While 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
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,
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