Teeth Basics

Saliva plays an important role in the development and maintenance of a healthy plaque biofilm. Proteins from saliva enable the biofilm to attach to the tooth's surface. After a tooth is cleaned, its enamel surfaces quickly become coated with a... Full Answer

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who restores natural teeth and missing teeth with artificial substitutes to maintain or improve the function of the teeth, as well as to help with comfort and appearance. Prosthodontists may put in crowns,... Full Answer

Eating habits and food choices can lead to tooth decay. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including sports drinks, can damage teeth. But snacking throughout the day or "grazing" can also lead to tooth decay. Full Answer

Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are three years old. As your child grows, the jaws also grow to make room for the adult teeth. By the age of five or six, the roots of the baby teeth begin to be absorbed by the... Full Answer

Pericoronitis occurs when the gums around the molars become swollen and infected. Periocoronitis most often occurs when a wisdom tooth partially erupts through the gum, creating an opening that allows bacteria to enter into the gums and cause an... Full Answer

Heart disease can be caused by not flossing your teeth - how many years can you add to your life by taking care of your teeth? Watch the video to find out from Dr. Oz how many years you can add to your life by taking care of your teeth. Full Answer