Teeth Basics

Teeth are hard calcified structures firmly anchored in the sockets of soft fleshy gum tissue called gingiva that covers the ridge of bone in the jaw. Within a few hours of brushing a soft film of plaque begins to coat the surface of teeth. At first the... Full Answer

Plaque is a film that contains bacteria and sticks to teeth. If it is not removed with daily brushing and flossing it can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar, and cause gum disease. You can decrease plaque on your teeth with these steps: ... Full Answer

Good oral health is a big part of being healthy overall. Maintaining good oral health habits now is especially important because unhealthy bacteria in the mouth not only can harm your teeth and gums but also may be associated with serious... Full Answer

By looking at you head-on, your dentist can assess your bite. An improper bite can make it hard to chew food and also may not look good. If your teeth are crowded, it can make you more likely to develop cavities or gum disease. Common bite problems that... Full Answer

The best way to keep your teeth strong is to brush twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and to floss every day. A mouthwash containing fluoride also can strengthen your teeth by helping to prevent tooth decay. If your dentist deems it... Full Answer

The sticky film of bacteria that can be found on your teeth near the gum line is called plaque. This plaque can cause swelling or inflammation of the gums, otherwise known as gingivitis. If the plaque is not disrupted or removed properly by brushing,... Full Answer

Want to brighten up your smile? Swap your whitening strips for a crunchy midday snack. Celery contains fibrous cellulose which scrubs away teeth stains as you chew it. Full Answer

To keep your mouth in good condition: Brush twice a day. Clean between your teeth daily. Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks. Visit your dentist regularly for a dental examination and professional teeth cleaning. Full Answer

Sometimes the gums extend onto the front surfaces of the teeth. This can cause a "gummy" smile or make teeth look small. Crown lengthening is when your dentist removes a small amount of gum tissue and possibly a small amount of supporting bone... Full Answer

Molar teeth are the last three teeth on both sides of your mouth, both up and down. There are 12 of them. They are numbered first, second, or third molars depending on their location (the first molars are those closest to the front of your... Full Answer