You need food, particularly sweet and sticky food, for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that will attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth). Sugars, especially sucrose, react with bacteria to produce acid. The acid from the bacteria can decay your teeth. It’s not just candy and ice cream we’re talking [...]

To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it’s helpful to know what’s in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements: - Saliva: Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. Although we never give much thought to our spit, this simple fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect [...]

If you have a toothache or notice evidence of an abscess on your gum, visit your dentist. Even if the abscess drains and the pain decreases, a visit to the dentist for complete treatment is crucial. Prognosis The outlook is excellent if detected promptly and treated appropriately.

Expected Duration Once the abscess is drained, most symptoms go away immediately or within a few days, but the abscess will not be cured unless the cause is eliminated. Prevention Good oral hygiene can help prevent abscesses by keeping teeth and gums free of food and debris. Regular dental checkups are also important. If you [...]

An abscess is a limited area of pus formed as a result of a bacterial infection. The body’s immune system reacts to the infection, and sends white blood cells to the area to try to get rid of the bacteria. Pus is a mixture of live and dead white blood cells, enzymes and parts of [...]

Dr. Sheen recently completed the LSU Esthetic Continuum. This hands-on workshop, spanning 10 months, concentrates on achieving the beautiful, healthy, and longlasting smile we all desire. The LSU Esthetic Continuum is recognized by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as one of the foremost programs in the country.

Whether to seek orthodontic care is a personal decision. Many people live with crowding, overbites or other types of bite problems and do not seek treatment. However, many people feel more comfortable and self-confident with properly aligned, attractive teeth. Orthodontic care can help improve appearance and build self-confidence. It also may help you to chew [...]

Many people’s teeth are irregular in some way. For example, teeth may be slightly crowded or unevenly spaced. In fact, experts say many adults have an irregular bite. Sometimes the main problem with a “bad” bite is appearance. In other cases, it can cause difficulty in chewing or talking.  You may have inherited an irregular [...]

Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats irregularities of the teeth and face. Treatment can correct an irregular or “bad” bite, also known as a malocclusion. Orthodontic care involves the use of appliances. There are two main types. Braces are attached to the teeth. Removable appliances are put in and [...]

After your orthodontist has determined that your braces can be removed, it is very important that a retainer (a plastic appliance) be worn during the day or night as recommended by them. The retainer can be cleaned with warm water or toothpaste and a toothbrush after you wear it and placed in a plastic container [...]