Periodontal (gum) disease, caused by the sticky film of bacteria known as “plaque,” is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. With this in mind, it is important to periodically check the health of your gums. To do so, the dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of the “gingival sulcus groove” along the
read moreIt is important to properly diagnose the cause of “xerostomia” (dry mouth) in order to treat it properly. While many older adults incorrectly assume that xerostomia is a natural part of aging, it is more likely to be a side effect of the 400 or so medications that can affect the salivary glands, including antihistamines,
read moreResearch has debunked any notion that calcium from the mother’s teeth may be leeched during pregnancy to meet the requirements of the growing baby; yet, there may be some truth behind the adage. According to a study of 2,635 women, those with no children had lost one to two teeth while women with children tended
read moreFor patients with minor dental irregularities, “dental contouring” or “reshaping” provides a relatively easy remedy. This cosmetic procedure involves removing small amounts of enamel to minimize or alleviate imperfections. For instance, chipped or fractured areas can be smoothed out, and specific angles or edges can be rounded or squared. Tooth reshaping can also be undertaken
read moreAs effective as flossing is at removing plaque and food particles from between teeth, some people find floss difficult to handle. Others may have trouble reaching certain areas of their mouths with floss. Fortunately, there is an alternative to floss, which is just as effective and easier to use. Oral irrigation with a water-flossing device
read moreMost mothers have told their children not to gobble down their food and eat it more slowly. As it turns out, this piece of advice is as wise as almost every other bit of guidance that mothers give their children. Chewing food completely (try ten times per bite) not only helps with digestion and nutrient
read moreDenture wearers primarily rely on their “alveolar ridges” (the bony crests in upper and lower jaws that contain the tooth sockets) to hold their lower dentures in place. In some cases, however, due to bone “resorption,” the alveolar ridge may shrink to the point where their lower dentures “float” and move while chewing. Increasingly, dental
read moreRegular dental checkups and conscientious oral care at home can pay big overall health dividends. The latest evidence of these benefits comes from a study’s finding that “acute coronary syndrome” (sudden blockage in the blood supply to the heart) is 2.7 times more likely among those with infections at the tip of a tooth root,
read morePostmenopausal women may find that they are more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth loss as a consequence of falling estrogen levels during menopause. As declining hormone levels increase (post)menopausal women’s risk of developing the bone-thinning disease known as “osteoporosis,” decreasing bone density in the jaw bones gives rise to a higher likelihood of tooth
read moreWhen chewing or tapping on a tooth causes it to feel tender, it may be a sign of “apical periodontitis,” inflammation at the root’s tip that is most often caused by tooth decay. To relieve the pain and treat the underlying infection, patients undergo “root canal” (or “endodontic”) treatment, during which the inflamed or infected
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