Oral Health

Many diseases of the oral cavity (which includes the teeth and surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when the dentist examines your mouth. An x-ray exam can help your dentist see the small areas of decay between the teeth and fillings; bone damage... Full Answer

Some research suggests that both vitamin D and calcium are needed to reduce the destruction of bone.  These substances may at least help prevent or treat periodontal disease and help prevent deficiencies that could result in bone loss and increased... Full Answer

The American Dental Association urges all practicing dentists, dental auxiliaries and dental laboratories to employ appropriate infection control procedures as described in the 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines, a... Full Answer

The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between the teeth at least once a day using an interdental cleaner such as floss. Because a toothpick is not considered an interdental cleaner, it is not recommended for cleaning teeth. Full Answer

Oral health has deteriorated over the last several years. In this video Robin Miller, MD shares how processed foods have changed the bacteria in our mouths. Full Answer

The main concern about being exposed to radiation from dental x-rays is the risk of getting cancer years later. While the risk of radiation-related cancer is hard to measure, it is believed that with low dose x-rays the risk is smaller.... Full Answer

A dentist is a doctor of oral health. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric... Full Answer

Transillumination can certainly be an enlightening procedure (a little dental humor there). If you have a particular area that is sensitive or have had some sort of trauma, the dentist might want to use that test. If the dentist suspects a fracture or... Full Answer

Heartburn has only an indirect relationship to edentulism (missing teeth). Both heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest) and dental erosion (in which the enamel of the teeth dissolves) can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).... Full Answer

It depends on why your gums are bleeding. In many cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily or bleed when you brush, talk to your dentist about your oral health. Gingivitis is... Full Answer