When patients are fitted with artificial replacements for all their teeth (“dentures”) or just some of their teeth (“partials”), they should look for signs of loosening or irritation. The fact is that areas of the jaw without teeth tend to shrink over time. As a result of this loss of bone, dentures and partials made
read moreIf you have stained or discolored teeth, you might want to try a fast and effective professional tooth-whitening procedure that can make your teeth up to eight shades lighter. This technique makes use of advanced LED light-activated technology to enhance the action of bleaching materials on teeth. One of the advantages of this new tooth-whitening
read moreThe best way to instill the habit of brushing teeth in children is to have them learn by example. Once children have watched their parents perform this twice-daily ritual and get the hang of it, parents should encourage their kids to brush their own teeth. First, children should learn to dab only a pea-sized amount
read moreIt is estimated that between 30 and 40 million U.S. children and adults grind their teeth at night. Not only does the grinding sound associated with “nocturnal bruxism” awaken and alarm sleepers in the same room as the tooth-grinder, but it can also cause wear and tear on the teeth and damage bone and gums.
read moreCertain situations lend themselves to a cosmetic procedure known as “tooth recontouring” which involves removing small areas of tooth enamel. Also known as “enameloplasty” and “odontoplasty”, tooth recontouring may be used to remove slight surface imperfections (such as small chips), smooth out bulges or imperfections in the enamel’s surface, adjust slightly irregular tooth shapes caused
read moreNot only is saliva critical for eating and digesting food, it also plays a primary role in keeping teeth clean, strong, and free of decay. Unfortunately, saliva production slows as we age. In addition, older adults are more likely to take medications that cause dry mouth (xerostomia). Among the most common culprits are antihistamines, decongestants,
read moreA recent finding by scientists may help to further bolster aspirin’s reputation as a “wonder drug” with multiple potential benefits. While aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been used for many years as a painkiller, new research suggests that it may also reverse the effects of tooth decay. According to initial research, aspirin has been found to
read moreOne primary reason that Hollywood actors and other celebrities have such nice white smiles is that their teeth have been treated with veneers. These thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain or composite are bonded to the outer surfaces of selected teeth to cover stains, discoloring, chips, and other tooth irregularities. In order to accept the veneers,
read moreWhile pneumonia can be caused by more than two dozen organisms, pneumonia in the elderly is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. The streptococcus (or pneumococcal) pneumonia bacteria are responsible for an estimated 40,000 deaths every year, according to the CDC. The good news is that, aside from being vaccinated against pneumonia, regular dental checkups
read moreIf you are not already familiar with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, it is designed to reduce blood pressure by reducing salt intake and eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods, along with moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts. Not only does the DASH diet
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