When a tooth is too damaged to accept a filling but not damaged enough to require a crown, dental “onlays” and “inlays” present excellent options. These types of dental restorations, which are also referred to as “indirect fillings,” are used to repair teeth’s damaged chewing surfaces. In cases where there is no damage to the
read moreIt has long been established that healthy gums and strong teeth go a long way toward preserving well-being. Recently, this association was clearly demonstrated by a study that found that tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth may be linked with increased risks of frailty in older adults, especially men. “Frailty” is a
read moreAlong with sports eye-wear, helmets, and face masks, the American Dental Association strongly advises athletes to wear mouth guards that protect against facial injuries. At the very least, the “boil and bite” mouth guards available at pharmacies, which are made out of thermoplastic resins that can be shaped by the tongue and fingers, offer some
read moreWhile titanium has been the traditional material of choice for dental implants, patients also have the option of a non-metal tooth-root replacement. Like its titanium counterpart, a “zirconia” dental implant is biocompatible, enabling it to be embedded in the jawbone, with which it bonds directly through a process known as “osseointegration.” Unlike a titanium dental
read moreDuring comprehensive twice-a-year dental checkups, the dentist and hygienist not only perform a professional cleaning and health assessment of the patient’s teeth and gums, but they also screen for signs of oral cancer. Also known as “mouth cancer,” these types of cancers include cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and
read moreWhile it may be difficult to criticize anyone who is conscientious in his or her brushing and flossing habits, some people exert too much force (up to a pound of pressure) on their teeth and gums with their toothbrushes, which can erode enamel and damage gums. According to research, brushing for about two minutes with
read more“Wisdom” teeth, the third and final set of molars that usually erupt between ages 17 and 21, are located at the farthest corners of the upper and lower dental arches. They derive their popular name from the notion that they erupt when we are more mature. Because there is often no space left for them
read moreIt has already been established that gum disease is an inflammatory condition that can have an adverse impact on the body that goes well beyond the gums. When left unchecked, the bacteria that cause gum disease create deep pockets between the teeth and gums. When this happens, gums may bleed and the bacteria may enter
read moreIt has recently been noted that a popular cocktail can erode tooth enamel and give rise to cavities. The Aperol Spritz is an Italian-inspired cocktail that combines Prosecco (a less-expensive alternative to Champagne) and Aperol (an Italian aperitif composed of bitter orange, rhubarb, and other ingredients). As it turns out, drinking too much of this
read moreWhen 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
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