Dental and Oral Health
For good oral health, you need fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled
toothbrush, floss, and an antiseptic or anti-microbial mouth rinse.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth at least
twice daily with short back-and-forth motions,... More
For good oral health, you need fluoride toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss, and an antiseptic or anti-microbial mouth rinse. The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth at least twice daily with short back-and-forth motions, not vigorous scrubbing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush - electric or battery-operated is fine - and replace the brush or brush head every three to four months. Floss gently between each tooth, from the gum line to the top of the tooth, to reach plaque between teeth, and swish with a mouth rinse to reduce plaque buildup. If you notice red, tender or swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth or tooth sensitivity, see your dentist. Less
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Common Dental Procedures
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Orthodontics
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Oral Cancer
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Dental Bridge
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Dental Crown
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Dental Veneers
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Dentures
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Dental Implant
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Children's Oral Health
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Tooth Sensitivity
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Tooth Enamel Erosion
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Dental Emergency
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Periodontal Diseases
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Cosmetic Dentistry
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Root Canal Therapy
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Tooth Extraction
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Dental Fillings
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Dental Bonding
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Enamelectomy
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Enameloplasty
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Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
- Dry Socket
Recently Answered
- Q Can mouth rinses remove plaque or prevent gum disease?
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Your dentist can advise you whether you need a mouthrinse depending on your oral health needs. A therapeutic mouthrinse can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Therapeutic mouthrinses that contain fluoride help prevent or reduce... More
Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help to control plaque build up and prevent gingivitis. Many products are "accepted" by the American Dental Association (ADA) and use their seal of approval on their product labeling. The ADA seal of acceptance process is... More
If you already have plaque on your teeth, mouth rinse will not remove the plaque. You need to have your teeth cleaned in the dental office first; the dentist will prescribe mouth rinses and other home maintenance instructions for you to... More
- Q Can I have gum disease and not know it?
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You can have gum disease without any clear symptoms. That's why regular dental checkups and periodontal exams are very important. There are several warning signs that can signal a problem. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule an... More
Many people who have gum disease don't know it because it is not painful until later stages. There are telltale early warning signs of gum disease. These include gums that are inflamed, i.e., swollen, red in color, bleed too easily when they are brushed... More
Considering that about 80% of Americans have gingival inflammation and that over 50% of Americans over 50 years old have periodontitis, but only about 4% are getting treatment for gingivitis or periodontitis, you can be sure that most Americans have... More
- Q What procedures help treat malocclusion?
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A malocclusion is a bad bite, which means teeth are crowded or crooked. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly and although the teeth may appear straight, the individual may have an uneven bite. If your teeth are crooked, they may... More
Surgery to create better alignment between an adult's upper and lower jaw is sometimes combined with orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. Surgery Choices - Orthognathic surgery treats malocclusion by restructuring the jaw through cutting the bone... More
Malocclusion is defined as a deviation from an "ideal" occlusion or bite. Generally, malocclusion is either dental, skeletal, or both. All of these malocclusions are treated by an orthodontist, a dental specialist specifically trained to treat... More
- Q How can I get rid of coffee stains on my teeth?
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You can reduce coffee stains by using toothpastes that contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. This is the same chemical that dentists use for teeth whitening. Also, rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee. It helps to lessen the... More
Coffee stains are considered external staining. They can be removed from your teeth, but the best way is to prevent staining in the first place. The best way to get rid of coffee stains on your teeth is to start with a good cleaning at your... More
- Q When should children get their first dental X-ray?
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The American Dental Association recommends that parents take children to a dentist no later than their first birthday and then at intervals recommended by their dentist. How often your child's teeth will need to be x-rayed will depend on... More
There is no specific time when children should get their first dental x-ray. You should take your child for his first dental visit soon after he gets his first baby tooth or turns 1, whichever comes first. But when he gets his first x-ray will... More
There is no hard and fast rule for when to start getting dental x-rays. Some children who may be at higher risk for dental problems (for example, those prone to baby bottle tooth decay or those with cleft lip/palate) should have x-rays taken earlier than... More
- Q What are the benefits of digital dental x-rays?
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There are many benefits to using digital dental x-ray images, including: When the digital x-ray image is exposed, it can be sent directly to a computer and viewed right away. For x-ray film to be exposed, a staff member must process it in special... More
Digital x-rays have many advantages over regular (plain film) x-rays including: Immediate viewing of the imaged area with significantly less radiation exposure for the patient Better visualization of the area due to your doctor being able to... More
