene routine. Don’t let dental problems such as gingivitis, tartar and demineralization
Enamel – the thin, clear outer covering of your teeth – is responsible for protecting your teeth from daily use, including chewing, biting and grinding. It also provides insulation so eating hot and cold food doesn’t cause pain. Enamel is translucent so you can see the dentin underneath, which is what determines the color of
The little things you habitually do every day have the biggest impact on your dental health. You may know to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once, but that doesn’t mean that you’re protected from injury or decay the rest of the time. A habit of snacking on sunflower seeds or chewing your
If your jaw is swollen, it may feel larger than normal or develop a visible lump. The swelling is typically caused by fluid accumulating in the skin above the jaws or inflammation of the jaws themselves. Mild jaw swelling may heal on its own. In the meantime you can reduce the pain with over-the-counter medication
Most kids spend eight hours a day at school and adults spend just as much time – if not more – at work. This makes it difficult to follow your dentist’s recommendation to brush after every meal. However, just because you’re busy, that’s no excuse to put oral hygiene on hold. Use these seven tips
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are common tools seen in dentist’s offices. With a growing concern regarding x-rays and radiation exposure, you may be inclined to skip this step during a dental check-up. However, it’s important to know that everyone is exposed to background radiation on a daily basis, and the amount of radiation generated
Everyone has a gag reflex, a protective mechanism that prevents foreign objects from entering your throat and airway. Some people have an exaggerated gag reflex that can make receiving dental treatment difficult or even impossible. Dentists can employ certain treatment strategies to help you receive the dental care you need despite your problem. What Causes
Each tooth you use to smile and chew is anchored in your gums and jaw with long roots. When infections or damage affect those roots, the results can be disastrous. Dentists have recommended root canals for these kinds of problems for nearly 100 years now. Unfortunately, many operations performed decades ago were not completed to
You’re enjoying lunch with friends when a sharp pain deep in your gums forces you to stop chewing. You slip into the restroom and take a peek inside your mouth. If the gum area where you’re feeling pain is swollen, it’s likely you have a gum abscess. These localized infections can be incredibly painful, especially
Braces aren’t just seen on kids and teens these days. In this modern era of ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign, adults have more choices now than ever before to get their perfect smile. If you want to straighten you teeth after age 18, you’re not alone; about one million adult Americans and Canadians currently wear
