Unless dentures are cleaned daily and properly maintained, they will accumulate food particles and “plaque” (bacterial film) that can lead to bad breath, inflamed gums, and even chronic disease. With this in mind, denture wearers are strongly urged to either brush their prosthetic teeth or soak them in a cleaning solution. Arguably, the best cleaning
read moreIf you have teeth that are severely chipped, cracked, worn, or discolored, there is a procedure that can make them look better than new. Porcelain dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are glued in place over the front surfaces of imperfect teeth, giving them a fresh appearance. To prepare teeth for veneers’ permanent placement,
read moreLast year, approximately 48,000 new cases of oral and throat cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Because dental checkups involve a close look at oral tissues, dentists are often the first to spot oral cancer, which may first appear as red or white patches or sores that do not heal on the tongue, insides
read morePeriodontal (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
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